Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

(Mark One)

 

  REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

  ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from ____________ to __________.

 

OR

 

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

 

Date of event requiring this shell company report                            

 

Commission file number: 001-37678

 

SPI Energy Co., Ltd.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

N/A

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

Cayman Islands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

Unit 15-16, 19/F, South Wing, Delta House

3 On Yiu Street, Shatin, Shek Mun, Hong Kong SAR, China

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Xiaofeng Peng, Chief Executive Officer

Unit 15-16, 19/F, South Wing, Delta House

3 On Yiu Street, Shatin, Shek Mun,

Hong Kong SAR, China


Telephone: +852 2291 6020
Fax: +852 2291 6030

 

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (The NASDAQ Global Select Market)
 

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

 

None

(Title of Class)

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

None

(Title of Class)

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

14,514,125 ordinary shares as of April 29, 2019

 

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

☐ Yes      ý No

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

☐ Yes       ý 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      ý No

 

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

ý Yes     ☐ No

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer  ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☒
    Emerging Growth Company ☐

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP ý International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ☐ Other ☐

 

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

☐ Item 17      ☐ Item 18

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

☐ Yes      ý No

 

 

 

     

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

CONVENTIONS THAT APPLY TO THIS ANNUAL REPORT 1
   
PART I   2
     
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS 2
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE 2
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION 2
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY 27
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 43
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS 43
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES 66
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 74
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 75
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING 78
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 79
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 85
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES 86
     
PART II   87
     
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES 87
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS 87
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 88
ITEM 16. RESERVED 89
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT 89
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS 90
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 90
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES 90
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS 91
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT 91
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 92
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE 92
     
PART III   93
     
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 93
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 93
ITEM 19.

EXHIBITS

 

93

 

 

 

 

 

  i  

 

 

CONVENTIONS THAT APPLY TO THIS ANNUAL REPORT

 

Unless otherwise indicated and except where the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report on Form 20-F to:

 

  · “we,” “us,” “our Company,” “our” or “SPI Energy” refer to SPI Energy Co., Ltd., a Cayman Islands holding company and its subsidiaries or any of them, or where the context so requires, in respect of the period before our Company became the holding company of its present subsidiaries, such subsidiaries as if they were subsidiaries of our Company at the relevant time;
  · “2016,” “2017” and “2018” refers to our fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively;
  · “ADSs” refers to the American depositary shares, each representing ten ordinary shares, which were listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “SPI” between January 19, 2016 and September 18, 2017;
  · “AUD” or “Australian Dollar” refers to the legal currency of Australia;
  · “BT model” refers to our build-and-transfer model;
  · “China” and “PRC” refer to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for purposes of this annual report, Hong Kong and Macau special administrative regions and Taiwan;
  · “DG” refers to distributed generation;
  · “EPC” refers to engineering, procurement and construction services;
  · “EUR” or “Euro” refers to the legal currency of the countries comprising the euro area;
  · “British Pound” or “GBP” refers to the l egal currency of the United Kingdom;
  · “Japanese Yen” or “JPY” refers to the l egal currency of Japan;
  · “FIT” refers to feed-in tariff(s);
  · “IPP model” refers to our independent power producer model;
  · “LDK” refers to LDK Solar Co., Ltd.;
  · “O&M” refers to operating and maintenance;
  · “PPA” refers to power purchase agreement(s);
  · “PV” refers to photovoltaic;
  · “Redomicile Merger” refers to the redomicile of Solar Power, Inc. to the Cayman Islands through a merger with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of SPI Energy Co., Ltd., which was completed on January 4, 2016;
  · “RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of China;
  · “Shares” or “ordinary shares” refers to our ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share;
  · “SPI” refers to Solar Power, Inc., a company incorporated under the law of California;
  · “U.K.” refers to the United Kingdom;
  · “U.S.” refers to the United States of America;
  · “U.S. dollar” or “$” refers to the legal currency of the United States of America; and
  · “watt” or “W” refers to the measurement of total electrical power, where “kilowatt” or “kW” means one thousand watts, “megawatts” or “MW” means one million watts and “gigawatt” or “GW” means one billion watts.

 

Names of certain companies in this annual report are translated or transliterated from their original Chinese legal names.

 

Discrepancies in any table between the amounts identified as total amounts and the sum of the amounts listed therein are due to rounding.

 

Share and per share amounts reflect a one-for-ten reverse stock split that took place in November 2017 and a one-for-ten reverse stock split that took place on November 2018.

 

The conversion of amounts of Australian Dollars, Euros and Renminbi, respectively, into U.S. dollars in this annual report, made solely for the convenience of readers, is based on the noon buying rates in the city of New York for cable transfers of Australian Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, Japanese Yen and Renminbi, respectively, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of December 31, 2018, which was AUD1.4192 to $1.00, EUR0.8729 to $1.00, GBP0.7835 TO $1.00, JPY109.70 to $1.00 and RMB6.8755 to $1.00, respectively, unless indicated otherwise. No representation is intended to imply that the Australian Dollar, Euro or Renminbi could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into U.S. dollars at the foregoing rates or any other rate.

 

 

 

  1  

 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

 

A. Selected Financial Data

 

Our Selected Consolidated Financial Data

 

The following selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this annual report. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included elsewhere in this annual report. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in any future periods.

 

On January 1, 2017, we deconsolidated Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited due to loss of control.

 

On December 10, 2018, the SPI China (HK) Limited and all China business were divested .

 

 

 

  2  

 

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2014     2015     2016     2017     2018  
    *     *     *     *        
    ($ in thousands, except share and per share data)  
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:                                        
Net sales:                                        
Net sales     91,642       190,510       114,602       121,520       125,582  
Total net sales     91,642       190,510       114,602       121,520       125,582  
Cost of goods sold:                                        
Cost of goods sold     77,430       176,469       102,147       111,428       114,525  
Provision for losses on contracts     2,055       5,932       385              
Total cost of goods sold     79,485       182,401       102,532       111,428       114,525  
Gross profit (loss)     12,157       8,109       12,070       10,092       11,057  
Operating expenses:                                        
General and administrative     8,286       76,747       13,728       13,994       12,225  
Sales, marketing and customer service     1,401       39,428       3,238       2,944       2,285  
Provision (reverse) for doubtful accounts, notes and other receivables     (2,043 )     45,328       7,106       1,693       (501 )
Impairment charges           10,853       79,598       740        
Total operating expenses     7,644       172,356       103,670       19,371       14,009  
Operating income (loss)     4,513       (164,247 )     (91,600 )     (9,279 )     (2,952 )
Other income (expense):                                        
Interest expense     (2,259 )     (9,275 )     (3,494 )     (8,087 )     (6,665 )
Interest income     1,212       2,218       802       384       320  
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of convertible bonds     (8,907 )                 7,121        
Change in fair value of derivative asset/liability     972       (15,650 )     (2,328 )            
Tax penalty                       (9,670 )      
Gain on troubled debt restructuring                             1,887  
Loss on investment in affiliates           (2,493 )     (6,296 )     (2,214 )      
Net foreign exchange gain(loss)     1,498       4,412       646       (5,141 )     1,118  
Others     815       628       847       509       487  
Total other income (expense), net     (6,669 )     (20,160 )     (9,823 )     (17,098 )     (2,853 )
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes     (2,156 )     (184,407 )     (101,423 )     (26,377 )     (5,805 )
Income taxes expense     3,040       673       606       137       332  
Loss from continuing operations     (5,196 )     (185,080 )     (102,029 )     (26,514 )     (6,137 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax                 (118,939 )     (64,445 )     (6,122 )
Net loss     (5,196 )     (185,080 )     (220,968 )     (90,959 )     (12,259 )

Net loss per common share:
Basic and Diluted

    (2 )     (30 )     (34 )     (13 )     (1.7 )
Net loss from continuing operations per common share:
Basic and Diluted
    (2 )     (30 )     (16 )     (4 )     (0.9 )
Net loss from discontinued operations per common share:
Basic and Diluted
                (18 )     (9 )     (0.8 )
Weighted average number of common shares used in computing per share:**                                        
Basic and Dilutive     3,070,051       6,120,471       6,415,616       6,826,633       7,262,023  

 

 

 

 

 

  3  

 

 

    As of December 31,  
    2014     2015     2016     2017     2018  
    *     *     *     *        
Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:                                        
Cash and cash equivalents continuing     156,540       6,021       2,024       2,238       4,141  
Current assets of continuing operations     *       91,869       70,160       78,879       73,883  
Current assets of discontinued operations     *       301,700       84,173       52,433        
Total current assets     381,314       393,569       154,333       131,312       73,883  
Total assets     587,907       709,570       361,818       317,311       188,728  
Current liabilities of continued operations     *       156,976       160,449       172,990       166,531  
Current liabilities of discontinued operations     *       316,575       170,079       213,316        
Total current liabilities     252,309       473,551       330,528       386,306       166,531  
Total liabilities     325,799       493,012       374,746       414,955       188,658  
Total equity (deficit)     262,108       216,558       (12,928 )     (97,644 )     70  
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)     587,907       709,570       361,818       317,311       188,728  

 

* The China business was discontinued operations after the disposal, the consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 were reclassified to conform to current year presentation, while the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 was not reclassified as management considered it not cost-effective to do so.

 

**The shares are presented on a retroactive basis to reflect the Company’s Reverse Stock Splits.

   

Exchange Rate Information

 

Not Applicable.

 

  B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not Applicable.

 

  C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not Applicable.

 

  D. Risk Factors

 

Our business, financial condition and results of operations are subject to various changing business, competitive, economic, political and social conditions worldwide. In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this annual report, the following are some of the important factors that could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and business prospects, and cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

 

We have incurred net losses, experienced net cash outflows from operating activities and recorded working capital deficit. If we do not effectively manage our cash and other liquid financial assets and execute our liquidity plan, we may not be able to continue as a going concern.

 

We incurred net losses of $221.0 million, $91.0 million and $12.3 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. We had an accumulated deficit of $570.1 million as of December 31, 2018. We also had a working capital deficit of $92.6 million as of December 31, 2018. In addition, we have substantial amounts of debts that became due in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

 

 

 

  4  

 

 

Historically, we have relied primarily on cash from our operations, bank borrowings, private placements and financial leases to fund our operations. We expect that our existing cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operating and financing activities will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital requirements and capital expenditure for at least the next 12 months, but generally inadequate to pursue new project acquisition or development initiatives without additional capital. The timing and amount of our working capital and capital expenditure requirements may vary significantly depending on numerous factors, such as the timeliness of payments from our customers. We have filed liens to secure customer payments for each of our solar projects, but there is no assurance that such payments will be timely collected. We have also enhanced our collection efforts and undertaken various measures to collect outstanding payments from customers, damages from legal actions and other payments due to us. The volatility and potential deterioration of the PV market conditions and the overall global economies have also added uncertainties regarding the sustainability of the PV industry and adverse impact on the demand for our products. Without access to sufficient level of capital from operations or through bank borrowings or other sources, we may not be able to execute our growth strategy or pursue additional projects, or may not even be able to continue as a going concern. These doubts and uncertainties may create concerns for our creditors, suppliers, customers and other counterparties, and cause them to make it more difficult for us to raise our financing, conduct our business and meet our debt and other obligations.

 

The report of our independent registered public accounting firm on our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 includes discussions on our ability to continue as a going concern. Although we have formulated a liquidity plan as summarized under Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this annual report, we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully execute this liquidity plan. The amount of liquidity that we need may be greater than we currently anticipate as a result of additional factors and events beyond our control, such as global economic slowdown, continued downturn in the global PV market, potential financial crises globally or in any region where we conduct a significant portion of our business, changes in the regulatory and business environments, including international trade-related sanctions, which may prevent us from operating normally or from effectively competing in the PV industry. All of these and other factors and occurrences may increase our cash requirements and make us unable to satisfy our liquidity requirements and we may, as a result, be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

We have revised the assumptions underlying our existing operating plans and recognized the fact that additional actions were needed to reposition our operations to minimize our cash outflows. Therefore, we are undertaking a number of initiatives in order to conserve or generate cash on an incremental basis in 2018. For a detailed discussion of these initiatives and strategies, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources— Capital Resources and Material Known Facts on Liquidity.”

 

However, there is no assurance that these initiatives and strategies will be successfully implemented, or even if successfully implemented, our cash position and our operational efficiency will be improved. In the event that our business initiatives and strategies do not achieve the expected results, our business, financial conditions, results of operations and liquidity position may be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, we have identified several business related risk factors, such as compliance with laws and regulations, contingent liabilities arising from litigations, suspected related party transactions and unusual transactions, which could cause cash position to further deteriorate.

 

The operations of our e-commerce and investment business platform are unsuccessful.

 

In early 2015, our related party, Solar Energy E-Commerce (Shanghai) Limited (“Solar Energy E-Commerce”), launched the e-commerce and investment platform, www.solarbao.com, or the Solarbao platform, enabling retail customers and solar project developers to purchase various PV-related products and services. The Solarbao platform was intended to create a network connecting investors seeking solar industry investment opportunities and solar project developers. This platform primarily generated revenue from commissions derived from the leasing of solar panels. Starting in April 2017, we ceased offering new investment products to investors and stopped accepting new investments on the Solarbao platform due to its short operating history, the ever-changing Chinese regulatory regime, government policies in this area and various other reasons as discussed below.

 

We divested this business in December 2018. If regulators determine that this divestiture was ineffective for any reason, we may be subject to significant liabilities due to this business.

 

 

 

  5  

 

 

We are in default on a number of our obligations, which could result in our being forced to cease operations if we are unable to reach satisfactory settlement with applicable counterparties.

 

We are in default on the following obligations:

 

  · We have outstanding convertible bonds of $55.0 million, which were defaulted in June 2016 and not repaid as at December 31, 2017. On February 12, 2017, we entered into an Amendment Agreement (“Agreement”) with Union Sky Group Limited, one of the holders of our convertible bonds, to extend the maturity date of the bonds, pursuant to which the repayment of US$6.6 million, US$6.7 million and $6.7 million of the principal amount of the convertible bond will be due by April 30, 2017, January 30, 2018 and January 30, 2019, respectively. Union Sky Group Limited has the option to convert the outstanding amounts under the convertible bond into equity interest in our company at a conversion price of $1.372 per share. We were not able to make the first repayment as of April 29, 2017. We have been in communications with the holders of our convertible bonds, including Union Sky Group Limited, to further extend the maturity date of the bonds, and On June 29, 2018, the Company entered into another amendment agreement (the “2nd Amendment”) with the SPV and Magical Glaze Limited (the “MGL”), a company incorporated under the laws of British Virgin Islands, pursuant to which agreement the SPV has transferred all the rights and obligations under the Convertible Bond Agreement and 1st Amendment to MGL, and the maturity date of the note was extended. According to the 2nd Amendment, the repayment of US$6.6 million, US$6.7 million and US$6.7 million of the principal amount of the note and interest thereon is due by December 2019, June 2020 and December 2020, respectively.

 

If we are unable to enter into settlement arrangements with all of the parties with whom we are in default, we could be forced to cease operations.

  

We conduct our business in diverse locations around the world and are subject to economic, regulatory, social and political risks internationally and in the regions where we operate.

 

We currently conduct our business operations in the U.S., Japan, U.K., Greece, Italy and Australia, and as of April 30, 2019, we owned and operate 15.706 MW of solar projects and had 1.85 MW of solar projects under construction across the world. We also provide EPC services in the U.S. Our business is therefore subject to diverse and constantly changing economic, regulatory, social and political conditions in these markets.

 

Operating internationally exposes us to a number of risks globally and in each of the markets where we operate, including, without limitation:

 

  · global economic and financial conditions, including the stability of credit markets, foreign currency exchange rates and their fluctuations;

 

  · the supply and prices of other energy products such as oil, coal and natural gas in the relevant markets;

 

  · changes in government regulations, policies, taxes and incentives, particularly those concerning the electric utility industry and the solar industry;

 

  · reconciling heterogeneous, complex or contradictory regulations across different jurisdictions, international trade policies, including trade restrictions, embargoes and local sourcing or service requirements;

 

  · political risks, including risks of expropriation and nationalization of assets, potential losses due to civil unrests, acts of terrorism and war, regional and global political or military tensions, strained or altered foreign relations;

 

  · compliance with diverse and complex local environmental, safety, health, labor and other laws and regulations, which can be onerous and costly, as the magnitude, complexity and continuous amendments to the laws and regulations are difficult to predict and liabilities, costs, obligations and requirements associated with these laws and regulations may be substantial;

 

 

 

  6  

 

 

  · dependence on local governments, utility companies and other entities for electricity, water, telecommunications, transportation and other utilities or infrastructure needs;

 

  · difficulties associated with local operating and market conditions, particularly regarding customs, taxation and labor;

 

  · difficulties for our senior management, primarily based in Shanghai, to effectively supervise local management teams in diverse locations;

 

  · increased difficulty in protecting our intellectual property rights and heightened risk of intellectual property disputes;

 

  · failure of our contractual counter-parties to honor their obligations to us, and potential disputes with regulatory authorities, customers, contractors, suppliers, local residents or communities;

 

  · obtaining fair access and legal remedies or benefits through local judicial or administrative bodies; and

 

  · failure to adapt to effectively to local competitive environments.

 

If economic recovery is slow in the markets where we operate, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, as we expand into additional markets, we may face unfamiliar regulatory regimes, business practices, governmental policies and industry conditions. As a result, our experience and knowledge of our existing markets may not be applicable to new markets that we enter, requiring significant time and resources to adapt our business to these unfamiliar markets. To the extent that our diverse business operations are affected by unexpected and adverse economic, regulatory, social and political conditions, we may experience business disruptions, loss of assets and personnel and other indirect losses and our business, financial condition and results of operations both locally and internationally could be materially and adversely affected.

 

The reduction, modification, delay or discontinuation of government subsidies and other economic incentives for the solar industry may reduce the profitability or viability of our solar projects and materially adversely affect our business.

 

At present, solar power is not cost competitive with other energy sources in our existing markets and the new markets we plan to expand into. For a variety of technological and economic reasons, the cost of generating electricity from solar energy in these markets currently exceeds and, absent significant changes in technological or economic circumstances, will continue to exceed the cost of generating electricity from conventional and certain other competing energy sources. Therefore, government subsidies and incentives, primarily in the form of feed-in tariffs, or FIT, price support schemes, tax credits, net metering and other incentives to end users, distributors, system integrators and manufacturers of solar products are generally required to enable companies such as us to successfully operate in these markets.

 

Government subsidies and incentives vary by geographic market. The availability and size of such subsidies and incentives depend, to a large extent, on political and policy developments relating to environmental concerns and other macro-economic factors. These government subsidies and incentives are expected to gradually decrease in scope or be discontinued as solar power technology improves and becomes more affordable relative to other types of energy. Reductions have occurred in certain countries where we have operations, and subsidies and incentives may be further reduced or discontinued in countries where we currently or intend to operate. Reductions may apply retroactively to existing solar projects, which could significantly reduce the value of our existing solar projects and other businesses. Even if reductions in government subsidies and economic incentives apply only to future solar projects, our operations in that country could be materially and adversely affected as we would not be able to leverage our existing presence to drive further growth. Moreover, certain solar subsidies and incentives are designed to expire or decline over time, are limited in total funding, require renewal from regulatory authorities or impose certain investment or performance criteria on our business partners or us, which we may not be able to satisfy. In addition, we may not be able to upgrade our technologies rapidly enough to compensate for foreseeable reductions in government subsidies and incentives. As a result, a significant reduction in the scope or discontinuation of government incentive programs in our existing and target markets could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

 

 

  7  

 

 

Misconduct and errors by our employees could harm our business and reputation.

 

We are exposed to many types of operational risks, including the risk of misconduct, errors and fraud by our employees and key management personnel. Our training, resources, technologies and fraud detection tools may be insufficient to accurately detect and prevent fraud. Significant increases in fraudulent activity could negatively impact our brand and reputation, which could increase our costs and expenses. High profile fraudulent activity could even lead to regulatory intervention, and may divert our management’s attention and cause us to incur additional expenses and costs. If any of the foregoing were to occur, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Changes to our business strategy provide a limited history on which to base our prospects and anticipated results of operations. Our historical operating results may not serve as an adequate basis to evaluate our future prospects and results of operations.

 

Prior to 2014, we were primarily engaged in providing EPC services to developers of solar projects in the U.S. We have since 2014 expanded our global project development business under our independent power producer model, or IPP model, or our build-and-transfer model, or BT model, by ramping up our portfolio of solar projects. This limited operating history of developing and operating solar projects under our IPP and BT model may not be a reliable indicator of our future performance.

 

Given our limited operating history under the current business model, we may not be able to ascertain and allocate the appropriate financial and human resources necessary to grow these new business areas. We may invest considerable capital into growing these businesses but fail to address market or customer demands or otherwise fail to achieve satisfactory financial return. In particular, our results of operations, financial condition and future success depend largely on our ability to continue to identify suitable projects that complement our solar project pipeline through acquisitions and secondary development, as well as our ability to obtain the required regulatory approvals, financing and cost-effective construction services for these acquisitions. We must also sustainably manage and operate the solar projects that we acquire, develop and hold under our IPP model, or successfully identify buyers for solar projects under our BT model. In addition, in expanding into these new business areas, we may be competing against companies that have substantially more experience than we do with respect to solar projects under our IPP and BT models. If we are unable to achieve growth in these new business areas, our overall growth and financial performance may be inferior to our competitors and our operating results could be adversely impacted.

  

Due to the change in our strategic focus and revenue generating efforts since 2014, our prior operating history and historical operating results may not provide a meaningful basis for evaluating our business, financial performance and prospects. Period-to-period comparisons of our operating results and our results of operations for any period should not be relied upon as an indication of our performance for any future period. We have incurred net losses since our inception and as of December 31, 2018, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $570.1 million. We may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability in the future.

 

We may not be able to acquire additional solar projects to grow our project portfolio, or effectively integrate or realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions.

 

Our current business strategy includes plans to further increase the number of solar projects we own and operate. Since 2014, we have significantly expanded our operations through acquisitions of solar projects across different development stages in Japan, the U.S., the U.K., Greece and Italy, and we may acquire additional businesses, products or technologies or enter into joint ventures or other strategic initiatives in the future. Accordingly, our ability to execute our expansion strategies depends on our ability to identify suitable investment or acquisition opportunities, which is subject to numerous uncertainties. We may not be able to identify favorable geographical markets for expansion or assess local demand for solar power, identify a sufficient number of projects as contemplated, or secure project financing and refinancing on reasonable terms for the contemplated acquisitions. In addition, our competitors may have substantially greater capital and other resources than we do, and may be able to pay more for the acquisition targets we identify and may be able to identify, evaluate, bid for and acquire a greater number of projects than our resources permit.

 

 

 

  8  

 

 

Furthermore, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions and each transaction involves numerous risks, including, among others:

 

  · difficulty in assimilating the operations and personnel of the acquired business;

 

  · difficulty in effectively integrating the acquired assets, technologies or products with our operations;

 

  · difficulty in maintaining controls, procedures and policies during the transition and integration;

 

  · disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of our management from daily operations;

 

  · inability to retain key technical and managerial personnel and key customers, suppliers and other business partners of the acquired business;

 

  · inability to achieve the financial and strategic goals for the acquired and combined businesses as a result of insufficient capital resources or otherwise;

 

  · incurring acquisition-related costs or amortization costs for acquired intangible assets that could impact our operating results;

 

  · potential failure of the due diligence processes to identify significant issues with product quality, legal and financial liabilities, among others;

 

  · potential failure to comply with local regulatory requirements or to obtain construction, environmental and other permits and approvals from governmental authorities in a timely manner or at all, which could delay or prevent such acquisitions; and

 

  · potential failure to connect the acquired solar projects to the local grid on schedule and within budget, to ensure sufficient grid capacity for the life of the solar projects, or to collect FIT payments and other economic incentives as expected from local government authorities.

 

Acquisitions of companies are inherently risky, and ultimately, if we do not generate expected economic returns from the acquired businesses, or become responsible for any preexisting liabilities related to the acquired businesses, we may not fully realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We require a significant amount of cash to meet our capital requirements and fund our operations, including payments to suppliers for PV modules and components and to contractors for EPC services. As of December 31, 2018, we had $3.2 million in outstanding short-term borrowings (and the current portion of long-term borrowings) and $6.7 million in outstanding long-term borrowings (excluding the current portion).

 

Our existing debt may have significant consequences on our operations, including:

 

  · reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes as a result of our debt service obligations;

 

  · limiting our ability to obtain additional financing;

 

  · making us more vulnerable to changes in our business, our industry and the general economy;

 

  · potentially increasing the cost of any additional financing; and

 

  · limiting our ability to make future acquisitions.

 

 

 

  9  

 

 

Any of these factors and other consequences that may result from our substantial indebtedness could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as well as our ability to meet our payment obligations under our existing debt facilities. Our ability to meet our payment obligations under our existing debt facilities depends on our ability to generate significant cash flow in the future. This, to some extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors as well as other factors that are beyond our control.

 

Our results of operations may be subject to fluctuations.

 

Historically, we have generated a substantial portion of our revenue from the provision of EPC services. Before we achieve economies of scale in terms of our IPP projects and receive steady electricity generation income, our revenue in a given period will depend on the solar projects we provide EPC services to, or the number of solar projects sold under our BT model, and therefore is subject to significant fluctuations. For instance, we may generate a significant portion of our revenues from the one-time sale of solar projects for certain periods. Moreover, certain aspects of our operations will also be subject to seasonal variations. For example, we may schedule significant construction activities to connect solar projects to the grids prior to a scheduled decrease in FIT rates in order to qualify for more favorable FIT policies.

 

Failure to manage our evolving business could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We intend to expand our business within our existing markets and in a number of selected new locations in the future. We also intend to expand our global project development business in the future. As our operations evolve, we expect to encounter additional challenges in our internal management, construction contracting management, investment and acquisition management, project management, project funding infrastructure and financing capabilities. Our existing operations, personnel, systems and internal control may not be adequate to support our business expansion and may require new investments in our internal management infrastructure. To manage the future growth of our operations, we will be required to improve our administrative, operational and financial systems, procedures and controls, and maintain, expand, train and manage a growing number of employees. In addition, we will need to hire and train additional project development personnel to manage our growing portfolio of IPP and BT projects. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, we may not be able to take advantage of market opportunities, execute our business strategies successfully or respond to competitive pressures. As a result, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We act as the general contractor for our customers for the provision of EPC services, and are subject to risks associated with construction, delays and other contingencies, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and results of operations.

 

Historically, we have generated a significant portion of our revenue from the provision of EPC services. We generally enter into fixed-price EPC contracts under which we act as the general contractor for our customers in connection with the installation of their solar power systems. All essential costs are estimated at the time of entering into the EPC contracts for a particular project, and are reflected in the overall fixed-price that we charge our customers. These cost estimates are preliminary and may or may not be covered by contracts between us or our subcontractors, suppliers or other parties to the project. In addition, we engage qualified and licensed subcontractors for the construction of our EPC projects. Shortages of such skilled labor could significantly delay a project or otherwise increase our costs. Should miscalculations in project planning or delay in execution occur (including those due to unexpected increases in inflation, commodity prices or labor costs), we may not be able to achieve our expected margins or recover our costs.

 

In addition, our EPC contracts generally provide for performance milestones. Delays in supply of PV module or components, construction delays, unexpected performance problems in electricity generation or other events may cause us to fail to meet these performance criteria, resulting in unanticipated and severe revenue and earnings losses and financial penalties. If we are unable to complete the development of a solar project, or fail to meet one or more agreed target construction milestone dates, any agreed upon system-level capacity or energy output guarantees or warranties (including, for some projects, twenty-five year performance warranties) or other terms under our EPC contracts, or the solar projects we develop cause grid interference or other damage, we may be subject to termination of such contracts or significant damages, penalties and/or other obligation under the EPC agreements or other agreements relating to the projects (including obligations to repair, replace and/or supplement additional modules and balance of system materials for the projects), particularly if our liabilities are not capped under the terms of such agreements, and we may not be able to recover our investment in the project. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and results of operations.

 

 

 

  10  

 

 

We generally recognize revenue from EPC services on a “cost-based input method” and payments are due upon the achievement of contractual milestones and any delay or cancellation of a project could adversely affect our business.

 

We generally recognize revenue from our EPC services on a “cost-based input method”, and as a result, revenues from our EPC services are driven by the performance of our contractual obligations, which is in turn generally driven by timelines of the installation of solar power systems at customer sites. Such arrangement could result in unpredictability of revenue and in the near term, a revenue decrease. As with any project-related business, there is potential for delays within any particular customer project. Variation of project timelines and estimates may impact our ability to recognize revenue in a particular period. In addition, certain EPC contracts may provide for payment milestones due at specified stages throughout the development of a project. Because we must invest substantially in a project in advance of achieving these milestones and receiving payments, delay or cancellation of a project could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

We may fail to comply with laws and regulations in the markets we operate.

 

The development, construction and operation of solar projects are highly regulated. We conduct our operations in many jurisdictions and are subject to different laws and regulations, including national and local regulations relating to building codes, taxes, safety, environmental protection, utility interconnection, metering and other matters. Our establish subsidiaries also have operations in these countries and jurisdictions that are required to comply with various local laws and regulations. While we strive to work with our local counsel and other advisers to comply with the laws and regulations of each jurisdiction where we operate, there have been, and may continue to be, instances of non-compliances such as late filings of annual accounts with the appropriate governmental authorities, failure to notify governmental authorities of certain transactions, failure to hold annual meetings as required, failure to register director or address changes or other local requirements which may result in fines, sanctions or other penalties against our non-complying subsidiaries and its directors and officers. While we do not believe our past and continuing non-compliances, singularly or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, we cannot assure you that similar or other non-compliances will not occur in the future which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

We are responsible for obtaining a variety of approvals, permits and licenses from various authorities for our solar projects. The procedures for obtaining such approvals, permits and licenses vary from country to country, making it onerous and costly to adhere to the varying requirements and standards of individual localities. Failure to obtain the required approvals, permits or licenses or to comply with the conditions associated therewith may result in fines, sanctions, suspension, revocation or non-renewal of approvals, permits or licenses, or even criminal liabilities, which could material and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, new government regulations pertaining to our business or solar projects may result in significant additional expenses. We cannot assure you that we will be able to promptly and adequately respond to changes of laws and regulations in various jurisdictions, or that our employees and contractors will act in accordance with our internal policies and procedures. Failure to comply with laws and regulations where we develop, own and operate solar projects may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. The market demand for solar power is strongly influenced by government regulations and policies concerning the electric utility industry as well as by policies promulgated by electric utilities in each of the markets we operate. These regulations and policies often relate to electricity pricing and technical interconnection of electricity generation. Customer purchases of alternative energy sources, including solar power technology, could be deterred by these regulations and policies, which may significantly reduce the demand for our PV solutions. For example, without a regulatory-mandated exception for solar power systems, utility customers are often charged interconnection or standby fees for putting distributed power generation on the electric utility grid or limit the production capacity to the grid. The county-level government may also levy additional tax related to land use or potential plants recovery that was not initially included during the development or construction phase. These fees could increase, rendering solar power less cost competitive in these markets and our PV solutions less desirable.

 

It is difficult to ensure ongoing compliance with the changing requirements of individual markets. Any new government regulations or utility policies pertaining to solar projects may result in significant additional expenses to us or other industry participants and as a result could cause a significant reduction in demand for our PV solutions.

 

 

 

  11  

 

 

The solar industry faces competition from both conventional power industries and other renewable power industries.

 

The solar industry faces intense competition from all other players within the energy industry, including both conventional energy providers such as nuclear, natural gas and fossil fuels and other renewable energy providers, such as geothermal, hydropower, biomass, wind and nuclear energy. Other energy sources may benefit from innovations that reduce their costs and increase safety, and therefore improve their competitiveness. New natural resources may be discovered, or global economic, business or political developments may disproportionately benefit conventional energy sources or other renewable energy sources at the expense of solar. Governments may strengthen their support for other renewable energy sources and reduce their support for the solar industry. Changes in supply and demand of conventional energy sources or other energy sources may reduce the cost of such sources and render solar power less attractive. For instance, the recent decline in oil prices and prolong low prices have adversely impacted the competitiveness of solar energy. Failure for our customers, other business partners or us to compete with the providers of other energy sources may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The market for solar project development is highly competitive.

 

There is currently intense competition in the solar industry, particularly in the downstream project development segment. Solar projects encounter competition from utilities, industrial companies and other independent power producers. In recent years, there has been increasing competition for the award of PPAs, which has in some markets resulted in an excess supply above designated reserve margins and has been contributing to the declining electricity prices in many markets. In light of these conditions, we may not be able to obtain PPAs for our new solar projects under our IPP model, and we may not be able to renew PPAs on the same terms and conditions upon expiration, particularly in terms of securing an electricity sale price that enables profitable operation or the sale of a project at anticipated value, if at all.

 

We have expanded our business to include global project development and may not have the same level of expertise and customer base as our competitors, which may affect our ability to successfully establish our presence in the global market. Our current or potential competitors may have greater operational, financial, technical, market share, scale, management or other resources than us in our existing or target markets. Our competitors may also enter into strategic alliances with other competitors to our detriment, or may ally with our suppliers or contractors, thereby limiting our procurement choices and our flexibility in project development. Our current or potential competitors may offer PV solutions comparable or superior to ours at the same or lower prices, or adapt more quickly to industry trends than we do. Increased competition may result in price reductions, reduced profit margins and loss of market share.

 

Technological advances in the solar industry could render our PV solutions uncompetitive or obsolete.

 

The solar industry is characterized by its rapid adoption and application of technological advances. This requires us to develop new PV solutions and enhance our existing PV solutions to keep pace with and respond effectively to evolving technologies, market conditions and customer demands. Our competitors may develop technologies more advanced and cost-effective than ours. We will need to invest substantially in research and development to maintain our market position and effectively compete in the future. Our failure to further refine or enhance our technologies could render our technologies uncompetitive or obsolete, which could reduce our market share and cause our revenues to decline.

 

In addition, we may invest in and implement newly-developed, less-proven technologies in our project development or in maintaining or enhancing our existing projects. There is no guarantee that these new technologies will perform or generate customer demand as anticipated. The failure of our new technologies to perform as anticipated may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

 

 

  12  

 

 

If sufficient demand for solar projects develops slower than we anticipate, develops in ways inconsistent with our strategy, or fails to develop at all, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

 

The solar power market worldwide is at a relatively early stage of development compared to conventional power markets and other renewable power markets, such as that for hydropower. Thus, trends in the solar industry are based only on limited data and may be unreliable. Many factors may affect the demand for solar projects worldwide, including:

 

  · the cost and availability of project financing for solar projects;

 

  · fluctuations in economic and market conditions that improve the viability of competing energy sources;

 

  · the cost-effectiveness, performance and reliability of solar projects compared to conventional and other non-solar energy sources;

 

  · the availability of grid capacity allocated to solar power;

 

  · political opposition to solar power due to environmental, land use, safety or other local concerns;

 

  · the availability of government subsidies and incentives to support the development of the solar industry;

 

  · public perceptions of the utility, necessity and importance of solar power and other renewable energies;

 

  · the success of other alternative energy generation technologies, such as fuel cells, wind power and biomass; and

 

  · utility and grid regulations that present unique technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the development, transmission and use of solar energy.

 

Our analysis and predictions concerning the future growth of the solar industry are based on complex facts and circumstances and may be incorrect. If market demand for solar projects in our existing or target markets fails to develop according to our expectations, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our growth prospects and future profitability and our ability to continue to acquire solar projects depends on the availability of sufficient financing on terms acceptable to us.

 

The development of solar projects requires significant upfront cash investments, including the costs of permit development, construction and associated operations. Since 2014, we have been expanding our solar project portfolio primarily by acquiring solar projects across different development stages. Such expansion strategy requires significant upfront capital expenditures which, depending on the respective development stages of the acquired projects, may not be recouped for a significant period of time. As a result, we are required to pursue a wide variety of capital resources to fund our operations, including private placements, bank loans, financial leases and other third-party financing options.

 

Our ability to obtain sufficient financing is subject to a number of uncertainties, including:

 

  · our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows;

 

  · the general condition and liquidity of global equity and debt capital markets;

 

  · local regulatory and government support for solar power in markets where we operate, such as through tax credits and FIT schemes;

 

  · the availability of credit lines from banks and other financial institutions;

 

  · economic, political, social and other conditions in the markets where we operate;

 

  · our level of indebtedness and ability to comply with financial covenants under our debt financing; and

 

  · tax and securities laws which may hamper our ability to raise capital.

 

 

 

  13  

 

 

Due to these or other reasons, we may not be successful in obtaining the required funds for future acquisitions. Furthermore, we may be unable to refinance our bank borrowings on favorable terms, or at all, upon the expiration or termination of our existing loan facilities. In addition, rising interest rates could adversely affect our ability to secure financing on favorable terms. Our failure in securing suitable financing sources in a timely manner or at all, or on commercially acceptable terms, could significantly limit our ability to execute our growth strategies or future acquisitions, and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

An increase in interest rates or lending rates or tightening of the supply of capital in the global financial market could make it difficult for our customers to finance the cost of EPC services or solar projects and could reduce the demand of our PV solutions.

 

Many of our customers depend on debt and/or equity financing to fund the initial capital expenditure required to develop, build and/or purchase solar projects. These structured finance arrangements are complex and rely heavily on the creditworthiness of the customer as well as required returns of the financial institutions. Depending on the status of financial markets and overall economic conditions, financial institutions may be unwilling or unable to provide financing to our customers, which could materially and adversely affect our ability to maintain or grow our revenues. In addition, an increase in interest rates or lending rates, or a reduction in the supply of debt financing or tax equity investments, could reduce the number of solar projects that receive financing or otherwise make it difficult for our customers to secure the financing necessary to develop, build or purchase a solar project on favorable terms, or at all, and thus lower the demand for our PV solutions, which could limit our growth or reduce our net sales.

 

The significant period of time between our upfront investments in solar projects and their commencement of revenue generation could materially and adversely affect our liquidity, business and results of operations.

 

We have since 2014 commenced our global project development business under our IPP or BT models by ramping up our portfolio of solar projects. There is a significant gap between the time that we make significant upfront investments in the solar projects and the time that we receive any revenue from the electricity generated by these solar projects after grid connection (under our IPP model) or from the sale of these projects (under our BT model). These upfront investments include, among others, legal, accounting and other professional fees, costs associated with feasibility studies and due diligence, payments for land use rights, construction costs, government permits and deposits for grid connection agreements and PPAs, none of which may be refundable if a project fails to achieve completion. We have historically relied on private placements, bank loans and financial leases to cover costs and expenses incurred during project development.

 

In particular, there could be an especially long gap between the initial assessment of a project, the first steps of acquiring land use rights and negotiating interconnection agreements and the obtaining of governmental approvals for construction. Acquisition of land use rights can be particularly time-consuming if we are engaged in primary development and need to negotiate with land owners or government entities. The significant development time increases the risk for adverse events during such process, whether they be economic, environmental, political, social or otherwise, that could cause further delays in project development or increase the overall development costs. Due to such adverse developments or unanticipated delays, we may be unable to recoup our initial investment in the solar projects, which may materially and adversely affect our liquidity, profitability and results of operations.

 

 

 

  14  

 

 

We may encounter unexpected difficulties when developing solar power projects.

 

In 2014, we commenced our global project development business by ramping up our portfolio of solar projects under both our IPP BT and EPC models. Since we sold all of our projects in China in connection with the sale of our Chinese business in December 2018, the attributable capacity of our projects in operation dropped from 73.12 MW as of December 31, 2017 to 15.706 MW as of April 30, 2019, and projects under construction decreased from 23.99 MW as of December 31, 2017 to 1.85 MW as of April 30, 2019. In addition, we had an aggregate of 34.64 MW of projects in announced pipeline as of April 30, 2019. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Our Global Project Development Business.” The development of solar projects involves numerous risks and uncertainties and require extensive research, planning and due diligence. Before we can determine whether a solar project is economically, technologically or otherwise feasible, we may be required to incur significant capital expenditure for land and interconnection rights, preliminary engineering, permitting, legal and other work. Success in developing a particular solar project is contingent upon, among others:

 

  · securing the rights to suitable project locations with access to the grid, necessary rights of way, and satisfactory land use permissions;

 

  · rezoning land, as necessary, to support a solar project;

 

  · negotiating and receiving on schedule the required permits and approvals for project development from government authorities;

 

  · completing all required regulatory and administrative procedures needed to obtain permits and agreements;

 

  · obtaining rights to interconnect the solar project to the grid or to transmit energy;

 

  · paying interconnection and other deposits, some of which are non-refundable;

 

  · negotiating favorable payment terms with module and other equipment suppliers and contractors;

 

  · signing PPAs or other off-take arrangements that are commercially acceptable and adequate for providing financing;

 

  · obtaining construction financing, including debt financing and equity contributions, as appropriate; and

 

  · satisfactorily completing construction on schedule.

 

Successful completion of a particular solar project may be adversely affected by numerous factors, including, without limitation:

 

  · unanticipated delays or changes in project plans;

 

  · changes to laws and regulations requiring additional permits, licenses and approvals, or difficulties in obtaining and maintaining existing governmental permits, licenses and approvals;

 

  · the inability to obtain adequate financing with acceptable terms;

 

  · unforeseeable engineering problems, construction or other unexpected delays and contractor performance issues;

 

  · delays, disruptions or shortages of the supply of labor, equipment and materials, including work stoppages;

 

  · defective PV module or other components sourced from our suppliers;

 

  · adverse weather, environmental and geological conditions, force majeure and other events out of our control; and

 

  · cost overruns due to any one or more of the foregoing factors.

 

 

 

  15  

 

 

Accordingly, some of the solar projects in our portfolio may not eventually commence operation and connect to the grid, or even proceed to construction. If a number of our solar projects are not completed, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our construction activities may be subject to cost overruns or delays.

 

We engage third-party contractors for the construction of solar projects. Construction of solar projects involves numerous risks and uncertainties, and may be adversely affected by circumstances outside of our control, including seasonal changes, inclement weather, failure to receive regulatory approvals on schedule or third-party delays in supplying PV modules or other materials. We may not be able to negotiate satisfactory construction agreements with third-party contractors, or our third-party contractors may not be able to contract with their subcontractors on a timely basis. In addition, if our contractors fail to adhere to our quality standards or otherwise fail to meet their contractual obligations, or if there is a shortage of contractors or labor strikes that prevents our contractors from completing their construction work on schedule or within budget, the solar projects may experience significant delays or cost overruns. Increases in the prices of solar products and components may also increase our procurement costs. Labor shortages, work stoppages and labor disputes could significantly delay a project or otherwise increase our costs. In addition, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required construction permits could also delay or hinder the construction of our solar projects. A lack of proper construction permits, or post-construction approvals could delay or prevent our solar projects from commencing operation and connecting to the grid.

 

We may not be able to recover any of our losses resulting from construction cost overruns or delays. In addition, since the FIT applicable to a solar project generally depends on its lead time to grid connection, construction and connection delays may lead to a lower-than-expected FIT, which would adversely affect the long-term value and potentially the viability of the project. Many PPAs also require our solar projects to connect to the grid by a certain date. If the construction of solar project is significantly delayed, we may be in violation of our PPAs or may only be entitled to reduced FIT payments, if at all. A reduction or forfeiture of FIT payments would materially and adversely affect the profitability for a solar power project. Any of the above contingencies could lead to our failure to generate expected return from our solar projects and result in unanticipated and significant revenue and earnings losses.

 

We rely on third-party suppliers and contractors when developing our solar power projects.

 

We source PV modules and other balance-of-system components from a wide selection of third-party suppliers and engage third-party contractors for the construction of solar projects. We typically enter into contracts with our suppliers and contractors on a project-by-project basis and do not maintain long-term contracts with our suppliers or contractors. Therefore, we are generally exposed to price fluctuations and availability of PV modules and balance-of-system components sourced from our suppliers and construction services procured from our contractors. For example, in light of changing market dynamics and government policies, the price and availability of PV modules have been subject to significant volatility in recent years. Increases in the prices of PV modules or balance-of-system components, decreases in their availability, fluctuations in construction, labor and installation costs, or changes in the terms of our relationship with our suppliers and contractors may increase the cost of procuring equipment and engaging contractors and hence materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Furthermore, the delivery of defective products or products or construction services by our suppliers or contractors which are otherwise not in compliance with contract specifications, or the late supply of products or construction services, may cause construction delays or solar power projects that fail to adhere to our quality and safety standards, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.

 

 

 

  16  

 

 

Warranties provided by our suppliers and contractors may be limited or insufficient to compensate for our losses, or may not cover the nature of our losses incurred.

 

We expect to benefit from various warranties, including product quality and performance warranties, provided by our suppliers and contractors. These suppliers and contractors, however, may file for bankruptcy, cease operations or otherwise become unable or unwilling to fulfill their warranty obligations. Even if a supplier fulfills its warranty obligations, the warranty may not be sufficient to compensate us for all of our losses. In addition, the warranty for inverters and transformers generally expire after 5 to 10 years from the date such equipment is delivered or commissioned and is subject to liability limits. Where damages are caused by defective products provided by our suppliers or construction services delivered by our contractors, our suppliers or contractors may be unable or unwilling to perform their warranty obligations as a result of their financial conditions or otherwise. Or if the warranty has expired or a liability limit has been reached, there may be a reduction or loss of warranty protection for the affected projects, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our solar projects have short operating histories and may not perform up to our expectations.

 

The projects in our solar project portfolio are relatively new with expected operating lives of more than 20 years. The majority of our projects in operation as of December 31, 2018 had commenced operations within the last 36 months. In addition, the projects we acquire in the future may not have commenced construction or operation or otherwise have a limited operating history. As a result, our assumptions and estimates regarding the future performance of these projects are, and will be, made without the benefit of a meaningful operating history, which may impair our ability to accurately assess the potential profitability of the projects. The performance of these projects will also be subject to risks inherent in newly constructed renewable energy projects, including breakdowns and outages, latent defects, equipment that performs below our expectations and system failures. Failure of some or all of our projects to perform up to our expectations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may not be able to obtain long-term contracts for the sale of electricity generated by our solar projects under our IPP model at prices and on other terms favorable to attract financing and other investments.

 

Since 2014, we started acquiring solar projects across different stages of development globally and to hold some of these acquired projects under our IPP model. Obtaining long-term contracts for the sale of electricity generated by our solar projects under our IPP model at prices and on other terms favorable to us will be essential for obtaining financing or completing construction of these projects. We must compete for PPAs against other developers of solar and renewable energy projects. Furthermore, other sources of power, such as natural gas-fired power plants, have historically been cheaper than the cost of solar power and power from certain types of projects, such as natural gas-fired power plants, can be delivered on a firm basis. The availability of PPAs is subject to a number of economic, regulatory, tax and public policy factors. The inability to compete successfully against other power producers or otherwise enter into PPAs favorable to us would negatively affect our ability to develop and finance our projects and negatively impact our revenue.

 

We may be subject to unforeseen costs, liabilities or obligations when providing O&M services.

 

We provide ongoing O&M services to third-party solar projects under fixed-price long-term service agreements, pursuant to which we generally perform all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and operating and other asset management services for the system. Our costs to perform these services are estimated at the time of entering into the O&M agreement for a particular project, and these are reflected in the fixed-price that we charge our customers under the O&M agreement. Should miscalculations in estimating these costs occur (including those due to unexpected increases in inflation or labor costs), our O&M services may not be profitable and our growth strategy and results of operations could be adversely affected. Because of the long-term nature of these O&M agreements, the adverse impacts on results of operations could be significant, particularly if our liabilities are not capped or subject to an above-market liability cap under the terms of the O&M agreement. In addition, we may be subject to substantial costs, liabilities or obligations in the event that the solar projects we maintain and operate do not meet any agreed-upon system-level availability or performance warranties.

 

 

 

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We have limited insurance coverage.

 

Our insurance policies cover employee-related accidents and injuries, property damage, machinery breakdowns, fixed assets, facilities and liability deriving from our activities, including environmental liability. We consider our current insurance coverage to be adequate, but we cannot assure you that our insurance will be sufficient or effective under all circumstances and against all hazards or liabilities to which we may be subject. Furthermore, our insurance coverage is subject to deductibles, caps, exclusions and other limitations. A loss for which we are not fully insured could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, due to rising insurance costs and changes in the insurance markets, we cannot assure you that our insurance coverage will continue to be available at comparable rates or on similar terms, if at all. We may also reduce or cancel our insurance coverage at any time. We may not be able to maintain or obtain insurance of the type and amount we desire at reasonable rates and we may elect to self-insure a portion of our solar project portfolio. Any losses not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In addition, the insurance industry in many parts of the world is still in an early stage of development. As we continue to expand our global presence, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage in each of the new markets we enter. To the extent that our operations are not adequately insured in these markets, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 

We may be subject to product or strict liability claims if the provision of our EPC services or the solar projects we sell result in injury or damage, and we have limited insurance coverage to protect against such claims, as well as losses that may result from business interruptions or natural disasters.

 

Solar projects are highly sophisticated and generate and transfer large volumes of electric charge with the potential to harm or kill, whether by improper installation or other causes. We are therefore exposed to an inherent risk of product liability claims or class action suits in the event that the installation of the solar power systems during the provision of our EPC services, or the solar projects we sell under our BT model, results in injury or damage, and we may even be liable in some jurisdictions under a strict liability theory, where liability holds even if we are not negligent or at fault. Moreover, to the extent that a claim is brought against us, we may not have adequate resources to defend ourselves. We rely on our general liability insurance to cover product liability and other liability claims and have not separately obtained product liability insurance. The unfavorable settlement of product or strict liability claims against us could result in significant monetary damages and significant payments in excess of our insurance coverage could have a materially adverse effect on our financial results. Any such business disruption could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources.

 

Solar energy generation depends heavily on suitable meteorological conditions. If weather conditions are unfavorable, our power generation output, and therefore the revenue from our solar projects, may be substantially below our expectations.

 

The electricity produced and revenues generated by solar projects are highly dependent on suitable solar conditions and associated weather conditions. Such conditions are beyond our control. Furthermore, components of these generation systems, including solar panels and inverters, can be damaged by severe weather, such as heavy snowstorms, hailstorms, ice storms, lightning strikes, extreme winds, earthquakes or tornadoes. Replacement and spare parts for key components may be difficult costly or unavailable. Unfavorable weather and atmospheric conditions could reduce the electricity output of our solar projects to below projected generation, damage or impair the effectiveness of our projects or require shutdown of key equipment, impeding operation of our projects and our ability to achieve forecasted revenues and cash flows.

 

The amount of electricity solar projects produce is dependent in part on the amount of sunlight, or insolation, where the projects are located. Because shorter daylight hours in winter months results in less insolation, the generation of particular projects will vary depending on the season.

 

We base our investment decisions with respect to solar power generation assets on the findings of related solar studies conducted prior to construction or based on historical conditions at existing projects. However, actual climatic conditions at an asset site may not conform to the findings of these studies. For example, unexpected development of climate conditions that was not taken into consideration during the investment decision-making process, such as smog and sand storms may significantly reduce the solar power generation. Therefore, our solar projects may not meet anticipated production levels or the rated capacity of our projects, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

 

 

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The operation of solar projects involves significant inherent risks and hazards that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

The operation of solar projects involves numerous hazardous activities, including delivering electricity to transmission and distribution systems. We are subject to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, snow obscuration, high temperatures, lightning, hurricanes, long-term climate changes, volcanoes and wind risks, as well as other inherent risks affecting resource availability such as fire, explosion, soil and ice buildup, structural collapse and equipment failure. Moreover, we may suffer from negligent acts by our PPA counterparties or other third parties. Our rooftop projects could cause damage to the building roof, resulting in claims due to water damages or replacement of roofing materials. These and other hazards can cause significant personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to, and destruction of, property and equipment and contamination of, or damage to, the environment, wildlife takes or fatalities and suspension of operations. The occurrence of any of these events may result in lawsuits against us asserting claims for substantial damages, including for environmental cleanup costs, personal injury and property damage and fines and/or penalties.

 

In addition, the ongoing operation of solar projects face risks that include the breakdown or failure of equipment or processes or performance below expected levels of output or efficiency due to wear and tear, latent defect, design error or operator error or force majeure events, among others. Unplanned outages, including extensions of scheduled outages, occur from time to time and are an inherent risk of our business. Unplanned outages typically increase our operation and maintenance expenses and may reduce our revenues as a result of generating and selling less electricity.

 

If we fail to properly operate and maintain our solar projects, these projects may experience decreased performance, shortened operating life or shut downs. Our solar projects may also require periodic upgrading and improvement. Changes in our own operation or local conditions may increase the costs of operating the project, including costs related to labor, equipment, insurance and taxes. If we cause damage to third parties, we may become liable for the consequences of any resulting damage. We may also experience equipment malfunction or failure, leading to unexpected maintenance needs, unplanned outages or other operational issues. In addition, inconsistencies in the quality of solar panels, PV modules, balance-of-system components or maintenance services for our solar projects may affect the system efficiency of our projects.

 

Any unexpected operational or mechanical failure, including failure associated with breakdowns and forced outages, and any decreased operational or management performance, could reduce our solar projects’ power generating capacity below expected levels, reducing our revenues and profitability. Degradation of the performance of our solar projects above levels provided for in the relevant PPAs may also reduce our revenues. Unanticipated capital expenditures associated with maintaining, upgrading or repairing our projects may also reduce our profitability. In addition, damage to our reputation due to system failure or accidents could negatively impact our relationships with customers and local government authorities, which could also materially adversely affect our business. Negative public or community response to solar energy projects could adversely affect the approval for and construction of our projects. We maintain insurance coverage that we consider adequate but we cannot assure you that our insurance will be sufficient or effective under all circumstances and against all hazards or liabilities to which we may be subject.

 

Environmental, health and safety laws and regulations subject us to extensive and increasingly stringent operational requirements, as well as potentially substantial liabilities arising out of environmental contamination.

 

We are subject to, in each of the jurisdictions we operate, numerous national and local laws, regulations, guidelines, policies, directives and other requirements governing or relating to, among others, land use and zoning matters and protection of human health and the environment, including those limiting the discharge and release of pollutants into the environment, and the protection of certain wildlife. These laws and regulations require our solar projects to, among others, obtain and maintain approvals and permits, undergo environmental impact assessments and review processes and implement environmental, health and safety programs and procedures to control risks associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of solar projects. If our solar projects do not comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations or permit requirements, we may be required to pay significant fines or penalties or suspend or cease operations of the affected projects. Violations of environmental and other laws, regulations and permit requirements may also result in criminal sanctions or injunctions.

 

 

 

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Our solar projects may experience malfunctions and other unplanned events that result in personal injury and property damage. As such, the operation of our projects carries an inherent risk of environmental, health and safety liabilities (including potential civil actions, compliance or remediation orders, fines and other penalties), and may subject us to administrative and judicial proceedings. In addition, certain environmental laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on past and present owners and operators of sites, related to the cleaning up of sites where hazardous wastes or materials were disposed or released.

 

We may continue to conduct acquisitions and enter into joint ventures, investments or other strategic alliances which may be unsuccessful.

 

We may continue to grow our operations through acquisitions, as well as joint ventures or other strategic alliances when appropriate opportunities arise. Such acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances may expose us to additional operational, regulatory, market and geographical risks as well as risks associated with additional capital requirements and diversion of management attention. In particular, any future strategic alliances may expose us to the following risks:

 

  · There may be unforeseen risks relating to our counterparty’s business and operations or liabilities that were not discovered by us through our legal and business due diligence prior to our investment. Such undetected risks and liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and results of operations in the future.

 

  · We may not have experience acquiring, managing or investing in other companies. Business acquisitions may generally divert a significant portion of our management and financial resources from our existing business and the integration of the target’s operations may pose significant business challenges, potentially straining our ability to finance and manage our existing operations.

 

  · There is no assurance that the expected synergies from any business acquisition, joint venture or strategic alliances will materialize. If we are not successful in the integration of a target’s operations, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenue from its operations to recover costs and expenses of the acquisition.

 

  · Acquisition or participation in a new joint venture or strategic alliance may involve us in the management of operation in which we do not possess extensive expertise.

 

The materialization of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We rely substantially on our senior management team and our ability to attract, train and retain qualified personnel for our current and future success.

 

The industry experience, expertise and contributions of our chairman, Mr. Xiaofeng Peng, is essential to our continuing success. We will continue to rely on our senior management, regional management and other key employees to manage our business operations and implement our growth plans. If they cannot work together effectively or efficiently, our business may be severely disrupted. If one or more of our senior or regional management personnel were unable or unwilling to continue to hold their present positions, we might not be able to recruit, train and retain personnel with comparable qualifications, and our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our qualified and experienced project development teams are critical to our success. We may not be able to continue to attract, train and retain qualified personnel, including executive officers, project development personnel, project management personnel and other key personnel with the necessary experience and expertise. In particular, as we enter into new markets, we face challenges to recruit and retain qualified personnel who are familiar with local regulatory regimes and have adequate experiences in project development and operations. In particular, we have experienced a lack of accounting personnel with an appropriate level of knowledge and experience in U.S. GAAP.

 

 

 

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There is substantial competition for qualified personnel in the downstream PV industry. Our competitors may offer more competitive packages or otherwise attract our personnel. Our costs to retain qualified personnel may also increase in response to competition. If we fail to continue to attract and retain a sufficient number of personnel with suitable managerial, technical or marketing expertise, our business operations could be adversely affected and our future growth and expansions may be inhibited.

 

Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights may undermine our competitive position, and litigation to protect our intellectual property rights may be costly.

 

We rely primarily on trade secrets, know-how and other proprietary information to protect our intellectual property. Nevertheless, these afford only limited protection and the actions we take to protect our intellectual property rights may not be adequate to provide us with meaningful protection or commercial advantage. Third parties may be able to use the technologies that we have developed and compete with us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our failure to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights may undermine our competitive position. Third parties may infringe or misappropriate our proprietary technologies or other intellectual property and proprietary rights. Policing the unauthorized use of proprietary technology can be difficult and expensive. In particular, the laws and enforcement procedures certain markets where we operate are uncertain or do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws and enforcement procedures of the United States. We may need to resort to court proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights in the future. Litigation relating to our intellectual property might result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention away from our business. An adverse determination in any such litigation will impair our intellectual property rights and adversely affect our business, prospects and reputation.

 

We may be exposed to infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties which, if determined adversely to us, could cause us to pay significant damage awards.

 

Our success depends largely on our ability to use and develop our technology and know-how without infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. The validity and scope of claims relating to solar technology involve complex scientific, legal and factual questions and analysis and, therefore, may be highly uncertain. As we continue to expand internationally, we face a heightened risk of becoming the subject of claims for intellectual property infringement. We may be subject to litigation involving claims of patent infringement or violation of intellectual property rights of third parties. An adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings against us could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, including requiring us to seek licenses from third parties, to pay ongoing royalties or to pay monetary and punitive damages. Protracted litigation could also result in our customers or potential customers deferring or limiting their procurement of our PV solutions until resolution of such litigation, which could result in losses and adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.

 

Our management has identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and we may not be able to remediate these weaknesses. Additionally, our management may identify material weaknesses in the future that could adversely affect investor confidence, impair the value of our securities and increase our cost of raising capital.

 

Our management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, and our chief executive officer concluded that our disclosure and internal controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2018. See “Item 15. Controls and Procedures” for more information. There can be no assurance as to how quickly or effectively we can remediate the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or that additional material weaknesses will not be identified in the future.

 

Any failure to remedy additional weaknesses or deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that may be discovered in the future or to implement new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in the implementation of such controls, could harm our operating results, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in our financial statements. Any such failure could, in turn, affect the future ability of our management to certify that our internal control over financial reporting is effective. Ineffective internal control over financial reporting could also subject us to the scrutiny of the SEC and other regulatory bodies which could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information and subject us to civil or criminal penalties or shareholder litigation, which could have an adverse effect on the trading price of our securities.

 

 

 

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In addition, if we identify additional deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting, the disclosure of that fact, even if quickly remedied, could reduce the market’s confidence in our financial statements and harm our share price. Furthermore, additional deficiencies could result in future non-compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”). Such non-compliance could subject us to a variety of administrative sanctions, including review by the SEC or other regulatory authorities. 

 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that may ultimately prove to be incorrect.

 

The accounting estimates and judgments that management must make in the ordinary course of business affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. If the underlying estimates are ultimately proven to be incorrect, subsequent adjustments could have a material adverse effect on our operating results for the period or periods in which the change is identified.

 

The global cryptocurrency mining services market is highly competitive and fragmented with low barriers to market.

 

Although the market for providing services to cryptocurrency miners is new and evolving, the barriers to entry are quite low. Except for having the financial resources to set up a facility, no specialized technology or know-how required. Therefore, if cryptocurrency mining remains profitable, we expect additional competitors to enter the market, some of whom may have greater resources than we do.

 

If the prices of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continue to fall, fewer people will want to conduct cryptocurrency mining operations, which will reduce the demand for our services.

 

The process for cryptocurrencies has fallen precipitously in the last few months. This decline has made it less profitable to conduct cryptocurrency mining. If the price of cryptocurrencies continues to fall or does not increase, fewer people are likely to conduct cryptocurrency mining operations, which would reduce the demand for our services.

 

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency are in the early stages of development and it is difficult to predict how the market for cryptocurrencies will develop.

 

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency are in the early stages of development and it is difficult to predict how the market for cryptocurrencies will develop. There are significant factors which may inhibit the growth of these markets, including:

 

  · volatility in the market price of cryptocurrencies;
  · the implementation of regulations on cryptocurrency markets or technology; and
  · the erosion or loss of user confidence in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could.

 

Any of these factors could significantly limit the growth of our business.

 

We need to access a large quantity of power at a reasonable cost in order to provide our cryptocurrency mining services; if we are unable to access such power sources, we not be able to profitably continue to provide cryptocurrency mining services.

 

We need to access a large quantity of power at a reasonable cost in order to provide our cryptocurrency mining services, and we do not have any long-term contract for the provision of power at specified prices. As competition in this area increases, we may not be able to access power at reasonable costs or at all. If we are unable to access new power sources, or the price of our current power sources significantly increase, we not be able to profitably continue to provide cryptocurrency mining services.

 

 

 

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Risks Related to Our International Operations

 

We are subject to risks associated with foreign currency exchange rates, fluctuations of which may negatively affect our revenue, cost of goods sold and gross margins and could result in exchange losses.

 

We currently operate in a number of jurisdictions including the U.S., Japan, U.K., Greece, Italy and Australia, and our local operations are generally conducted in the functional currency of the home jurisdiction. The FIT and other subsidies granted are also denominated in local currencies. Thus, we deal on a regular basis in several currencies concurrently, which exposes us to significant currency exchange risks. Any increased costs or reduced revenue as a result of foreign exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect our profit margins. The fluctuation of foreign exchange rates also affects the value of our monetary and other assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies. Generally, an appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the relevant local currencies could result in a foreign exchange loss for assets denominated in such local currencies and a foreign exchange gain for liabilities denominated in such local currencies. Conversely, a devaluation of the U.S. dollar against the relevant local currencies could result in a foreign exchange gain for assets denominated in such local currencies and a foreign exchange loss for liabilities denominated in such local currencies.

 

We may also expand into emerging markets, some of which may have an uncertain regulatory environment relating to currency policy. Conducting business in such emerging markets could increase our exposure to foreign exchange risks. Although we access a variety of financing solutions that are tailored to the geographic location of our projects and to local regulations, we have not entered into any hedging transactions to reduce the foreign exchange risks, but may do so in the future when appropriate. However, if we decide to hedge our foreign exchange exposure in the future, we cannot assure you that we will be able to reduce our foreign currency risk exposure in an effective manner, at reasonable costs, or at all.

 

The ongoing debt crisis in the Eurozone and market perceptions concerning the instability of the Euro and the European economy could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financing.

 

Concerns persist regarding the debt burden of certain Eurozone countries and their ability to meet future financial obligations, the overall stability of the Euro and the suitability of the Euro as a single currency given the diverse economic and political circumstances in individual Eurozone countries. These concerns or market perceptions concerning these and related issues could adversely affect the value of our Euro-denominated assets and obligations and lead to future economic slowdowns.

 

Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares

 

We have significant “equity overhang” which could adversely affect the market price of our Shares and impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities.

 

As of the date of this annual report, we had 14,514,125 ordinary shares outstanding, including 4,224,340 ordinary shares, or approximately 29% of our total ordinary shares outstanding, held by Mr. Xiaofeng Peng, our director, executive chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer. The possibility that substantial amounts of our outstanding Shares may be sold by Mr. Xiaofeng Peng or the perception that such sales could occur, or “equity overhang,” could adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares, and could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities in the future.

 

We are subject to litigation risks, including securities class actions and shareholder derivative actions, which may be costly to defend and the outcome of which is uncertain.

 

 

 

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From time to time, we are subject to legal claims, with and without merit, that may be costly, and which may divert the attention of our management and our resources in general. In addition, our solar projects may be subject to litigation or other adverse proceedings that may adversely impact our ability to proceed with construction or grid connection or sell a given project, which would adversely affect our ability to recognize revenue with respect to such project. We are currently involved in various legal proceedings. See “Item 8. Financial Information —Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal and Administrative Proceedings.” The results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. Lawsuits filed against us may assert types of claims that, if resolved against us, could give rise to substantial damages, and an unfavorable outcome or settlement of one or more of these lawsuits, or any future lawsuits, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Even if these lawsuits are not resolved against us, the costs of defending such lawsuits may not be covered by our insurance policies. We cannot assure you that additional litigation will not be filed against us in the future.

  

It may be difficult to effect service of process on, or to enforce any judgments obtained against us, our directors, or our senior management members.

 

There is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the federal or state courts of the United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), a judgment obtained in such jurisdiction will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment (a) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction, (b) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (c) is final, (d) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (e) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However, the Cayman Islands courts are unlikely to enforce a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities law if such judgment is determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands to give rise to obligations to make payments that are penal or punitive in nature. Because such a determination has not yet been made by a court of the Cayman Islands, it is uncertain whether such civil liability judgments from U.S. courts would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands.

 

Our shareholders may experience future dilution.

 

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association permits our board of directors, without shareholder approval, to authorize the issuance of preferred shares. The board of directors may classify or reclassify any preferred shares to set the preferences, rights and other terms of the classified or reclassified shares, including the issuance of preferred shares that have preference rights over our ordinary shares with respect to dividends, liquidation and voting rights. Furthermore, substantially all of our ordinary shares for which our outstanding stock options are exercisable are, once they have been purchased, eligible for immediate sale in the public market.

 

We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make these rights available in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.

 

The issuance of additional shares in our capital or the exercise of stock options or warrants could be substantially dilutive to your shares and may negatively affect the market price of our ordinary shares.

 

 

 

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The price of our securities has been and may continue to be highly volatile.

 

The price of our ordinary shares has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in the future in response to many events or factors, including those discussed in the preceding risk factors relating to our operations, as well as:

 

  · actual or anticipated fluctuations in operating results, actual or anticipated gross profit as a percentage of net sales, our actual or anticipated rate of growth and our actual or anticipated earnings per share;

 

  · changes in expectations as to future financial performance or changes in financial estimates;

 

  · changes in governmental regulations or policies in the countries in which we do business;

 

  · our, or a competitor’s, announcement of new products, services or technological innovations;

 

  · the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;

 

  · news and commentary emanating from the media, securities analysts or government bodies relating to us and to the industry in general;

 

  · changes in the general condition of the global economy and credit markets;

 

  · general market conditions or other developments affecting us or our industry;

 

  · announcements regarding patent litigation or the issuance of patents to us or our competitors;

 

  · release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding ordinary shares;

 

  · sales or perceived sales of additional ordinary shares; and

 

  · commencement of, or our involvement in, litigation.

 

Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which our ordinary shares will trade. We cannot give any assurance that these factors will not occur in the future again. In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ordinary shares. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of their stock, many companies have been the subject of securities class action litigation. If we become involved in similar securities class action litigation in the future, it could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and resources and could harm our stock price, business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are currently subject to delisting proceedings and, if we fail to meet the applicable listing requirements, NASDAQ may delist our ordinary shares from trading on its exchange in which case the liquidity and market price of our securities could decline and our ability to raise additional capital would be adversely affected.

 

Our ordinary shares are currently listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. However, we were subject to delisting proceedings for failure to maintain a trading value of publicly held shares in excess of $15 million. The hearings panel granted us until May 17, 2019 to comply with the minimum $15 million of publicly held shares requirement. We believe that we will be able to increase the market value of our publicly held shares by that date, but we cannot provide any assurance of our ability to do so. If our ordinary shares are delisted from the NASDAQ, it would make it more difficult for our shareholders to sell our ordinary shares in the public market and will result in decreased liquidity, limited availability of market quotations for our ordinary shares, limited availability of news and analyst coverage on us and decrease in our ability to issue additional securities.

 

 

 

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If we remain listed, there are a number of requirements that must be met in order for our ordinary shares to remain listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and the failure to meet any of these listing standards could result in the delisting of our ordinary shares from NASDAQ. We cannot assure you that we will be able to timely file all required reports or comply with all other Nasdaq Listing Rules at all times in the future, or regain compliance in a timely manner in case of a default and avoid any subsequent adverse action taken by the Listing Qualifications Department, including but not limited to delisting.

 

Our articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could prevent a change in control even if such takeover is beneficial to our shareholders.

 

Our articles of association contain provisions that could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of us that could be beneficial to our shareholders. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other shareholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. As a result, these provisions could limit the price that investors are willing to pay for the ordinary shares. These provisions might also discourage a potential acquisition proposal or tender offer, even if the acquisition proposal or tender offer is at a price above the then current market price of our ordinary shares. These provisions provide that our board of directors has authority, without any further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with the ordinary shares. The board of directors may decide to issue such preferred shares quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of us or make the removal of our management more difficult. If the board of directors decides to issue such preferred shares, the price of our ordinary shares may fall and the voting and other rights of holders of our ordinary shares may be materially adversely affected.

 

You may not receive dividends or other distributions on our ordinary shares and you may not receive any value for them, if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to you.

 

Under Cayman Islands law, we may only pay dividends out of our profits or share premium account subject to our ability to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of our business. Our ability to pay dividends will therefore depend on our ability to generate sufficient profits. We cannot give any assurance that we will declare dividends of any amounts, at any rate or at all in the future. We have not paid any dividends in the past. Future dividends, if any, will be paid at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to requirements under Cayman Islands law and our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time, and will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital expenditure requirements, general financial conditions, legal and contractual restrictions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

 

We are treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes.

 

Due to the circumstances of our formation and the application of Section 7874(b) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), we are treated as a U.S. corporation for all purposes of the Code. As a result, we are subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our worldwide income. In addition, if we pay dividends to a Non-U.S. Holder, as defined in the discussion “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation,” U.S. income tax will be withheld at the rate of 30%, or, subject to certain conditions, such lower rate as may be provided in an applicable income tax treaty. Each investor should consult its own tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding the ordinary shares in its particular circumstances.

 

 

 

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We rely on the foreign private issuer exemption for certain corporate governance requirements under the NASDAQ Stock Market Rules, or the NASDAQ Rules, including the majority independent board requirement. This may afford less protection to holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs.

 

As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain corporate governance requirements of NASDAQ. We are required to provide a brief description of the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the corporate governance practices required to be followed by U.S. domestic issuers under the NASDAQ Rules. The standards applicable to us are considerably different from those applied to U.S. domestic issuers. For instance, we are not required to:

 

  · have a majority of the board of directors be comprised of independent directors;

 

  · have a compensation committee that is comprised solely of independent directors;

 

  · having a nomination and corporate governance committee that is comprised solely of independent directors;

 

  · have executive compensation be determined by independent directors or a committee of independent directors;

 

  · have director nominees be selected, or recommended for selection by the board of directors, by independent directors or a committee of independent directors;

 

  · hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later than one year after the end of our fiscal year-end; and

 

  · have shareholder approval for private placement of Company’s common stocks at a price less than the greater of book or market value which together with sales by officers, directors or Substantial Shareholders of the Company equals 20% or more of common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance.

 

We are not required to, and will not voluntarily meet, these requirements. For example, our board of directors currently consists of five directors, three of whom satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Rules. The law of our home country, the Cayman Islands, does not require a majority of our board of directors be composed of independent directors. We intend to follow our home country practice with regard to the composition of the board of directors.

 

As a result, holders of our ordinary shares may not have the same protection afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of NASDAQ’s corporate governance requirements. For a description of the material corporate governance differences between the NASDAQ Rules and Cayman Islands law, see “Item 16G. Corporate Governance.”

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

A. History and Development of the Company

 

Our legal and commercial name is SPI Energy Co., Ltd. Our principal executive office is located at Unit 15-16, 19/F, South Wing, Delta House, 3 On Yiu Street, Shatin, Shek Mun, Hong Kong SAR, China. Our telephone number at this address is +852 2291 6020 and our fax number is +852 2291 6030. Our registered office is situated at 4th Floor, Harbour Place, 103 South Church Street, PO Box 10240, George Town, Cayman Islands.

 

 

 

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We raised a significant amount of cash for our working capital purposes from the issuance of shares of SPI’s common stock and convertible notes in 2014, 2015 and 2016 to non-U.S. investors in private placements. In those periods, we entered into various private placement share purchase agreements and option agreements with a number of non-U.S. investors and issued approximately 356.7 million unregistered shares or options to purchase shares of SPI’s common stock in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act, or Regulation S, mostly at a per share purchase price benchmarked to the prevailing trading price of SPI’s shares at the respective dates of these agreements, and raised an aggregate of $401.58 million. We also raised $55.0 million of cash by issuing unregistered convertible notes to non-U.S. investors in reliance of Regulations S in 2014 and 2015. In January 2016, we raised $5 million by issuing 2.5 million ordinary shares, in reliance on Regulation S, to a non-U.S. investor who exercised an option to purchase our ordinary shares pursuant to an option agreement with our Company. In September 2016, we entered into share purchase agreements with certain existing shareholders, including certain members of our management and other investors to issue and sell them an aggregate of 386.1 million ordinary shares for a total consideration of approximately $100 million. In January 2017, we completed approximately $0.881 million of its $100 million private placement. The investors in these transactions have advised us that they no longer wish to close on these transactions. 

 

In April 2017, we entered into a share purchase agreement with Tiger Capital Fund SPC participating in Tiger Global SP, which agreed to purchase 800,000 ordinary shares, at an aggregate purchase price of $5.76 million. In June 2017, the Tiger Fund agreed to assign its rights and obligations under the share purchase agreement to Qian Kun Prosperous Times Investment Limited. The transaction was completed in July 2017.

 

In October 2017, we entered into share purchase agreements with each of Qian Kun Prosperous Times Investment Limited and Alpha Assai fund SP of Sunrise SPC. The share purchase agreements provide, among other things, that Qian Kun Prosperous Times Investment Limited and Alpha Assai fund SP of Sunrise SPC will purchase 800,000 and 2,400,000 ordinary shares respectively, for a total consideration of $33.92 million, subject to the terms and conditions of the respective share purchase agreement, including a lock-up for 90 days from the closing date of the contemplated transactions, or such other time or on such other date that is agreed upon in writing by both parties. The investors in these transactions delayed closing the placement due to our delinquency status with Nasdaq. The investors in these transactions advised us that they no longer wish to close on these transactions.

 

On January 17, 2019, we entered into share purchase agreements with certain existing shareholders (including certain key management personnel of the Company) and other investors (collectively, the "Purchasers"), to purchase an aggregate of 6,600,000 ordinary shares of the Company at a price of US$1.16 per Share, for a total consideration of approximately $7.7 million. The transaction has closed on April 14, 2019. The shares are being offered and sold solely to non-U.S. investors, on a private placement basis in reliance on Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The ordinary shares have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. Net proceeds from the sale of the shares are intended to be used for expansion of our global PV project activities and general corporate purposes.

 

Our Company was incorporated by SPI as a company limited by shares in the Cayman Islands on May 4, 2015. On January 4, 2016, we completed the redomiciliation of SPI to the Cayman Islands, whereby SPI merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Company and the holders of SPI common stock that was acquired before the relevant F-4 registration statement became effective have the right to receive ADS representing ordinary shares of our Company. As a result, the former shareholders of SPI became the beneficial owners of the capital stock of our Company, and our Company, together with our subsidiaries, now own and continue to conduct SPI’s business in substantially the same manner as was conducted by SPI and its subsidiaries. Our Company is also managed by substantially the same board of directors and executive officers that managed SPI previously.

 

Between January 19, 2016 and September 18, 2017, our ADSs were listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “SPI”. The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary bank for the ADS facility, terminated our ADS facility on September 18, 2017. Following such termination, we listed our ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, for trading on NASDAQ Global Select Market in substitution for our ADSs. On September 19, 2017, the substitution listing became effective and our ordinary shares began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “SPI”.

 

On January 1, 2017, we deconsolidated Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited due to loss of control.

 

 

 

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On December 10, 2018, we divested all our business and operations in China for nominal consideration due to the significant liabilities in the business.

 

Nasdaq Compliance

 

On December 12, 2018, we received a letter from the Nasdaq indicating that the Company is not in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5450(b)(3)(C) (the “Rule”) for continued listing because the market value of its publicly held shares was less than $15 million. Normally, a company that fails to comply with the Rule would be eligible for a 180 day compliance period. However, in its November 19, 2018 decision relating to a prior delinquency of the Company, the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) determined to impose a Panel Monitor lasting through 2019. The Panel noted that if at any time during the monitor period the Company fails any listing standard, Nasdaq would issue a delisting determination and the hearings department would schedule a new hearing. Therefore, the Company is not eligible for the 180 day compliance period and the Panel will notify the Company of its newly scheduled hearing date in the coming days. The hearing was held on January 24, 2019, and the hearings panel granted us until May 17, 2019 to comply with the minimum $15 million of publicly held shares requirement. We believe that we will be able to increase the market value of our publicly held shares by that date, but we cannot provide any assurance of our ability to do so. If we do not satisfy the requirement by May 17, 2019, our ordinary shares will be delisted from the Nasdaq. If our ordinary shares are delisted from the NASDAQ, it would make it more difficult for our shareholders to sell our ordinary shares in the public market and will result in decreased liquidity, limited availability of market quotations for our ordinary shares, limited availability of news and analyst coverage on us and decrease in our ability to issue additional securities.

 

B. Business Overview

 

We are a global provider of PV solutions for business, residential, government and utility customers and investors. We provide a full spectrum of EPC services to third party project developers, as well as develop, own and operate solar projects that sell electricity to the grid in multiple countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Greece, Japan and Italy. Prior to 2014, we were primarily engaged in providing EPC services to developers in the U.S. We were also engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of a variety of PV modules, the key components of solar parks that convert sunlight into electricity, and balance-of-system components, including our in-house brand. We have discontinued our manufacturing business and liquidated our research and development function. Beginning in 2014, we expanded our global project development business by ramping up our portfolio of global solar projects, including projects that we plan to hold in the long term and derive electricity generation revenue from our independent power producer model, or IPP model, and projects that we plan to sell in the future when we are presented with attractive opportunities under our build-and-transfer model, or BT model. We grow our project portfolio primarily through acquisitions and act as a secondary developer for the projects which are under construction or in pipeline upon acquisition. Solar projects in our current portfolio include projects at all stages of development, including projects in operation, projects under construction and projects in pipeline. See “—Our Global Project Development Business—Our Solar Project Portfolio.”

 

For our EPC service business, the scope of our work encompasses engineering design procurement of technical components from PV module and panel manufacturers and contracting of construction and installation, which reaches both upstream and downstream along the spectrum of the solar business value chain. Our rigorous design and supply chain management as well as construction quality control enable us to design, build and deliver world-class solar system configurations with components that can work optimally together.

 

For our global project development business, as of April 30, 2019, we had completed a series of acquisitions of solar projects that were in operation, consisting of (i) 26.6 MW of projects in Greece, acquired in December 2014 for a total consideration of $80.948 million including the rights to be awarded up to 360MW EPC contracts, (ii) 4.3 MW of projects in Italy, acquired in February 2015 for a total consideration of $11.8 million, (iii) 1.082 MW and 1.988 MW of projects in Greece, acquired in December 2017 and March 2019 respectively, for a total consideration of Euro 6.0 million ($ 6.87 million), and (iv) 0.2744 MW of projects in Japan, acquired in July 2017 for a total consideration of JPY 110 million ($ 0.98 million) .

 

By the year end of December 31, 2018, we sold eight solar projects in the U.S. (9.653MW) to third party at the consideration of $15.8 million, which has been recognized as revenue accordingly. We divested our solar projects in China in December 2018.

 

As of the date of this report, we are constructing an aggregate of 1.85 MW of projects in the United States under our BT model. We anticipate that the U.S. project will be connected to the grid in 2020.

 

 

 

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We had 34.64MW of projects in announced pipeline as of April 30, 2019. See “—Our Global Project Development Business—Our Solar Project Portfolio.” We expect to complete the acquisition of, or commence permitting processes for, our projects in announced pipeline as soon as practicable. We believe these new additions, combined with our existing project portfolio, demonstrate our broad geographic reach and established presence across key solar markets and mitigate country-specific risks.

 

Solarbao

 

We launched www.solarbao.com in early 2015, which primarily targets retail customers residing in China. Starting from May 2017, we have ceased offering new investment products to investors and stopped accepting new investments on the Solarbao platform.

 

Beginning in April 2017, investors on the Solarbao platform had issues recovering their principal and proceeds in accordance with the terms of their respective investment agreements due to the reduction in liquidity resulting from the combined effects of delay in the subsidies for providing solar power from the government on solar farms in operations and delayed rental payments from the solar farm owners. The government subsidies were delayed due to a delay in the processing of the paperwork by the applicable government agencies.

 

Since 2018, more lawsuits or disputes were filed by vendors of the Group, resulting in the Group’s various bank accounts and other assets being frozen during the process of these lawsuits. The remaining EPC business and PV related projects in China were suspended due to insufficient working capital. The operation in mainland China suffered from severe suspension. Therefore, it was very difficult for the Company to dispose of its assets and to accelerate its redemption and repayment plan, as well as settle the payables, including acquisition payables due to Sinsin Group.

 

We divested this business and all our operations in China in December 2018 for nominal consideration due to the significant liabilities in the business.

 

Deconsolidation

 

On January 1, 2017, we deconsolidated Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited due to loss of control.

 

Disposition China Assets

 

On August 30, 2018, SPI Energy Co., Ltd. (“SPI Energy” or the “Company”) entered into a share purchase agreement (the “SPA”) with Lighting Charm Limited (the “Buyer”), an affiliate of Ms. Shan Zhou, the spouse of Xiaofeng Peng, the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement was approved by an independent committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and the transactions contemplated by the SPA closed on December 10, 2018.

 

The SPA provides that the Company will sell the Buyer 100% of the shares of SPI China (HK) Limited (“SPI China”), which holds all of the Company’s assets and liabilities related to its business in China (the “Acquired Business”). These assets include EPC business, PV projects, Internet finance lease related business, and E-commerce in China.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the SPA, the consideration (the “Consideration”) for the Acquired Business to be paid by the Buyer to the Company in cash was the greater of (i) US$1.00 or (ii) the fair market value of the business as determined by an independent appraisal firm. The Company also granted the Buyer the option (the “Option”) to purchase from the Company up to 1,000,000 of the Company’s Ordinary Shares, par value of US$ 0.0001 per share (the “Ordinary Shares”), which Option will be exercisable by the Buyer at any time on or prior to August 21, 2021. The option exercise price is US$ 3.80 per share. Although the Agreement provided for the Company to repurchase the Acquired Business, on December 9, 2018, the Company and the Buyer entered into a supplemental agreement pursuant to which the repurchase right was eliminated.

 

 

 

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The pre-closing restructuring mainly resulted in: (1) SolarJuice Co., Ltd., a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquiring 80% of the equity interests in Solar Juice Pty Limited, a holding company which holds all the assets of the Company in Australia; (2) the Company acquiring all of the equity interests in Solar Power Inc. UK Service Limited, a holding company which holds all the assets of the Company in UK; (3) SPI Orange Power (Cyprus) Limited, a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquiring all of the equity interests in SPI Renewable Energy (Luxembourg) Private Limited Company S.a.r.l., a holding company which holds part of the assets of the Company in Italy; (4) SPI Orange Power (Cyprus) Limited acquiring all the equity interests in ItalsolarS.r.l, a company which holds a portion of the assets of the Company in Italy; (5) the Company acquiring all of the equity interests of Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited, a holding company which holds all the assets of the Company in Greece; and (6) SPI Group Holding Co., Ltd., a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquiring 97% of the equity interests in SPI Solar Japan G.K.

 

On December 10, 2018, the Company and the Buyer executed the bought and sold notes and instrument of transfer relating to the shares in SPI China. Based on Vanessa Stott’s Hong Kong Company Law (14th Edition), upon the execution of the bought and sold notes, the equitable title to the shares in SPI China passes to the Buyer and until the legal title is transferred, the Company holds the shares in SPI China on trust for the Buyer. On December 10, 2018, the Company arranged for the submission of the bought and sold notes and instrument of transfer together with the relevant documents to the Hong Kong Stamp Office for the assessment of the stamp duty. The stamp duty has been paid on February 13 2019. On April 30, 2019, the Buyer’s name has entered in the register of members of SPI China, the Buyer is the owner of the shares in SPI China.

 

Crypto Mining Hosting

 

In early 2018, we launched www.umining.io , a turnkey solution offering global crypto-mining hosting, training, sales, and repair services. As of December 31, 2018, we had 2 pilot mining sites in Canada and the U.S. We continue to look for potential investments to increase our mining capacity by the end of 2019.

 

Our Engineering, Procurement and Construction Service Business

 

Developing a PV system is a highly complex endeavor which requires technical expertise as well as process management and business skills. The engineers of a PV project must properly oversee the design and installation of the PV modules, racking and mounting systems, interconnection and balance-of-systems components, inverters, batteries and other electric and technical equipment and enable the project to generate electricity and interconnect with the local grid. As the engineer’s work is closely interrelated with the equipment installed in the project and the construction of the project itself, project developers generally contract out all three important tasks of the (engineering, procurement and construction services, which form the technical backbone of a successful PV power plant) to a single EPC contractor.

 

An EPC service provider generally plans, executes and manages the engineering design of a project, the procurement of required components and materials, and the construction of the project itself. Focused on the engineering and other technical aspects of the project, EPC services are distinguishable from the financial and regulatory aspects of developing a solar project generally handled by developers’ in-house teams. EPC services work is at the center of the project development value chain, reaching both upstream (the procurement of equipment from PV module manufacturers) and downstream (the contracting of construction and installation work). As a PV solution provider familiar with the entire process of a PV project development, we are able to deliver sophisticated and specialized EPC solutions to PV project developers, achieving efficiencies in both the upstream and downstream of the value chains.

 

When providing EPC services, our expertise in the solar project development and manufacturing fields allows us to realize cooperative synergies and also exert leverage with third-party contractors that helps drive performance and create value for our customers. Our broad expertise can inform the overall development process, affording us a more significant role in program management, project scheduling, quality management and quality control of a project. Under this model, we work closely with our customers and sub-contractors to successfully deliver completed solar projects, fostering and improving our existing relationships with established PV system developers, integrators and installers. Thus, our provision of EPC services is a critical contribution to projects in which we partner with project developers.

 

We typically work with customers on-site to perform feasibility studies, manage deliveries and materials, and oversee design, installation, construction system start-up, testing, and grid connection. The size of the system is the primary determinant of development timing. For an average project, the process takes three to six months, based on our past experience. We use our in-house capabilities for engineering and procurement, taking advantage of our strong relationships with diverse supplier network for the provision of modules, racking systems, balance of system components and other items at competitive prices and terms. We generally outsource and oversee construction to specialized EPC construction sub-contractors.

 

 

 

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We earn pre-agreed EPC service fees from our customers, who generally make milestone payments to us. In 2016 and 2017, we derived revenue of $13.5million and nil respectively from the provision of our EPC services. In 2016, we entered into new EPC contracts in China to provide EPC services to a 0.289MW project with Hebei Zhaoshu New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. and a 1MW project with Foshan Kezhou New Energy Development Co.,    Ltd. In 2017 and 2018, because of the legal proceedings relating to the Solarbao platform, we did not enter into any EPC contracts in China. We divested all of our Chinese business in December 2018.

 

Engineering Design

 

As a critical first step in the EPC process, engineering design involves the planning of the entire solar project, from feasibility studies of the land and irradiation levels to efficient arrangement of mounting, modules and connection systems. Our technical team takes responsibility over initial solar project engineering with support from third-party contractors. The engineering design process includes the site layout and the electrical design, as well as assessment of a variety of factors in order to choose appropriate technologies and equipment for the project, particularly modules and inverters. Throughout the engineering design phase, we aim to reduce the risks, control the costs and improve the performance of our EPC projects.

 

Procurement and Construction

 

In order to focus on our core downstream development and EPC service businesses, we no longer manufacture PV modules or produce other equipment such as controllers, inverters and balance of system components. Rather, we procure them from third-party manufacturers and install them in our PV systems as part of our EPC business.

 

We procure PV modules and other key equipment for project construction from independent suppliers and contract work to third-party EPC contractors in areas such as logistics, installation, construction and supervision. We believe this allows us to focus our resources on higher value-added tasks. We maintain an updated list of qualified and reliable global suppliers and local third-party contractors in the areas where we operate with a proven track record and with which we have established relationships.

 

We choose our suppliers and third-party EPC contractors through a competitive bidding process. The relevant departments of our headquarters organize and collect bids, communicate with bidders and coordinate with our regional development teams to meet local technical and legal requirements. This helps ensure that we have a strong, reliable and experienced supplier and construction team working with us on each of our EPC project.

 

Procurement of PV Modules and Other Equipment

 

We apply stringent quality assurance protocols to select components with a long useful life that are compatible with a variety of parameters of the project, including local topography and local solar irradiation.

 

PV modules, the primary equipment of our solar projects, typically contribute to a substantial portion of the overall system costs. We procure our PV modules from a wide array of suppliers including Trina Solar Limited, JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., Xiexin Integration Technology Co., Ltd., JA Solar Holding Co., Ltd., LG Electronics, and Chint, among others.

 

We consider the following factors when we procure project equipment: technical specifications (such as size, type and power output), bid prices, warranty and insurance programs, spectral response, performance in low light, nominal power tolerance levels, degradation rate, technical support and reputation of suppliers. We typically require 10-year warranties for defects in materials or workmanship and 25-year warranty for module capacity under normal testing conditions (2-3% of capacity for the first year with a 0.5-0.8% linear degradation in capacity every year thereafter).

 

We are generally required to pay 100% of the purchase price within a period ranging from three months to six months after receipt, inspection and acceptance of the PV modules. We typically pay manufacturers deposits that represent 10% to 50% of the total purchase price.

 

 

 

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Construction Contracting

 

When acting as a general contractor, we generally outsource the construction of our PV power plants to third-party construction companies and closely monitor their execution of our designs. Most of these companies are specialized EPC construction subcontractors. Our construction oversight teams conduct constructability reviews, provide construction support, contract administration and document control services, construction inspection, engineering support, instrumentation installation and monitoring, and on-site construction supervision and monitoring.

 

We utilize a number of metrics to manage and monitor the performance of our third-party contractors in terms of both quality and delivery time and to ensure compliance with applicable safety and other requirements. For instance, we may delegate qualified representatives to review, supervise, organize and provide comments on the third-party contractor’s design, construction plan, construction guidelines, materials and documentations. We also conduct periodic inspections to examine project implementation and quality against our project planning and quality standards and prepare periodic reports for review and approval by our relevant departments. If we identify any quality or progress issues that are attributable to the work of our third-party contractors, we will follow-up with them and monitor their rectification work.

 

Those third-party contractors are responsible for the quality of the project and must maintain relevant insurance designating us as the beneficiary. They must ensure the project complies with all local safety, labor and environmental laws and regulations. We examine and keep records of the production-related safety documentation and insurance policies of our third-party contractors. All production-related tools and equipment used by our third-party contractors must be compliant with and certified by applicable regulatory standards. The contractors submit detailed quality assurance procedures and regularly updates us on the progress, quality and safety of the project. Our third-party contractors utilize a variety of measures to protect the project location, including the transmission line, built facilities and infrastructure, from damage during the construction process.

 

We are generally entitled to damages if our third-party contractors fail to meet the prescribed requirements and deadlines under our contracts. We usually negotiate to pay our third-party contractors the remaining 5% or 10% of the contract price after the expiration of the quality warranty period, which generally ranges from one to two years. If we pay the full contract price upon completion of a project, we require the contractor to provide a performance guarantee in respect of the warranty obligations for such project.

 

Commissioning and Warranties

 

We assess and evaluate our solar projects before completion. Upon completion of construction, we conduct commissioning tests prior to grid connection. The tests include a detailed visual inspection of all significant aspects of the plant, an open circuit voltage test and a short circuit current test, and then a direct-current test after connecting to the grid. We focus commissioning tests on the quality of the construction and major equipment. These tests are conducted in order to ensure that the plant is structurally and electrically safe, and is sufficiently robust to operate as designed for the specified project lifetime.

 

After grid connection, we also conduct commissioning tests on electricity generation performance. As grid connection requires approval from power companies, post-grid connection commissioning tests are also conducted by local quality supervisors or third-parties approved by the power companies. In addition to the warranties provided by the manufacturers of modules and balance-of-system components, EPC contractors also typically provide a limited warranty against defects in workmanship, engineering design, and installation services under normal use and service conditions for a period of one to two years following the energizing of a section of a solar power plant or upon substantial completion of the entire solar power plant. In resolving claims under the workmanship, design and installation warranties, the new owner has the option of remedying the defect to the warranted level through repair, refurbishment, or replacement.

 

 

 

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Our Global Project Development Business

 

We develop and sell or own and operate solar projects which sell electricity to the grid in multiple countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Greece, Japan and Italy. In 2014, we expanded our global project development business by ramping up our portfolio of global solar projects, including projects that we plan to hold in the long term for electricity generation revenue under our IPP model, as well as projects which we plan to sell in the future when we are presented with attractive opportunities under our BT model. We grow our project portfolio primarily through acquisitions and our project acquisition strategy is based on rigorous market research and due diligence on the target project’s capacity, local energy demands, applicable tariff regime, supporting infrastructure, local government support and topography for construction in the case of projects under construction and projects in pipeline. We also consider available financing options, internal rate of return, key technical components, terms of the grid connection agreements and power purchase agreements, or PPAs, as well as guarantees on performance for projects in all development stages. We act as secondary developer for the projects under construction or in pipeline when they are acquired. We either hold these projects in the long term for electricity generation revenue or sell them when presented with attractive opportunities.

 

We had an aggregate 1.85 MW of projects in the U.S. as of April 30, 2019. We divested all of our business in China in December 2018.

 

Most of our solar projects are subject to the FIT policies of the countries or regions where they operate. FIT refers to the national and local subsidies to solar power generation supported by the government. For the FIT terms of our projects, please refer to “—Our Solar Project Portfolio.”

 

Our Solar Project Portfolio

 

We expect our solar projects to have operational lives of 25 to 27 years. As of April 30, 2019, our solar project portfolio consisted of:

 

  · Projects in Operation—“Projects in operation” refers to projects connected to the grid and selling electricity. As of April 30, 2019, we had projects in operation with an attributable capacity of 15.706MW in the U.K., Greece, Japan and Italy.

 

  · Projects under Construction—“Projects under construction” refers to projects at the construction stage. We generally complete construction in three to six months after obtaining all the permits required for construction, if local climate and topographical conditions permit. We had 1.85MW of projects under construction in the US as of April 30, 2019 and we expect substantially all of them to be connected to the grid by December 31, 2019.

 

  · Projects in Announced Pipeline—“Projects in announced pipeline” refers to projects that we have entered into definitive agreements to develop with a third party in which we expect to own a majority of the equity interest, and projects we have entered into definitive agreements to acquire. We had 30.24 MW project pipeline in the U.S. In May 2019 we will acquire an additional 4.4MW of solar projects in operation in Greece.

 

The following summary sets forth our solar projects in operation, solar projects under construction and solar projects in announced pipeline as of April 30, 2019. For more recent development of the solar projects portfolio and potential sale of our solar projects, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Resources and Material Known Facts on Liquidity.”

 

 

 

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Solar Projects in Operation*

 

Country

Project name

Gross capacity (MW)

Our equity holding

Attributable capacity (MW)

Ground/ Rooftop

Connection date

FIT terms

Greece  HELIOSTIXIO SA 1.082 100% 1.082 Ground September 2012 EUR0.215/kWh
Greece  HELIOHRISI SA 1.988 100% 1.988 Ground September 2012 EUR0.215/kWh
Japan  Ibaraki 0.2744 100% 0.2744 Ground

December

2014

JPY36/kWh
               
Italy SPI Renewables Energy (Luxembourg) Private Limited Company S.a.r.l. (formerly known as CECEP Solar Energy (Luxembourg) Private Limited Company (S.a.r.l.)); ItalsolarS.r.l. 4.3 100% 4.3 Ground and Rooftop December 2009 EUR0.22-0.35/kWh
U.K. CairnhillSolarfield Limited 3.0906 100% 3.0906 Ground February 2016 1.3 ROCs
U.K. Emotion energy Solar One Limited 4.971 100% 4.971 Ground March 2016 1.3 ROCs
Total   15.706   15.706      

 

  1. The PPA agreements did not fix the FIT. The FIT will be charged based on the relevant law in force in Greece. The current law in force is law4254/2014. According the monthly FIT statements by the electricity supply bureau in Greece, the FIT range of the PV plants was EUR0.19~0.20/kWh in 2014.Sinsin has been deconsolidated in the year of 2017 due to loss of control.

   

Solar Projects Under Construction*

  

Country   Our equity holding   Number of solar projects   Attributable capacity (MW)   Ground/Rooftop   Scheduled Connection date   FIT terms
                         
US   100%   2   1.85   Ground   2019  

<500kW: $0.238/kWh

>500kW: $0.236/kWh 1

Total      

2

 

1.85

           

_______________

1 Intended by us to be BT projects in 2018 and 2019 and may be held as our IPP projects upon completion of construction if we determine that the return of owning the projects and selling electricity is more attractive.

 

As of December 31, 2018, we had capital commitments of approximately $6.6 million. As the total capital expenditure may be affected by various factors including, among others, increases in cost of key equipment and materials, failure to obtain sufficient financing, unexpected engineering or environmental issues as well as changes in regulatory requirements, the actual total capital expenditure may deviate significantly from such estimates. We expect to finance construction of these projects using cash from our operations and private placements, bank borrowings, financial leases as well as other third-party financing options.

 

  · Solar Projects in Announced Pipeline*As of April 30, 2019, we were in the process of obtaining relevant regulatory approvals for the following self-developed and acquired solar projects: 30.24 MW project in the U.S.; In May 2019 we will acquire an additional 4.4MW of solar projects in operation in Greece according the Framework SPA with TANEO FUND THERMI executed on September 20, 2017.

_______________________

  * Our project portfolio excludes projects for which we provide EPC services but in which we do not own any equity interest or do not expect to acquire and excludes projects we have disposed of.

 

 

 

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We sold all of our projects in China in connection with the sale of our Chinese business in December 2018.

 

Featured Markets

 

  · U.S. We have been present in the U.S. market since the commencement of our business. As of April 30, 2019, we had 1.85MW of projects under construction and 30.24 MW of projects in announced pipeline.

 

  · U.K. We entered the U.K. market in 2014. As of December 31, 2018, we owned 2 solar projects in operation with a total capacity of 8.1MW. In the U.K., all of the projects in our portfolio are eligible for FIT.
     

 

  · Greece. We entered the Greek market in 2014. As of December 31, 2018, we owned five solar projects in operation with a total capacity of 27.682 MW, of which four solar projects owned by Sinsin were deconsolidated as of December 31, 2018. In Greece, all of the projects in our portfolio are eligible for FIT. In 2017 we acquired one solar project of 1.082MW. In March 2019, we also acquired one solar project of 1.988 MW. We had 4.4 MW of projects in our pipeline in Greece as of April 30, 2019 and we expect to acquire in May 2019.

 

  · Japan. We entered the Japanese market in 2014. We had 0.2744 MW of solar project in operation. In Japan, all of our projects are eligible to receive FIT.

 

  · Italy. We entered the Italian market in 2015. We had 4.3 MW of solar projects in operation as of April 30, 2019. In Italy, all of our projects are eligible to receive FIT.

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of our net sales by geographic location of customers for the periods indicated: 

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2016     2017     2018  
    ($ in thousands except percentage)  
United Kingdom     694       0.6%       6,903       5.7%       932       0.7%  
Australia     81,241       70.9%       112,174       92.3%       91,381       72.8%  
United States     6,622       5.8%                   18,721       14.9%  
Greece     8,737       7.6%                   378       0.3%  
Japan     12,893       11.3%       511       0.4%       12,437       9.9%  
Italy     1,740       1.5%       1,932       1.6%       1,733       1.4%  
Germany     2,675       2.3%                          
Total     114,602       100.0%       121,520       100.0%       125,582       100.0%  

 

Acquisition of Solar Projects

 

We made significant acquisitions of solar projects in 2014 and 2015. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Recent Acquisition Activities” on the projects we have acquired or expect to acquire. We may keep acquiring completed solar projects or other assets from independent third-parties which we believe will synergize with our existing operations and expansion strategies. Those acquisitions would be preapproved by our board.

 

 

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Our board of directors has formulated a uniform standard for assessing target assets with respect to the acquisition of solar projects, and such standard may be adjusted based on our Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations from time to time. Our board of directors considers the following criteria when assessing potential acquisitions, among others:

 

  · the internal rate of return of the project prior to leverage, taking into consideration applicable FIT or PPA rate, and other applicable government incentives;

 

  · our ratio of debt-service coverage;

 

  · the solar irradiation hours of the project, after discounting for performance;

 

  · the use of financeable and reliable brands for and technical specifications of the key components, including modules, invertors, mounting systems, racks/tracking systems, and EPC integration services;

 

  · any performance guarantees required, as well as any compensation for failing to perform;

 

  · clear and trustworthy opinions from third-party professionals after detailed technical, financial, tax and legal due diligence; and

 

  · reasonable payment terms matching relevant milestones.

 

Market Due Diligence

 

We aim to select solar projects located at sites with long solar irradiation hours, high energy demand, good supporting infrastructure, favorable tariff regimes, local government support and appropriate topography for construction. We systematically analyze land cost, solar irradiation, grid connection capacity, land and property status, government support, availability of project financing and any other project information that would impact the overall economic return of the project. We target projects that we believe to have appropriate balance of financial returns, costs and risks.

 

Permit Development Process

 

The permit development process is the process of obtaining all required permits, certifications and approvals from relevant government authorities for solar project development. As of December 31, 2018, most of our solar projects in operation had been undertaken by us as a secondary developer.

 

We acquire solar projects under development by third parties which have secured land use rights, development permits, or even begun construction. We typically learn about potential projects suitable for secondary development from our business partners, national or local governments, industry publications, overseas engineering exhibitions or overseas business liaison organizations. Our criteria for sourcing solar projects include land cost, solar irradiation, availability of FIT benefits or other government incentives, grid connection capacity, local financing opportunities and other project information. The selection process involves detailed due diligence into those third parties’ relevant company documentation, financial projections and the legal status of permits already secured by the project.

 

After an acquisition, we continue to develop the project through grid connection as our own. We pursue secondary permit development in markets with relatively liquid markets for energy permits transfer, thus allowing a smooth transfer of pre-operational solar assets from third-party developers to us. Under certain circumstances, we negotiate site acquisition, preliminary permits, grid connection agreements and PPAs for projects under our secondary development model depending on the development stage when we acquire them.

 

 

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Permit Development Steps

 

The following sets forth each step of our permit development:

 

  · Evaluating project sites and location —The critical factors for evaluating the site of a solar project include its solar irradiation, its proximity to a grid connection point, zoning regulations and its general geographic and topographic features. If a project site is suitable for development or acquisition, our regional development team submits a site assessment report on the land and other related information to our management for evaluation and approval.

 

  · Due diligence —Our in-house technical and EPC team, along with third-party experts we contract as needed, examine project items such as engineering and design specifications, technical risks and solar irradiation and environmental analyses. We pay special attentions to potential delays and cost overruns, grid capacity and additional costs which may not be captured in the technical design. We also ensure that a project has clean legal titles to the permits and other permissions it has secured. In all cases, we ensure that local regulations allow us to properly carry out our business intentions for a project, whether by allowing us to hold the project under our IPP model or transfer it under our BT model.

 

  · Market considerations —We target projects which have appropriate balance of financial returns, costs and risks. Important factors include, the costs of maintenance, local taxes and fees, and the availability of applicable FIT, local credit or other refinancing options. Our financial teams conduct financial forecasts based on information about the financial prospects of the solar project and the local energy market to make a profitability estimate and adjust our capital plan accordingly.

 

  · Permitting —Permit and licensing requirements vary depending on the jurisdiction of the solar project, but the key permits, licenses and agreements typically required for solar projects include land acquisition or lease contracts, environmental impact assessments, building or rezoning permits, planning consents, grid connection contracts and PPAs. We work closely with relevant government and private stakeholders to secure all necessary permits to develop a project, including local or regional planning authorities, electric utilities, local communities, environmental agencies, as well as health and safety agencies.

 

Project Financing

 

A solar project sponsor typically sets up a project company as a special purpose vehicle to own a particular solar project and arrange for project financing. We typically enter into contracts and other agreements under the name of the project company, which facilitates project financing by isolating the project and its assets, and any potential securitization requirements, from our broader global business.

 

The construction cost of a project is mainly funded by our working capital, and to a lesser extent, funded through bank borrowings in the year ended December 31, 2018. We seek to negotiate favorable credit terms with our equipment suppliers and EPC contractors when possible, such that payment is not due until several months after construction and grid connection are complete. While the exact mix of external and internal financing varies from project to project, we estimate that as of December 31, 2018, approximately 50% to 60% of the total costs of our solar projects under construction were funded by our working capital, with the remainder funded through bank borrowings. Our working capital dedicated towards a particular project would be generally available to us for other purposes if needed, and would not be considered restricted cash isolated at that project. We also have given guarantees to the lenders on certain project financings. However, none of our cash and cash equivalents have been collateralized to guarantee such project financings.

 

We generally seek to arrange debt financing for our solar projects from local banks and financial leasing companies in countries that are more open and receptive to renewable energy investments.

 

 

 

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Engineering, Procurement and Construction

 

Given the multi-jurisdiction coverage of our project portfolio, we choose to utilize our EPC capabilities or contract third party EPC contractors to service our own projects, based on our cost analysis taking into consideration of locations, topographical conditions as well as the quality and competition of local EPC service providers. For detailed information on our EPC capabilities, see “—Our Engineering, Procurement and Construction Service Business.”

 

Operation and Maintenance Business

 

We operate and maintain solar projects connected to the grid, especially those we have provided EPC services to. We may choose to contract third party O&M contractors to service our own projects, based on our cost analysis taking into consideration of locations, topographical conditions as well as the quality and competition of local EPC service providers. We regularly maintain solar projects for our customers to ensure that these projects operate in good condition and comply with the recommendations issued by the grid company in order to remain connected.

 

By operating the projects effectively and efficiently, we reduce down time and increase electricity output. A project’s major lifecycle costs mainly consist of maintenance fee and depreciation of modules, inverters and transformers. We monitor electricity production and any incidents or abnormalities which may impede normal operation. We adjust production levels based on the available capacity of the grid.

 

Our Australia Distribution Business

 

Solar Juice Pty Limited or Solar Juice is a wholesale distributor of Solar PV panels, solar inverters, components and complete solar systems, which was established in Australia in September 2009. It is one of the largest importers of solar related products in Australia with over 5000 B2B customers in every state and territory of Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Currently Solar Juice has six warehouses located around Australia and one located in Singapore.

 

Solar Juice, as a wholesale supplier, has developed key partners which have supported the growth of its brands throughout Australia, New Zealand and SEA Countries. Solar Juice aligns itself with the most popular brands SMA, Fronius, ABB, Solax, LG Electronics, LG Chem, Trina,JA and Chint, which have the same values as Solar Juice, namely service and support, quality and value for money. Solar Juice’s products are backed by warranties held in Australia, experience and knowledge which set it apart from the competition, and commitment to serving the customer’ needs. Solar Juice’s own branded products Opal Panels, Opal Switch and Opal storage provided customers with more value for money choices.

 

After years’ continuous rapid growth, Solar Juice faced a few external and internal challenges including PV market price fluctuation, limited working capital and suppliers’ credit in 2018. Solar Juice’s management actively undertook an operational restructure to meet market changes, adjusted inventory level to fit working capital, cut operation costs and general expenses to keep profit margin. Solar juice’s inventory and trade payable balances were reduced by 26% and 31% respectively, borrowings decreased 45% after a replacement of previous trade finance with new debt finance from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2018. As a result, Solar Juice successfully improved its operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, achieved $ 0.35 million net profit target, with a stronger financial position by the end of 2018.

 

Solar Juice will benefit from these improvements in long term and keep its leadership in premium PV market in Australia. In the meantime, Solar Juice’s traditional strengths such as outstanding customer services, technical supports and warranty services will keep differentiating it from the competitors.

 

Our Partnership with Energy Storage Solution Provider

 

See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Recent Acquisition Activities—Other Solar Businesses— EnSync Investment.”

 

 

 

 

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Competition

 

Solar Power Market

 

The solar power market is intensely competitive and rapidly evolving, and we compete with major international and domestic companies over the development of solar projects. Our major competitors include leading global players such as SunPower Corporation, First Solar, Inc., Canadian Solar, Inc., SunEdison, Inc., SolarCity Corporation, Lightsource Renewable Energy Limited, and regional players such as West Holdings Corporation, Looop Inc., Zhenfa New Energy Science and Technology Co. Ltd., TBEA Sunoasis Co. Ltd., China Power Investment Corporation and other regional and international developers.

 

We believe that we can compete favorably with our competitors given that the key competitive factors for solar project development and operation include, without limitation:

 

  · industry reputation and development track record;

 

  · site selection and acquisition;

 

  · permit and project development experience and expertise;

 

  · relationship with government authorities and knowledge of local policies;

 

  · ability to secure high-quality PV modules and balance-of-system components at favorable prices and terms;

 

  · ready access to project financing;

 

  · control over the quality, efficiency and reliability of project development;

 

  · expertise in permit and project development; and

 

  · expertise in providing EPC and O&M services.

 

However, we cannot guarantee that some of our competitors do not or will not have advantages over us in terms of greater operational, financial, technical, management or other resources in particular markets or in general. In terms of the broader energy sector, the entire solar industry faces competition from other power generation sources, including conventional sources as well as other emerging technologies. Solar power has certain advantages and disadvantages when compared to other power generating technologies. The advantages include the ability to deploy products in many sizes and configurations, install products almost anywhere in the world, provide reliable power for many applications and reduce air, water and noise pollution. Yet other energy sources have advantages which may result in electric utilities, grid companies or other off-takers to enter PPAs or other electricity purchase arrangements with companies specializing in those energy sources rather than us or other companies specializing in solar power.

 

Cryptocurrency Hosting Services

  

Cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency mining are new industries, the competitive landscapes are still developing. Although the barriers to entry in this market are low, most of the large cryptocurrency mining farms such as HIVE Blockchain, Hut8Mining, NVIDIA, Bitfury Mines, Bcause LLC and Bitmain, cater to large investors.

 

 

 

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Suppliers

 

There are numerous suppliers of PV modules in the industry, and we have adopted a supplier-neutral approach. For both our EPC service business and global project development business, we select the suppliers based on whether we could obtain high-quality PV modules and balance-of-system components at favorable prices and payment terms. For both our EPC service and global project development business, we procure our PV modules from a broad range of suppliers including Trina Solar Limited, JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., Xiexin Integration Technology Co., Ltd., JA Solar Holding Co., Ltd., LG Electronics, and Chint, among others.

 

Customers and Marketing

 

We have historically provided EPC and O&M services, a line of business we are still engaged in. We are also selling electricity to the grid under our IPP model as well as selling solar projects under our BT model. Customers of our EPC services include independent power developers and producers as well as commercial and industrial companies. For our global project development business, we sell electricity to power companies and other electricity off-takers, including government-owned utility companies, operating in the United States, Greece and Italy under our IPP model. Purchasers of our BT projects included utility companies, independent power developers and producers, commercial and industrial companies as well as investors in the solar business. Further, customers of our Australia distribution business include residential ones, towards which we distribute PV modules, balance of system components, solar monitoring systems and inverters.

 

From the year 2016 to 2017, both proportions of revenue from provision of our EPC services and sales of PV solar systems decreased dramatically, while the figures for sales of PV solar component saw a considerably upwards trend and accounted for the largest portion of our total revenue in 2017. From the year 2017 to 2018, there is an increase in the proportion of revenue from sales of PV solar systems and pre-development project sales, the figures for sales of PV solar components saw a bit downwards trend.

 

We promote our reputation by participating in industry conferences worldwide and aggressively sourcing development opportunities in markets with strong growth potential. Members of our senior and local management team routinely meet with industry players and interested investors. Our business development teams around the world have significant experience building business in local markets and actively pursue growth opportunities around the world. We intend to continue to increase our marketing efforts going forward.

 

We historically engaged in high-profile marketing activities focused on developing our brand awareness not just among the solar business developers who have traditionally been our customers, but also among the general public. For example, in 2009, then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger made a speech at one of our 40-acre solar projects outside Sacramento, a media opportunity that we embraced to build our brand awareness.

 

Seasonality

 

Demand for solar power products tends to be weaker during the winter months partly due to adverse weather conditions in certain regions, which complicate the installation of solar power systems. Our operating results may fluctuate from period to period based on the seasonality of industry demand for solar power products. Our sales in the first quarter of any year may also be affected by the occurrence of the Chinese New Year holiday during which domestic industrial activity is normally lower than that at other times. Certain aspects of our operations are also subject to seasonal variations. For example, we may schedule significant construction activities to connect solar projects to the grids prior to a scheduled decrease in FIT rates in order to qualify for more favorable FIT policies.

 

 

 

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Insurance

 

We maintain the types and amounts of insurance coverage that we believe are consistent with customary industry practices in all the countries where we operate. Our insurance policies cover employee-related accidents and injuries, property damage, machinery breakdowns, fixed assets, facilities and liability deriving from our activities, including environmental liability. We maintain business interruption insurance for interruptions resulting from incidents covered by insurance policies. We have not had any material claims under our insurance policies that would either invalidate our insurance policies or cause a material increase to our insurance premiums. We cannot assure you, however, that our insurance coverage will adequately protect us from all risks that may arise or in amounts sufficient to prevent any material loss.

 

Regulations

 

We operate in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S., Japan, the U.K, Greece, Italy and Australia. We are therefore subject to complex laws, regulations and policies promulgated by the governments and government-run utilities of these jurisdictions, including FIT regulations, clean energy incentive rules and programs, laws and regulations that apply to all power producers, regulations that specifically apply to solar power project operators, EPC service providers as well as solar kit distributors, tax regulations and intellectual property laws, among others.

 

  C. Organizational Structure

 

The following table sets out our principal subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018:

 

Subsidiaries Place of Incorporation Percentage of ownership
Solar Juice (HK) Limited Hong Kong 100%
SPI Solar, Inc. U.S. 100%
SPI Orange Power (HK) Limited Hong Kong 100%
SPI Renewable Energy (Luxembourg) Private Limited Company S.a.r.l. (1) Luxembourg 100%
Italsolar S.r.l. Italy 100%
Heliostixio S.A. Greece 100%
Solar Juice (MY) SdnBhd Malaysia 100%
Solar Juice (SG) Pte Ltd Singapore 100%
Solar Juice Holding Pte Ltd. Singapore 100%
Calwaii Power Holding, LLC U.S. 100%
SPI Solar, Inc. U.S. 100%
Solar Juice USA Inc. U.S. 100%
Solar Juice Pty Limited Australia 80%
SPI Solar Japan G.K. (2) Japan 97%
Solar Power Inc. UK Services Limited U.K. 100%
Emotion Energy Solar One Limited U.K. 100%
CairnhillSolarfield Limited U.K. 100%
Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited (Malta) (3) Malta 100%
SP Orange Power (Cyprus) Limited Cyprus 100%

_____________________ 

 

 

 

 

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Notes:

 

  (1) SPI Renewable Energy (Luxembourg) Private Limited Company S.a.r.l. holds three solar power project entities in Italy and one entity in Germany.

 

  (2) SPI Solar Japan G.K. holds one solar power project entities in Japan.

 

  (3) Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited (Malta) holds four solar power project entities in Greece, which has been deconsolidated in the year of 2017 due to loss of control.

 

  D. Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Our global corporate headquarters are located in Hong Kong SAR, China, which occupies approximately 190 square meters and is under a two-year lease that expires on December 31, 2019. We occupy approximately 3,300 square feet of office space in Santa Clara, California, for legal and business development, under a lease that expires in June 30, 2021. We occupy approximately 114 square meters of office space in Athens, the headquarters of the four Greek SPVs, under a monthly lease that expires on May, 2019. We occupy approximately 80 square feet of office space in London for operations and business development under a lease which renews every six months. We lease approximately 2,155 square meters of office space and warehouse space in Wetherill Park, Sydney, which expires on July 31, 2021.

 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” or in other parts of this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

A. Operating Results

 

We are a global provider of photovoltaic (PV) solutions for business, residential, government and utility customers and investors. Our focus is in the EPC/BT, storage and PV markets, including the development, financing, installation, operation and sale of utility-scale and residential PV projects in Japan, Europe and North America. We operated an online energy e-commerce and investment platform in China (which we divested in December 2018), as well as B2B e-commerce platform offering a range of PV and storage products in Australia. Prior to 2014, we were primarily engaged in providing EPC services to developers in the U.S. We also engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of a variety of PV modules, the key components of a solar project that convert sunlight into electricity, and balance-of-system components, including our in-house brand. In 2014, we expanded our global project development business by ramping up our portfolio of global solar projects, including projects that we plan to hold in the long term and derive electricity generation revenue from under our IPP model, and projects that we plan to sell in the future when we are presented with attractive opportunities under our build-and-transfer model, or BT model. Solar projects in our current portfolio include projects at all stages of development, including projects in operation, projects under construction and projects in pipeline. For detailed information on our project portfolio, please see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Our Global Project Development Business—Our Solar Project Portfolio.” We grow our project portfolio primarily through acquisitions and acting as a secondary developer for the projects under construction or in pipeline when they are acquired. Although we derived substantially all of our revenue in 2014 and 2015 from EPC services, our sales of PV solar systems accounted for the largest portion of our total revenue and we expect to derive an increasing percentage of our revenue from electricity generation from our IPP solar projects and sale of our BT solar projects as our global project development business expands.

 

 

 

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Our liquidity position deteriorated since 2015. In 2015, we raised $65.0 million by issuing shares of SPI’s common stock and $20.0 million by issuing convertible notes, in reliance on Regulation S, to non-U.S. investors. In 2016, we have had various private placements to raise additional capital. See “Item 4. Information on the Company— A. History and Development of the Company.” We kept suffering from loss of $221.0 million, $91.0 million and $12.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. We also had an accumulated deficit of $570.1 million and a working capital deficit of $92.6 million as of December 31, 2018. For a detailed discussion, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Resources and Material Known Facts on Liquidity.”

 

These may raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. We have developed a liquidity plan, including restructuring of liabilities, project assets financing, commitments to invest by existing shareholders and management members, delays in capital expenditures and improvements in working capital management. We believe this liquidity plan, if executed successfully, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations for a reasonable period of time. Please refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this annual report. However, we cannot assure you that this liquidity plan will be successfully executed.

 

Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

 

We believe that the following factors have had, and we expect that they will continue to have, a significant effect on the development of our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Market Demand

 

Our revenue and profitability depend substantially on the demand for our PV solutions, which is driven by the economics of PV systems, including the availability and size of government subsidies and other incentives, government support, cost improvements in solar power, as well as environmental concerns and energy demand. The world PV market in terms of new annual installations is expected to grow significantly in the next five years, providing EPC service providers and solar project developers like us with significant opportunities to grow our business.

 

Many markets in the PV industry continue to be affected by government subsidies and economic incentives. A number of countries have introduced highly favorable FIT price support regimes. For example, Japan, which has a high demand for power and low domestic fossil fuel reserves, faces relatively high energy costs. As a result, the Japanese government has introduced an attractive FIT price support regime to encourage the development of solar parks. In 2016, the United Kingdom reduced its FIT for all technologies by 65% at the national level. In Asia, several countries reduced their FIT rates. For example, Japan reduced its solar FIT by 12.5% for 2017 and aims for cuts of 10% or more in the next two years. While governments generally ratchet down PV subsidies over time to reflect anticipated declines in the system costs of solar parks, the ratchet down schedules often underestimate our actual realized decrease in costs thus their effect on our margins is manageable. To foster our growth, we have shifted our focus away from countries with less favorable subsidy regimes and towards countries with more favorable subsidy regimes.

 

In the long term, as PV technology advances and the average system costs of solar projects decrease, we expect the market for electricity in a growing number of countries to achieve grid parity. As the PV industry becomes more competitive against other energy industries and widespread grid parity strengthens demand for solar projects, we expect our costs of sales to decrease and our revenue and profitability to increase.

 

Access to Adequate Financing on Competitive Terms

 

We require large capital investments to expand our project pipeline. Historically, apart from our own operating cash flows, we have relied on private placements, bank borrowings, financial leases as well as other third-party financing options for our construction of solar projects. A project’s construction costs are mainly funded by our working capital. We generally negotiate favorable credit terms with our equipment suppliers or EPC contractors, such that payment is not due until several months after construction and grid connection are complete.

 

 

 

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Government Subsidies and Incentive Policies

 

We believe that the growth of the solar power industry in the short term will continue to depend largely on the availability and effectiveness of government incentives for solar power products and the competitiveness of solar power in relation to conventional and other renewable energy resources in terms of cost. Countries in Europe, notably Italy, Germany, France, Belgium and Spain, certain countries in Asia, including Japan, India and South Korea, as well as Australia and the United States have adopted favorable renewable energy policies. Examples of government sponsored financial incentives to promote solar power include capital cost rebates, FIT, tax credits, net metering and other incentives to end users, distributors, project developers, system integrators and manufacturers of solar power products.

 

Governments may reduce or eliminate existing incentive programs for political, financial or other reasons, which will be difficult for us to predict. Reductions in FIT programs may result in a significant fall in the price of and demand for solar power related products. Our revenue and operating results may be adversely impacted by unfavorable policy revisions, such as reductions FIT in the United States, our largest market, and certain major markets for our PV solutions. Electric utility companies or generators of electricity from fossil fuels or other renewable energy sources could also lobby for a change in the relevant legislation in their markets to protect their revenue streams. Government economic incentives could be reduced or eliminated altogether.

 

Our Solar Power Generation and Operations Capabilities

 

Our financial condition and results of operations depend on our ability to successfully continue to develop new solar projects and operate our existing solar projects. We expect to build and manage a greater number of solar projects, which we expect to present additional challenges to our internal processes, external construction management, working capital management and financing capabilities. Our financial condition, results of operations and future success depend, to a significant extent, on our ability to continue to identify suitable sites, expand our pipeline of projects with attractive returns, obtain required regulatory approvals, arrange necessary financing, manage the construction of our solar projects on time and within budget, and successfully operate solar projects.

  

Selected Statement of Operations Items

 

Revenue

 

We derived substantially revenue from our sales of PV project assets, our provision of electricity and our Australian subsidiary, Solar Juice’s trading of PV components in 2016. The revenue in 2017 was mainly derived from Solar Juice’s trading of PV components. The revenue in 2018 was mainly derived from our sales of PV project assets and sales of pre-development solar project, and sales of PV components.

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of our revenue from continuing operation by category of activities for the periods indicated:

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2016     2017     2018  
    ($ in thousands except percentage)  
Sales of PV project assets     14,914       13.0%       6,042       5.0%       10,809       8.6%  
Sales of PV components     86,477       75.5%       111,795       92.0%       93,547       74.5%  
Electricity revenue with PPAs     12,311       10.7%       2,793       2.3%       3,043       2.4%  
Sales of pre-development solar project           –%             –%       15,794       12.6%  
Bitcoin mining equipment sale and hosting service           –%             –%       1,052       0.8%  
Others     900       0.8%       890       0.7%       1,337       1.1%  
Total     114,602       100.0%       121,520       100.0%       125,582       100.0%  

 

 

 

 

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Cost of Goods Sold

 

Our cost of goods sold consist primarily of raw materials and labor cost. In the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, we had cost of goods sold of $102.5 million, $111.4 million and $114.5 million from our continuing operation, respectively.

 

Operating Expenses

 

In the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, our operating expenses consisted of (1) general and administrative expenses, (2) sales, marketing and customer service expenses, (3) impairment charges and (4) provision (reverse) for doubtful accounts, notes and other receivables from our continuing operations.

 

General and administrative expenses . Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and share based compensation expense, rental and office supplies expenses. In the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, our general and administrative expenses from our continuing operations were $13.7 million, $14.0 million and $12.2 million, respectively.

 

Sales, marketing and customer service expenses . Our sales, marketing and customer service expenses consist primarily of advertising expense, business development expense and salaries. In the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, our sales, marketing and customer service expenses from continuing operation were $3.2 million, $2.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

 

Impairment charges . Our impairment charges consist of impairment charges for project assets, goodwill and intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and etc. In the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, our impairment charges from our continuing operations were $79.6 million, $0.7 million and $nil, respectively.

 

Provision (reverse) for doubtful accounts, notes and other receivables . In the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, our provision for doubtful accounts and notes from continuing operations were $7.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2018, we reversed the provision of $0.5 million.

 

Other Income (Expense)

  

In the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, our other income (expense) includes interest expense, interest income, gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds, change in fair value of derivative asset/liability, loss on investment in affiliates, tax penalty, gain on trouble debt restructuring, net foreign exchange gain and others.

 

Interest expense . Our interest expense arises from borrowings. In the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, our interest expense from continuing operations was $3.5 million, $8.1 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

 

Interest income . Our interest income arises from cash deposited in banks. In the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, our interest income from continuing operations was $0.8 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 

Gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds. We recorded a gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds of $7.1 million from continuing operations in the year ended December 31, 2017, due to the extension of a convertible bond agreement that we entered into with Union Sky Holdings Group Limited (“Union Sky”).

 

Change in fair value of derivative asset/liability. We recorded a $2.3 million decrease in fair value of derivative assets from continuing operations in the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily related to the fair value change of convertible preferred stock and warrants related to our investment in ENS.

 

Tax penalty . We recorded a $9.7 million expected tax penalty in the year ended December 31, 2017 for late filing of Federal and State income tax returns from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

 

 

 

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Gain on trouble debt restructuring . We recorded a gain of $1.9 million on trouble debt restructuring from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2018. We defaulted the first amendment agreement with Union Sky. On June 29, 2018, we entered into another amendment agreement with the Union Sky and Magical Glaze Limited (“MGL”), a company and Union Sky was under common control, to further extend the payment term. A gain is recognized for the difference between the future undiscounted cash flow of the second amended convertible bond of $20.0 million and the carrying amount of the first amended convertible bond of $21.9 million as of June 29, 2018.

 

Loss on investment in affiliates . We recorded a loss on investment in affiliates of $6.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2016, which arose from our investment in ENS. We recorded a loss on investment in affiliates of $2.2 million which mainly arose from further impairment on our investment in ENS in the year ended December 31, 2017.

  

Income Tax

 

The following table sets forth our loss before income taxes for continuing operations attributable to the relevant geographic locations for the periods indicated:

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2016     2017     2018  
    ($ in thousands)  
United States   $ (102,483 )   $ (24,757 )   $ (6,946 )
Foreign     1,060       (1,620 )     1,141  
Total   $ (101,423 )   $ (26,377 )   $ (5,805 )

  

Cayman Islands

 

We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to income or capital gains tax in the Cayman Islands. Payments of dividends and capital in respect of our Shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of our Shares, nor will gains derived from the disposal of our Shares be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax. The Cayman Islands currently have no income, corporation or capital gains tax and no estate duty, inheritance tax or gift tax.

 

United States

 

We and our subsidiaries organized in the United States are subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of up to 35% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA” or the “Act”) (which is commonly referred to as “U.S. tax reform”). Among other provisions, the Act reduces the top U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, changes the rules related to uses and limitations of net operating loss carryforwards created in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. The Company has reflected the changes resulting from the Act in the financial statements for the period of enactment, the year ended December 31, 2017. The change in corporate rate resulted in a $22.8 million decrease in the Company's gross deferred tax assets, with an offsetting decrease in valuation allowance of the same amount. The Company is not subject to a one-time repatriation tax as no aggregate foreign accumulated earnings and profits existed in the foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company will account for future tax liability arising from Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, if any, as a period cost. The Company has accounted for additional tax liability in 2018 arising from Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income of $0.9 million which accounted for as a period cost. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, the Company determined that the measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities, as noted above, was accurate and no other adjustments relating to the Act were necessary.

 

Hong Kong

 

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to the uniform tax rate of 16.5% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, and the new tax rate of 8.25% for the year ended December 31, 2018 Under Hong Kong tax law, they are exempted from the Hong Kong income tax on its foreign-derived income and there are no withholding taxes in Hong Kong on the remittance of dividends. No provision for Hong Kong tax has been made in our consolidated financial statements, as our Hong Kong subsidiary had not generated any assessable income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

 

 

 

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See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation” for more information.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of our Company, our subsidiaries, and consolidated VIEs. All material inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation. For consolidated subsidiaries where our ownership in the subsidiary is less than 100%, the equity interest not held by us is shown as noncontrolling interests. We account for investments over which it has significant influence but not a controlling financial interest using the equity method of accounting. We deconsolidate a subsidiary when we cease to have a controlling financial interest in the subsidiary. When control is lost, the parent-subsidiary relationship no longer exists and the parent derecognizes the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606” or “Topic 606”) and applied the modified retrospective method to all contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Group’s historical accounting practices under ASC Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition”.

 

We have determined that the impact of the transition to the new standard is immaterial to our revenue recognition model. Accordingly, we have not made any adjustment to opening retained earnings.

 

Our accounting practices under ASC Topic 606 are as followings:

 

The Company generates revenue from sales of PV components, electricity revenue with power purchase agreements (“Electricity revenue with PPAs”), sales of PV project assets, providing engineering, procurement, and construction service (“EPC services”), providing financial services, bitcoin mining equipment sales and hosting service, and sales of pre-development solar projects.

 

Sale of PV components. Revenue on sale of PV components is recognized at a point in time following the transfer of control of such products to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or acceptance of the customer depending on the terms of the underlying contracts.

 

Electricity revenue with PPAs. We sell energy generated by PV solar power systems under PPAs. For energy sold under PPAs, we recognize revenue each period based on the volume of energy delivered to the customer (i.e., the PPAs off-taker) and the price stated in the PPAs. We have determined that none of the PPAs contains a lease since (i) the purchaser does not have the rights to operate the PV solar power systems, (ii) the purchaser does not have the rights to control physical access to the PV solar power systems, and (iii) the price that the purchaser pays is at a fixed price per unit of output.

 

Sale of PV project asset. Our sales arrangements for PV projects do not contain any forms of continuing involvement that may affect the revenue or profit recognition of the transactions, nor any variable considerations for energy performance guarantees, minimum electricity end subscription commitments. The Company therefore determined its single performance obligation to the customer is the sale of a completed solar project. We recognize revenue for sales of solar projects at a point in time after the solar project has been grid connected and the customer obtains control of the solar project.

 

 

 

 

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EPC services. We generally recognize revenue for EPC services over time as our performance creates or enhances an energy generation asset controlled by the customer. Furthermore, the EPC services represents a single performance obligation for the development and construction of a single generation asset. For such construction service arrangements, we recognize revenue using cost based input methods, which recognize revenue and gross profit as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs of the contract, after consideration of our customers’ commitment to perform its obligations under the contract, which is typically measured through the receipt of cash deposits or other forms of financial security issued by creditworthy financial institutions or parent entities.

 

In applying cost based input methods of revenue recognition, we use the actual costs incurred relative to the total estimated costs to determine our progress towards contract completion and to calculate the corresponding amount of revenue and gross profit to recognize. Cost based input methods of revenue recognition are considered a faithful depiction of our efforts to satisfy long-term construction contracts and therefore reflect the transfer of goods to a customer under such contracts. Costs incurred that do not contribute to satisfying our performance obligations (“inefficient costs”) are excluded from our input methods of revenue recognition as the amounts are not reflective of our transferring control of the system to the customer. Costs incurred towards contract completion may include costs associated with solar modules, direct materials, labor, subcontractors, and other indirect costs related to contract performance. We recognize solar module and direct material costs as incurred when such items have been installed in a system.

 

Cost based input methods of revenue recognition require us to make estimates of net contract revenues and costs to complete our projects. In making such estimates, significant judgment is required to evaluate assumptions related to the amount of net contract revenues, including the impact of any performance incentives, liquidated damages, and other payments to customers. Significant judgment is also required to evaluate assumptions related to the costs to complete our projects, including materials, labor, contingencies, and other system costs. If the estimated total costs on any contract, including any inefficient costs, are greater than the net contract revenues, we recognize the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of revisions to estimates related to net contract revenues or costs to complete contracts are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the changes on future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since revenue was initially recognized under the contract. Such revisions could occur in any reporting period, and the effects may be material depending on the size of the contracts or the changes in estimates.

 

Finance Services Revenue. Financial services revenue is recorded associated with finance leases. We record a finance lease receivable and de-recognizes the leased equipment at lease inception. The finance lease receivable is recorded at the aggregate future minimum lease payments, estimated unguaranteed residual value of the leased equipment less unearned income. Residual values, which are reviewed periodically, represent the estimated amount expected to receive at lease termination from the disposition of the leased equipment. Actual residual values realized could differ from these estimates. The unearned income is recognized in Net sales-financial service revenue in the consolidated statements of operations over the lease term, in a manner that produces a constant rate of return on the lease.

 

Since 2017, the third party developers defaulted the payment which indicated that the collectability is not reasonably assured. Accordingly, we recognize financial service revenue only when received cash payment from lessees. The finance services revenue was all from the discontinued operation.

 

Bitcoin mining equipment sales and hosting service . Revenue on sale of bitcoin mining equipment is recognized at a point in time following the transfer of control of such products to the customer, which typically occurs upon delivery of the products to the hosting site or receipt place assigned by the customer, installed and set up the products. Revenue for hosting service is recognized over time as services are performed and based on the output method related to the time incurred during the service period.

 

Sales of pre-development solar projects. For sales of pre-development solar projects in which we transfer 100% of the membership interest in solar projects to a customer, we recognize all of the revenue for the consideration received at a point in time when the membership interest was transferred to the customer, which typically occurs when we delivered the membership interest assignment agreement to the customer.

 

 

 

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The contract arrangements may contain provisions that can either increase or decrease the transaction price. These variable amounts generally are resolved upon achievement of certain performance or upon occurrence of certain price reduction conditions. Variable consideration is estimated at each measurement date at its most likely amount to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur and true-ups are applied prospectively as such estimates change.

 

Changes in estimates for sales of pre-development solar projects occur for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to (i) EPC construction plan accelerations or delays, (ii) product cost forecast changes, (iii) change orders, or (iv) occurrence of purchase price reduction conditions. The cumulative effect of revisions to transaction prices are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and the amounts can be reasonably estimated.

 

Product Warranties

 

We offer the industry standard warranty up to 25 years for PV modules and industry standard warranty for five to ten years on inverter and balance of system components. Due to the warranty period, we bear the risk of extensive warranty claims long after products have been shipped and revenues have been recognized. We provide a limited warranty to the original purchasers of its solar modules, inverters and cables for trading business for one to five years, in relation to defects in materials and workmanship. For our cable, wire and mechanical assemblies business, historically the related warranty claims have not been material. For our solar PV business, the greatest warranty exposure is in the form of product replacement.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2010, we installed own manufactured solar panels and accrued warranty based on our own historical data. Since 2011, due to the absence of historical material warranty claims and identical warranty terms, we have not recorded any additional warranty provision relating to solar energy systems sold. PV construction contracts entered into during the recent years included provisions under which we agreed to provide warranties to the customers. The warranty we offer to its customers is identical to the warranty offered to us by its suppliers, therefore, we pass on all potential warranty exposure and claims, if any, with respect systems sold by us to our suppliers.

  

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

Our long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, project assets and other intangible assets with finite lives. We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, we first compare undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. Any impairment write-downs would be treated as permanent reductions in the carrying amounts of the assets and a charge to operations would be recognized.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market, determined by the weighted average cost method. Provisions are made for obsolete or slow-moving inventories based on management estimates. Inventories are written down based on the difference between the cost of inventories and the market value based upon estimates about future demand from customers, specific customer requirements on certain projects and other factors. Inventory provision charges establish a new cost basis for inventory that subsequently cannot be marked up based on changes in underlying facts and circumstances.

 

 


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Share-Based Compensation

 

Our share-based payment transactions with employees, such as restricted shares and share options, are measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument issued. The fair value of the award is recognized as compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, which is generally the vesting period.

 

Accounts Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

We grant open credit terms to credit-worthy customers. Accounts receivable are primarily related to our sales of pre-development solar project contracts and sales of PV components. For sales of pre-development solar projects, the payment is typically due in installments over the contract term, which are both before and after the performance by the Company. Payment for sales of PV components and electricity revenue with PPAs are typically due in full within 30 to 90 days of shipping of the products or the start of the contract term.

 

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts. We regularly monitor and assess the risk of not collecting amounts owed by customers. This evaluation is based upon a variety of factors, including an analysis of amounts current and past due along with relevant history and facts particular to the customer. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers. Contractually, we may charge interest for extended payment terms and require collateral.

 

Project Assets

 

We acquire or construct PV solar power systems (“solar system”) that are (i) held for development and sale or (ii) held for our own use to generate income or return from the use of the solar system. Solar systems are classified as either held for development and sale within “project assets” or as held for use within “property, plant and equipment” based on our intended use of solar systems. We determine the intended use of the solar systems upon acquisition or commencement of project construction.

 

Classification of the solar systems affects the accounting and presentation in the consolidated financial statements. Transactions related to the solar systems held for development and sale are classified as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows and reported as sales and costs of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations upon the sale of the project assets and fulfillment of the relevant recognition criteria. Incidental electricity income generated from the solar systems held for development and sale prior to the sale of the projects is recorded in other operating income in the consolidated statement of operations. The solar systems held for use are used by us in its operations to generate income or a return from the use of the assets. Income generated from the solar systems held for use are included in net sales in the consolidated statement of operations. The costs to construct solar system intended to be held for own use are capitalized and reported within property, plant and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets and are presented as cash outflows from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The proceeds from disposal of solar system classified as held for own use are presented as cash inflows from investing activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows. A net gain or loss upon the disposal of solar system classified as held for own use is reported in other operating income or expense in the consolidated statement of operation.

 

Solar systems costs consist primarily of capitalizable costs for items such as permits and licenses, acquired land or land use rights, and work-in-process. Work-in-process includes materials and modules, construction, installation and labor, capitalized interests and other capitalizable costs incurred to construct the PV solar power systems.

 

The solar systems held for development and sale named as “project assets”, are reported as current assets on the consolidated balance sheets when upon completion of the construction of the solar systems, we initiate a plan to actively market the project assets for immediate sale in their present condition to potential third party buyers subject to terms that are usual and customary for sales of these types assets and it is probable that the project assets will be sold within one year. Otherwise, the project assets held for development and sale are reported as noncurrent assets. No depreciation expense is recognized while the project assets are under construction or classified as held for sale.

 

 

 

 

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For solar systems held for development and sale, named as “project assets”, we consider a project commercially viable if it is anticipated to be sold for a profit once it is either fully developed or fully constructed. We also consider a partially developed or partially constructed project commercially viable if the anticipated selling price is higher than the carrying value of the related project assets plus the estimated cost to completion. We consider a number of factors, including changes in environmental, ecological, permitting, market pricing or regulatory conditions that affect the project. Such changes may cause the cost of the project to increase or the selling price of the project to decrease. We record an impairment loss of the project asset to the extent the carrying value exceed its estimated recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is estimated based on the anticipated sales proceeds reduced by estimated cost to complete such sales.

  

Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. 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 income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

 

The Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, management presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. In addition, a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. Our tax liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances, such as the progress of the tax audits, case law developments and new or emerging legislation. Such adjustments are recognized entirely in the period in which they are identified. We record interest and penalties related to an uncertain tax position, if and when required, as part of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. No reserve for uncertainty tax position was recorded by us for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. We do not expect that the assessment regarding unrecognized tax positions will materially change over the next 12 months. The Company is not currently under examination by an income tax authority, nor has been notified that an examination is contemplated.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): “Restricted Cash” (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This update is effective in fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance will result in the inclusion of the restricted cash balances within the overall cash balance and removal of the changes in restricted cash activity, as a result, the Company no longer presents transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. Furthermore, an additional reconciliation will be required to reconcile cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets to sum to the total shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. We have already disclosed the restricted cash separately on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Beginning January 1, 2018, we have adopted and included the restricted cash balances on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and reconciliation of cash, cash equivalent, and restricted cash within its Consolidated Statements of Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. This guidance has been applied retrospectively to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, which required us to recast each prior reporting period presented.

 

 

 

 

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Accounting Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align, where necessary, lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new lease guidance simplified the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Lease (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements. The amendments in this Update provide entities with an additional (and optional) transition method to adopt the new leases standard and provide lessors with a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component and, instead, to account for those components as a single component if the non-lease components otherwise would be accounted for under the new revenue guidance (Topic 606). In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842), Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, which clarifies the accounting by lessors for taxes collected from lessees, certain lessor costs either paid by lessees directly to third parties or paid by the lessor and reimbursed by the lessee, and variable payments received by lessors for contracts with lease and non-lease components. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. We have adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019 using the alternative transition method. Upon adoption, we expected to record right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities of $1.8 million and $1.8 million in the consolidated balance sheets, respectively. 

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350), which removes step two of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. For public companies, this guidance is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, but early adoption is permitted for impairment tests after January 1, 2017. We have adopted this standard for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations and statement of cash flows as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07 “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”).” Under ASU 2018-07, the measurement of equity-classified nonemployee awards will be fixed at the grant date, and nonpublic entities are allowed to account for nonemployee awards using certain practical expedients that are already available for employee awards. The amendments in ASU 2018-07 are effective for nonpublic business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)-Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 removes the amounts and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements; modifies certain disclosure requirements in Topic 820; and require additional disclosures such as the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 measurements etc. ASU No. 2018-13 is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company does not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the consolidated financial position, statements of operations and cash flows.

 

 

 

 

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Recent Acquisition Activities

 

In line with our strategic shifting of operational focus in 2014, we have entered into agreements to make acquisitions in order to expand our global project portfolio, including IPP and BT projects, as well as to diversify our solar businesses.

 

When making solar project acquisitions, we focus on attractive targets based on our assessment of the rate of return, taking into consideration a target project’s irradiation hours, applicable FIT rate, key technical components used as well as our cost of financing for the acquisition. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Our Global Project Development Business—Acquisition of Solar Projects” for more information on the criteria we apply when making project acquisitions.

 

When we pursue a target engaged in a solar business, such as a distribution business or a rooftop EPC business, we primarily select targets with higher gross profit margins, or in the case of a target engaged in a line of business complementary to our existing operations, with high potentials for us to realize synergies.

 

The following summary outlines the major acquisitions we completed, or for which have entered into definitive agreements since 2015:

 

Solar Projects

  

In February 2015, we completed the acquisition of a 100% equity interest in the project companies owning 4.3 MW of projects in Italy for an aggregate consideration of $11.8 million of its fair value. The projects were connected to the grid and selling electricity when we completed the acquisition. We issued 5,722,977 unregistered shares of SPI’s common stock to the sellers to account for 70% of the consideration at a per share price of $1.72 and also with adjustments for the lockup period and other factors, with the remaining balance of Euro 3.1 million ($3.6 million) settled in cash.

 

In March 2016, we completed a sale of the entire issued share capital of Solar Park Developments 2 Ltd (“Hall Farm”), which holds a solar power project in the United Kingdom with a rated capacity of approximately 15 MW BlackRock.

 

In May 2016, we begun construction of a solar power system covering the roof of Golden 1 Center, the new home of the Sacramento Kings in downtown Sacramento, California, the project totaling 700 kW was completed and sold to AES Distributed Energy, Inc.

 

In July 2016, our wholly owned Japanese subsidiary, SPI Solar Japan G.K. completed the 2.4 MW Nishiura power plant in Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture, which was connected to the grid.

 

In March 2017, our wholly owned subsidiary, SPI Solar Japan GK entered into a definitive agreement to sell all of its interest in the land and project development rights in its two solar PV projects with total capacity of 4.4 MW in Shibayama city, Chiba. SPI Japan will also provide engineering, procurement and construction service to complete the projects. The solar plants are located approximately 50 kilometres east of Tokyo in Chiba and each with capacity of 2.2 MW and with an estimated total capacity of 5,200,000 kWh annually. 

 

In May 2017, we entered into an agreement to sell all of its interest in Todderstaffe Solar Limited, one of the solar PV system in UK, to Capital Stage AG. The Todderstaffe project has a capacity of 4.4MW.

 

By the year end of December 31, 2018, our wholly owned subsidiary, SPI Solar Inc., sold eight solar projects in the USA (9.653 MW) to third parties.

 

In December 2018, SPI Energy Co., Ltd divested our solar projects in China.

 

 

 

 

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Other Solar Businesses

 

THERMI Acquisition

 

In September 2017, we entered into a framework share purchase agreement to acquire 100% equity interests of three Greek companies, namely THERMI SUN S.A, HELIOHRISI S.A., and HELIOSTIXIO S.A., from THERMI TANEO Venture Capital Fund (“TTVCF”), for a total consideration of EUR €16.65 million, subject to certain adjustments. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. These three companies own a total of four PV plants with 7.4MWp PV installations in northern Greece.

 

Solar Power Inc., the predecessor of the Company, provided EPC services to these projects in 2012 and has performed the O&M of these projects since July 2013. SPI and TTVCF (via the project companies) had previously entered into a dispute in relation to the EPC agreements. Such dispute will be deemed to be amicably resolved pursuant to the framework share purchase agreement.

 

The closing of the transaction will take place in three separate stages (one for each company under acquisition). The acquisition of HELIOSTIXIO S.A. has been closed in December 2017. The Company has completed its previously announced second-stage acquisition of 100% of the equity interest of HELIOHRISI S.A., which owns 1.988 megawatts ("MW") of photovoltaic projects in Greece on March 20 2019. The Company also entered into an amendment to the framework share Purchase agreement dated September 20, 2017, pursuant to which the Company’s acquisition of THERMI SUN S.A would be delayed until no later than May 20 2019. The Company expects to complete the entire acquisition by May 2019. With 7.4MWp PV installations added to SPI Energy’s existing PV portfolio in Greece, the Company will become one of the significant PV owners in Greece.

 

Solar Juice Acquisition

 

In May 2015, we acquired 80% of the equity interest in Solar Juice, a company incorporated in Sydney, Australia, for $15.6 million. Solar Juice distributes solar kits that include PV modules, balance-of-system components, solar monitoring systems and inverters to retail or corporate customers in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. Solar Juice procures PV modules from a wide range of reputable suppliers, such as Trina Solar Australia Pty Ltd., JA Solar Australia Pty Ltd., and LG. It also has adopted a supplier-neutral approach to minimize procurement costs. Solar Juice also distributes its in-house brand of PV modules, OpalSolar, which Solar Juice contracts with third parties to manufacture. In October 2016, Solar Juice was selected by LG Chem, Ltd. as a major distributing partner of its RESU home energy storage, with a capacity of 10kWh Batteries in Australia and New Zealand. As of December 31, 2016, Solar Juice had over 5000 Business-to-Business accounts, of which 700 were active on a monthly basis. In the fourth quarter of 2014, Solar Juice set up a distribution facility in Singapore and expanded its customer base into Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Cook Islands. We expect the acquisition of Solar Juice to expand our solar business to another continent with a broad customer base.

 

EnSync Investment

 

On April 17, 2015, the Company and EnSync, Inc. (formerly known as ZBB Energy Corporation) (“ENS”), a Wisconsin corporation, entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement pursuant to which ENS will issue and sell to us for an aggregate cash purchase price of $33.4 million of (i) 8,000,000 shares of ENS’s common stock based on a purchase price per common share of $0.6678 (the “Purchased Common Stock”) and (ii) 28,048 shares of the ENS’s convertible preferred stock (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”) which are convertible into an aggregate of 42,000,000 shares of common stock, representing a purchase price of $0.6678 per common stock on an as-if converted basis. The Convertible Preferred Stock will be convertible over a four-year period with 25% becoming convertible in each of the next four years if the Company meets certain conditions relating to the Company’s purchases of minimum megawatt of solar related products from ENS in each of the next four years as set out in the Securities Purchase Agreement. The purchase prices of the products are not fixed or determinable in the agreements, but ENS shall not at any time sell a lower quantity of the products under similar terms and conditions to other buyers at prices below those provided to the Company. The conversion is subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, and other designated capital events. ENS also entitles the Company to acquire 50,000,000 shares of ENS’s common stock (the “Warrant”) for an aggregate amount of $36.7 million, or $0.7346 per share, subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, and other designated capital transactions.

 

 

 

 

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ENS develops, licenses, and manufactures innovative energy management systems solutions serving the commercial and industrial building utility and off-grid markets.

 

On July 13, 2015, all closing conditions relating to the Securities Purchases Agreement were met and the Purchased Common Stock, Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrant were issued to the Company. The Purchased Common Stock represents approximately 16.8% of the outstanding common stock of ENS as at July 13, 2015. Additionally, assuming the full conversion of the Convertible Preferred Stock (and that no other shares of common stock of ENS are issued), the Company would own greater than a majority of the outstanding common stock of ENS.

 

The Company also entered into a supply agreement with ENS pursuant to which ENS will sell and the Company will purchase certain products offered by ENS from time to time, including energy storage systems for solar projects (the “Supply Agreement”). Convertibility of the Convertible Preferred Stock is dependent upon the Company making purchases of and payments for energy storage systems under the Supply Agreement as follows: the first one-fourth (the “Series C-1 Preferred Stock”) of the Convertible Preferred Stock only become convertible upon the receipt of final payment for 5 megawatts (“MW”) that are purchased by the Company in accordance with the Supply Agreement; the second one-fourth (the “Series C-2 Preferred Stock”) only become convertible upon the receipt of final payment for an aggregate of 15 MW worth of the Supply Agreement; the third one-fourth (the “Series C-3 Preferred Stock”) only become convertible upon the receipt of final payment for an aggregate of 25 MW worth of the Supply Agreement; and the last one fourth (the “Series C-4 Preferred Stock”) only become convertible upon the receipt of final payment for an aggregate of 40 MW worth of the Supply Agreement. If the Company complies with the provisions of the Supply Agreement, it will make sufficient purchases for each tranche of the Convertible Preferred Stock to vest and become convertible over the next four years. However, the Convertible Preferred Stock will become convertible at any time when the relevant payments are received by ENS for the specified purchases, even if the payments are made later or earlier than the schedule set out in the Supply Agreement. Up to December 31, 2018, no purchase of products had been made by the Company under the Supply Agreement.

 

The Convertible Preferred Stock possesses no voting rights except as required by law or for certain matters specified in the agreement. The Convertible Preferred Stock are perpetual, are not eligible for dividends, and are not redeemable. Besides, so long as any shares of Convertible Preferred Stock are outstanding, ENS may not pay dividends on its common stock and may not redeem more than $100 in common stock per year. The Convertible Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference equal to the greater of $28.0 million and the distribution of the entire assets on an as-converted basis.

 

The Warrant vests and becomes exercisable once we purchase and pay for 40 MW of the Supply Agreement, and will not vest or become exercisable if those purchases and payments do not occur before the termination of the Warrant, which will occur, whether the Warrant has vested or not, on July 13, 2019. Prior to exercise, the Warrant provides the Company with no voting rights. The Warrant may not be partially exercised. As the closing price of ENS’s common stock at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was below the exercise price of the Warrant, the Warrant was out-of-the-money at that date.

 

In connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company entered into a governance agreement with ENS (the “Governance Agreement”). Under the Governance Agreement, the Company is entitled to nominate one director to the board of directors of ENS for so long as the Company holds at least 10,000 convertible preferred shares or 25 million shares of common stock or common stock equivalents (the “Requisite Shares”). Additionally, for so long as the Company holds the Requisite Shares (1) following the time at which the Series C-2 Preferred Stock shall have become convertible in full, we shall be entitled to nominate a total of two directors and (2) following the time at which the Series C-3 Preferred Stock shall have become convertible in full, the Company shall be entitled to nominate a total of three directors. Provided in no event shall the Company be entitled to nominate a number of directors to the Board that would represent a percentage of the Board greater than the percentage determined by dividing the number of Common Stock Equivalents held by the Company by the sum of (A) the total shares of ENS’s Common Stock outstanding and (B) the number of shares of Common Stock into which the Preferred Stock held by the Company is convertible.

 

 

 

 

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We account for the investment in the Purchased Common Stock under the equity method with balances recorded under Investment in an affiliate on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company includes its proportionate share of net earnings or loss attributable to common stockholders under loss on investment in an affiliate in the consolidated statements of operations. We record the investment in the Convertible Preferred Stock at cost less provision for permanent decline in value under Investment in an affiliate on the consolidated balance sheet. The cost of the Warrant was initially recorded at its fair value of $16.9 million. The total consideration of $33.4 million less the fair value of warrants as of July 13, 2015 was allocated, based on relative fair value, between the investments in the Purchased Common Stock and in the Convertible Preferred Stock, which were initially recorded at $3.2 million and $13.2 million, respectively. The decrease in fair value of $2.3 million and $14.6 million of the Warrant was recorded under other income (expenses) - Change in fair value of derivative asset/liability in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

On August 30, 2016, the Company and Melodious Investments Company Limited (the “Melodious” or the “Purchaser”), a British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Melodious International Investments Group Limited, entered into a definitive agreement (“Share Purchase Agreement “) to sell certain of its shares of ENS. Pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, the Company agrees to sell 8,000,000 shares of the common stock, 7,012 shares of the C-1 convertible preferred stock and 4,341 shares of the C-2 convertible preferred stock of ENS for an aggregate purchase price of $17 million (the “Share Transfer”). The Share Transfer is subject to customary closing conditions. On December 22, 2016, all closing conditions were met and the Company received cash consideration of $8.5 million as of December 31, 2016. Consideration of $5.4 million and $3.1 million was allocated, based on the fair value, between the investments in the Common Stock and investments in the Convertible Preferred Stock, respectively. Under the same agreement, the Company agreed that in the event any of the C-1 convertible preferred stock or C-2 convertible preferred stock subject to the Share Transfer is not converted into common stock of ENS within six months following the closing date, the purchaser shall (i) be released from the obligations to pay the unpaid portion of the consideration and (ii) have the right to request the Company to repurchase such C-1 preferred stock and C-2 preferred stock at a price of $1,018.25 per share of preferred stock, plus an uncompounded 10% annual interest of the total purchase price of $11.6 million. The amount of the repurchase price shall be deducted with the amount of the unpaid portion of the purchase price. As the Company does not expect to purchase and make payments for energy storage systems under the Supply Agreement within six months following the closing date, which is October 25, 2016, C-1 preferred stock or C-2 preferred stock would not be converted into common stock. Thus, due to the redemption term, the Company did not derecognize the investment in convertible preferred stock and recorded the proceeds of $3.1 million as borrowing as of December 31, 2016 (see Note 15 - Short term borrowings and long-term borrowings). On April 26, 2017, the Purchaser requested the Company to repurchase the C-1 preferred stock and C-2 preferred stock at the price of $11.6 million plus an uncompounded 10% annual interest. Since the Purchaser had not paid the rest of $8.5 million consideration, the aggregate repurchase price was $3.1 million plus an uncompounded 10% annual interest. In July 2017, the Company paid $3.2 million to the Purchaser and the redemption term was released after the Purchaser delivered to the Company the preferred stocks.

 

In June 2018, ENS obtained a default judgement invalidating the Governance Agreement. In March 2019, ENS made an assignment for benefit of creditors which assignment is part of a Wisconsin Chapter 128 receivership initiated by creditor Analytics Plus, LLC Captioned Analytics Plus, LLC v. Ensync, Inc. , Waukesha County Circuit Court Case No. 19-CV-556 ( the “ Chapter 128 Proceeding”). The Company is vigorously pursuing the legal remedies available to SPI in the Chapter 128 Proceeding, which remedies involve the Company taking actions (1) regarding reopening the June 2018 default judgment pertaining to the Governance Agreement, and (2) to file a breach of fiduciary duty complaint against certain principal directors and officers of ENS. These matters are currently ongoing. The company has instructed to vigorously pursue all legal remedies available to the Company.

 

As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the carrying amounts of investments in Purchased Common Stock were $nil and $nil, respectively. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the carrying amount of Convertible Preferred Stock was $nil and $nil, respectively. The decrease in fair value of $nil, $nil and $2.3 million of the Warrant was recognized as Change in fair value of derivative asset/liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. The Company derecognized the investment in the Purchased Common Stock under the equity method and recorded a gain of $3.6 million in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016. The investment in Purchased Common Stock was fully impairment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and impairment provision of $nil, $2.2 million and $9.9 million was provided for investment in Convertible Preferred Stock during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

We have funded our acquisitions primarily from cash generated from our financing activities and from credit facilities. Going forward we expect to fund our future acquisitions with cash generated from our operations, as well as equity and debt financing.

 

 

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth a summary, for the periods indicated, of our consolidated results of operations from our continuing operations and each item expressed as a percentage of our total net revenues. Our historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.

 

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2016     2017     2018  
    ($ in thousands except percentage)  
Net sales:                                                
Net sales     114,602       100.0  %      121,520       100.0 %       125,582       100.0  %
Cost of goods sold:                                                
Cost of goods sold     102,147       89.2  %      111,428       91.7  %      114,525       91.2  % 
Provision for losses on contracts     385       0.3  %             %             % 
Total cost of goods sold     102,532       89.5  %      111,428       91.7  %      114,525       91.2  % 
Gross profit     12,070       10.5  %      10,092       8.3 %       11,057       8.8  % 
                                                 
Operating expenses:                                                
General and administrative     13,728       11.9  %      13,994       11.5 %       12,225       9.8  % 
Sales, marketing and customer service     3,238       2.8  %      2,944       2.4  %      2,285       1.8  % 
Provision (reverse) for doubtful accounts, notes and other receivables     7,106       6.2  %      1,693       1.4  %      (501 )     (0.4 )%
Impairment charges     79,598       69.5  %      740       0.6  %             % 
Total operating expenses     103,670       90.4  %      19,371       15.9  %      14,009       11.2  % 
Operating loss     (91,600 )     (79.9 )%     (9,279 )     (7.6 )%     (2,952 )     (2.4 )%
Other income (expense):                                                
Interest expense     (3,494 )     (3.0 )%     (8,087 )     (6.7 )%     (6,665 )     (5.3 )%
Interest income     802       0.7  %      384       0.3  %      320       0.3  % 
Gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds            %      7,121       5.9  %             % 
Change in fair value of derivative asset/liability     (2,328 )     (2.0 )%            %             % 
Tax penalty            %      (9,670 )     (8.0 )%             %
Loss on investment in affiliates     (6,296 )     (5.6 )%     (2,214 )     (1.8 )%            % 
Net foreign exchange gain (loss)     646       0.6  %      (5,141 )     (4.2 )%     1,118       0.9  % 
Gain on troubled debt restructuring            %             %      1,887       1.5  % 
Others     847       0.7  %     509       0.4%       487       0.4  % 
Total other expense, net     (9,823 )     (8.6 )%     (17,098 )     (14.1 )%     (2,853 )     (2.2 )%
Loss before income taxes     (101,423 )     (88.5 )%     (26,377 )     (21.7 )%     (5,805 )     (4.6 )%
Income taxes expense     606       0.5  %      137       0.1  %      332       0.3  % 
Net loss     (102,029 )     (89.0 )%     (26,514 )     (21.8 )%     (6,137 )     (4.9 )%

 

 

 

 

 

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Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2018 to the year ended December 31, 2017

 

Net sales —Net sales were $121.5 million and $125.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively, representing an increase of $4.1 million, or 3.3%. The increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2018 over the comparative period was primarily due to the sales of pre-development projects in U.S. which amounted to $15.8 million. The revenue from sales of PV projects increased by $4.8 million which was contributed by the sales of projects in Japan. The increase in sales of PV projects and pre-development projects was partially offset by the decrease of sales of PV components in Australia.

 

Cost of goods sold —Cost of goods sold was $111.4 million (91.7% of net sales) and $114.5 million (91.2% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively, representing an increase of $3.1 million, or 2.8%. The increase in cost of goods sold was consistent with the increase of sales.

 

Gross profit —Our gross profit increased from $10.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 to $11.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. Gross margins were 8.3% and 8.8% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to the increase of sales of PV projects and pre-development projects which has higher gross margin than sales of PV components.

 

General and administrative expenses —General and administrative expenses were $14.0 million (11.5% of net sales) and $12.2 million (9.8% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively, representing a decrease of $1.8 million, or 12.6%. The decrease in our general and administrative expenses was mainly due to the decrease of salary and welfare and professional service fee, which was the result of our cost saving measures.

 

Sales, marketing and customer service expenses —Sales, marketing and customer service expenses were $2.9 million (2.4% of net sales) and $2.3 million (1.8% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively, representing a decrease of $0.6 million, or 22.4%. The decrease in sales, marketing and customer service expenses was due to the decrease in advertising fee as the Company stopped advertising cooperation in 2018.

 

Provision (reverse) for doubtful accounts, notes and other receivables —We recorded a provision for doubtful accounts and notes of $1.7 million in 2017. In 2018, we reversed doubtful accounts provision of $0.5 million.

 

Impairment charges —Impairment charges were $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. There’s no impairment charge recorded in 2018 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Interest expense —Interest expense was $8.1 million (6.7% of net sales) and $6.7 million (5.3% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively, representing a decrease of $1.4 million, or 17.6%. The decrease in interest expense was in line with the decrease of borrowing.

 

Interest income —Interest income was $0.4 million (0.3% of net sales) and $0.3 million (0.3% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Interest income kept stable during the two years.

  

Gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds —Gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds was $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. It was due to the extension of a convertible bond agreement that we entered into with Union Sky Holdings Group Limited (“Union Sky”).

  

Tax penalty —Tax penalty was $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. It mainly represents expected penalty for late filing of Federal and State income tax returns for 2016.

 

Loss on investment in affiliates —Loss on investment in affiliates was $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. It mainly represented the investment loss on ENS under equity method.

 

 

 

 

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Gain on trouble debt restructuring —We recorded a gain of $1.9 million on trouble debt restructuring for the year ended December 31, 2018. We defaulted the first amendment agreement with Union Sky. On June 29, 2018, we entered into another amendment agreement with the Union Sky and Magical Glaze Limited (“MGL”), a company and Union Sky was under common control, to further extend the payment term. A gain is recognized for the difference between the future undiscounted cash flow of the second amended convertible bond of $20.0 million and the carrying amount of the first amended convertible bond of $21.9 million as of June 29, 2018.

 

Other gains or expenses —We recorded other loss of $4.6 million (3.8% of net sales) in the year ended December 31, 2017. We generated other gain of $1.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in other gains was primarily due to gain from foreign exchange.

 

Income tax expense —We had a provision for income taxes of $0.1 million (0.1% of net sales) and $0.3 million (0.2% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

 

Net loss —For the foregoing reasons, we incurred a net loss of $6.1 million (4.9% of net sales) from our continuing operation for the year ended December 31, 2018, representing a decrease compared to a net loss of $26.5 million (21.8% of net sales) from our continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2017 to the year ended December 31, 2016

 

Net sales —Net sales were $114.6 million and $121.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, representing an increase of $6.9 million, or 6.0%. The increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2017 over the comparative period was primarily due to the increase in the sales of PV components.

 

Cost of goods sold —Cost of goods sold was $102.1 million (89.2% of net sales) and $111.4 million (91.7% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, representing an increase of $9.3 million, or 9.1%. The increase in cost of goods sold was in line with the increase of sales.

 

Gross profit —Our gross profit decreased from $12.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 to $10.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2017. Gross margins were 10.5% and 8.3% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The decrease of gross margin was mainly due to that most of the revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was generated from sales of PV components which has lower gross margin.

 

General and administrative expenses —General and administrative expenses were $13.7 million (11.9% of net sales) and $14.0 million (11.5% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The general and administrative expenses kept stable.

 

Sales, marketing and customer service expenses —Sales, marketing and customer service expenses were $3.2 million (2.8% of net sales) and $2.9 million (2.4% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The sales, marketing and customer service expenses kept stable.

 

Provision for doubtful accounts, notes and other receivables —We recorded a provision for doubtful accounts and notes of $7.1 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

 

Impairment charges —Impairment charges were $79.6 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. We recorded $66.5 million for impairment charges on goodwill and intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2016. There were no impairment charges on goodwill and intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Interest expense —Interest expense was $3.5 million (3.0% of net sales) and $8.1 million (6.7% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 respectively, representing an increase of $4.6 million, or 131.5%. The increase in interest expense was in line with the increase of borrowings in 2017, and more interest was accrued for default borrowings.

 

 

 

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Interest income —Interest income was $0.8 million (0.7% of net sales) and $0.4 million (0.3% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in interest income was in line with the decrease in bank deposit in 2017.

  

Gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds —Gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds was $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. It was due to the extension of a convertible bond agreement that we entered with Union Sky Holdings Group Limited.

 

Change in fair value of derivative asset/liability —Our change in fair value of derivative asset/liability was $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. It was primarily due to the change in market value of the Warrant, which was issued by ENS to us in accordance with the ENS Purchase Agreement. There’s no change in fair value of derivative asset/liability for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Tax penalty —Tax penalty was $nil and $9.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. It mainly represents expected penalty for late filing of Federal and State income tax returns for 2016.

 

Loss on investment in affiliates —Loss on investment in affiliates was $6.3 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. It mainly represented the investment loss on ENS under equity method.

 

Other gains or expenses —We generated other gain of $1.5 million (1.3% of net sales) in the year ended December 31, 2016, and we recorded other loss of $4.6 million (3.8% of net sales) in the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in other expenses was primarily due to the increase of foreign exchange loss in the amount of $5.8 million.

 

Income tax expense —We had a provision for income taxes of $0.6 million (0.5% of net sales) and $0.1 million (0.1% of net sales) for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

 

Net loss — For the foregoing reasons, we incurred a net loss of $26.5 million (21.8% of net sales) from our continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing a decrease compared to a net loss of $102.0 million (89.0% of net sales) from our continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity

 

A summary of the sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents is as follows:

  

    For the year ended December 31,  
    2016     2017     2018  
    ($ in thousands)  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, continuing operations   $ 17,742     $ (14,373 )   $ 7,851  
Net cash generated by (used in) operating activities, discontinued operations     (90,712 )     2,733       159  
Net cash used in investing activities, continuing operations     (5,115 )     (2,934 )     (3,346 )
Net cash used in investing activities, discontinued operations     (8,002 )     (352 )     (418 )
Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities, continuing operations     9,425       8,284       (1,585 )
Net cash used in financing activities, discontinued operations     (75,436 )     (2,488 )     (2,145 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash     20       (477 )     453  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   $ (152,078 )   $ (9,607 )   $ 969  

 

As of December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, we had $4.7 million, $2.3 million and $4.6 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash.

 

 

 

 

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Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $7.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, the increase in cash was primarily as a result of (i) change in project assets of $17.8 million, and (ii) change in inventories of $2.9 million, (iii) change in accounts payable of $3.4 million, (iv) non cash share-based compensation of $2.7 million, and (v) change in accrued liabilities and other liabilities of $4.0 million, (vi) depreciation of $1.2 million, (vii) amortization of debt discount of convertible bonds of $1.9 million; the increase was partially offset by (i) net loss of $12.3 million,(ii) change in accounts receivable of $13.9 million, (iii) change in advance from customers of $5.1 million, and (iv) gain on troubled debt restructuring of $1.9 million.

 

Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations was $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, the decrease in cash was primarily as a result of (i) net loss of $91.0 million, (ii) gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds of $7.1 million, (iii) change in accounts receivable of $8.9 million, (iv) change in project assets of $4.0 million, and (v) change in inventories of $6.7 million; the decrease was partially offset by (i) change in advance from customers of $13.7 million, (ii) change in accrued liabilities and other liabilities of $5.2 million, (iii) tax penalty of $9.7 million, (iv) amortization of debt discount on convertible bonds of $2.9 million, (v) loss on investment in affiliates of $2.2 million,. (vi) depreciation of $1.2 million, (vii) provision for doubtful accounts and notes and other receivable of $1.7 million, and (viii) share-based compensation of $1.2 million.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $17.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, the increase in cash was primarily as a result of (i) depreciation of $4.0 million, (ii) provision for doubtful accounts and notes of $7.1 million, (iii) impairment charge on intangible assets of $1.2 million, (iv) impairment charges on goodwill of $65.2 million, (v) impairment charges on project assets of $13.1 million, (vi) loss on investment in affiliates of $6.3 million, (vii) share-based compensation of $1.3 million, (viii) change in fair value of derivative assets /liabilities of $2.3 million, (ix) change in accounts receivable of $4.4 million, (x) change in project assets of $8.6 million, (xi) change in inventories of $3.9 million, and (xii) change in accounts payable of $2.5 million, (xiii) change in accrued liabilities and other liabilities of $1.4 million ,(xiv) non-cash interest expense of $1.5 million; the increase was partially offset by (i) a net loss of $221.0 million, (ii) operating income from solar system subject to financing obligation of $1.4 million, and (iii) change in prepaid expense and other assets of $1.2 million.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations was $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily as a result of decrease of cash due to disposition of SPI China.

 

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations was $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily as a result of the decrease of cash of $2.7 million caused by the deconsolidation of Sinsin.

 

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations was $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, the decrease in cash was primarily as a result of (i) acquisition of property, plant and equipment of $9.3 million, and (ii) acquisition of subsidiaries of $2.3 million; the decrease was partially offset by (i) proceeds from disposal of investment in affiliates of $5.4 million, and (ii) proceeds from repayment of interest bearing receivables of $1.0 million;

 

 

 

 

 

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Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations was $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, the decrease in cash was primarily consisting of (i) repayment of line of credit and loans payable of $67.8 million; the decrease was partially offset by (i) proceeds from line of credit and loans payable of $66.2 million.

 

Net cash generated from financing activities from continuing operations was $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, the increase in cash was primarily consisting of (i) proceeds from issuance of common shares of $5.8 million; and (ii) proceeds from line of credit and loans payable of $31.9 million; the increase was partially offset by (i) repayment of line of credit and loans payable of $29.4 million.

 

Net cash generated from financing activities from continuing operations was $9.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, the increase in cash was primarily consisting of (i) proceeds from line of credit and loans payable of $32.6 million, and (ii) proceeds from issuance of common shares of $5.0 million; the increase was partially offset by (i) the repayments of line of credit and loan payable of $28.2 million.

 

Capital Resources and Material Known Facts on Liquidity

 

We have suffered recurring losses from operations. We have incurred a net loss of $6.1 million from continuing operations during the year ended December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, we had accumulated deficit of $570.1 million and working capital deficit of $92.6 million. As of December 31, 2018, $41.6 million of convertible bonds was due within one year. These raised substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

We have revised the assumptions underlying our existing operating plans and recognized the fact that additional actions were needed to reposition our operations to minimize our cash outflows. Therefore, we undertook a number of initiatives in order to conserve or generate cash on an incremental basis in 2018. These initiatives included:

 

  · Equity financing. The group is actively seeking additional capital in the form of equity financing. As of April 14, 2019, the group completed a private placement of 6,600,000 ordinary shares, raising US$7.7 million. Net proceeds from the above transaction are intended to be used for expansion of SPI Energy's global PV project activities and general corporate purposes. The Group plans to seek additional funds through equity financing.

 

  · Working capital management. The Group sold several PV projects in Japan and US, and is actively negotiating with the buyers to mobilize the cash collection. In addition, the Group has intention to sell the PV projects in Italy which are indeed with good value and return. The sales of these projects will expect to bring in significant amount of cash to the company to improve liquidity and capital to reinvest into new solar projects. Except for the new PV projects in Greece and US to be acquired, the Group has been closely monitoring the Group’s capital spending level until liquidity position has improved. These initiatives aim at preserving cash and generating operating cash flows to enable the Group to repay the borrowings and accounts payable.

 

  · Cost saving measures. The Group has implemented certain measures with an aim to reduce its operating expenses in 2018. Such measures include: 1) strictly controlling and reducing business, marketing and advertising expenses in United States and Australia; 2) relocating certain offices in United States and United Kingdom to save office rental; and 3) lowering the remuneration of the Group’s management team. The Group would continue to implement these measures in 2019 to maintain the expenditure level.

  

However, we cannot assure you that this liquidity plan will be successful executed. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We have incurred net losses, experienced net cash outflows from operating activities and recorded working capital deficit. If we do not effectively manage our cash and other liquid financial assets and execute our liquidity plan, we may not be able to continue as a going concern.”

 

 

 

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Capital Expenditures

 

We incurred capital expenditures of $9.3 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Capital commitments amounted to approximately $6.6 million as of December 31, 2018. These capital commitments will be used primarily for the construction of our solar projects. We expect to finance construction of these projects using cash from our operations and private placements, bank borrowings as well as other third-party financing options.

 

Research and development, patents and licenses, etc.

 

Prior to 2014, we were engaged in the development, manufacture and marketing of a variety of PV modules, the key components of solar parks that convert sunlight into electricity, and balance-of-system components, including our in-house brand. We have discontinued our manufacturing business and liquidated our research and development function.

 

Trend information

 

Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for 2018 that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause reported consolidated financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our own shares and classified as shareholder’s equity, or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. We do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.

 

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018:

 

    Payment due by period  
Contractual Obligations   Total     less than
1 year
    1-3 years     3-5 years     more than
5 years
 
    ($ in thousands)  
Convertible bonds   $ 55,000     $ 41,600     $ 13,400     $     $  
Short-term borrowings     2,987       2,987                    
Long-term debt obligations     6,853       179       437       1,371       4,866  
Operating lease obligations     2,709       528       747       168       1,266  
Capital commitment     6,617       6,617                    
Total   $ 74,166     $ 51,911     $ 14,584     $ 1,539     $ 6,132  

 

 

 

 

 

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Safe Harbor

 

This annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, and information we provide in our press releases, telephonic reports and other investor communications, including those on our website, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. All statements in this annual report on Form 20-F, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

 

The forward-looking statements include statements, among other things, with respect to anticipated future events, including anticipated trends and developments in and management plans for our business and the markets in which we operate and plan to operate; future financial results, operating results, revenues, gross profit, operating expenses, projected costs, and capital expenditures; sales and marketing initiatives; competitive position; and liquidity, capital resources, and availability of future equity capital on commercially reasonable terms.

 

Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “plan,” “will,” “may,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “should,” “intend,” “forecast,” “project” the negative or plural of these words, and other comparable terminology. Our forward-looking statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and our projections about future events. All forward-looking statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F are based upon information available to us as of the filing date of this annual report on Form 20-F. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements for any reason.

 

We have identified factors that could cause actual plans or results to differ materially from those included in any forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  · an inability to realize expected benefits of the restructuring within the anticipated time frame, or at all;

 

  · changes in tax law, tax treaties or tax regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, including

 

  · taxing authorities not agreeing with our assessment of the effects of such laws, treaties and regulations;

 

  · an inability to execute any of our business strategies; and

 

  · such other risk factors as may be discussed in our reports filed with the SEC.

 

These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. These factors include the matters discussed in the section entitled “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described under this section.

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

 

The following table sets forth the names and ages of our current board of directors (the “Board”) and our named executive officers and the principal offices and positions held by each person. Our executive officers are appointed by the Board. Our directors serve until the earlier to occur of the appointment of his or her successor at the next meeting of shareholders, death, resignation or removal by the Board. There are no family relationships among our directors and our named executive officers.

 

Name

Age

Position

Xiaofeng Peng 44 Director, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Maurice Ngai 57 Director
Lang Zhou 57 Director
HoongKhoeng Cheong 54 Director and Chief Operating Officer
Lu Qing 48 Director

 

Set forth below is a brief biography of each director, named executive officer and significant employee that contains information regarding the individual’s service as a director, named executive officer or significant employee including business experience for the past five years. In addition, information for directors includes directorships held during the past five years, information concerning certain legal or administrative proceedings, if applicable, and the experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills that caused the Board to determine that the individual should serve as a director for us.

 

Mr. Xiaofeng Peng has served as a director and the executive chairman of our Board since January 10, 2011 and as our chief executive officer since March 25, 2016. Mr. Peng was appointed chairman of the Board pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement entered into between us and LDK on January 5, 2011. Mr. Peng founded LDK in July 2005 and is its chairman of the board and chief executive officer. Prior to founding LDK, Mr. Peng founded Suzhou Liouxin Co., Ltd., or Suzhou Liouxin, in March 1997 and was its chief executive officer until February 2006. Suzhou Liouxin is a leading manufacturer of personal protective equipment in Asia. Mr. Peng graduated from Jiangxi Foreign Trade School with a diploma in international business in 1993 and from Beijing University Guanghua School of Management with an executive MBA degree in 2002.

 

Dr. Maurice Wai-fungNgai has served as our director since May 9, 2016. Dr. Ngai is a member of the Working Group on Professional Services under the Economic Development Commission of HKSAR, a director of Hong Kong Coalition of Professional Services, the President of the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (2015), a General Committee member of The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies, a member of Qualification and Examination Board of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Adjunct Professor of Law of Hong Kong Shue Yan University. Dr. Ngai obtained a Doctoral Degree in Finance at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, a Master’s Degree in Corporate Finance from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Andrews University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s Degree in Laws at University of Wolverhampton. He is in a selected talent pool of State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration of the State Council (SASAC) and is serving as an independent non-executive director of several reputable listed companies.

 

Dr. Lang Zhou has served as our director since April 17, 2014. Dr. Zhou has been a professor of Nanchang University since 1997. Dr. Zhou has extensive experience in the solar industry. Dr. Zhou received a doctoral degree in materials science and engineering from University of Science and Technology Beijing and received a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in materials science and engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 1985.

 

 

 

 

 

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Mr. HoongKhoeng Cheong has served as our director since September 2017, as and our chief operating officer since May 2014. Mr. Cheong has more than 20 years of engineering and operation experience in the solar and electronics industries. He served in various management positions in LDK from 2011 to 2014 and he was appointed as the chairman of the Management Board and chief executive officer of Sunways AG, a publicly-listed company in Germany. He previously served as our general manager from 2007 to 2011 and was responsible for PV system design and development as well as the manufacturing of key components for PV modules and racking systems before joining LDK. Prior to joining the solar industry in 2007, Mr. Cheong spent 16 years in the electronics industry responsible for engineering development and manufacturing of liquid crystal display products and he served as the Vice President of Engineering of an affiliate of Flextronics International Ltd. Mr. Cheong holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Louisiana and obtained his Master of Science in computer integrated manufacturing from Nanyang Technology University, Singapore in 1997.

 

Ms. Lu Qing has served as our director since May 2017. She currently serves as the chief operating officer of WisePublic Asset Management Limited, where she manages daily operations, and acts as the special consultant to Peking Certified Public Accountants. Ms. Lu Qing has qualified experience in the finance, accounting, tax and legal fields. She served the head of internal audit of China Regenerative Medicine International Limited (8158 HK) from January 2013 to October 2015. Ms. Lu Qing also served as financial controller of Mainland China at Sing Tao News Corporation Limited (1105 HK) from May 2005 to May 2008. From February 1992 to March 2002, Ms. Lu Qing served as one of the major business partners and vice general manager at Peking Certified Public Accountants. Ms. Lu Qing received bachelor’s degree in economics, major in accounting from Central University of Finance and Economics in June 1993, and a master’s degree in law from Peking University in January 2001. Ms. Lu Qing is also a Certified Tax Agents, Certified Public Valuer, and Certified Public Account in China.

 

B. Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the aggregate cash compensation and benefits that we paid to our directors and executive officers was approximately $917,275. No pension, retirement or similar benefits have been set aside or have accrued by us for our executive officers of directors.

 

Stock Incentive Plans

 

2006 Equity Incentive Plan

 

On November 15, 2006, SPI’s board of directors adopted the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, reserving nine percent (9%) of the outstanding shares of SPI’s common stock for the plan, and this plan was approved by SPI’s shareholders on February 7, 2007. Upon completion of the Redomicle Merger, our Company assumed SPI’s existing obligations under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and an equal number of the Company’s ordinary shares, rather than the common stock of SPI, will be issued upon the exercise of the awards under this plan.

 

The following are principal terms under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan:

 

Administration. The administrator is a committee consisting of two or more independent members of the Board appointed by the Board to administer this plan, or if there is no such committee, the Board itself.

 

Awards . We may grant incentive and non-qualified share options, restricted shares, unrestricted shares and share appreciation rights under this plan.

 

Award Agreements. Each award granted under this plan will be evidenced by a signed written award agreement between the Company and the award recipient.

 

 

 

 

 

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Exercise Price. The exercise price of any option or share appreciation right will be determined by the administrator in accordance with this plan.

 

Terms of Awards. The term of options granted under this plan may not exceed ten years (or five years, in the case of an incentive share option granted to an optionee who owns more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of share of the Company). The term of a share appreciation right will be set forth in the award agreement as determined by the administrator.

 

Vesting Schedule. The administrator may determine in its discretion whether any award will be subject to vesting and the terms and conditions of any such vesting. The award agreement will contain any such vesting schedule.

 

Transfer Restrictions. No options, restricted shares awards (prior to vesting, subject to the plan and the award agreement) or share appreciation rights may be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution, except that non-qualified options and share appreciation rights may be transferred to an award recipient’s former spouse pursuant to a property settlement made part of an agreement or court order incident to the divorce. During the lifetime of an award recipient, only the award recipient, his guardian or legal representative may exercise an option (other than an incentive share option) pursuant to a domestic relations order in accordance with the plan. During the lifetime of an award recipient, only the award recipient may exercise the restricted share awards or share appreciation rights.

 

Termination of Employment or Service. In the event that an award recipient terminates employment with us or ceases to provide services to us, an award may be exercised following the termination of employment or services as provided in the plan and the award agreement.

 

Termination and Amendment of the Plan. This plan was terminated automatically in 2016 pursuant to its terms. Our Board has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the plan, subject to shareholder approval with respect to certain amendments. No award will be granted after termination of this plan but all awards granted prior to termination will remain in effect in accordance with their terms.

 

2015 Equity Incentive Plan

 

On May 8, 2015, our board of directors adopted our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. Our shareholders approved this plan on the same date. This plan went effective upon completion of the Redomicile Merger. The total number of Shares that may be issued under this plan is nine percent (9%) of the number of outstanding and issued ordinary shares of the Company. Awards may, in the discretion of the administrator, be made under this plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by the Company or its affiliates or a company acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines. The number of shares underlying such substitute awards shall be counted against the aggregate number of shares available for awards under the plan.

 

The following are principal terms under our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan:

 

Administration. This plan is administered by the compensation committee of our Board, and the compensation committee may delegate its duties and powers in whole or in part to any subcommittee of it.

 

Awards. We may grant non-qualified or incentive share options, share appreciation rights and other share-based awards such as restricted shares under this plan.

 

Option / Exercise Price . The purchase price per share of any option and the exercise price of any share appreciation right will be determined by the administrator in accordance with the plan.

 

Terms of Awards. The term of options granted under this plan may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Vesting Conditions . The administrator has full power and authority to accelerate or waive any vesting conditions.

 

 

 

 

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Transfer Restrictions. Unless otherwise determined by the administrator and subject to terms and conditions of the plan, an award may not be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

 

Adjustments upon Certain Events. In the event of any change in the outstanding shares by reason of certain corporate transactions, the administrator will in its sole discretion make such substitution or adjustment (if any) as to the number or kind of securities issued or reserved for issuance pursuant to the plan or outstanding awards, the maximum numbers of awards that may be granted during a calendar year to any award recipient, the option or exercise price of any awards, or other affected terms of the awards. In the event of a change of control, the administrator may (1) determine any outstanding awards to be automatically exercisable or otherwise vested or no longer subject to lapse restrictions; or (2) cancel these awards in accordance with the plan, provide for issuance of substitute awards that substantially preserve the otherwise applicable terms of these awards, or provide that relevant options shall be exercisable within a period of at least 15 days prior to the change of control and shall terminate upon occurrence of the change of control.

 

Termination and Amendment of Plan . Unless terminated earlier, this plan shall terminate automatically in 2025. Our Board may amend, alter or discontinue this plan in accordance with terms and conditions of the plan. No award may be granted under the plan after termination date, but awards granted prior to termination will remain in effect.

 

Option Awards

 

The following table summarizes the outstanding options that we granted to our directors and executive officers and to other individuals as a group under both of our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan as of the date of this annual report. We have not granted any outstanding options other than to the individuals named below.

 

Name   Number of
Shares
  Exercise
Price ($)
  Grant Date   Expiration Date
Xiaofeng Peng   100,000   $3.63   September 2017   September 2027
Maurice Ngai  

3,600

3,600

5,000

*

$62

$62

$3.63

 

May 2016

May 2016

September 2017

 

May 2026

May 2026

September 2027

Lang Zhou   5,000 * $62   May 2016   May 2026
   

3,000

1,000

 

$3.63

$31

 

September 2017

June 2014

 

September 2027

June 2024

HoongKhoeng Cheong   46,000 * $3.63   September 2017   September 2027
Qing Lu   800 * $3.63   September 2017   September 2027
Directors and executive officers as a group   168,000 *

From $3.63

to $62

 

From August 2013 to

March 2026

 

From May 2026 to

September 2027

Other individuals as a group   92,200 **          

_____________________

 

* Upon exercise of all share options, would beneficially own less than 5.0% of our then outstanding share capital.

 

** Upon exercise of all share options, each such individual would beneficially own less than 1.0% of our then outstanding share capital.

 

 

 

 

 

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  C. Board Practices

 

Board of Directors

 

Our board of directors currently consists of five directors, three of whom satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Rules. The law of our home country, which is the Cayman Islands, does not require a majority of the board of directors of our Company to be composed of independent directors, nor does the Cayman Islands law require that of a compensation committee or a nominating committee. We intend to follow our home country practice with regard to composition of the board of directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in the Company by way of qualification. A director who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction with our company must declare the nature of his interest at a meeting of the directors. Subject to the NASDAQ Rules and disqualification by the chairman of the relevant board meeting, a director may vote in respect of any contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction notwithstanding that he or she may be interested therein and if he or she does so his or her vote shall be counted and he or she may be counted in the quorum at the relevant board meeting at which such contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction is considered. Our board of directors may exercise all of the powers of our Company to borrow money, to mortgage or charge our undertakings, property and uncalled capital, and to issue debentures or other securities whenever money is borrowed or pledged as security for any debt, liability or obligation of our Company or of any third party.

 

Committees of the Board of Directors

 

We have an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee under the board of directors. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.

 

Audit Committee

 

Our audit committee consists of Maurice Ngai, Qing Lu and Lang Zhou, and is chaired by Maurice Ngai. All of the members of our audit committee satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Rules. The audit committee assists the Board’s oversight of (1) the quality and integrity of our financial statements and related disclosure, (2) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3) the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, (4) the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors and (5) related-party transactions. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  · appointing the independent auditors and pre-approving any non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditors;

 

  · reviewing and approving all proposed related-party transactions;

 

  · reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response;

 

  · discussing the audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;

 

  · reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal controls;

 

  · meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors;

 

  · reviewing with the general counsel the adequacy of procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory responsibilities; and

 

  · reporting regularly to the entire board of directors.

 

 

 

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Compensation Committee

 

Our compensation committee consists of Xiaofeng Peng and Maurice Ngai and Qing Lu, and is chaired by Xiaofeng Peng. Maurice Ngai and Qing Lu satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Rules. Our home country practice differs from the NASDAQ Rules that require the compensation committees of listed companies to be comprised solely of independent directors. There are, however, no specific requirements under Cayman Islands law on the composition of compensation committees. The compensation committee has overall responsibility for evaluating and recommending to the Board compensation of our directors and executive officers and our equity-based and incentive compensation plans, policies and programs. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  · approving and overseeing the total compensation package for our executives;

 

  · reviewing and recommending to the Board the compensation of our directors;

 

  · reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our chief executive officer, evaluating the performance of our chief executive officer in light of those goals and objectives, and setting the compensation level of our chief executive officer based on this evaluation;

 

  · reviewing periodically and recommending to the Board and administering any long-term incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements; and

 

  · reporting regularly to the entire board of directors.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Xiaofeng Peng, and Lang Zhou and Qing Lu, and is chaired by Xiaofeng Peng. Qing Lu and Lang Zhou satisfy the “independence” requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Rules. Our home country practice differs from the NASDAQ Rules that require the nominating committees of listed companies to be comprised solely of independent directors. There are, however, no specific requirements under Cayman Islands law on the composition of nominating committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the board of directors in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the Board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  · identifying and recommending to the Board nominees for election to the Board or for appointment to fill any vacancy that is anticipated or has arisen on the Board;

 

  · reviewing annually with the Board the current composition of the Board in light of the characteristics of independence, age, skills, experience and availability of service to us of its members and of anticipated needs;

 

  · identifying and recommending to the Board the directors to serve as members of the Board’s committees;

 

  · advising the Board periodically regarding significant developments in law and practice of corporate governance and making recommendations to the Board on all matters of corporate governance;

 

  · monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance; and

 

  · reporting regularly to the entire board of directors.

 

 

 

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Duties of Directors

 

Under Cayman Islands law, our directors owe to us fiduciary duties, including a duty of loyalty, a duty to act honestly and a duty to act in what they consider in good faith to be in our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the skill they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time. Our Company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached.

 

Terms of Directors and Executive Officers

 

The members of the Board serve until their successors are duly elected and have qualified. Our officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. A director will cease to be a director if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; (ii) dies or is found by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind; (iii) resigns his office by written notice to the Company; (iv) the board resolves that his office be vacated; or (v) is removed from office pursuant to any other provision of our memorandum and articles of association.

 

Employment Agreements

 

We have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers. These employment agreements became effective on the signing date and will remain effective through 2019. We may terminate an executive officer’s employment for cause for certain acts of the officer, including, but not limited to, conviction of a felony, any act involving moral turpitude, or a misdemeanor where imprisonment is imposed; commission of any act of theft, fraud, dishonesty, or falsification of any employment or Company records; improper disclosure of the Company’s confidential or proprietary information; any action that has a detrimental effect on the Company’s reputation or business; or failure to perform agreed duties. We may also terminate an executive officer’s employment without cause. Each of us or the relevant executive officer may terminate the employment by giving advance written notice. We may renew the employment agreements with our executive officers.

 

D. Employees

 

As of December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, we had 327, 63 and 49 employees, respectively. The employees are based in the U.S., the U.K., Italy, Greece, Hong Kong, Australia, and Japan. The following table sets forth the number of our employees for each of our major functions as of December 31, 2018:

 

Major functions  

As of
December 31,

2018

 
Managerial functions     23  
Operating functions     24  
Others     2  
Total     49  

 

None of our employees are represented by a labor union nor are we organized under a collective bargaining agreement. We have never experienced a work stoppage and believe that our relations with our employees are good.

 

As required by regulations in China, we participated in various employee social security plans that are organized by municipal and provincial governments, including pension, unemployment insurance, childbirth insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance and housing insurance. We were also required under PRC law to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time. Since we divested our Chinese operation in December 2018, we are no longer subject to these laws.

 

 

 

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E. Share Ownership  

 

The following tables set forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our shares as of the date of the report.

 

  · each of our directors and executive officers; and

 

  · each person known to us to own beneficially in excess of 5% of our ordinary shares.

 

Directors and Executive Officers  

Shares

Beneficially Owned

    Percentage
Beneficially Owned
 
Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman of the Board 1     5,249,340       36.17%  
Maurice Wai-fung Ngai, Director     *       *  
Qing Lu, Director     *       *  
Lang Zhou, Director     *       *  
HoongKhoeng Cheong, Director and Chief Operating Officer     *       *  
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group 2     5,957,640       41.05%  

__________________

(1) Consists of 2,000 ordinary shares and options to purchase 25,000 ordinary shares, Mr. Xiaofeng Peng, as the spouse of Ms. Shan Zhou, may be deemed to beneficially own the 875,000 ordinary shares of the Company held by Ms. Shan Zhou. Furthermore, LDK New Energy Holding Limited, or LDK Energy, directly owns 3,347,340 ordinary shares. As the spouse of Ms. Shan Zhou, who is the sole shareholder and a director of LDK Energy, Mr. Peng may be deemed to beneficially own such 3,347,340 ordinary shares beneficially owned by LDK Energy. Lighting Charm Limited holds an option to purchase 1,000,000 ordinary shares. As the spouse of Ms. Shan Zhou, who is the sole shareholder and a director of Lighting Charm Limited, Mr. Peng may be deemed to beneficially own such 1,000,000 ordinary shares beneficially owned by Lighting Charm Limited.

 

(2) Consists of an aggregate of 4,896,340 ordinary shares and options to purchase an aggregate of 1,061,300 ordinary shares.

 

* Less than 5.0%.

 

Principal Shareholders   Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned
    Percentage
Beneficially Owned
 
LDK Solar USA, Inc. 1     1,317,463       9.08%  
LDK Solar Europe Holding SA 2     97,712       0.67%  
Shan Zhou 3     5,249,340       36.17%  
UPC CO., LTD. 4     1,350,000       9.30%  
Qian Kun Prosperous Times Investment Limited 5     800,000       5.51%  

______________________

 

(1) LDK Solar USA, Inc. LDK Solar USA, Inc. is wholly owned by LDK Solar CO., Ltd. The address of LDK Solar USA, Inc. LDK Solar USA, Inc. is One Front Street, Suite 1600, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA.

 

(2) LDK Solar Europe Holding S.A. is wholly owned by LDK Solar International Co., Ltd., which is in turn wholly owned by LDK Solar CO., Ltd. The address of LDK Solar Europe Holding S.A. is 898, rue Pafebruch, L-8308, Capellen RCS, Luxembourg.

 

(3) Consists of 875,000 ordinary shares held by Ms. Shan Zhou and 3,347,340 ordinary shares beneficially owned by LDK Energy. As the spouse of Mr. Peng, Ms. Shan Zhou may also be deemed to beneficially own 2,000 ordinary shares and 25,000 ordinary shares that Mr. Peng has the option to purchase. Lighting Charm Limited holds an option to purchase 1,000,000 ordinary shares. As the sole shareholder and a director of Lighting Charm Limited, Ms. Shan Zhou may be deemed to beneficially own such 1,000,000 ordinary shares beneficially owned by Lighting Charm Limited.

 

(4) Mrs. Qiuyue Liu is the natural person who has sole voting and investment power over 1,350,000 ordinary shares of the company shares held through UPC CO., LTD. The address of UPC CO., LTD. is at Floor 4, Willow house, cricket square, PO Box 2804,Grand Cayman, KY1-1112, Cayman Islands.

 

(5) Mr. Yunshi Wang is the natural person who has sole voting and investment power over 800,000 ordinary of the company shares held through Qian Kun Prosperous Times Investment Limited. The address of Qian Kun Prosperous Times Investment Limited is Sea Meadow House, Blackburne Highway, (P.O. Box 116), Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.  

 

 

 

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As of the date of this annual report, 14,514,125 ordinary shares are issued and outstanding. We cannot ascertain the exact number of beneficial shareholders with addresses in the United States.

 

None of our shareholders has different voting rights from other shareholders as of the date of this annual report. We are currently not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our Company.

 

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A. Major Shareholders

 

Please refer to “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership.”

 

B. Related Party Transactions

 

Transactions with Our Directors, Executive Officers and Shareholders   

 

The amount due from related parties of $0.04 and $0.09 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 represented the advance payment to management for business operation.

 

The amount due to related parties of $0.08 million and $nil as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 mainly represented the short term borrowing made from related parties.

 

On August 30, 2018, the Group entered into a share purchase agreement (the “SPI China disposal agreement”) with Lighting Charm, an affiliate of Ms. Shan Zhou, the spouse of Xiaofeng Peng, the Group’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Shan Zhou, as the beneficial owner of the Group, hold more than 10% equity interest pf the Group as of December 10, 2018. The agreement has been approved by an independent committee of the Group’s Board of Directors. The SPI China disposal agreement provides that the Group sold Lighting Charm the 100% equity interest of SPI China, which holds all of the Group’s assets and liabilities related to its business in China (the “Acquired Business”). The Group effected an internal restructuring following which SPI China would only hold the Group’s subsidiaries in China, and all the other subsidiaries outside of China would be transferred to the Group. Pursuant to the terms of the SPI China disposal agreement, the consideration for the Acquired Business to be paid by the Lighting Charm to the Group in cash was US$1.00. As of December 10, 2018, the restructuring was completed and the disposition was closed. As a result of the disposition to a principal shareholder for US$1.00, the excess of SPI China’s book value of liabilities over the book value of its assets was recorded as an addition to paid-in capital of $107.9 million.

 

Together with the transaction, the Group granted Lighting Charm options to purchase up to 1,000,000 of the Group’s ordinary shares with par value of $0.0001, with an exercise price of US$ 3.80 per share. The options vested immediately and can be exercised at any time on or prior to August 21, 2021. The options were valued using the Binomial option pricing model and the fair value of the options on the grant date was $1.26 million, which adjusted to the fair value of disposal consideration and was charged into additional paid-in capital.

 

The Group had made payment on behalf of SPI China for its operation purpose from December 10, 2018 to December 31, 2018, which was considered remote collectability due to the financial position of SPI China, and the Company recorded the amount due from SPI China as a debt forgiveness loss from related parties, with amount of $0.536 million recorded as a reduction of within additional paid-in capital

 

Contractual Arrangements with Solar Energy E-Commerce and Its Shareholders

 

We, through Yan Hua Internet, entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Solar Energy E-Commerce and its shareholders, Mr. Xiaofeng Peng, chairman of our board of directors, Mr. Min Xiahou, former deputy chairman of our board of directors and Ms. Amy Jing Liu, our former chief financial officer. These contractual arrangements allowed us to exercise effective control over Solar Energy E-Commerce, receive substantially all of the economic benefits of Solar Energy E-Commerce and have a call option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in Solar Energy E-Commerce when and to the extent permitted by PRC law.

 

 

 

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We did not consolidate the operating results of Solar Energy E-Commerce into our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

These transactions relate to the portion of our business that we sold to Lighting Charm Limited in December 2018, as described above. 

 

Contractual Arrangements with Meijv and Its Shareholder

 

Subsequently, we had migrated Solarbao from Solar Energy E-commerce to Meijv since April 2016. We, through Yan Hua Internet, entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Meijv and Youying, whose shareholders are Mr. Min Xiahou, former deputy chairman of our board of directors and Mr. Tairan Guo, our former Chief Financial Officer. These contractual arrangements allowed us to exercise effective control over Meijv, receive substantially all of the economic benefits of Meijv and have a call option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in Meijv when and to the extent permitted by PRC law.

 

These transactions relate to the portion of our business that we sold to Lighting Charm Limited in December 2018, as described above. 

 

Contractual Arrangements with LvNeng Tao and Its Shareholders

 

We, through Yan Hua Internet, entered into a series of contractual arrangements with LvNeng Tao, whose shareholders are Mr. Min Xiahou, former deputy chairman of our board of directors, Mr. Minghua Zhao, a former director of our board of directors, and Mr. Tairan Guo. These contractual arrangements allowed us to exercise effective control over LvNeng Tao, receive substantially all of the economic benefits of LvNeng Tao and have a call option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in LvNeng Tao when and to the extent permitted by PRC law.

  

These contractual arrangements relate to the portion of our China business that we sold to Lighting Charm Limited in December 2018, as described above.

 

Employment Agreements

 

See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices—Employment Agreements.”

 

Share Incentives

 

See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers” for a description of share options that we have granted to our directors, officers and other individuals as a group.

 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report.

 

 

 

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Legal and Administrative Proceedings

 

On June 26, 2015, Aaron Read & Associates (“Aaron Read”) filed a complaint against us for commissions with respect to a solar project in North Palm Springs, California. Aaron Read is seeking damages in the amount of approximately $0.5 million plus attorney’s fees and claimed it is due commissions ranging from 0.25% to 2.0% of the project’s gross revenues depending on the level of involvement by Aaron Read in assisting in obtaining the project by us. We deny that Aaron Read assisted in the project acquisition, and even if it is deemed that Aaron Read assisted, they would be entitled to only 0.25%, i.e.$0.1 million. As of the date of issuance of these financial statements, this matter is at its early stage of the proceeding and it is uncertain how the United States Court will rule on the plaintiff’s appellate brief. Based on information available to us, management believes that it is remote that a loss had been incurred. We arrange to have a mediation with Aaron Read to reach a settlement hereto. A settlement agreement was entered into by both parties on November 14, 2017. On January 2, 2018, Aaron Read filed and served upon the company a dismissal with prejudice of the entire case and all causes of action in the pending action.

 

Some of our previous employees filed suits in late 2015 and early 2016 against us for breach of their prior employment contracts with us. As of the date of this annual report, we have reached a settlement with Michael Turco, Taimur Jamil, Sharon Mauer, William Heck and Brain Lessig and the court has administratively closed those matters. Only Kevin Adler’s case is pending to trail. Based on information available to us, we believe that it is probable that a loss had been incurred based on reasonable estimation.

 

There is currently an ongoing dispute between “SPI China (HK) Limited” and “SPI Energy Co., Ltd.” on one hand (hereinafter collectively: “SPI”) and “SINSIN Europe Solar Asset Limited Partnership” and “SINSIN Solar Capital Limited Partnership” on the other hand (hereinafter collectively: “SINSIN”) with respect to a share sale and purchase agreement dated September 6, 2014 entered into by and between SINSIN as vendors and SPI as purchaser in relation to all of the shares in “Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited”, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The target company is the direct or indirect owner of four (4) Greek companies (hereinafter collectively: “4 SPVs”). The 4 SPVs own a number of photovoltaic parks in Greece having a total power output of 26.57 MW.

 

The following judicial proceedings have been initiated in Greece:

 

A. SINSIN filed an Injunction Petition against the 4 SPVs on January 26, 2018, which was heard on March 20, 2018, before the Athens One-Member First Instance Court and on which Judgement No 4212/2018 was issued on June 25, 2018.

 

This Interim Judgment ordered, inter alia, the following:

 

(A) It suspends the force of the extraordinary General Meetings of the shareholders of the 4 SPVs dated December 19, 2017 on the appointment of their members of Board of Directors, until the issuance of a final judgment on the lawsuit filed by SINSIN.

 

(B) It appoints an interim management of the 4 SPVs, consisting of two members elected by SINSIN (Dejun Ye and Fan Yang) and one member elected by the 4 SPVs (Hoong Khoeng Cheong).

 

(C) It allows SINSIN to register with the Greek General Commercial Registry (“GEMI”) the appointed interim management of the 4 SPVs.

 

B. SINSIN and Mr. Dejun Ye filed a lawsuit against the 4 SPVs March 14, 2018, with General Submission No 25276/2018 (the “Annulment Lawsuit”). The petitioners request the annulment of the December 19, 2017 General Assemblies’ Resolutions of the 4 SPVs, which appointed a Board of Directors elected by their lawful shareholders “Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited”, “Veltimo Limited” and “Photovoltaica Parka Veroia 1 Malta Limited”, companies belonging to SPI.

 

 

 

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SPI filed an Additional Intervention in the above pending trial under General No. 40772/2018 in favor of the 4 SPVs requesting the rejection of the Annulment Lawsuit.

 

SPI and their subsidiaries vigorously opposed the above-mentioned petition.

 

Court submissions by the parties were completed on July 12, 2018. A court decision is expected.

 

C. On October 23, 2018 another petition of SINSIN before the Athens Local Court and against “Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited”, “Veltimo Limited” and “Photovoltaica Parka Veroia 1 Malta Limited” was heard. Such petition was filed with the Athens Local Court under General Submission No 7294/2018. SINSIN requests the Court to allow them to proceed to an auction of the pledged shares of the 4 SPVs, in order to satisfy their claim amounting to € 38.054 million, plus interest and expenses, for the outstanding purchase price of the 4 SPVs shares under the above-mentioned share sale and purchase agreement dated September 6, 2014.

 

Court submissions by the parties were completed on October 26, 2018.

 

SPI and their subsidiaries vigorously opposed the above-mentioned petition and a court decision was issued. In particular, the Athens Local Court issued Decision 350/2019 which postponed the issuance of a definitive judgment on SINSIN’s petition until the issuance of a final decision on the case pending before the Malta arbitration tribunal with respect to the SPA. The Court accepted our argument that since SPI has a claim against SINSIN which is pending before the Malta arbitration tribunal, SINSIN’s claim for the payment of the remainder of the purchase price is not certain and fixed and therefore the Court cannot allow SINSIN to proceed to an auction of the SPVs shares.

 

In June 2018 SPI, as Claimant, filed arbitration proceedings in Malta against SINSIN Europe Solar Asset Limited Partnership and SINSIN Solar Capital Limited Partnership as Respondents for an alleged breach of a share sale and purchase agreement dated September 6, 2014 entered into by and between the Respondents as sellers and the Claimant as purchaser in relation to all of the shares in Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited (C 60350), a company registered in Malta with registered address at 192, Old Bakery Street, Valletta. The Claimant is requesting the payment of damages from the Respondents.

 

The Respondents have filed separate arbitration proceedings in Malta against SPI, requesting payment of the balance of the purchase price due in terms of the share purchase agreement mentioned above (stated to be EUR38,054,000) together with interest. SPI is contesting these claims. Meanwhile, SINSIN has obtained the status of a precautionary garnishee order against SPI as security for its claims and has had the same order served on SINSIN Renewable Investment Limited (the Target company) with a view to freezing any payments that may be due by the target company to its shareholders, SPI.

 

The Arbitral Tribunal for both sets of arbitral proceedings has been constituted and the Parties have since agreed that both sets of proceedings will be considered simultaneously. A schedule has been established and the proceedings took place on November 29 and 30, 2018 when various witnesses produced by SPI was cross examined by SINSIN’s counsel. The sittings took place on the 11th and 12th April 2019 for cross-examination by SPI’s counsel of SinSin’s witnesses. Following that, SPI will file its evidence in relation to its defense in the case filed by the SinSin Companies by May 30, 2019 and thereafter a sitting will be scheduled for the cross examination of the witnesses produced. A final round of written and oral submissions is expected with a final arbitral award anticipated in early 2020 at the latest.

 

In June 2018, ENS obtained a default judgement invalidating the Governance Agreement. In March 2019, ENS made an assignment for benefit of creditors which assignment is part of a Wisconsin Chapter 128 receivership initiated by creditor Analytics Plus, LLC Captioned Analytics Plus, LLC v. Ensync, Inc. , Waukesha County Circuit Court Case No. 19-CV-556 ( the “ Chapter 128 Proceeding”). The Company is vigorously pursuing the legal remedies available to SPI in the Chapter 128 Proceeding, which remedies involve the Company taking actions (1) regarding reopening the June 2018 default judgment pertaining to the Governance Agreement, and (2) to file a breach of fiduciary duty complaint against certain principal directors and officers of ENS. These matters are currently ongoing. The company has instructed to vigorously pursue all legal remedies available to the Company.

 

From time to time, we are involved in various other legal and regulatory proceedings arising in the normal course of business. While we cannot predict the occurrence or outcome of these proceedings with certainty, it does not believe that an adverse result in any pending legal or regulatory proceeding, individually or in the aggregate, would be material to our consolidated financial condition or cash flows. However, an unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for a specific interim period or year.

 

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Dividend Policy and Dividend Distribution

 

We have never declared or paid dividends, nor do we have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.

 

Subject to our memorandum and articles of association and certain restrictions under the Cayman Islands law, our board of directors has complete discretion on whether to pay dividends. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant.

 

B. Significant Changes

 

Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

A. Offering and Listing Details

 

Our ADSs, each representing ten ordinary shares, have been listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market between January 19, 2016 and September 18, 2017. Our Ordinary Shares have been listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market since September 18, 2017.

 

B. Plan of Distribution

 

Not Applicable.

 

C. Markets

 

Our ADSs, each representing ten ordinary shares, were listed on the NASDAQ Global Select market between January 19, 2016 and September 18, 2017 under the symbol “SPI”. Our ordinary shares have been listed on the NASDAQ Global Select market since September 19, 2017 under the symbol “SPI”.

 

D. Selling Shareholders

 

Not Applicable.

 

E. Dilution

 

Not Applicable.

 

F. Expenses of the Issue

 

Not Applicable.

 

 

 

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ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A. Share Capital

 

Not Applicable.

 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

The registered office of our Company is at the offices of Harneys Fiduciary (Cayman) Limited, PO Box 10240, 103 South Church Street, 4 th floor, Harbour Place, George Town, Cayman Islands. The objects for which the Company is established are unrestricted, and the Company has full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the laws of the Cayman Islands.

 

The following summarizes material provisions of our currently effective amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, as well as the Companies Law (2016 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, which is referred to as the Companies Law below, insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.

 

General

 

All of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Our ordinary shares are issued in registered form, and are issued when registered in our register of members. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and transfer their ordinary shares.

 

Dividends

 

The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors, subject to the Companies Law and the memorandum and articles of association of our Company, as amended and restated from time to time. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Under Cayman Islands law, dividends may be declared and paid only out of funds legally available therefor, namely out of either profit or share premium account, and provided further that a dividend may not be paid if this would result in us being unable to pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business.

 

Register of Members

 

Under Cayman Islands law, we must keep a register of members and there shall be entered therein:

 

(a)       the names and addresses of the members, a statement of the shares held by each member, and of the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each member;

 

(b)       the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and

 

(c)       the date on which any person ceased to be a member.

 

Under Cayman Islands law, our register of members is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (namely, the register of members will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a member registered in the register of members shall be deemed as a matter of Cayman Islands law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members. If the name of any person is incorrectly entered in or omitted from our register of members, or if there is any default or unnecessary delay in entering on the register the fact of any person having ceased to be a member of our Company, the person or member aggrieved (or any member of our Group or our Company itself) may apply to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands for an order that the register be rectified, and the Court may either refuse such application or it may, if satisfied of the justice of the case, make an order for the rectification of the register.

 

 

 

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Voting Rights

 

Each holder of ordinary shares is entitled to one vote on all matters upon which the ordinary shares are entitled to vote on a show of hands or, on a poll, each holder is entitled to have one vote for each share registered in his name on the register of members. Voting at any meeting of shareholders is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by the chairman of the meeting or by any one or more shareholders holding at least one-tenth of the paid-up shares given a right to vote at the meeting or one-tenth of the votes attaching to the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in us entitled to vote at general meetings, present in person or by proxy.

 

A quorum required for a general meeting of shareholders consists of one or more shareholders who hold in aggregate at least one-third of the votes attaching to the issued and outstanding ordinary shares in us entitled to vote at general meetings, present in person or by proxy or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative. Although not required by the Companies Laws or our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, we expect to hold shareholders’ meetings annually and such meetings may be convened by our board of directors on its own initiative or upon a request to the directors by shareholders holding in aggregate at least one-third of the votes attaching to the issued and outstanding shares that carry the right to vote at general meetings. Advance notice of at least 14 days is required for the convening of our annual general meeting and other shareholders meetings.

 

An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy in a general meeting.

 

Transfer of Ordinary Shares

 

Subject to the restrictions of our articles of association, as applicable, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.

 

Our board of directors may, in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on which we have a lien. Our directors may also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless:

 

  · the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the ordinary shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

 

  · the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of ordinary shares;

 

  · the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required;

 

  · in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the ordinary share is to be transferred does not exceed four;

 

  · the ordinary shares transferred are free of any lien in favor of us; and

 

  · a fee of such maximum sum as NASDAQ may determine to be payable, or such lesser sum as our board of directors may from time to time require, is paid to us in respect thereof.

 

If our directors refuse to register a transfer they shall, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal. The registration of transfers may, on 14 days’ notice being given by advertisement in such one or more newspapers or by electronic means, be suspended and the register of members closed at such times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine; provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended and the register of members shall not be closed for more than 30 days in any year.

 

 

 

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Liquidation

 

On a winding up of our Company, if the assets available for distribution among our shareholders shall be more than sufficient to repay the whole of the share capital at the commencement of the winding up, the surplus will be distributed among our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the shares held by them at the commencement of the winding up, subject to a deduction from those shares in respect of which there are monies due, of all monies payable to us for unpaid calls or otherwise. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the shares held by them.

 

Calls on Ordinary Shares and Forfeiture of Ordinary Shares

 

Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their ordinary shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 days prior to the specified time of payment. The ordinary shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid are subject to forfeiture.

 

Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender of Ordinary Shares

 

We may issue shares on terms that are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders, on such terms and in such manner as may be determined before the issue of such shares, by our board of directors or by a special resolution of our shareholders. We may also repurchase any of our shares provided that the manner and terms of such purchase have been approved by our board of directors or by ordinary resolution of our shareholders, or are otherwise authorized by our memorandum and articles of association. Under the Companies Law, the redemption or repurchase of any share may be paid out of our profits or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the purpose of such redemption or repurchase, or out of capital (including share premium account and capital redemption reserve) if we can, immediately following such payment, pay our debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, under the Companies Law no such share may be redeemed or repurchased (a) unless it is fully paid up, (b) if such redemption or repurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding, or (c) if the company has commenced liquidation. In addition, we may accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration.

 

Variations of Rights of Shares

 

All or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, be varied either with the written consent of the holders of a majority of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of an ordinary resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.

 

Inspection of Books and Records

 

Holders of our ordinary shares have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records. However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements.

 

Changes in Capital

 

We may from time to time by ordinary resolution:

 

  · increase our share capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such classes and amount, as the resolution shall prescribe;

 

  · consolidate and divide all or any of our share capital into shares of a larger amount than our existing shares;

 

  · convert all or any of our paid-up shares into stock and reconvert that stock into paid up shares of any denomination;

 

  · sub-divide our existing shares, or any of them into shares of a smaller amount that is fixed by the amended and restated memorandum and articles of association; and

 

  · cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person and diminish the amount of our share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled.

 

 

 

 

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Subject to Companies Law and confirmation by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands on an application by us for an order confirming such reduction, we may by special resolution reduce our share capital and any capital redemption reserve in any manner authorized by law.

 

Issuance of Additional Preferred Shares

 

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association authorizes our board of directors to issue additional ordinary shares from time to time as our board of directors shall determine, to the extent of available authorized but unissued shares.

 

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association authorizes our board of directors to establish from time to time one or more series of preferred shares and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series, including:

 

  · the designation of the series;

 

  · the number of shares of the series;

 

  · the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights; and

 

  · the rights and terms of redemption and liquidation preferences.

 

Our board of directors may issue preferred shares without action by our shareholders to the extent of available authorized but unissued shares. In addition, the issuance of preferred shares may be used as an anti-takeover device without further action on the part of the shareholders. Issuance of these shares may dilute the voting power of holders of ordinary shares.

 

C. Material Contracts

 

In the past two years, we have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview,” “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions,” or elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

D. Exchange Controls

 

See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our International Operations—We are subject to risks associated with foreign currency exchange rates, fluctuations of which may negatively affect our revenue, cost of goods sold and gross margins and could result in exchange losses,” “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Foreign Currency Exchange” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Dividend Distribution.”

 

E. Taxation

 

The following summary of the material Cayman Islands and United States federal income tax consequences of an investment in our ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under United States state or local tax laws, or tax laws of jurisdictions other than the Cayman Islands and the United States.

 

 

 

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Cayman Islands Taxation

 

The Cayman Islands currently does not levy taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation, and there is no taxation in the Cayman Islands in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duty which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not a party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our Company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

 

U.S. Federal Income Taxation

 

Introduction

 

The following discussion is a summary of U.S. federal income tax considerations of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the ordinary shares. This discussion applies only to holders that hold the ordinary shares as capital assets. This discussion is based on the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to specific holders in light of their particular circumstances or to holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, such as banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, tax-exempt entities, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, partnerships and the partners therein, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities electing to mark to market, U.S. expatriates, persons who have acquired the ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment, U.S. Holders (as defined below) that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar or persons that own (or are deemed to own) 5% or more of our stock. This discussion does not address the alternative minimum tax, the Medicare tax on net investment income or any U.S. state or local or non-U.S. tax considerations or, other than to the limited extent set forth below, any U.S. federal estate or gift tax considerations.

 

As used in this discussion, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of the ordinary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, or other entity classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source or (iv) a trust that (1) is subject to the supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more United States persons or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

 

As used in this discussion, the term “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of the ordinary shares that is not a partnership (or entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and not a U.S. Holder.

 

Treatment of the Company as a U.S. Corporation for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes

 

Even though we are organized as a Cayman Islands exempted company, due to the application of Section 7874(b) of the Code, we are treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and all purposes under the Code.

 

U.S. Holders

 

Distributions

 

We do not currently anticipate paying distributions on our ordinary shares. In the event that distributions are paid, however, the gross amount of such distributions generally will be included in a U.S. Holder’s gross income as dividend income on the date of receipt to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent the amount of any distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits as so computed, it will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ordinary shares and, to the extent the amount of such distribution exceeds such adjusted tax basis, will be treated as gain from the sale of such ordinary shares.

 

 

 

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Subject to certain conditions, including a minimum holding period requirement, dividends received by individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Holders, generally will be subject to reduced rates of taxation, and dividends paid by us will be eligible for the “dividends received” deduction generally allowed to corporate shareholders with respect to dividends received from U.S. corporations.

 

Sale or Other Disposition of Ordinary Shares

 

A U.S. Holder generally will recognize gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon a sale or other disposition of the ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized from such sale or disposition and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ordinary shares. Such gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss (taxable at a reduced rate for individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Holders) if, on the date of sale or disposition, such ordinary shares were held by such U.S. Holder for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Non-U.S. Holders

 

Distributions

 

Distributions treated as dividends (see “—U.S. Holders—Distributions” above) paid to a Non-U.S. Holder are treated as income derived from sources within the United States and generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of such dividend, or at a lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty.

 

Even if a Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for a lower treaty rate, U.S. federal withholding tax will be imposed at a 30% rate (rather than the lower treaty rate) on dividend payments to a Non-U.S. Holder, unless (i) the Non-U.S. Holder has furnished a valid U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or other documentary evidence establishing such holder’s entitlement to the lower treaty rate with respect to such payments, and (ii) in the case of actual or constructive dividends paid to a foreign entity, (a) if such entity is, or holds the ordinary shares through, a foreign financial institution, any such foreign financial institution (x) has entered into an agreement with the U.S. government to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities information about its accountholders (including certain investors in such institution), (y) satisfies an exemption from the obligation to enter into such an agreement, or (z) satisfies the terms of an applicable intergovernmental agreement, and (b) if required, such entity has provided the withholding agent with a certification identifying its direct and indirect U.S. owners.

 

If a Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

 

Sale or Other Disposition

 

Any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares by a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless (i) the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition, and certain other conditions are met, or (ii) in the case of the sale or disposition of ordinary shares on or after January 1, 2019, the requirements described in item (ii) in the second paragraph under “—Distributions,” above, are satisfied. Each Non-U.S. Holder is encouraged to consult with its own tax advisor regarding the possible implications of these withholding requirements on its investment in ordinary shares and the potential for a refund or credit in the case of any withholding tax.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Payments of dividends or of proceeds on the disposition of ordinary shares to U.S. Holders may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless the U.S. Holder (i) is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and demonstrates this fact, or (ii) provides a correct taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Non-U.S. Holders may be required to provide documentary evidence establishing they are not subject to information reporting and backup withholding. Payments of dividends to Non-U.S. Holders and the amount of U.S. federal withholding tax imposed on such dividends must generally be reported annually to the IRS. A similar report will be sent to Non-U.S. Holders. Copies of these reports may be made available to tax authorities in a holder’s country of residence.

 

 

 

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Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS on a timely basis.

 

U.S. Federal Estate Tax

 

Ordinary shares owned or treated as owned by an individual who is not a citizen or resident of the United States (as specifically defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) at the time of death will be included in the individual’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes and may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not applicable.

 

G. Statement by Experts

 

Not applicable.

 

H. Documents on Display

 

We are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers. Under the Exchange Act, we are required to file reports and other information with the SEC. Specifically, we are required to file annually a Form 20-F no later than four months after the close of each fiscal year, which is December 31. Copies of reports and other information, when so filed with the SEC, can be inspected and copied at our executive offices. The SEC also maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that make electronic filings with the SEC using its EDGAR system. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and our executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.

 

In accordance with Rule 5250(d) of the NASDAQ Rules, we will post this annual report on Form 20-F on our website at http://www.spigroups.com.

 

I. Subsidiary Information

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

 

Foreign Exchange Risk

 

We currently conduct our business operations in the U.S., Japan, the U.K., Greece, Italy and Australia. The functional currency of our Company and our subsidiaries located in the United States is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of our subsidiaries located in Europe and Australia are the Euro and AUD, respectively. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are re-measured into the functional currency at the rates of exchange prevailing when the transactions occur. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are re-measured into the functional currency at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates. Exchange gains and losses are included in our consolidated statements of operations.

 

 

 

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Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, are translated into the U.S. dollar using exchange rates in effect at each period end, and revenues and expenses are translated into the U.S. dollar at average rates prevailing during the year. Gains and losses resulting from the translations of the financial statements of these subsidiaries into the U.S. dollar are recognized as other comprehensive income in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

Depending on movements in foreign exchange rates, the foreign currency translation may have an adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, we recorded foreign exchange gain of $0.6 million, loss of $5.1 million, and gain of $1.1 million in our consolidated statements of operations, respectively.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to interest expenses incurred on our short-term and long-term borrowings, as well as interest income generated from excess cash invested in demand deposits. Such interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. We have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest rate risk exposure. We have not been exposed to, nor do we anticipate being exposed to, material risks due to changes in interest rates. However, our future interest expense may increase due to changes in market interest rates. If market interest rates for short-term demand deposits increase in the near future, such increase may cause the amount of our interest income to rise. A hypothetical 10% increase in the average interest rate for our bank borrowings would result in an increase of approximately $0.1 million and $0.1 million in interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018. We may use derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, to mitigate potential risks of interest expense increases due to changes in market interest rates.

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Not Applicable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

We have outstanding convertible bonds of US$55.0 million, which were defaulted in June 2016 and not repaid as at December 31, 2016. On February 12, 2017, we entered into an Amendment Agreement (“Agreement”) with Union Sky Group Limited, one of the holders of our convertible bonds, to extend the maturity date of the bonds, pursuant to which the repayment of US$6.6 million, US$6.7 million and US$6.7 million of the principal amount of the convertible bond will be due by April 30, 2017, January 30, 2018 and January 30, 2019, respectively. Union Sky Group Limited has the option to convert the outstanding amounts under the convertible bond into equity interest in our company at a certain conversion price. We were not able to make the first repayments of April 29, 2017. We have been in communications with the holders of our convertible bonds, including Union Sky Group Limited, to further extend the maturity date of the bonds, and On June 29, 2018, the Company entered into another amendment agreement (the “2nd Amendment”) with the Union Sky Group Limited and Magical Glaze Limited (the “MGL”), a company incorporated under the laws of British Virgin Islands, pursuant to which agreement the Union Sky Group Limited has transferred all the rights and obligations under the Convertible Bond Agreement and 1st Amendment to MGL, and the maturity date of the note was extended. According to the 2nd Amendment, the repayment of US$6.6 million, US$6.7 million and US$6.7 million of the principal amount of the note and interest thereon is due by December 2019, June 2020 and December 2020, respectively.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

A.-D. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders

 

On January 4, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated October 30, 2015, SPI merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of our Company. This resulted in the redomicliation of SPI to the Cayman Islands and our Company becoming our holding company. Upon completion of the Redomicle Merger, each ten shares of SPI’s common stock acquired before the relevant F-4 registration statement became effective converted into the right to receive one ADS, representing ten ordinary shares in the capital of our Company, and each right to purchase shares of SPI’s common stock automatically converted into an equivalent right to purchase ordinary shares of our Company. Accordingly, the shares became governed by our Company’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association.”

 

Between January 19, 2016 and September 18, 2017, our ADSs were listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “SPI”. The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary bank for our ADS facility, terminated our ADS facility on September 18, 2017. Following such termination, we listed our ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 each, for trading on NASDAQ Global Select Market in substitution for our ADSs. On September 19, 2017, the substitution listing became effective and our ordinary shares began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “SPI”.

 

Except for the foregoing, there have been no changes to the instruments defining the rights of the holders of any class of our registered securities, and the rights of holders of our registered securities have not been altered by the issuance or modification of any other class of our securities. There has been no removal or substitution of assets securing any class of our registered securities. None of our registered securities have a trustee or paying agent.

 

E. Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

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ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our executive management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our executive management concluded that, because of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting discussed below, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2018. Notwithstanding the material weaknesses discussed below, our executive management has concluded that the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 20-F present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our chief executive officer, 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. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures which (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of ours are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Management, including our chief executive officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. In making this assessment, management used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 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 our consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Based on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, management has identified the following material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018:

 

  · We did not maintain effective controls over certain aspects of the financial reporting process due to the lack of sufficient complement of personal with an appropriate level of knowledge and experience in U.S. GAAP. We also lacked the expertise in handling complex accounting and reporting matters in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This material weakness resulted in a number of adjustments to amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

  · The internal audit department has been absent since April 2017, and internal audit evaluation work was not performed during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

  · We didn’t have adequate risk assessment procedures, including those on identification and assessment of fraud risks, to cope with the expansion of its business and organization. In particularly, we did not put in place an adequate process to continuously assess the legal, compliance and fraud risks associated with the business initiatives and the related financial impact. As a result, we did not properly account for certain transactions, which led to significant adjustments to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

  · We review controls over management’s judgment and financial statement assertions were ineffective with respect to certain significant transactions including interest expense of convertible bonds, troubled debt restructuring on convertible bonds, and legal litigation expense accrual. We review controls in these areas were not effective, as we failed to prepare sufficient documentation on the judgment made and the significant assumptions used in accounting for the transactions. As a result, there were material adjustments on convertible bonds, interest expense, gain on troubled debt restructuring, and accrued liabilities reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

  · We did not have adequate controls on the internal communication between finance team and operation team related to the status of the construction of project assets, execution of contracts and conclusion of business decisions. This deficiency has resulted in the finance team not having accurate or updated information necessary to properly assess the accounting treatment for the relevant business transactions. As a result, there were material adjustments to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

  · We didn’t have sufficient control on tax compliance for the year ended 31, 2018. It resulted in the late filing for United States Federal and State income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, and the Company is exposure to the risk of significant tax penalty.

 

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The material weaknesses described above may result in misstatement of our consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. As a result of these material weaknesses, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2018.

 

Remediation Activities

 

Our management has been engaged in, and continues to be engaged in, making necessary changes and improvements to the overall design of controls and procedures to address the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and the ineffectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures described above. To remediate the material weaknesses, we will adopt the following changes:

 

  (i) With respect to the insufficiency of knowledge and experience in U.S. GAAP and the lack of expertise in handling complex accounting and reporting matters, we plan to continue to: (1) provide more comprehensive training on U.S. GAAP to our accounting team and other relevant personnel, and (2) enhance our accounting manual to provide our accounting team with more comprehensive guidelines on the policies and controls over financial reporting under U.S. GAAP and SEC rules and requirements.

 

  (ii) With respect to inadequate risk assessment controls, we plan to continue to: (1) organize the related department to hold risk assessment discussions before significant business expansion and organization changes, (2) provide more comprehensive training to our accounting team and legal department to improve the risk awareness of unusual and significant transactions, and (3) implement Office Automation System to standardize processes so that unusual and significant transactions can be timely identified and approved properly. (4) enhance the in-house tax department management and improve the tax compliance.

 

  (iii) With respect to our management review controls over significant judgment and financial statement assertions, we plan to continue to: (1) provide appropriate training on management review standards and requirements to the related business department, and (2) enhance management monitoring and review of key processes with more comprehensive guidelines on the policies and controls over financial reporting.

 

  (iv) With respect to the deficiencies in internal communication with the company, we plan to continue to organize regular operation meetings between our finance team and operation team to share the status of significant transactions, project assets, execution of contracts and business decisions, among others.

 

Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Because we are not an accelerated filer, we are not required to obtain an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Other than the changes resulting from the material weakness described above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16.  

 

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

Our board of directors has determined that Maurice Ngai, an independent director, is our audit committee financial expert. Maurice Ngai satisfies the independent requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Rules.

 

 

 

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ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

 

Our board of directors believes in strict adherence to the highest standards of business ethics and responsibility. We have thus adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to us and our directors, officers, employees and advisors. Certain provisions of the code apply specifically to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, senior operating officer and any other persons who perform similar functions for us. We have filed this code of business conduct and ethics as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 20-F. The code of business conduct and ethics is also available at our website at www.spigroups.com .

 

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP, our current principal external auditors for the periods indicated.

 

    2017     2018  
Audit fees   $ 982,907     $ 860,000  
Audit-related fees              
Tax fees              
All other fees              
Total   $ 982,907     $ 860,000  

 

__________

(1) Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our financial statements and services that are normally provided by the above auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory fillings or engagements.

 

(2) Audit related fees consist of assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of audit or review of our financial statements related to our SEC filings.

 

Consistent with the rules of the SEC regarding auditor independence, our Board of Directors is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm. Our Board asks our independent registered public accounting firm to provide a detailed description of its services each year as a basis for its decision-making. The Board evaluates the proposals based on four categories: audit services, audit-related services, tax services, and other services; and determines the proper arrangement for each service according to its judgment as to our needs over the coming year. Our Board pre-approves all audit and non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm. The Board pre-approved 100% of the audit and audit-related services performed by the independent registered public accounting firms described above in fiscal years 2017 and 2018.

 

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

 

Not Applicable.

 

 

 

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ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

Not Applicable.

    

ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT.  

 

On February 28, 2018, the Company engaged Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP (“Marcum BP”) as its independent registered public accounting firm. KPMG Huazhen LLP (“KPMG”) was dismissed on the same date. The decision to engage Marcum BP and to dismiss KPMG was made by the Company’s Audit Committee.

 

KPMG’s report on the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that the opinion modified with an emphasis of matter paragraph that there was substantial doubt as to whether the Company could continue as a going concern and an adverse opinion was expressed on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. During the Company's fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and through February 28, 2018, there were no disagreements with KPMG on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to KPMG’s satisfaction, would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter in connection with their report on the Company's consolidated financial statements for such period.

 

During the Company’s years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and through February 28, 2018, there were no “reportable events” (defined below) requiring disclosure pursuant to Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F, except that KPMG advised the Company of the material weaknesses related to 1) resources and expertise in relation to application of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; 2) risk assessment procedures; 3) management review controls related to significant transactions; and 4) internal communication processes. As used herein, the term “reportable event” means any of the items listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(v)(A)-(D) of Item 16F of Form 20-F.

 

The Company has provided KPMG with a copy of the foregoing disclosures and has requested that KMPG review such disclosures and furnish us with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as specified by Item 16F(a)(3) of Form 20-F. Attached as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of KPMG’s letter addressed to the SEC relating to the statements made by the Company in this Report on Form 20-F.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and through February 28, 2018, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted MarcumBP regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the consolidated financial statements of the Company, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that Marcum BP concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F and the related instructions to Item 16F of Form 20-F) or a reportable event.

 

 

 

  91  

 

 

ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

 

As a foreign private issuer whose securities are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, we are permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices in lieu of the requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market Marketplace Rules (the “NASDAQ Rules”) pursuant to NASDAQ Rule 5615(a)(3), which provides for such exemption to compliance with the NASDAQ Rule 5600 Series, Rule 5250(b)(3) and Rule 5250(d). We are relying on the exemptions available to foreign private issuers under the NASDAQ Rules and are not obligated to comply with certain exchange corporate governance standards, including the NASDAQ corporate governance standards requiring that:

 

  · the majority of the board of directors be comprised of independent directors;

 

  · executive compensation be determined by independent directors or a committee of independent directors;

 

  · director nominees be selected, or recommended for selection by the board of directors, by independent directors or a committee of independent directors;

 

  · we hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later than one year after the end of our fiscal year-end;

 

  · we make all required disclosures relating to third party director and nominee compensation; and

 

  · we make available and distribute our annual and interim reports to all shareholders.

 

Our Cayman Islands counsel, has advised us that there are no comparable Cayman Islands laws related to the above corporate governance standards.

 

ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

  92  

 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. are included at the end of this annual report beginning on page F-1.

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

Description of Document

  1.1

Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, as currently in effect (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our registration statement on Form F-4 (File No. 333-204069) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2015)

 

  2.1

Registrant’s Specimen Certificate for Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Amendment No. 1 to our registration statement on Form F-4 (file No. 333-204069) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 2015)

 

  4.1

2006 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Post Effective Amendment No. 1 to our registration statement on Form S-8 (file No. 333-203917) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 2016)

 

  4.2

2015 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our registration statement on Form F-4 (file No. 333-204069) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2015)

 

  4.3

Form of Indemnification Agreement between the directors and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our registration statement on Form F-4 (file No. 333-204069) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2015)

 

  4.4

Translation of Capital Increase and Share Subscription Agreement among Meitai Investment (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Beijing DingdingYiwei New Energy Technology Development Co., Ltd. and shareholders of Beijing DingdingYiwei New Energy Technology Development Co. Ltd., dated September 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 4, 2015)

 

  4.5

Exchange and Release Agreement dated December 26, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2014)

 

  4.6

Form of Project Management Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2014)

 

  4.7

Second Amended and Restated Operating Agreement for KDC Solar Mountain Creek Parent LLC dated February 18, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2014)

 

  4.8

First Amended and Restated Exchange and Release Agreement dated April 17, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2014)

 

 

 

 

  93  

 

 

  4.9

Third Amended and Restated Operating Agreement for KDC Solar Mountain Creek Parent LLC dated April 17, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2014)

 

  4.10

Equity Cash Flow Letter dated April 17, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2014)

 

  4.11

Translation of Share Purchase Agreement by and between SPI Solar Power Suzhou Co., Ltd. and China Energy Power Group Operation and Maintenance Management Jiangsu Co., Ltd. dated October 22, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2014)

 

  4.12

Translation of Share Purchase Agreement by and between SPI Solar Power Suzhou Co., Ltd. and Liaoning Xinda New Energy Investment Co., Ltd. dated October 22, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2014)

 

  4.13

Translation of Equity Purchase Agreement by and between SPI Solar Power Suzhou Co., Ltd., Beijing Taihedafang Investment Development Co., Ltd. and XingheChaerhu Development Co., Ltd. dated October 22, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2014)

 

  4.14

Convertible Promissory Note Purchase Agreement by and between Solar Power, Inc. and Brilliant King Group Ltd. dated December 12, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 2014)

 

  4.15

Convertible Promissory Note Purchase Agreement by and between Solar Power, Inc. and Poseidon Sports Limited dated December 12, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 2014)

 

  4.16

Convertible Promissory Note Purchase Agreement by and between Solar Power, Inc. and Union Sky Holding Group Limited dated December 15, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 2014)

 

  4.17

Purchase Agreement by and between Solar Power, Inc. and Forwin International Financial Holding Limited dated December 12, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 2014)

 

  4.18

Stock Purchase Agreement by and among CECEP Solar Energy Hong Kong Co., Limited, SPI China (HK) Limited and Solar Power, Inc. dated January 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000¬50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 16, 2015)

 

  4.19

Option Agreement by and between Solar Power, Inc. and Central Able Investments Limited dated January 22, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2015)

 

  4.20

Share Purchase Agreement by and among SPI China (HK) Limited, LDK Solar Europe Holding S.A. and LDK Solar USA, Inc. dated March 30, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2015)

 

 

 

 

  94  

 

 

  4.21

Share Purchase Agreement by and among SPI China (HK) Limited., Andrew Burgess, Rami Fedda and Allied Energy Holding Pte Ltd. dated March 31, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2015)

 

  4.22

Membership Interest Purchase Agreement by and among Solar Power, Inc., William Hedden, as Trustee of the William H. Hedden and Sandra L. Hedden Trust, Stephen C. Kircher, the chief strategy officer of SPI, as Trustee of the Kircher Family Irrevocable Trust dated December 29, 2004, and Steven Kay dated March 31, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 6, 2015)

 

  4.23

GK Interest Sale and Purchase Agreement by and between SPI Solar Japan G.K. and Re Capital K.K. dated April 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2015)

 

  4.24

Securities Purchase Agreement by and between EnSync, Inc. (formerly known as ZBB Energy Corporation) and Solar Power, Inc. dated April 17, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2015)

 

  4.25

Translation of Share Purchase Agreement by and among Solar Power, Inc., Meitai Investment (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Zhong Junhao, Li Jin, Tong Ling Hong Xin Ling Xiang Investment Partnership, Shanghai Yi Ju Sheng Yuan Investment Center, Shanghai Ninecity Investment Holding (Group) Ltd., Shanghai Yi Ju Sheng Quan Equity Investment Center, Shanghai Panshi Investment Co., Ltd. and Shanghai All-Zip Roofing System Group Co., Ltd. dated April 30, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2015)

 

  4.26

Purchase Agreement by and between Solar Power, Inc. and Yes Yield Investments Limited dated May 4, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2015)

 

  4.27

Option Agreement by and between Solar Power, Inc. and Yes Yield Investments Limited dated May 4, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2015)

 

  4.28

Convertible Promissory Note Purchase Agreement by and between Solar Power, Inc. and Vision Edge Limited dated June 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2015)

 

  4.29

Option Agreement by and between Solar Power, Inc. and Vision Edge Limited dated June 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 15, 2015)

 

  4.30 Supply Agreement between EnSync, Inc. (formerly known as ZBB Energy Corporation) and Solar Power, Inc. dated July 13, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2015)
     
  4.31 Governance Agreement between EnSync, Inc. (formerly known as ZBB Energy Corporation) and Solar Power, Inc. dated July 13, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 14, 2015)

 

 

 

  95  

 

 

  4.32 Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization by and among Solar Power, Inc., SPI Energy Co., Ltd. and SPI Merger Sub, Inc. dated October 30, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our current report on Form 8-K (file No. 000-50142) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2015)
     
  4.33 Purchase Agreement by and between Tiger Capital Fund SPC and SPI Energy Co., Ltd. dated April 24, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.40 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2017)
     
  4.34 Purchase Agreement by and between Qian Kun Prosperous Times Investment Limited and SPI Energy Co., Ltd. dated July 6, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.41 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2017)
     
  4.35 Purchase Agreement by and between Qian Kun Prosperous Times Investment Limited and SPI Energy Co., Ltd. dated October 10, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.42 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2017)
     
  4.36 Purchase Agreement by and between Alpha Assai fund sp of Sunrise SPC and SPI Energy Co., Ltd. dated October 10, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.43 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2017)
     
  4.37 Framework Share Purchase Agreement by and among SPI Energy Co., Ltd., Thelmico Limited, SP ORANGE POWER (CYPRUS) LIMITED, THERMI TANEO Venture Capital Fund and other parties named therein, dated September 20, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.44 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 27, 2017)
     
  4.38*** Sale and Purchase Agreement dated August 28, 2018 between SPI Energy Co., Ltd. and Lighting Charm Limited
     
  4.49* Share Purchase Agreement dated January 15, 2019 between SPI Energy Co., Ltd. and Happy Goal Industries Limited
     
  4.50* Share Purchase Agreement dated January 15, 2019 between SPI Energy Co., Ltd. and CHEONG Hoong Khoeng
     
  4.51* Share Purchase Agreement dated January 15, 2019 between SPI Energy Co., Ltd. and LDK New Energy Holding Limited
     
  4.52* Share Purchase Agreement dated January 15, 2019 between SPI Energy Co., Ltd. and LIM Joo Heng
     
  4.53* Share Purchase Agreement dated January 15, 2019 between SPI Energy Co., Ltd. and UPC Co., Ltd.
     
  4.54* Share Purchase Agreement dated March 20, 2019 between SP Orange Power (Cyprus) Limited and Thermi Taneo Venture Capital Fund
     
  8.1*** List of subsidiaries
     
  11.1 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 of our annual report on Form 20-F (file No. 005-78703) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 2016)

 

 


  96  

 

 

     
  12.1** Certification of the Principal Executive and Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
  13.1** Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
  15.1* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—KPMG Huazhen LLP
     
  15.2* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP
     
  99.1 Letter from KPMG Huazhen LLP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 11, 2018)
     
  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 Calculation Presentation Document

_____________________

 

* Filed herewith

 

** Furnished herewith

 

*** Previously filed

 

 

 

 

  97  

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing its annual report on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

  SPI Energy Co., Ltd.
   
   
Date: April 30, 2019 By:  /s/ Xiaofeng Peng
    Name: Xiaofeng Peng
    Title: Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  98  

 

 

 

Index to Financial Statements

 

 

  Page
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations F-5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss F-6
Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit) F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  F- 1  

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

SPI Energy Co., Ltd.:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity (deficit) and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Going Concern

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As disclosed in Note 2, the Company has a significant working capital deficiency, has incurred significant losses and needs to raise additional funds to meet its obligations and sustain its operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Adjustments to Retrospectively Apply the Change in Accounting

 

We also have audited the adjustments to the 2016 consolidated financial statements to retrospectively apply the change in presentation of the restricted cash on the consolidated statements of cash flows as described in Note 3 (cc), the change in accounting and presentation of discontinued operation as described in Note 4, and the adjustments to reflect the reverse stock splits to all share and net loss per share information as described in Note 22(a). In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2016 financial statements of the Company other than with respect to the adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2016 financial statements taken as a whole.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP          

 

Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

Beijing, China

April 30, 2019

 

 

 

  F- 2  

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

SPI Energy Co., Ltd.:

 

We have audited, before the effects of the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in presentation of the consolidated statements of cash flows described in Note 3(cc), the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in accounting and presentation of discontinued operations described in Note 4, and the adjustments to retrospectively reflect the reverse stock splits to all share and net loss per share information as described in Note 22(a), the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity (deficit), and cash flows of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Group”) for the year ended December 31, 2016 (collectively, the 2016 consolidated financial statements). The 2016 consolidated financial statements before the effects of the adjustments discussed in Note 3(cc), Note 4 and Note 22(a) are not presented herein. The 2016 consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above, before the effects of the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in presentation of the consolidated statements of cash flows described in Note 3(cc), the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in accounting and presentation of discontinued operations described in Note 4, and the adjustments to retrospectively reflect the reverse stock splits to all share and net loss per share information as described in Note 22(a), present fairly, in all material respects, the results of the Group’s operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in presentation of the consolidated statements of cash flows described in Note 3(cc), the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in accounting and presentation of discontinued operation described in Note 4, and the adjustments to retrospectively reflect the reverse stock splits to all share and net loss per share information described in Note 22(a), accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance about whether such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. Those adjustments were audited by other auditors.

 

The 2016 consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Group will continue as a going concern. The Group has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a working capital deficit and a net capital deficit as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Group has defaulted repayment of substantial amounts of debts and borrowings.  These factors raise substantial doubt about the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. The 2016 consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

 

/s/ KPMG Huazhen LLP

 

Shanghai, China

October 27, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

  F- 3  

 

 

SPI ENERGY CO., LTD.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

   

December 31,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

 
ASSETS                
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,141     $ 2,238  
Restricted cash     458       36  
Accounts receivable, net     27,777       11,951  
Notes receivable     526       526  
Inventories, net     11,906       15,840  
Project assets     24,654       42,211  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net     4,382       5,983  
Amount due from related parties     39       94  
Current assets of discontinued operation           52,433  
Total current assets     73,883       131,312  
Intangible assets     1,801       2,305  
Goodwill     651       683  
Accounts receivable, noncurrent           7,100  
Other receivable, noncurrent     832       550  
Notes receivable, noncurrent     4,297       4,823  
Property, plant and equipment, net     21,150       23,392  
Project assets, noncurrent     16,368       16,368  
Investment in affiliates     69,606       69,606  
Deferred tax assets, net     140       290  
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operation           60,882  
Total assets   $ 188,728     $ 317,311  
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable   $ 16,271     $ 19,064  
Accrued liabilities     16,495       19,860  
Income taxes payable     293       67  
Advance from customers     25,984       31,122  
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term borrowings     3,166       5,478  
Convertible bonds     41,600       35,000  
Amount due to related parties     79        
Other current liabilities     62,643       62,399  
Current liabilities of discontinued operation           213,316  
Total current liabilities     166,531       386,306  
Convertible bonds, noncurrent     13,400       15,785  
Long-term borrowings, excluding current portion     6,674       7,445  
Deferred tax liabilities, net     515       748  
Other noncurrent liabilities     1,538       1,538  
Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operation           3,133  
Total liabilities     188,658       414,955  
Equity (Deficit):                
Ordinary shares, par $0.0001, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 7,914,125 and 7,250,672 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively*     1       1  
Additional paid in capital     601,319       489,972  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (35,115 )     (33,874 )
Accumulated deficit     (570,126 )     (557,844 )
Total deficit attributable to the shareholders of SPI Energy Co., Ltd.     (3,921 )     (101,745 )
Noncontrolling interests     3,991       4,101  
Total equity (deficit)     70       (97,644 )
Total liabilities and equity (deficit)   $ 188,728     $ 317,311  

 

*The shares are presented on a retroactive basis to reflect the Company’s Reserve Stock Splits (Note 22(a))

 

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

 

  F- 4  

 

 

SPI ENERGY CO., LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2018     2017     2016
Net sales:                  
Net sales   $ 125,582     $ 121,520     $ 114,602  
Cost of goods sold:                        
Cost of goods sold     114,525       111,428       102,147  
Provision for losses on contracts                 385  
Total cost of goods sold     114,525       111,428       102,532  
Gross profit     11,057       10,092       12,070  
Operating expenses:                        
General and administrative     12,225       13,994       13,728  
Sales, marketing and customer service     2,285       2,944       3,238  
Provision (reverse) for doubtful accounts, notes and other receivables     (501 )     1,693       7,106  
Impairment charges on goodwill and intangible assets                 66,458  
Impairment charges on property, plant and equipment           53       38  
Impairment charges on project assets           687       13,102  
Total operating expenses     14,009       19,371       103,670  
Operating loss     (2,952 )     (9,279 )     (91,600 )
                         
Other income (expense):                        
Interest expense     (6,665 )     (8,087 )     (3,494 )
Interest income     320       384       802  
Gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds           7,121        
Change in fair value of derivative asset/liability                 (2,328 )
Tax Penalty           (9,670 )      
Gain on troubled debt restructuring     1,887              
Loss on investment in affiliates           (2,214 )     (6,296 )
Net foreign exchange gain (loss)     1,118       (5,141 )     646  
Others     487       509       847  
Total other expense, net     (2,853 )     (17,098 )     (9,823 )
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes     (5,805 )     (26,377 )     (101,423 )
Income tax expense     332       137       606  
Loss from continuing operations including noncontrolling interests   $ (6,137 )   $ (26,514 )   $ (102,029 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax     (6,122 )     (64,445 )     (118,939 )
Net loss including noncontrolling interests   $ (12,259 )   $ (90,959 )   $ (220,968 )
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests from continuing operations     31       168       (333 )
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests from discontinued operations     (8 )     (47 )     61  
Net loss attributable to shareholders of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. from continuing operations     (6,168 )     (26,682 )     (101,696 )
Net loss attributable to shareholders of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. from discontinued operations     (6,114 )     (64,398 )     (119,000 )
Net loss attributable to shareholders of SPI Energy Co., Ltd.   $ (12,282 )   $ (91,080 )   $ (220,696 )
Net loss from continuing operations per ordinary share:                        
Basic and Diluted   $ (0.9 )   $ (4 )   $ (16 )
Net loss from discontinued operations per ordinary share:                        
Basic and Diluted   $ (0.8 )   $ (9 )   $ (18 )
Weighted average shares outstanding*                        
Basic and Diluted     7,262,023       6,826,633       6,415,616  

 

*The shares are presented on a retroactive basis to reflect the Company’s Reverse Stock Splits (Note 22(a)).

 

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

 

 

  F- 5  

 

 

SPI ENERGY CO., LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In thousands)

 

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
    2018     2017     2016  
Loss from continuing operations including noncontrolling interests   $ (6,137 )   $ (26,514 )   $ (102,029 )
Loss from and on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax     (6,122 )     (64,445 )     (118,939 )
Net loss including noncontrolling interests     (12,259 )     (90,959 )     (220,968 )
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of nil:                        
Foreign currency translation losses arising during the year     (1,381 )     (1,196 )     (16,227 )
Total comprehensive loss including noncontrolling interests     (13,640 )     (92,155 )     (237,195 )
Comprehensive income(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests     (117 )     55       (264 )
Comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders of SPI Energy Co., Ltd.   $ (13,523 )   $ (92,210 )   $ (236,931 )

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  F- 6  

 

 

SPIENERGY CO., LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)

(In thousands, except for share and per share data)

 

    Ordinary Shares     Additional Paid- In     Accumulated     Accumulated Other Comprehensive     Equity (deficit) Attributable to Shareholders of SPI Energy     Noncontrolling     Total Equity  
    Shares*     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Loss     Co., Ltd.     Interests   (Deficit)  
Balances at December 31, 2015     6,390,652     $ 1     $ 475,555     $ (246,068 )   $ (16,509 )   $ 212,979     $ 3,579     $ 216,558  
Net loss                       (220,696 )           (220,696 )     (272 )     (220,968 )
Foreign currency translation losses                             (16,235 )     (16,235 )     8       (16,227 )
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest                                         731       731  
Issuance of ordinary shares     25,000             5,000                   5,000             5,000  
Exercise of share options     1,000             49                   49             49  
Share-based compensation expense                 1,929                   1,929             1,929  
Balances at December 31, 2016     6,416,652     $ 1     $ 482,533     $ (466,764 )   $ (32,744 )   $ (16,974 )   $ 4,046     $ (12,928 )
Net loss                       (91,080 )           (91,080)       121       (90,959 )
Foreign currency translation losses                             (1,130 )     (1,130 )     (66 )     (1,196 )
Issuance of ordinary shares     834,020             6,641                   6,641             6,641  
Share-based compensation expense                 798                   798             798  
Balances at December 31, 2017     7,250,672     $ 1     $ 489,972     $ (557,844 )   $ (33,874 )   $ (101,745 )   $ 4,101     $ (97,644 )
Net loss                       (12,282 )           (12,282 )     23       (12,259 )
Foreign currency translation losses                             (1,241 )     (1,241 )     (140 )     (1,381 )
Disposition of SPI China (HK) Limited                 107,867                   107,867       7       107,874  
Option granted in disposition                 1,260                   1,260             1,260  
Forgiveness of receivable from SPI China (HK) Limited                 (536 )                 (536 )           (536 )
Share-based compensation expense     663,460             2,756                   2,756             2,756  
Reverse stock split rounding shares     (7 )                                          
Balances at December 31, 2018     7,914,125     $ 1     $ 601,319     $ (570,126 )   $ (35,115 )   $ (3,921 )   $ 3,991     $ 70  

 

*The shares are presented on a retroactive basis to reflect the Company’s Reserve Stock Splits (Note 22(a)).

 

 

  F- 7  

 

 

SPI ENERGY CO., LTD.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

   

December 31,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 
Cash flows from operating activities:                        
Net loss from continuing operations   $ (6,137 )   $ (26,514 )   $ (102,029 )
Net loss from discontinued operations     (6,122 )     (64,445 )     (118,939 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                        
Depreciation     1,204       1,159       3,972  
Amortization     300       302       467  
Provision for inventory           366       146  
Provision (reverse) for doubtful accounts and notes     (501 )     1,693       7,106  
Impairment charges on intangible assets                 1,235  
Impairment charges on goodwill                 65,223  
Impairment charges on property, plant and equipment           53       38  
Impairment charges on project assets           687       13,102  
Loss on investment in affiliates           2,214       6,296  
Share-based compensation expense     2,726       1,174       1,301  
Gain on extinguishment of convertible bonds           (7,121 )      
Gain on troubled debt restructuring     (1,887 )            
Tax penalty           9,670        
Amortization of debt discount on convertible bonds     1,910       2,906        
Change in fair value of derivative assets/liability                 2,328  
Change in deferred taxes     (83 )     (247 )     (380 )
Provision for losses on contracts                 385  
Non-cash interest expense                 1,518  
Operating income from solar system subject to financing obligation                 (1,419 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities                        
Accounts receivable     (13,898 )     (8,974 )     4,442  
Other receivable, noncurrent                 (658 )
Amount due from related parties     (451 )     (470 )      
Notes receivable     526       525       525  
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts           266       (266 )
Project assets     17,834       (3,957 )     8,573  
Inventories     2,876       (6,733 )     3,904  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     906       164       (1,238 )
Accounts payable     3,353       (297 )     2,461  
Advances from customers     (5,092 )     13,700       (459 )
Income taxes payable     226       (146 )     (211 )
Accrued liabilities and other liabilities     3,960       5,207       1,380  
Amount due to related parties     79              
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, continuing operations     7,851       (14,373 )     17,742  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, discontinued operations     159       2,733       (90,712 )
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:                        
Proceeds from repayment of interest bearing receivables                 1,000  
Proceeds from disposal of investment in affiliates                 5,440  
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment     (95 )     (298 )     (9,301 )
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment     6              
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired           43       (2,254 )
Decrease of cash due to deconsolidation of Sinsin (Note 6)           (2,679 )      
Decrease of cash due to disposition of SPI China (HK) Limited (Note 4)     (3,257 )                
Net cash used in investing activities, continuing operations     (3,346 )     (2,934 )     (5,115 )
Net cash used in investing activities, discontinued operations     (418 )     (352 )     (8,002 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:                        
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares           5,760       5,049  
Proceeds from line of credit and loans payable     66,169       31,925       32,592  
Repayments of line of credit and loans payable     (67,754 )     (29,401 )     (28,216 )
Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities, continuing operations     (1,585 )     8,284       9,425  
Net cash used in financing activities, discontinued operations     (2,145 )     (2,488 )     (75,436 )
                         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash     453       (477 )     20  
                         
Increase (Decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash     969       (9,607 )     (152,078 )
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year     3,630       13,237       165,315  
                         
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year     4,599       3,630       13,237  
                         
Less: cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of discontinued operations at end of year           (1,356 )     (8,501 )
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year for continuing operations   $ 4,599     $ 2,274     $ 4,736  
                         
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to the consolidated balance sheets                        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 4,141     $ 2,238     $ 2,024  
Restricted cash     458       36       2,712  
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash   $ 4,599     $ 2,274     $ 4,736  
                         
Supplemental cash flow information:                        
Interest paid   $ 725     $ 566     $ 243  
Income tax paid   $     $ 347     $  
Non-cash activities:                        
Netting off balance due to/from third party   $ 5,003     $ 6,917     $  
Interest capitalized to project assets   $ 292     $ 1,607     $  
Loss on forgiveness of debt due from SPI China (HK) Limited (Note 4)   $ 536     $     $  
Options issued to shareholder during disposition of SPI China (HK) Limited (Note 4)   $ 1,260     $     $  
Disposition of SPI China (HK) Limited (Note 4)   $ 107,867     $     $  
Derecognition of Project Aerojet   $       754        

 

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

 

 

 

  F- 8  

 

 

SPI ENERGY CO., LTD.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Amounts in US$ thousands, except share and per share data)

 

1. Description of Business and Organization

 

  Description of Business

 

SPI Energy Co., Ltd. (“SPI Energy” or the “Company”), its subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) (collectively the “Group”) is a provider of photovoltaic (“PV”) solutions for business, residential, government and utility customers and investors. The Group develops solar PV projects which are either sold to third party operators or owned and operated by the Group for selling of electricity to the grid in multiple countries in Asia, North America and Europe. In Australia, the Group primarily sells solar PV components to retail customers and solar project developers. 

 

  Organization

 

The Company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on May 4, 2015 for the sole purpose of effectuating the redomicile of the Company’s predecessor, Solar Power, Inc., a California corporation (“SPI California”). The redomicile was approved by the shareholders of SPI California on May 11, 2015, pursuant to which one share of common stock of SPI California held by the shareholders was converted into one SPI Energy’s ordinary share. On January 4, 2016, SPI California completed the redomicile, resulting in SPI Energy becoming the publicly held parent company of SPI California. SPI Energy’s shares then began quotation on the Open Transparent Connected Markets under the symbol “SRGYY” effective January 4, 2016. On January 19, 2016, SPI Energy’s shares were listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and traded under the symbol “SPI”.

 

The major subsidiaries of the Company as of December 31, 2018 are summarized as below:

 

Major Subsidiaries   Abbreviation   Location
SPI Renewables Energy (Luxembourg) Private Limited Company S.a.r.l. (formerly known as CECEP Solar Energy (Luxembourg) Private Limited Company (S.a.r.l.)) and Italsolar S.r.l.   CECEP   Luxembourg, Italy
Solar Juice Pty Ltd.   Solar Juice   Australia
Solar Juice USA Inc.   Solar Juice US   United States
Solar Juice (HK) Limited   Solar Juice HK   Hong Kong
SPI Solar Japan G.K.   SPI Japan   Japan
Solar Power Inc UK Service Limited   SPI UK   United Kingdom
SPI Solar, Inc.   SPI US   United States
Heliostixio S.A.   Heliostixio   Greece

 

On January 1, 2017, the Group deconsolidated one of the major subsidiaries, Sinsin Renewable Investment Limited (“Sinsin”) due to loss of control (see Note 6 Deconsolidation of Sinsin).

 

On December 13, 2017, the Group acquired 100% equity interest of Heliostixio S.A. (“Heliostixio”) (see Note 5 Business Acquisitions).

 

On April 17, 2018, the Group established Solar Juice USA Inc. for sales of bitcoin mining equipment and hosting service business.

 

 

 

  F- 9  

 

 

On December 10, 2018, the Group disposed SPI China (HK) Limited (“SPI China”), which holds all of the Group’s assets and liabilities related to its business in China, including engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) business, PV projects, Internet finance lease related business and E-commence in China, to Lighting Charm Limited (“Lighting Charm”), an affiliate of Ms. Shan Zhou, the spouse of Xiaofeng Peng, the Group’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (see Note 4 Disposition of SPI China). The Group effected an internal restructuring following which SPI China would only hold the Group’s subsidiaries in China, and all the other subsidiaries outside of China would be transferred to the Group (the “restructuring”). As of December 10, 2018, the restructuring was completed and the disposal transaction was closed (see Note 4 Disposition of SPI China).

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

The Group operated its on-line fund raising and leasing business and its on-line solar products trading through Shanghai Meijv Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Meijv”) and Lv Neng Tao E-Commerce (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (“Lv Neng Tao”) (collectively referred to as the “VIEs”) respectively. Both Meijv and Lv Neng Tao were limited liability companies established in the PRC and held the requisite licenses and permits necessary to conduct the on-line businesses, which were restricted from foreign investment in accordance with the relevant PRC laws and regulations. Meijv was established by Shanghai Youying E-commerce Co., Ltd. (“Youying”) on June 12, 2015. Lv Neng Tao was established on June 17, 2015 by Mr. Min Xiahou, the former deputy chairman of the Company’s board of directors, Mr. Minghua Zhao, a former director of the Group and Mr. Tairan Guo, the Group’s former Chief Financial Officer. These individuals acted as nominee equity holders of Lv Neng Tao on behalf of the Company. OnMarch 17, 2016, Meijv entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Yanhua Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Y (“Yanhua Network”) and Youying, including exclusive call option agreement, proxy voting agreement, exclusive business cooperation agreement and equity interest pledge agreement (collectively, the “Meijv VIE Agreements”). On January 1, 2016, Lv Neng Tao entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Yanhua Network and its legal shareholders, including exclusive call option agreement, proxy voting agreement, exclusive business cooperation agreement and equity interest pledge agreement (collectively, the “Lv Neng Tao VIE Agreements”, and together with Meijv VIE Agreements, the “VIE Agreements”).

 

Pursuant to the VIE Agreements, Youying and Lv Neng Tao’s legal shareholders had granted all of their legal rights in Meijv and LvNeng Tao, respectively, including voting rights and deposition rights, to Yanhua Network. As a result, Youying and Lv Neng Tao’s legal shareholders did not have the direct or indirect ability through voting rights or similar rights to make decision about the activities of Meijv and Lv Neng Tao, respectively, that had a significant effect on the success of Meijv and Lv Neng Tao. The Company, through Yanhua Network, had obtained a financial controlling interest of Meijv and Lv Neng Tao which enable it to have(1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly affected the economic performance of Meijv and Lv Neng Tao, and (2) the right to receive benefits or have the obligation to absorb losses and to receive the expected residual return of Meijv and Lv Neng Tao that could potentially be significant to Meijv and Lv Neng Tao. Accordingly, the Company, through Yanhua Network, was considered the primary beneficiary of Meijv and Lv Neng Tao. As such, the financial results of Meijv and Lv Neng Tao were included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and December 10, 2018. Prior to the signing of Meijv VIE Agreements on March 17, 2016 and Lv Neng Tao VIE Agreements on January 2016, Meijv and Lv Neng Tao had not carried out any business except for the holding the business licenses and permits necessary to conduct the on-line businesses in the PRC. With the disposition of SPI China, all VIEs were disposed as of December 10, 2018 (see Note 4 Disposition of SPI China).

 

2. Going Concern

 

The Group has suffered recurring losses from operations. The Group has incurred a net loss of $6,137 from continuing operations during the year ended December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, the Group had a working capital deficit of $92,648 and accumulated deficit of $570,126. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018, $41,600 of convertible bonds was due within one year.

 

These and other factors disclosed in these financial statements raise substantial doubt as to the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management believes that it has developed a liquidity plan, as summarized below, that, if executed successfully, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet the Group’s obligations for a reasonable period of time.

 

 

 

  F- 10  

 

 

Equity financing

 

The Group is actively seeking additional capital in the form of equity financing. As of April 14, 2019, the Group completed a private placement of $7,656 by issuing 6,600,000 ordinary shares. Net proceeds from the above transaction are intended to be used for expansion of the Company's global PV project activities and general corporate purposes. The Group plans to seek additional funds through equity financing.

 

Working Capital management

 

The Group sold several PV projects in Japan and United States, and is actively negotiating with the buyers to mobilize the cash collection. In addition, the Group has intention to sell the PV projects in Italy which are indeed with good value and return. The sales of these projects will expect to bring in significant amount of cash to the Group to improve liquidity and capital to reinvest into new solar projects. Except for the new PV projects in Greece and US to be acquired, the Group has been closely monitoring the Group’s capital spending level until liquidity position has improved. These initiatives aim at preserving cash and generating operating cash flows to enable the Group to repay the borrowings and accounts payable.

 

Cost Saving Measures

 

The Group has implemented certain measures with an aim to reduce its operating costs in 2018. Such measures include: 1) strictly controlling and reducing business, marketing and advertising expenses in United States and Australia; 2) relocating certain offices in United States and United Kingdom to save office rental; and 3) lowering the remuneration of the Group’s management team. The Group would continue to implement these measures in 2019 to maintain the expenditure level.

 

While management believes that the measures in the liquidity plan will be adequate to allow the Group to meet its liquidity and cash flow requirements within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued, there is no assurance that the liquidity plan will be successfully implemented. Failure to successfully implement the liquidity plan will have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, results of operations and financial position, and may materially adversely affect its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities or any other adjustments that might be necessary should the Group be unable to continue as a going concern. 

 

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

(a) Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Group are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business are dependent on, among other things, the Group’s ability to operate profitably, to generate cash flows from operations, and to pursue financing arrangements to support its working capital requirements.

 

(b) Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, and its subsidiaries. All material inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation. For consolidated subsidiaries where the Company’s ownership in the subsidiary is less than 100%, the equity interest not held by the Group is shown as noncontrolling interests. The Company accounts for investments over which it has significant influence but not a controlling financial interest using the equity method of accounting. The Company deconsolidates a subsidiary when the Company ceases to have a controlling financial interest in the subsidiary. When control is lost, the parent-subsidiary relationship no longer exists and the parent derecognizes the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary.

 

 

 

  F- 11  

 

 

(c) Comparability and Reclassification Adjustment

 

The Company has reclassified certain comparative balances in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and certain comparative amounts in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 to conform to the current year’s presentation. The assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations have been classified as current asset of discontinued operation and noncurrent assets of discontinued operation, current liabilities of discontinued operation and noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operation in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017. The results of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 have been reflected separately in the consolidated statement of operations as a single line item for all periods presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Cash flows from discontinued operations of the three categories for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were separately presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows for all periods presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

(d) Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Group to make estimates and assumptions that affect 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include the allowance made for doubtful accounts receivable and other receivable, inventory write-downs, the estimated useful lives of long-lived assets, the impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets and project assets, fair value of derivative liability, valuation allowance of deferred tax assets, accrued warranty expenses, cost-based input methods for revenue recognition, the grant-date fair value of share-based compensation awards and related forfeiture rates, and fair value of financial instruments and assumptions related to the consolidation of entities in which the Company holds variable interests. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in those estimates and assumptions. 

 

(e) Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Currency Risk

 

The functional currency of the Company and subsidiaries located in the United States is the United States dollar (“US$” or “$”). The functional currency of the Company’s subsidiaries located in the PRC, Europe, United Kingdom, Japan and Australia are Renminbi (“RMB”), EURO (“EUR”), British Pounds(“GBP”), Japanese Yen (“JPY”) and Australia Dollar (“AUD”), respectively. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are re-measured into the functional currency at the rates of exchange prevailing when the transactions occur. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are re-measured into the functional currency at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates. Exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Group’s reporting currency is the US$. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries, whose functional currency is not the US$, are translated into US$ using exchange rates in effect at each period end, and revenues and expenses are translated into US$ at average rates prevailing during the year, and equity is translated at historical exchange rates, except for the change in retained earnings during the year which is the result of the income or loss. Gains and losses resulting from the translations of the financial statements of these subsidiaries into US$ are recognized as other comprehensive income or loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss. 

 

 

 

  F- 12  

 

 

(f) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Group estimates fair value of financial assets and liabilities as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) on the measurement date in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair value measurement guidance establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs into the valuation techniques used to measure fair value.

 

Ÿ Level 1 — Valuation techniques in which all significant inputs are unadjusted quoted prices from active markets for assets or liabilities that are identical to the assets or liabilities being measured.

 

Ÿ Level 2 — Valuation techniques in which significant inputs include quoted prices from active markets for assets or liabilities that are similar to the assets or liabilities being measured and/or quoted prices for assets or liabilities that are identical or similar to the assets or liabilities being measured from markets that are not active. Also, model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets are Level 2 valuation techniques.

 

Ÿ Level 3 — Valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Unobservable inputs are valuation technique inputs that reflect the Group’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use to price an asset or liability.

 

The Group uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the Group measures fair value using valuation techniques that use, when possible, current market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, such as interest rates and currency rates.

 

(g) Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash accounts, interest bearing savings accounts and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and which are unrestricted as to withdrawal and use. There were no cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

(h) Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash represent bank deposits with designated use, which cannot be withdraw without certain approval or notice. Restricted cash, which matures twelve months after the balance sheet date, is classified as noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

(i) Accounts Receivable, net

 

The Group grants open credit terms to credit-worthy customers. Accounts receivable are primarily related to the Group's sales of pre-development solar projects and sales of PV components. For pre-development sales contracts, the payment is typically due in installments over the contract term, which are both before and after the performance by the Company. Payment for sales of PV components and electricity revenue with power purchase agreements (“PPAs”) are typically due in full within 30 to 90 days of shipping of the products or the start of the contract term.

 

The Group maintains allowances for doubtful accounts. The Group regularly monitors and assesses the risk of not collecting amounts owed by customers. This evaluation is based upon a variety of factors, including an analysis of amounts current and past due along with relevant history and facts particular to the customer. The Group does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers. Contractually, the Group may charge interest for extended payment terms and require collateral.

 

 

 

  F- 13  

 

 

(j) Notes Receivable

 

Notes receivable was a 12-year interest-bearing promissory note issued by an EPC customer in 2015. The promissory note carries interests at 6% per annum and is settled by pre-determined installments. Installment payments that fall due within 12 months and over 12 months after the balance sheet date are classified as current assets and noncurrent assets respectively on the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, no allowance was made against the notes receivable. 

 

(k) Inventories, net

 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market, determined by the weighted average cost method. Provisions are made for obsolete or slow-moving inventories based on management estimates. Inventories are written down based on the difference between the cost of inventories and the market value based upon estimates about future demand from customers, specific customer requirements on certain projects and other factors. Inventory provision charges establish a new cost basis for inventory that subsequently cannot be marked up based on changes in underlying facts and circumstances.

 

(l) Project Assets

 

The Group acquires or constructs PV solar power systems (“solar system”) that are (i) held for development and sale or (ii) held for the Group’s own use to generate income or return from the use of the solar systems. Solar systems are classified as either held for development and sale within “project assets” or as held for use within “property, plant and equipment” based on the Group’s intended use of solar systems. The Group determines the intended use of the solar systems upon acquisition or commencement of project construction.

 

Classification of the solar systems affects the accounting and presentation in the consolidated financial statements. Transactions related to the solar systems held for development and sale within “project assets” are classified as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows and reported as sales and costs of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations upon the sale of the solar systems and fulfillment of the relevant recognition criteria. Incidental electricity income generated from the solar systems held for development and sale prior to the sale of the projects is recorded in other operating income in the consolidated statement of operations. The solar systems held for use within “property, plant and equipment”, are used by the Group in its operations to generate income or a return from the use of the assets. Income generated from the solar systems held for use are included in net sales in the consolidated statement of operations. The costs to construct solar systems intended to be held for own use are capitalized and reported within property, plant and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets and are presented as cash outflows from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The proceeds from disposal of solar systems classified as held for own use are presented as cash inflows from investing activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows. A net gain or loss upon the disposal of solar systems classified as held for own use is reported in other operating income or expense in the consolidated statement of operation.

 

Solar systems costs consist primarily of capitalizable costs for items such as permits and licenses, acquired land or land use rights, and work-in-process. Work-in-process includes materials and modules, construction, installation and labor, capitalized interests and other capitalizable costs incurred to construct the PV solar power systems.

 

The solar systems held for development and sale, named as “project assets”, are reported as current assets on the consolidated balance sheets when upon completion of the construction of the solar systems, the Group initiates a plan to actively market the project assets for immediate sale in their present condition to potential third party buyers subject to terms that are usual and customary for sales of these types assets and it is probable that the project assets will be sold within one year. Otherwise, the project assets are reported as noncurrent assets. No depreciation expense is recognized while the project assets are under construction or classified as held for sale.

 

 

 

  F- 14  

 

 

For solar systems held for development and sale, named as “project assets”, the Group considers a project commercially viable if it is anticipated to be sold for a profit once it is either fully developed or fully constructed. The Group also considers a partially developed or partially constructed project commercially viable if the anticipated selling price is higher than the carrying value of the related project assets plus the estimated cost to completion. The Group considers a number of factors, including changes in environmental, ecological, permitting, market pricing or regulatory conditions that affect the project. Such changes may cause the cost of the project to increase or the selling price of the project to decrease. The Group records an impairment loss of the project asset to the extent the carrying value exceed its estimated recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is estimated based on the anticipated sales proceeds reduced by estimated cost to complete such sales.

 

(m) Property, Plant and Equipment

 

The Group accounts for its property, plant and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Cost includes the prices paid to acquire or construct the assets, interest capitalized during the construction period and any expenditure that substantially extends the useful life of an existing asset. The Group expenses repair and maintenance costs when they are incurred. Depreciation is recorded on the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

 

Plant and machinery   5 or 6.67 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment   3 or 5 years
Computers   3 or 5 years
Automobile   3 or 5 years
Leasehold improvements   The shorter of the estimated life or the lease term
PV solar system   17, 20, 25 or 27 years

 

(n) Intangible Assets other than Goodwill

 

Intangible assets consist of customer relationships and patents. Amortization is recorded on the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets.

 

(o) Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

The Group’s long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, project assets and other intangible assets with finite lives. The Group evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, the Group first compare undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. Any impairment write-downs would be treated as permanent reductions in the carrying amounts of the assets and a charge to operations would be recognized.

 

 

 

  F- 15  

 

 

(p) Goodwill

 

Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. The Group performed impairment analysis on goodwill annually with a qualitative assessment, or starting with the quantitative assessment instead. The quantitative goodwill impairment test compares the fair values of each reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. A reporting unit constitutes a business for which discrete profit and loss financial information is available. The fair value of each reporting unit is established using a combination of expected present value of future cash flows. If the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

 

Determining when to test for impairment, the Group’s reporting units, the fair value of a reporting unit and the fair value of assets and liabilities within a reporting unit, requires judgment and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions and determination of appropriate market comparable. The Group bases fair value estimates on assumptions it believes to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain.

 

Significant changes in the economic characteristics of components or reorganization of an entity’s reporting structure can sometimes result in a re-assessment of the affected operating segment and its components to determine whether reporting units need to be redefined where the components are no longer economically similar.

 

Future changes in the judgments and estimates underlying the Group’s analysis of goodwill for possible impairment, including expected future cash flows and discount rate, could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units and could result in additional impairment of goodwill.

 

(q) Product Warranties

 

The Group offers the industry standard warranty up to 25 years for PV modules and industry standard warranty for five to ten years on inverter and balance of system components. Due to the warranty period, the Group bears the risk of extensive warranty claims long after products have been shipped and revenues have been recognized. The Group provides a limited warranty to the original purchasers of its solar modules, inverters and cables for trading business for one to five years, in relation to defects in materials and workmanship. For the Group’s cable, wire and mechanical assemblies business, historically the related warranty claims have not been material. For the Group’s solar PV business, the greatest warranty exposure is in the form of product replacement.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2010, the Group installed own manufactured solar panels and accrued warranty based on the Group’s own historical data. Since 2011, due to the absence of historical material warranty claims and identical warranty terms, the Group has not recorded any additional warranty provision relating to solar energy systems sold. PV construction contracts entered into during the recent years included provisions under which the Group agreed to provide warranties to the customers. The warranty the Group offers to its customers is identical to the warranty offered to the Group by its suppliers, therefore, the Group passes on all potential warranty exposure and claims, if any, with respect systems sold by the Group to its suppliers.

 

 

 

  F- 16  

 

 

(r) Income Taxes

 

The Group accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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 income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

 

The Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, management presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. In addition, a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. The Group’s tax liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances, such as the progress of the tax audits, case law developments and new or emerging legislation. Such adjustments are recognized entirely in the period in which they are identified. The Group records interest and penalties related to an uncertain tax position, if and when required, as part of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. No reserve for uncertainty tax position was recorded by the Group for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. The Group does not expect that its assessment regarding unrecognized tax positions will materially change over the next 12 months. The Group is not currently under examination by an income tax authority, nor has been notified that an examination is contemplated.

 

(s) Revenue Recognition

 

On January 1, 2018, the Group adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606” or “Topic 606”) and applied the modified retrospective method to all contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Group’s historical accounting practices under ASC Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition”.

 

The Group has determined that the impact of the transition to the new standard is immaterial to the Group’s revenue recognition model. Accordingly, the Group has not made any adjustment to opening retained earnings.

 

The Group’s accounting practices under ASC Topic 606 are as followings:

 

The Company generates revenue from sales of PV components, electricity revenue with PPAs, sales of PV project assets, providing EPC services, providing financial services, bitcoin mining equipment sales and hosting service, and sales of pre-development solar projects.

 

Sale of PV components

 

Revenue on sale of PV components is recognized at a point in time following the transfer of control of such products to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment or acceptance of the customer depending on the terms of the underlying contracts.

 

Electricity revenue with PPAs

 

The Group sells energy generated by PV solar power systems under PPAs. For energy sold under PPAs, the Group recognizes revenue each period based on the volume of energy delivered to the customer (i.e., the PPAs off-taker) and the price stated in the PPAs. The Group has determined that none of the PPAs contains a lease since (i) the purchaser does not have the rights to operate the PV solar power systems, (ii) the purchaser does not have the rights to control physical access to the PV solar power systems, and (iii) the price that the purchaser pays is at a fixed price per unit of output.

 

 

 

  F- 17  

 

 

Sale of PV project asset

 

The Group’s sales arrangements for PV projects do not contain any forms of continuing involvement that may affect the revenue or profit recognition of the transactions, nor any variable considerations for energy performance guarantees, minimum electricity end subscription commitments. The Group therefore determined its single performance obligation to the customer is the sale of a completed solar project. The Group recognizes revenue for sales of solar projects at a point in time after the solar project has been grid connected and the customer obtains control of the solar project.

 

EPC services

 

The Group generally recognizes revenue for EPC services over time as our performance creates or enhances an energy generation asset controlled by the customer. Furthermore, the EPC services represents a single performance obligation for the development and construction of a single generation asset. For such construction service arrangements, the Group recognizes revenue using cost based input methods, which recognize revenue and gross profit as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs of the contract, after consideration of our customers’ commitment to perform its obligations under the contract, which is typically measured through the receipt of cash deposits or other forms of financial security issued by creditworthy financial institutions or parent entities.

 

In applying cost based input methods of revenue recognition, the Group uses the actual costs incurred relative to the total estimated costs to determine our progress towards contract completion and to calculate the corresponding amount of revenue and gross profit to recognize. Cost based input methods of revenue recognition are considered a faithful depiction of our efforts to satisfy long-term construction contracts and therefore reflect the transfer of goods to a customer under such contracts. Costs incurred that do not contribute to satisfying our performance obligations (“inefficient costs”) are excluded from our input methods of revenue recognition as the amounts are not reflective of our transferring control of the system to the customer. Costs incurred towards contract completion may include costs associated with solar modules, direct materials, labor, subcontractors, and other indirect costs related to contract performance. The Group recognizes solar module and direct material costs as incurred when such items have been installed in a system.

 

Cost based input methods of revenue recognition require us to make estimates of net contract revenues and costs to complete our projects. In making such estimates, significant judgment is required to evaluate assumptions related to the amount of net contract revenues, including the impact of any performance incentives, liquidated damages, and other payments to customers. Significant judgment is also required to evaluate assumptions related to the costs to complete our projects, including materials, labor, contingencies, and other system costs. If the estimated total costs on any contract, including any inefficient costs, are greater than the net contract revenues, the Group recognizes the entire estimated loss in the period the loss becomes known. The cumulative effect of revisions to estimates related to net contract revenues or costs to complete contracts are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. The effect of the changes on future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since revenue was initially recognized under the contract. Such revisions could occur in any reporting period, and the effects may be material depending on the size of the contracts or the changes in estimates.

 

Finance Services Revenue

 

Financial services revenue is recorded associated with finance leases. The Group records a finance lease receivable and de-recognizes the leased equipment at lease inception. The finance lease receivable is recorded at the aggregate future minimum lease payments, estimated unguaranteed residual value of the leased equipment less unearned income. Residual values, which are reviewed periodically, represent the estimated amount expected to receive at lease termination from the disposition of the leased equipment. Actual residual values realized could differ from these estimates. The unearned income is recognized in Net sales-financial service revenue in the consolidated statements of operations over the lease term, in a manner that produces a constant rate of return on the lease. Since 2017, the third-party developers defaulted the payment which indicated that the collectability is not reasonably assured. Accordingly, the Group recognizes financial service revenue only when received cash payment from lessees. The financial services revenue was all from the discontinued operation.

 

 

 

  F- 18  

 

 

Bitcoin mining equipment sales and hosting service

 

Revenue on sale of bitcoin mining equipment is recognized at a point in time following the transfer of control of such products to the customer, which typically occurs upon delivery of the products to the hosting site or receipt place assigned by the customer, installed and set up the products. Revenue for hosting service is recognized over time as services are performed and based on the output method related to the time incurred during the service period.

 

Sales of pre-development solar projects

 

For sales of pre-development solar projects in which the Group transfers 100% of the membership interest in solar projects to a customer, the Group recognizes all of the revenue for the consideration received at a point in time when the membership interest was transferred to the customer, which typically occurs when the Group delivered the membership interest assignment agreement to the customer.

 

The contract arrangements may contain provisions that can either increase or decrease the transaction price. These variable amounts generally are resolved upon achievement of certain performance or upon occurrence of certain price reduction conditions. Variable consideration is estimated at each measurement date at its most likely amount to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur and true-ups are applied prospectively as such estimates change.

 

Changes in estimates for sales of pre-development solar projects occur for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to (i) EPC construction plan accelerations or delays, (ii) product cost forecast changes, (iii) change orders, or (iv) occurrence of purchase price reduction conditions. The cumulative effect of revisions to transaction prices are recorded in the period in which the revisions to estimates are identified and the amounts can be reasonably estimated.

 

Disaggregation of revenues

 

The following table illustrates the disaggregation of revenue by revenue stream and by timing of revenue recognition from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:

 

By revenue stream   For the year ended December 31, 2018  
Continuing operations   Sales
of PV components
    Electricity revenue with PPAs     Sales
of PV
project
asset
    Bitcoin mining equipment sales and hosting service     Sales of pre-
development solar projects
    Others     Total  
Australia   $ 90,067     $     $     $     $     $ 1,314     $ 91,381  
Japan     1,605             10,809                   23       12,437  
Italy           1,733                               1,733  
United States     1,875                   1,052       15,794             18,721  
United K ingdom           932                               932  
Greece           378                               378  
Total   $ 93,547     $ 3,043     $ 10,809     $ 1,052     $ 15,794     $ 1,337     $ 125,582  

 

 

 

  F- 19  

 

 

By revenue stream   For the year ended December 31, 2017  
Continuing operations   Sales of PV components     Electricity revenue with PPAs     Sales
of PV
project
asset
   

Bitcoin
mining equipment
sales and

hosting service

    Sales of pre-
development
solar projects
    Others     Total  
Australia   $ 111,284     $     $     $     $     $ 890     $ 112,174  
Japan     511                                     511  
Italy           1,932                               1,932  
United States                                          
United K ingdom           861       6,042                         6,903  
Greece                                          
Total   $ 111,795     $ 2,793     $ 6,042     $     $     $ 890     $ 121,520  

 

 

By revenue stream   For the year ended December 31, 2016  
Continuing operations   Sales of PV components     Electricity revenue with PPAs     Sales
of PV
project
asset
   

Bitcoin
mining equipment
sales and

hosting service

    Sales of pre-
development
solar projects
    Others     Total  
Australia   $ 81,241     $     $     $     $     $     $ 81,241  
Japan     286             12,353                   254       12,893  
Italy           1,740                               1,740  
United States     2,771       1,626       2,075                   150       6,622  
United Kingdom           208       486                         694  
Greece           8,737                               8,737  
Germany     2,179                               496       2,675  
Total   $ 86,477     $ 12,311     $ 14,914     $     $     $ 900     $ 114,602  

 

 

By timing of revenue recognition   For the year ended December 31, 2018  
Continuing operations   Sales of PV components     Electricity revenue with PPAs     Sales
of PV
project
asset
    Bitcoin mining equipment sales and hosting service     Sales of pre-
development solar projects
    Others     Total  
Goods transferred at a point in time   $ 93,547     $ 3,043     $ 10,809     $ 681     $ 15,794     $ 1,337     $ 125,211  
Service transferred over time                       371                   371  
Total   $ 93,547     $ 3,043     $ 10,809     $ 1,052     $ 15,794     $ 1,337     $ 125,582  

 

 

 

  F- 20  

 

 

By timing of revenue recognition   For the year ended December 31, 2017  
Continuing operations   Sales of PV components     Electricity revenue with PPAs     Sales of PV project asset     Bitcoin
mining
equipment
sales and
hosting service
    Sales of pre-
development
solar projects
    Others     Total  
Goods transferred at a point in time   $ 111,795     $ 2,793     $ 6,042     $     $     $ 890     $ 121,520  
Service transferred over time                                          
Total   $ 111,795     $ 2,793     $ 6,042     $     $     $ 890     $ 121,520  

 

 

By timing of revenue recognition   For the year ended December 31, 2016  
Continuing operations   Sales of PV components     Electricity revenue with PPAs     Sales of PV project asset     Bitcoin
mining equipment
sales and hosting
service
    Sales of pre- development
solar
projects
    Others     Total  
Goods transferred at a point in time   $ 86,477     $ 10,685     $ 14,914     $     $     $ 852     $ 112,928  
Service transferred over time           1,626                         48       1,674  
Total   $ 86,477     $ 12,311     $ 14,914     $     $     $ 900     $ 114,602  

 

Contract balance

 

The following table provides information about accounts receivables and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:

 

   

December 31,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

 
Accounts receivable, current and noncurrent   $ 27,777     $ 19,051  
Advance from customers   $ 25,984     $ 31,122  

 

Advance from customers, which represent a contract liability, represent mostly unrecognized amount received for customers. Advance from customers is recognized as (or when) the Group performs under the contract. During the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Group recognized $11,365 and $326 that was included in advance from customers balance at January 1, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

 

 

  F- 21  

 

 

(t) Cost of Revenues

 

Cost of revenues for PV components is mainly from direct purchase price of PV components. Cost of revenues for PV project assets and pre-development solar projects include all direct material, labor, subcontractor cost, land use right fee, and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies and tools. Cost of revenues for bitcoin mining equipment and hosting service include mining equipment, electricity fee and other indirect expense. Costs of electricity generation revenue include depreciation of solar power project assets and costs associated with operation and maintenance of the project assets.

 

(u) Share-based Compensation

 

The Group’s share-based payment transactions with employees, such as restricted shares and share options, are measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument issued. The fair value of the award is recognized as compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, which is generally the vesting period. 

 

(v) Derivative Instruments

 

The Group enters into derivative financial instrument arising from the business combination of Solar Juice and the investment as mentioned in Note 15 Investment in Affiliates to the consolidated financial statements. The Group recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their respective fair values, and the changes in the fair value are recognized as change in fair value of derivative assets/liabilities in consolidated statements of operations.

 

(w) Capitalized Interest

 

The Group’s policy is to capitalize interest cost incurred on debt during the construction of major projects exceeding three months. A reconciliation of total interest cost to “Interest Expense” as reported in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
    2018     2017     2016  
                   
Interest cost capitalized   $ 292     $ 1,607     $ 1,724  
Interest cost charged to expense     6,665       8,087       3,494  
Total interest cost   $ 6,957     $ 9,694     $ 5,218  

  

(x) Gain on troubled debt restructuring

 

The Group accounted the debt amendment as a troubled debt restructuring when the transaction meets the two criteria: 1) The Group was experiencing financial difficulties; 2) the lender was granting a concession when the effective borrowing rate on the restructured debt is less than the effective borrowing on the original debt. The difference between future undiscounted cash flows and the net carrying value of the original debt is recognized as gain on troubled debt restructuring, and the carrying value of the debt is adjusted to the future undiscounted cash flow amount.

 

 

 

  F- 22  

 

 

(y) Segment Reporting

 

Operating segments are defined as components of a company which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. The Group’s chief operating decision maker is the Chairman, Mr. Peng. Based on the financial information presented to and reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, the Group has determined that it has a single operating and reporting segment for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (see Note 28 Segment Information).

 

(z) Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders as adjusted for the effect of dilutive ordinary equivalent shares, if any, by the weighted average number of ordinary and dilutive ordinary equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation if their effect is anti-dilutive.

 

(aa) Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

U.S. GAAP generally requires that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income or loss. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities are reported as separate components of the equity section of the consolidated balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income or loss. The components of other comprehensive income or loss consist solely of foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

(bb) Commitments and Contingencies

 

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a potential material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, is disclosed. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

 

(cc) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

  

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): “Restricted Cash” (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This update is effective in fiscal years, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance will result in the inclusion of the restricted cash balances within the overall cash balance and removal of the changes in restricted cash activity, as a result, the Company no longer presents transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. Furthermore, an additional reconciliation will be required to reconcile cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets to sum to the total shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company has already disclosed the restricted cash separately on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Beginning January 1, 2018, the Company has adopted and included the restricted cash balances on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and reconciliation of cash, cash equivalent, and restricted cash within its Consolidated Statements of Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. This guidance has been applied retrospectively to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, which required the Company to recast each prior reporting period presented.

 

Accounting Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align, where necessary, lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The new lease guidance simplified the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Lease (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements. The amendments in this Update provide entities with an additional (and optional) transition method to adopt the new leases standard and provide lessors with a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component and, instead, to account for those components as a single component if the non-lease components otherwise would be accounted for under the new revenue guidance (Topic 606). In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842), Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, which clarifies the accounting by lessors for taxes collected from lessees, certain lessor costs either paid by lessees directly to third parties or paid by the lessor and reimbursed by the lessee, and variable payments received by lessors for contracts with lease and non-lease components. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Group has adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019 using the alternative transition method. Upon adoption, the Group expected to record right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities of $1.8 million and $1.8 million in the consolidated balance sheets, respectively.

 

 

 

  F- 23  

 

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350), which removes step two of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. For public companies, this guidance is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, but early adoption is permitted for impairment tests after January 1, 2017. The Company has adopted this standard for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations and statement of cash flows as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07 “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”).” Under ASU 2018-07, the measurement of equity-classified nonemployee awards will be fixed at the grant date, and nonpublic entities are allowed to account for nonemployee awards using certain practical expedients that are already available for employee awards. The amendments in ASU 2018-07 are effective for nonpublic business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)-Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 removes the amounts and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements; modifies certain disclosure requirements in Topic 820; and require additional disclosures such as the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 measurements etc. ASU No. 2018-13 is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

The Group does not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the consolidated financial position, statements of operations and cash flows.

 

4. Disposition of SPI China

 

On August 30, 2018, the Group entered into a share purchase agreement (the “SPI China disposal agreement”) with Lighting Charm, an affiliate of Ms. Shan Zhou, the spouse of Xiaofeng Peng, the Group’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Shan Zhou, as the beneficial owner of the Group, hold more than 10% equity interest of the Group on December 10, 2018. The agreement has been approved by an independent committee of the Group’s Board of Directors. The SPI China disposal agreement provides that the Group sold Lighting Charm the 100% equity interest of SPI China, which holds all of the Group’s assets and liabilities related to its business in China (the “Acquired Business”). The Group effected an internal restructuring following which SPI China would only hold the Group’s subsidiaries in China, and all the other subsidiaries outside of China would be transferred to the Group. Pursuant to the terms of the SPI China disposal agreement, the consideration for the Acquired Business to be paid by the Lighting Charm to the Group in cash was US$1.00. As of December 10, 2018, the restructuring was completed and the disposition was closed. As a result of the disposition to a principal shareholder for US$1.00, the excess of SPI China’s book value of liabilities over the book value of its assets was recorded as an addition to paid-in capital of $107,867.

 

Together with the transaction, the Group granted Lighting Charm options to purchase up to 1,000,000 of the Group’s ordinary shares with par value of $0.0001, with an exercise price of US$ 3.80 per share. The options vested immediately and can be exercised at any time on or prior to August 21, 2021. The options were valued using the Binomial option pricing model and the fair value of the options on the grant date was $1,260, which adjusted to the fair value of disposal consideration and was charged into additional paid-in capital.

 

The Group had made payment on behalf of SPI China for its operation purpose from December 10, 2018 to December 31, 2018, which was considered remote collectability due to the financial position of SPI China, and the Company recorded the amount due from SPI China as a debt forgiveness loss from related parties, with amount of $536 recorded as a reduction of paid-in capital.

 

 

 

  F- 24  

 

 

The assets and liabilities of SPI China are included in the captions “Current assets of discontinued operations”, “Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations”, “Current liabilities of discontinued operations” and “Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations”, in the accompanying balance sheets at December 31, 2017 and consist of the following:

 

    December 31,
2017
 
Assets of Discontinued Operations        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 339  
Restricted cash     1,017  
Accounts receivable, net     33,365  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net     13,778  
Finance lease receivable, net     3,816  
Other current assets     118  
Total current assets     52,433  
Other receivable, noncurrent     5,008  
Property, plant and equipment, net     37,936  
Project assets, noncurrent     11,680  
Deferred tax assets, net     299  
Finance lease receivable, noncurrent     5,959  
Total noncurrent assets     60,882  
Total assets   $ 113,315  
         
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations        
Accounts payable   $ 39,401  
Accounts payable, related parties     4,700  
Accrued liabilities     12,950  
Income taxes payable     2,833  
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term borrowings     103,248  
Financing and capital lease obligations, current     26,399  
Other current liabilities     23,785  
Total current liabilities     213,316  
Long-term borrowings, excluding current portion     2,378  
Other noncurrent liabilities     755  
Total noncurrent liabilities     3,133  
Total liabilities   $ 216,449  

 

The following are revenues and income from discontinued operations:

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
    2018     2017     2016  
Net sales   $ 4,681     $ 5,945     $ 25,597  
Cost of goods sold     2,027       6,235       18,763  
Provision for losses on contracts                 18  
Gross profit (loss)     2,654       (290 )     6,816  
General and administrative     2,904       8,391       20,523  
Sales, marketing and customer service     887       4,796       25,992  
Provision for doubtful accounts, notes and other receivable     195       7,485       23,359  
Impairment charges on goodwill and intangible assets           205        
Impairment charges on property, plant and equipment           3,755       12,602  
Impairment charges on project assets           3,354       742  
Impairment charges on finance lease receivable           23,967       32,028  
Total operating expense     3,986       51,953       115,246  
Total other income (expense), net     (4,790 )     (12,188 )     (10,779 )
Loss from discontinued operations before income tax     (6,122 )     (64,431 )     (119,209 )
Income tax expense (benefit)           14       (270 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax   $ (6,122 )   $ (64,445 )   $ (118,939 )

 

 

 

 

  F- 25  

 

 

5. Business Acquisitions

 

On September 20, 2017, the Group entered into a Framework Share Purchase Agreement with Thermi Taneo Venture Capital Fund (“Thermi”) to expand the Company’s business in Europe and also to settle the Group’s EPC receivable from Thermi. Pursuant to the Framework Share Purchase Agreement, the Group agreed to purchase 100% equity interest in Heliohrisi S.A. (“Heliohrisi”), Heliostixio S.A. (“Heliostixio”) and Thermi Sun S.A. (“Thermi Sun”) from Thermi.

 

On December 13, 2017, the Group entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (“Heliostixio Purchase Agreement”) with Thermi and purchased 100% equity interest of Heliostixio at a cash price of $2,108 (EUR 1,757). Heliostixio is a Company located in Greece, with a solar photovoltaic project of 1.082 MW peak capacity. Pursuant to Heliostixio Purchase Agreement, the closing date of the acquisition was December 13, 2017, and the Group obtained related control of Heliostixio.

 

The acquisition has been accounted for under ASC 805 Business Combinations. The Group made estimates and judgments in determining the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, based on management’s experiences with similar assets and liabilities. The allocation of the purchase price is as follows:

 

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 43  
Accounts receivable     183  
Property, plant and equipment     2,314  
Accounts payable     (918 )
Deferred tax liabilities     (185 )
Other payable     (12 )
Identifiable net assets acquired (a)     1,425  
Consideration (b)     2,108  
Goodwill (b-a)   $ 683  

 

During the period from the acquisition date to December 31, 2017, Heliostixio contributed $nil revenue and $nil earnings to the Group’s consolidated results since Heliostixio had immaterial operations from the acquisition date to December 31, 2017.

 

Goodwill primarily represents the intangible benefits that would accrue to the Group that do not qualify for separate recognition. The balance of goodwill was $651 and $683 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Pro forma financial information is not presented for the acquisition of Heliostixio as its revenue and earnings were not material to the consolidated statements of operations.

 

6. Deconsolidation of Sinsin

 

Pursuant to a share sale and purchase agreement dated September 6, 2014 (“Sinsin SPA”), the Group, through its wholly owned subsidiary SPI China, acquired the 100% equity interest of Sinsin from its former shareholders, Sinsin Europe Solar Asset Limited Partnership and Sinsin Solar Capital Limited Partnership (collectively, the “Sinsin Group”). Sinsin owns and operates four solar photovoltaic projects in Greece with an aggregate capacity of 26.57 MW. According to the Sinsin SPA, 70% of the acquisition price would be paid in cash in four installments, while the remaining 30% has been settled by the transfer of Group’s shares to Sinsin Group. In addition, the shares of the Greek project companies which own the 26.57 MW projects were pledged in favor of Sinsin Group to secure the repayment of the full purchase price to Sinsin Group. Finally, pursuant to the Sinsin SPA, Sinsin Group undertook the obligation vis-à-vis the Group, to appoint the Group as its EPC Contractor for solar photovoltaic projects of 360MW, which would be developed by Sinsin Group internationally over a period of three years (the “360MW EPC assignment obligation”).

 

 

 

  F- 26  

 

 

However, Sinsin Group failed to fulfil its 360MW EPC assignment obligation and, as a result thereof, the Group ceased payment of the last two installments of the purchase price of $43,595 (EUR 38,054). In March, 2016, the Group entered into a supplementary agreement with Sinsin Group (“Supplementary Agreement”) in order to extend the Group’s payment obligations of the outstanding consideration up to November 30, 2017.

 

Moreover, pursuant to the Supplementary Agreement: (a) Sinsin Group would be entitled to supervise and manage the bank accounts of Sinsin to ensure that all the electricity income would be applied towards repayment of any outstanding purchase consideration and (b) Sinsin Group would support the Group in securing project finance for the above projects.

 

However, and despite the above obligation by Sinsin Group, the Group was not able to secure project finance and, as a result therefrom, the last two installments of the purchase consideration were not paid to Sinsin Group.

 

After the acquisition in 2014, Sinsin was managed by a board of directors which consisted of three members from the Group. Effective on July 1, 2015, Mr. Ye Dejun, who worked for Sinsin Group before the acquisition, joined the Company as CEO and was assigned to replace an original director in Sinsin in December of 2015. In March of 2016, Mr. Ye resigned from his role as CEO and was appointed to the Company’s Board as a director and executive vice president. However, on October 9, 2017, Mr. Ye resigned from his position as a director of the Company. Due to his demission, on December 19, 2017, in an Extraordinary General Meeting of the shareholders of Sinsin, a resolution was passed to remove Mr. Ye from the board of directors of Sinsin, and appoint a new director who represented the Group, which caused the Sinsin Group filed a petition before the Athens One-Member First Instance Court to suspend the force of the Extraordinary General Meeting resolution.

 

In November 2017, Sinsin Group claimed that the Group was in default of the Sinsin SPA and the Supplementary Agreement and attempted to exercise the pledge agreements and take control of the Greek project companies. The Group denied such allegations and responded that it is Sinsin Group the party who defaulted in its contractual obligations. Litigation and arbitration proceedings ensued in Greece and Malta. SPI Group filed a claim against Sinsin group before the arbitration court in Malta requesting the award of circa $65,000 (EUR 54,000) in damages (arising out of the breach of the 360MW EPC assignment obligation) and Sinsin Group filed a counterclaim against the Group requesting payment of the outstanding purchase price.

 

Moreover, Sinsin Group’s petition to take control over the Greek project companies (and the funds that such project companies had in their bank accounts from the electricity income generated) was rejected by the Athens One-Member First Instance Court. More particularly, the court issued a provisional measures decision on June 25, 2018, by virtue of which an interim management was appointed of the Greek project companies, which consists of two members elected by Sinsin Group and one member elected by the Group. As the date of this report, the legal dispute is still ongoing (See Note 26(b) Contingencies).

 

In view of above situations, the Group considered that it would not be able to manage any funds or operations of Sinsin even if it had taken actions on an earlier time in 2017, and it could not benefit from any net income of Sinsin in 2017. In addition, the Group could not access to or obtain sufficient financial information or operational documents for 2017 to direct Sinsin’s financial and operational decisions.

 

 

 

  F- 27  

 

 

The above facts directly affected the Group’s ability to effectively control Sinsin and make any direct management decisions or have any direct impact on Sinsin’s polices, operations or assets without the agreement of Sinsin Group. Therefore, the Group deconsolidated Sinsin as of January 1, 2017. The financial position of Sinsin as of the date of deconsolidation was as below:

 

 

 

January 1,

2017

 
ASSETS      
Restricted cash   $ 2,679  
Accounts receivable     3,594  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     4,000  
Amount due from inter-group entities     7,817  
Property, plant and equipment, net     55,458  
Deferred tax assets     179  
Total assets   $ 73,727  
LIABILITIES        
Accounts payable   $ 809  
Income tax payable     243  
Deferred tax liabilities     2,958  
Other current liabilities     111  
Total liabilities   $ 4,121  

 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 the Group’s carrying amount of the investment in Sinsin was $69,606 and $69,606 on the consolidated balance sheet. As of the issuance of the financial statements, the lawsuit with Sinsin is still on the proceeding, and it is uncertain how the court will rule (see Note 26 (b) Contingencies).

 

7. Restricted Cash

 

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Group had restricted bank deposits of $458 and $36, respectively. The balance as of December 31, 2018 mainly represented the restricted bank deposits in the bank account established for the solely purpose of paying the obligations and making other payments related to the project assets development in Hawaii of SPI Solar Inc., a subsidiary of the Group. The balance as of December 31, 2017 represented the restricted bank deposit in certain account used as a rental deposit in Australia, which cannot be withdrawn or used without the approval of lessor. 

 

8. Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable, current and noncurrent, mainly represent amounts due from customers for: 1) sales of Solar PV projects; 2) supply of electricity with PPAs; 3) sales of solar PV components; and 4) sales of pre-development solar projects.

 

The allowance for doubtful accounts is provided against gross accounts receivable balances based on the Group’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Group’s accounts receivable. The Group regularly monitors and assesses the risk of not collecting amounts owed by customers. The Group does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

 

 

 

  F- 28  

 

 

Accounts receivable, current, as at December 31, 2018 and 2017 primarily consists of receivables arose from trading and sales of solar PV components as well as sales of pre-development solar projects. The accounts receivable as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: 

 

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2018     2017  
Current accounts receivable:                
Accounts receivable   $ 28,410     $ 13,471  
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts     (633 )     (1,520 )
      27,777       11,951  
Noncurrent accounts receivable                
Accounts receivable, noncurrent           7,100  
Total accounts receivable, net   $ 27,777     $ 19,051  

 

The movements of allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:

 

    2018     2017     2016  
Balance as at January 1   $ 1,520     $ 1,592     $ 211  
Addition     202       1,536       1,151  
Written off           (1,526 )      
Reversal     (1,002 )     (152 )      
Foreign currency translation difference     (87 )     70       230  
Balance as at December 31   $ 633     $ 1,520     $ 1,592  

 

As of December 31, 2018, and 2017, allowance for doubtful debts of $524 and $1,412 had been accrued for certain gross receivable balances of $9,235 and $12,827, respectively, which arose from the Group’s trading revenue from sales of PV related components. Also, allowance for doubtful debts of $109 and $108 had been accrued for certain gross receivable balances (current and noncurrent) of $19,175 and $7,744, respectively, which arose from other types of revenues. The allowance is determined on the basis of their expected recoverable amount of these receivables.

 

Solar Juice, entered into debtor finance agreements with Scottish Pacific (BFS) Pty Ltd. (“Scottish Pacific”), whereby Scottish Pacific provided Solar Juice invoice discounting facility (see Note 19 Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Borrowings). As of December 31, 2018, all the outstanding Accounts receivable of Solar Juice was pledged to Scottish Pacific for a total gross amount of $8,345.

 

9. Inventories, net

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2018     2017  
Goods in transit   $ 2,039     $ 632  
Finished goods     9,867       15,208  
Total   $ 11,906     $ 15,840  

 

During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, inventories were written down by $nil, $366 and $146 from continuing operations, respectively, to reflect the lower of cost or market price. 

 

 

 

  F- 29  

 

 

10. Project Assets

 

As of December 31, 2018, project assets, current and noncurrent, mainly consist of the PV solar power systems that are held for development and sale across U.S. and Japan, with the amount of $31,170, (2017: $42,990), and $9,852 (2017: $15,589), respectively.

 

Project assets consist of the following:

 

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2018     2017  
Project assets completed for sale   $ 21,215     $ 24,228  
Project assets under development     19,807       34,351  
Total project assets     41,022       58,579  
Current, net of impairment loss   $ 24,654     $ 42,211  
Noncurrent   $ 16,368     $ 16,368  

 

During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, impairment losses of $nil, $687 and $13,102 were recorded for certain project assets held for development and sale from continuing operations.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Group recognized total revenue from sales of PV project assets and sales of pre-development solar projects of $26,603, $6,042 and $14,914 from continuing operations, respectively, and cost of $23,418, $6,229, and $13,613 from continuing operations were recognized accordingly.

 

11. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

 

 

 

December 31,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

 
Value-added tax recoverable, current   $ 483     $ 673  
Deposit and prepayment for acquisitions, net of provision of $10,840 and $10,205, respectively (a)     55       116  
Other deposit and prepayment, net of provision of $452 and $306, respectively (b)     1,216       2,359  
Other receivable, net of provision of $914 and $906, respectively (c)     2,628       2,835  
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets   $ 4,382     $ 5,983  

 

(a) Deposit and Prepayment for Acquisitions

 

Deposit and prepayment for acquisitions as at December 31, 2018 primarily include: i) an amount of $8,543 (2017: $8,032) relating to the acquisition of RE Capital Projects. The prepayment for acquisition of RE Capital Projects mainly included cash of $2,640 and the Group’s ordinary shares amounting to $5,500. In April 2017, the acquisition was terminated and both parties agreed that the ordinary shares would be transferred back to the Group and the cash portion would not be refunded. Thus, provision for doubtful recoveries of $8,488 (2017: $7,978) was accrued, and the prepayment for acquisition was written down to the recovered amount of $55 and $54 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017; ii) prepayment of $2,288 (2017: $2,227) relating to acquisition of the Kashima PV station. In 2015, the sellers agreed to refund the entire prepayments before September 30, 2017 according to the supplemental termination agreements. The Group assessed the collectability is remote and full provision for doubtful recoveries of $2,288 (2017: $2,227) was accrued; iii) prepayment of $64 (2017: $62) relating to the acquisition of the PV station from General Energy Solutions Inc. (“GES”). In 2017, the sellers agreed to refund the entire prepayments before September 30, 2019 according to the supplemental termination agreements. The Group assessed the collectability is remote and full provision for doubtful recoveries of $64 (2017: $nil) was accrued.

 

 

  F- 30  

 

 

(b) Other Deposit and Prepayment

 

Other deposit and prepayment primarily include prepayment made to vendors to purchase PV modules, rental deposits and other prepaid expenses. 

 

(c) Other receivable

 

Other receivable as at December 31, 2018 mainly included: i) the business fund lent to a third party, Tacoo Corporation with no interest bearing of $2,107 (2017: $2,033). The Company assessed the collectability of the receivable and concluded no provision accrued as of December 31, 2018 and 2017; ii) other receivable of $1,435 (2017: $1,708) for project payment on behalf of third parties, the Group assessed the collectability and provision of $914 (2017: $906) was accrued.

 

12. Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

    Useful Life           Accumulated     Impairment        
    (in months)     Gross     Amortization     Charge     Net  
As of December 31, 2018                              
Patent     57     $ 2,700     $ (2,700 )   $     $  
Customer Relationship     120       4,366       (1,270 )     (1,295 )     1,801  
            $ 7,066     $ (3,970 )   $ (1,295 )   $ 1,801  
As of December 31, 2017                                        
Patent     57     $ 2,700     $ (2,700 )   $     $  
Customer Relationship     120       4,717       (1,086 )     (1,326 )     2,305  
            $ 7,417     $ (3,786 )   $ (1,326 )   $ 2,305  

 

The customer relationship was mainly contributed by the acquisition of Solar Juice in May 2015. As customer relationship with clients was the key driver of the revenue for Solar Juice, which will bring further economic benefit to the Group’s business. Therefore, the customer relationship was separately identified as an intangible asset on the acquisition date. The balance is amortized over the useful life of 10 years. The Group recorded impairment loss of $nil, $nil and $1,235 on customer relationship from continuing operations, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

Amortization expense for other intangible assets was $300, $302 and $467 from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2018, the estimated future amortization expense related to other intangible assets is as follows: 

 

    USD  
2019   $ 277  
2020     277  
2021     277  
2022     277  
2023     277  
Thereafter     416  
    $ 1,801  

 

 

 

  F- 31  

 

 

13. Goodwill

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

Balance as of December 31, 2016   $  
Acquisition of Heliostixio     683  
Balance as of December 31, 2017   $ 683  
Foreign Currency translation difference     (32 )
Balance as of December 31, 2018   $ 651  

 

The Goodwill of $651 as of December 31, 2018 was from the acquisition of Heliostixio in December 2017 (see Note 5 Business Acquisitions). The impairment provision for goodwill was $nil, $nil and $65,223 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

14. Property, Plant and Equipment, net

 

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

 

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2018     2017  
Photovoltaic solar systems   $ 24,375     $ 25,561  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment     517       521  
Automobile     489       541  
Computers     1,177       1,180  
Leasehold improvements     188       110  
      26,746       27,913  
Less: accumulated depreciation     (5,505 )     (4,430 )
      21,241       23,483  
Less: impairment     (91 )     (91 )
    $ 21,150     $ 23,392  

 

The costs of PV solar system include costs of acquiring permits, construction fees of PV solar system, costs of items installed in the PV solar system including solar panels, and other costs incurred that are directly attributable to getting the PV solar system ready for its intended use of grid connection with customer for supply of electricity. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment was $1,204, $1,159 and $3,972 from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Impairment loss on property, plant and equipment of $nil, $53 and $38 from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

15. Investment in Affiliates

 

Investment in affiliates represents: i) the investment in EnSync, Inc. (formerly known as ZBB Energy Corporation) (“ENS”) with net amount of $nil and $nil as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively; ii) and the investment in Sinsin of $69,606 and $69,606 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively (see Note 6 Deconsolidation of Sinsin).

 

 

 

  F- 32  

 

 

The investment in ENS consists of i) 8,000,000 shares of ENS’s common stock (“Purchased Common Stock”), ii) 28,048 shares of ENS’s convertible preferred stock (“Convertible Preferred Stock”), and iii) warrant to acquire 50,000,000 shares of ENS’s common stock (“Warrant”). Total cash consideration of ENS investment was $33,390, of which $16,947 was recognized for Warrant, $3,244 was recognized for the initial cost of investment in Purchased Common Stock, and the remaining $13,199 was recognized for the initial cost of investment of Convertible Preferred Stock. The decrease in fair value of $nil, $nil and $2,328 of the Warrant was recognized as Change in fair value of derivative asset/liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. The Group derecognized the investment in the Purchased Common Stock under the equity method and recorded a gain of $3,599 in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016. The investment in Purchased Common Stock was fully impairment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and impairment provision of $nil, $2,214 and $9,895 was provided for investment in Convertible Preferred Stock during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the net investment in ENS was $nil and $ nil, respectively. 

 

16. Fair Value Measurement

 

There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The following method and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value on a non-recurring basis as at December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 

Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and payable, short term borrowings, accrued liabilities, advance from customers and other current liabilities — costs approximates fair value because of the short maturity period.

 

The fair value of convertible bonds was classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, and uses binomial model. The estimated fair value of convertible bond with Union Sky was $12,879 as of February 12, 2017 (see Note 20 Convertible Bonds).

 

The fair value of options issued to Lighting Charm Limited was classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, and uses binomial model. The estimated fair value of options issued to Lighting Charm Limited was $1,260 as of August 21, 2018 (see Note 4 Disposition of SPI China).

 

There have been no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 categories during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

17. Accrued Liabilities

 

Accrued liabilities are as follows:

 

 

 

December 31,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

 
Tax penalty payable (a)   $ 9,670     $ 9,670  
Other payable     4,556       4,396  
Other tax payables     774       1,138  
Accrued expense     1,323       800  
Other accrual and payables     172       3,856  
Total accrued liabilities   $ 16,495     $ 19,860  

 

(a) Tax Penalty Payable

 

The Company was late for filing United States Federal and State income tax returns of 2016, hence an expected penalty payable of $9,670 and $9,670 was accrued as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company submitted the tax filing together with the tax penalty abatement request on April 10, 2019, as of the issuance of the financial statements, the Company has not received the result of the tax penalty from the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) (see Note 26(b) Contingencies).

 

 

 

  F- 33  

 

 

18. Advance from Customers

 

The Group requires its customers to make deposits before sale of PV projects. Such payments are recorded as advances from customers in the Group’s consolidated financial statements, until the sales completed. 

 

19. Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Borrowings

 

 

 

December 31,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

 
Short-term bank borrowings   $ 146     $ 5,313  
Other short-term borrowings     2,841        
Current portion of long-term borrowings     179       165  
Total short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term borrowings     3,166       5,478  
                 
Long term bank borrowings     6,017       6,733  
Other long-term borrowings     836       877  
Total long-term borrowings     6,853       7,610  
Less: current portion of long-term borrowings     (179 )     (165 )
Total long-term borrowings, excluding current portion     6,674       7,445  
Total borrowings   $ 9,840     $ 12,923  

 

As of December 31, 2018, the maturities of the long-term borrowings are as follows:

 

    USD  
2019   $ 179  
2020     208  
2021     229  
2022     256  
2023     1,115  
Thereafter     4,866  
    $ 6,853  

 

As of December 31, 2018, bank loans primarily represent a 10-year long term loan borrowed from Santander Bank amounting to $6,017, at interest rate of 2.83% and 3.96% per annum with a maturity date of February 16, 2027.

 

The Group’s subsidiary, Solar Juice, entered into debtor finance agreements with Scottish Pacific on March 18, 2018, whereby Scottish Pacific provided Solar Juice invoice discounting facility with a limit of $5,637, at service fee charge of 0.13% based on the invoices processed, and discount fee charge of margin percentage plus 1.1% (margin percentage is around 6.76% during 2018) based on the average daily debtor finance balance. The accounts receivable collection of Solar Juice was automatically transferred to Scottish Pacific for the debtor finance repayment at the ending of each work day. As of December 31, 2018, the debtor finance balance was $2,691.

 

The interest expense of bank loans from continuing operations was $525, $567 and $243 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. The average interest rate on short term borrowings from continuing operations was 7.39%, 5.65% and 5.04% per annum for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

 

 

  F- 34  

 

 

20. Convertible Bonds

 

In December 2014, the Company entered into three convertible promissory note purchase agreements with Brilliant King Group Limited (“Brilliant King”), Poseidon Sports Limited (“Poseidon”) and Union Sky Holding Group Limited (“Union Sky”), respectively whereby the Company agreed to sell and issue to these three investors convertible promissory notes in an aggregate principal amount of $35,000 which could be converted into 175,000 Ordinary Shares at a fixed conversion price of $200 unless adjusted for anti-dilution. The convertible notes bore no interest, and might be partially or wholly converted into shares of the Company’s ordinary shares at any time prior to maturity at the option of the investor. The convertible promissory notes was due and payable on June 11, 2016.

 

On June 15, 2015, the Company agreed to issue to Vision Edge Limited (“Vision Edge”) convertible promissory note in an aggregate amount of $20,000 which could be converted into 74,074 Ordinary Shares at a fixed conversion price of $270 unless adjusted for anti-dilution pursuant to the agreement entered between the Company and Vision Edge. The convertible notes bore no interest, and might be wholly converted into shares of the Company’s ordinary shares at any time prior to maturity at the option of the investor. The commitment date of the convertible promissory note is on June 29, 2015. The convertible promissory note was due and payable on June 29, 2016.

 

The Group defaulted the payment for all outstanding convertible bonds of $55,000 in June 2016.

 

First Amendment Agreement with Union Sky

 

On February 12, 2017, the Group entered into an Amendment Agreement (“First Amendment Agreement”) with Union Sky, one of the convertible bond holders to extend the maturity date of the debt, pursuant to which the repayment of $6,600, $6,700 and $6,700 of the principal amount of the convertible bond was extended to April 30, 2017, January 30, 2018 and January 30, 2019, respectively. The holder has the option to convert the outstanding amounts under the convertible bond into equity interest in the Company at a conversion price per ordinary share that equals the weighted average daily closing price of the Company’s American depositary shares from January 30, 2017 to February 10, 2017.

 

According to the First Amendment, the convertible bond held by Union Sky was substantially amended by adding the substantive conversion option and the present value of the cash flows under the terms of the amended debt instrument was more than 10 percent different from the present value of the remaining cash flows under the terms of the original instrument. According to ASC Topic 470, if it is determined that the original and new debt instruments are substantially different, and the new debt instrument shall be initially recorded at fair value, and that amount shall be used to determine the debt extinguishment gain or loss to be recognized and the effective rate of the new instrument. Therefore, the amended convertible bond held by Union Sky was initially recorded at fair value, amounting to $12,879 as of February 12, 2017. As comparing to the carrying value of original of $20,000, a gain from extinguishment of debt of $7,121 was recognized in 2017. The discount of $7,121 of the amended convertible bond is amortized as interest expense using the effective interest rate method through the period of the First Amendment Agreement. As of December 31, 2017, the remaining unamortized discount was $4,215.

 

As the Group did not make the first repayment by the end of April 2017, all outstanding debts of $20,000 under the Agreement became due immediately bearing an annual interest rate of 18%.

 

 

 

  F- 35  

 

 

Second Amendment Agreement with Union Sky

 

On June 29, 2018, the Company entered into another amendment agreement (the “Second Amendment Agreement”) with the Union Sky and Magical Glaze Limited (“MGL”), a company and Union Sky was under common control, pursuant to which agreement the Union Sky has transferred all the rights and obligations under the Original agreement and First Amendment Agreement to MGL, and the maturity date of the note was further extended. According to the Second Amendment Agreement, the repayment of $6,600, $6,700 and $6,700 of the principal amount of the convertible bond and interest thereon is due by December 2019, June 2020 and December 2020, respectively. MGL and the Company also agreed that MGL had the option to convert the outstanding amounts under the convertible bond into equity interest of the Company as the same provision stated in the First Amendment Agreement started on June 29, 2018, which the conversion price per ordinary share equals the weighted average daily closing price of the Company’s ordinary shares in the NASDAQ stock market 10 working days prior to the date of signing the second amendment agreement.

 

Given that the Company was experiencing financial difficulties and the note holder, MGL granted a concession by extending the note maturity dates, resulting in the effective interest rate for the second amendment lower than effective interest rate for the first amendment, the Company accounted for the second amendment as a troubled debt restructuring. According to ASC Topic 470, if future undiscounted cash flows are less than the net carrying value of the original debt, a gain is recognized for the difference and the carrying value of the debt is adjusted to the future undiscounted cash flow amount. The future undiscounted cash flow of the second amended convertible bond was $20,000, which is less than the carrying amount of the first amended convertible bond of $21,887 as of June 29, 2018. Therefore, the Company recognized a gain on troubled debt restructuring of $1,887 and the second amended convertible bond held by MGL was recorded at the undiscounted future cash flow, amounting to $20,000. No interest expense or amortization of debt discount is recorded going forward.

 

As at December 31, 2018, except the convertible bonds held by MGL, the conversion option of the convertible bonds had expired and as of the date of issuance of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the entire principal amount of the convertible bonds of $55,000 remained unpaid, including current portion of $41,600 and noncurrent portion of $13,400. 

 

21. Other Liabilities

 

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2018     2017  
Unpaid acquisition payable (a)   $ 53,824     $ 53,655  
Other current liabilities (b)     8,819       8,744  
Total other current liabilities     62,643       62,399  
                 
Accrued warranty reserve (c)     1,538       1,538  
Total other noncurrent liabilities     1,538       1,538  
Total other liabilities   $ 64,181     $ 63,937  

 

(a) Unpaid Acquisition Payable

 

Acquisition payable of $53,824 and $53,655 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 mainly represented: i) unpaid purchase consideration of Sinsin of $43,595 and $45,749 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (see Note 6 Deconsolidation of Sinsin); ii) Accrued interest for the unpaid purchase consideration of Sinsin of $8,712 and $6,314 with an interest rate of 6% for the unpaid purchase price, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017; iii) unpaid purchase consideration of Heliostixio of $1,517 and $1,592 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (see Note 5 Business Acquisitions).

 

 

 

  F- 36  

 

 

(b) Other current liabilities

 

Other current liabilities of $8,819 and $8,744 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 mainly represented the payment made by Sinsin on the behalf of the Group. Sinsinwas deconsolidated on January 1, 2017 (see Note 6 Deconsolidation of Sinsin).

 

(c) Accrued warranty reserve

 

The accrued warranty reserve mainly represented the product warranty for PV panels which were installed by the Group. During the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2010, the Group installed own manufactured solar panels. Since 2011, due to the absence of historical material warranty claims and identical warranty terms, the Group has not recorded any additional warranty provision relating to solar energy systems sold. PV construction contracts entered into during the recent years included provisions under which the Group agreed to provide warranties to the customers, where the Group passes on all potential warranty exposure and claims, if any, with respect systems sold by the Group to its suppliers. The warranty reserve balance as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $1,538 and $1,538, respectively (see Note 26 (a) Commitments).

 

22. Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

(a) Ordinary Shares

 

On December 6, 2017, the Group enacted a one-for-ten reverse stock split as approved by the Group’s extraordinary general meeting. On November 12, 2018, the Group enacted a one-for-ten reverse stock split as approved by the Group’s extraordinary general meeting. All share and per share amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been retroactively restated to reflect the reverse stock splits. The authorized shares of ordinary shares were 500,000,000 shares of a par value of $0.0001.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group issued 663,460 restricted ordinary shares to core management members and other management (see Note 23 Share-based Compensation). During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group issued 834,020 ordinary shares for cash. The issued ordinary share of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 7,914,125 shares and 7,250,672 shares, respectively.

 

(b) Noncontrolling Interests

 

In 2018, loss of $6,168 from continuing operations and $6,114 from discontinued operations was attributable to the shareholders of the Company, and income of $31 from continuing operations and loss of $8 from discontinued operations was attributable to noncontrolling interests, respectively. In 2017, loss of $26,682 from continuing operations and $64,398 from discontinued operations was attributable to the shareholders of the Company, and income of $168 from continuing operations and loss of $47 from discontinued operations was attributable to noncontrolling interest, respectively. In 2016, loss of $101, 696 from continuing operations and $119,000 from discontinued operations was attributable to the shareholders of the Company, and loss of $333 from continuing operations and income of $61 from discontinued operations was attributed to noncontrolling interest, respectively.

 

23. Share-based Compensation

 

The Company measures employee share-based compensation expense for all share-based compensation awards based on the grant-date fair value and recognizes the cost in the financial statements over the employee requisite service period.

 

 

 

  F- 37  

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the total share-based compensation expense was $2,756, $798, and $1,929, respectively. Among them, $2,726, $1,174, and $1,301 were attributable to continuing operations, respectively. The following table summarizes the consolidated share-based compensation expense from continuing operations, by type of awards: 

 

    For the Years Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2018     2017     2016  
Employee stock options   $ 1,799     $ 886     $ 962  
Restricted stock grants     927       288       339  
Total share-based compensation expense   $ 2,726     $ 1,174     $ 1,301  

 

The following table summarizes the consolidated share-based compensation by line items from continuing operations:

 

    For the Years Ended  

 

 

December 31,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 
General and administrative   $ 2,579     $ 1,131     $ 1,274  
Sales, marketing and customer service     147       43       27  
Total share-based compensation expense     2,726       1,174       1,301  
Total share-based compensation expense after income taxes   $ 2,726     $ 1,174     $ 1,301  

 

As share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are required to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. 

 

Determining Fair Value

 

Valuation and Amortization Method — The Company estimates the fair value of service-based and performance-based stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula. The fair value is then amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period. In the case of performance-based stock options, amortization does not begin until it is determined that meeting the performance criteria is probable. Service-based and performance-based options typically have a five to ten-year life from date of grant and vesting periods of one to four years.

 

Expected Term — The Company’s expected term represents the period that the Company’s share-based awards are expected to be outstanding. For awards granted subject only to service vesting requirements, the Group utilizes the simplified method for estimating the expected term of the share-based award, instead of historical exercise data. For its performance-based awards, the Group has determined the expected term life to be 4 to 6.25 years based on contractual life and the seniority of the recipient.

 

Expected Volatility —The Company uses historical volatility of the price of its ordinary shares to calculate the volatility for its granted options.

 

Expected Dividend —The Company has never paid dividends on its ordinary shares and currently does not intend to do so, and accordingly, the dividend yield percentage is zero for all periods.

 

 

 

  F- 38  

 

 

Risk-Free Interest Rate — The Company bases the risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes valuation model upon the implied yield curve currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected term used as the assumption in the model.

 

Assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards using the Black-Scholes model for stock option grants were as follows:

 

    For the Years Ended  

 

 

December 31,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

   

December 31,

2016

 
Expected term     6.25       6.25       4  
Risk-free interest rate     2.54%-3.03%       1.81%-2.30%       1.15% - 2.26%  
Expected volatility     624%-756%       284%-763%       166% - 178%  
Expected dividend yield     0%       0%       0%  

 

Equity Incentive Plan

 

On November 15, 2006, subject to approval of the shareholders, the Company adopted the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) which permits the Company to grant stock options to directors, officers or employees of the Company or others to purchase shares of Ordinary Stock of the Company through awards of incentive and nonqualified stock options (“Option”), stock (“Restricted Stock” or “Unrestricted Stock”) and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). The Plan was approved by the shareholders on February 7, 2007.

 

The Company has granted time-based share options and restricted stock under the Plan to directors, officers, employees and individual consultants of the Company. The time-based options generally vest 25% annually and expire three to ten years from the date of grant. Total number of shares reserved and available for grant and issuance pursuant to the 2006 Plan is equal to 9% of the number of outstanding shares of the Company. Shares issued under the Plan will be drawn from authorized and unissued shares or shares now held or subsequently acquired by the Company. Outstanding shares of the Company shall, for purposes of such calculation, include the number of shares of stock into which other securities or instruments issued by the Company are currently convertible (e.g., convertible preferred stock, convertible debentures, or warrants for Ordinary Stock), but not outstanding options to acquire stock. (9% of the outstanding shares of 7,914,125 plus nil of outstanding warrants, less options and restricted stock outstanding and exercised since inception)

 

The exercise price of any Option will be determined by the Company when the Option is granted and may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant, and the exercise price of any incentive stock option granted to a shareholder with a 10% or greater shareholding will not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. The exercise price per share of a SAR will be determined by the Company at the time of grant, but will in no event be less than the fair market value of a share of Company’s stock on the date of grant.

 

On May 8, 2015, the Company adopted the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) which permits the Company to grant stock options to directors, officers or employees of the Company or others to purchase shares of Ordinary Stock of the Company through awards of incentive and Option, Restricted Stock or Unrestricted Stock and SARs which was approved by the shareholders. The total number of shares which may be issued under the 2015 Plan is 9% of the number of outstanding and issued ordinary shares of the Company. The Option Price per Share shall be determined by the compensation committee of the Board (“Compensation Committee”), unless expressly approved by the Compensation Committee, shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date an Option is granted.

 

 

 

  F- 39  

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Board of the Company considered and believed that it was advisable and in the best interest of the Company to terminate the share option grant agreements under 2006 Plan, and replace it with the ones under 2015 Plan. On May 20, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized and approved the replacement. A total number of 224 employees accepted the replacement, and the total number of options replaced represented 13,788 shares. The vesting schedule would be based on the remaining vesting period under the “2006 Plan” or 25% vested on each of the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the grant date, which represents the date the new options was approved by the Board. The total incremental compensation cost resulting from the modifications was $1,263, which was amortized on straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period under the “2006 Plan” or the four-year vesting period under the “2015 Plan”. 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Board of Directors approved the grants of RSUs to core management members and other management, pursuant to the terms of the 2015 Plan. The total number of RSUs granted is 663,460 shares. The vesting schedules are 100% vested at the grant date for all the grants. All these shares were issued to the management during the year ended December 31, 2018. The Group used the market price of its shares at grant date as the fair value of the RSUs in calculating the share based compensation expense.

 

The following table summarizes the Group’s stock option activities:

 

    Shares     Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share     Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual Term
    Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)  
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015     635,488       145       7.85     $ 87,401  
Granted     268,490       47                  
Exercised     (1,000 )     49                  
Forfeited/expired     (352,218 )     169                  
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016     550,760       82       7.40     $ 60,032  
Granted     325,300       4                  
Exercised                            
Forfeited/expired     (374,800 )     36                  
Outstanding as of December 31, 2017     501,260       66       7.03     $ 769  
Granted     287,000       13                  
Exercised                            
Forfeited/expired     (528,060 )     10                  
Outstanding as of December 31, 2018     260,200       212       8.59     $  
Vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2018     76,900       29       9.12     $  
Expected to vest as of December 31, 2018     177,383       12       8.29     $  

 

The following table presents the exercise price and remaining life information about options exercisable at December 31, 2018:

 

Range of exercise price   Shares Exercisable     Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life     Weighted Average
Exercise Price
    Aggregate Intrinsic ($000)  
$118 - $172     750       7.13       172        
$40 - $117     28,200       8.39       64        
$2 - $39     47,950       9.58       6        
      76,900                         

 

 

 

  F- 40  

 

 

Changes in the Group’s non-vested stock awards are summarized as follows:

 

    Time-based Options     Restricted Stock  
    Shares     Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share     Shares     Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share  
Non-vested as of December 31, 2015     559,658     $ 128       8,778     $ 178  
Granted     268,491       47              
Vested     (45,573 )     110       (2,778 )     178  
Forfeited     (352,218 )     169       (1,250 )     177  
Non-vested as of December 31, 2016     430,358     $ 46       4,750     $ 178  
Granted     325,300       4              
Vested     (100,663 )     43       (2,187 )     128  
Forfeited     (275,075 )     48       (1,250 )     177  
Non-vested as of December 31, 2017     379,920     $ 9       1,313     $ 264  
Granted     287,000       13       663,460       1  
Vested     (87,285 )     25       (663,273 )     1  
Forfeited     (396,335 )     13       (250 )     185  
Non-vested as of December 31, 2018     183,300     $ 8       1,250     $ 185  

 

The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $1,382, $2,955 and $2,423, respectively. There were no changes to the contractual life of any fully vested options during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

Following is a summary of our restricted stock awards as follows:

 

    Number of Shares     Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value  
Restricted stock units at December 31, 2015     218,309       151  
Granted            
Forfeited     (1,250 )     177  
Restricted stock units at December 31, 2016     217,059       151  
Granted            
Forfeited     (1,250 )     177  
Restricted stock units at December 31, 2017     215,809       151  
Granted     663,460       1  
Forfeited     (250 )     185  
Restricted stock units at December 31, 2018     879,019       38  

 

 

  F- 41  

 

 

24. Income Taxes

 

Loss before provision for income taxes from continuing operations is attributable to the following geographic locations for the years ended December 31:

 

    2018     2017     2016  
United States   $ (6,946 )   $ (24,757 )   $ (102,483 )
Foreign Countries     1,141       (1,620 )     1,060  
    $ (5,805 )   $ (26,377 )   $ (101,423 )

 

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consists of the following for the years ended December 31:

 

    2018     2017     2016  
Current tax:                        
Federal tax   $     $     $  
State tax     7       7       7  
Foreign countries     408       226       676  
Total current tax     415       233       683  
Deferred tax:                        
Federal tax   $ 15       (16 )      
State tax                  
Foreign countries     (98 )     (80 )     (77 )
Total deferred tax     (83 )     (96 )     (77 )
Total provision for income taxes   $ 332     $ 137     $ 606  

 

The reconciliation between the actual income tax expense and income tax computed by applying the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate to pre-tax (loss) income before provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

 

    2018     2017     2016  
Provision for income taxes at U.S. Federal statutory rate   $ (1,219 )   $ (9,232 )   $ (35,499 )
State taxes, net of federal benefit     (168 )     (610 )     (3,472 )
Foreign taxes at different rate     902       1,059       22,536  
Non-deductible expenses     (231 )     345       (72 )
Tax law changes     188       22,813        
Valuation allowance     45,870       (17,752 )     (5,584 )
Other           5,086       (793 )
Disposition of subsidiaries     (45,193 )            
Impairments and intangible amortization           (3,761 )     22,826  
Share Based Compensation     579       279       664  
Gain on debt modification     (396 )     (1,475 )      
Tax penalty           3,385        
    $ 332     $ 137     $ 606  

   

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA” or the “Act”) (which is commonly referred to as “U.S. tax reform”). Among other provisions, the Act reduces the top U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, changes the rules related to uses and limitations of net operating loss carry forwards created in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. The Company has reflected the changes resulting from the Act in the financial statements for the period of enactment, the year ended December 31, 2017. The change in corporate rate resulted in a $22,813 decrease in the Company's gross deferred tax assets, with an offsetting decrease in valuation allowance of the same amount. The Company is not subject to a one-time repatriation tax as no aggregate foreign accumulated earnings and profits existed in the foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company has accounted for additional tax liability in 2018 arising from Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income of $892 which accounted for as a period cost. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, the Company determined that the measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities, as noted above, was accurate and no other adjustments relating to the Act were necessary.

 

 

 

  F- 42  

 

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of loss carry forwards and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities for federal, state and foreign income taxes are as follows at December 31 are presented below: 

 

    2018     2017  
Deferred tax assets:                
Net operating loss carry forwards   $ 66,775     $ 29,574  
Temporary differences due to accrued warranty costs     459       508  
Investment in subsidiaries     4,134       4,796  
Credits     16       16  
Allowance for bad debts     21       23  
Fair value adjustment arising from subsidiaries acquisition     4,949       159  
Stock compensation     661       712  
Unrealized loss on derivatives     5,006       5,389  
Unrealized investment loss     4,314       4,644  
CFC trade payable           2,098  
Other temporary differences     7,318       13  
Valuation allowance     (93,513 )     (47,642 )
Total deferred tax assets     140       290  
Deferred tax liabilities:                
Fair value adjustment arising from subsidiaries acquisition     (515 )     (632 )
Other           (116 )
Total deferred tax liabilities     (515 )     (748 )
Net deferred tax liabilities   $ (375 )   $ (458 )

 

As of December 31, 2018, the Group had a net operating loss carry forward for federal income tax purposes of approximately $289,515, which will start to expire in the year 2028. The Group had a total state net operating loss carry forward of approximately $124,076, which will start to expire in the year 2018. The Group has foreign net operating loss carry forward of $2,212, some of which begin to expire in 2018. The Group had a federal AMT credit of $16, which does not expire.

 

Utilization of the federal and state net operating losses is subject to certain annual limitations due to the “change in ownership” provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and similar state provisions. However, the annual limitation may be anticipated to result in the expiration of net operating losses and credits before utilization.

 

The Group recognizes deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that those deferred tax assets will be realized. Management reviews deferred tax assets periodically for recoverability and makes estimates and judgments regarding the expected geographic sources of taxable income in assessing the need for a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to their estimated realizable value. Realization of the Group’s deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, if any, the timing and amount of which are uncertain. Because of the Group’s lack of earnings history, the net deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance in the U.S.. The valuation allowance increased by $45,870 during the years ended December 31, 2018, decreased by $17,752 and decreased by $5,584 during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

The Group has not provided for deferred taxes on the excess of the financial reporting over the tax basis in our investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration. The determination of the additional deferred taxes that have not been provided is not practicable. As a result of tax reform, the Group determined that a portion of its current undistributed foreign earnings is no longer deemed reinvested indefinitely by its non-U.S. subsidiaries.

 

 

 

  F- 43  

 

 

The Group had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Group currently files income tax returns in the U.S., as well as California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and certain other foreign jurisdictions. The Group is currently not the subject of any income tax examinations. The Group’s tax returns generally remain open for tax years after 2011.

 

The Group has analyzed the impact of adopting ASC 606 on the Group's financial statements and disclosures. There is no material impact on the financial statements of adopting ASC 606 (see Note 3(s)). Therefore, there is no material tax impact either.

 

25. Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution of shares by adding other ordinary share equivalents, including stock options, warrants, and restricted ordinary share, in the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for a period, if dilutive. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation if their effect is anti-dilutive. As a result of the net loss for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, there is no dilutive impact to the net loss per share calculation for the period. 

 

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share: 

 

    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2018     2017     2016  
Numerator:                        
Numerator for net loss from continuing operations per share-basic and diluted   $ (6,168 )   $ (26,682 )   $ (101,696 )
Numerator for net loss from discontinued operations per share-basic and diluted   $ (6,114 )   $ (64,398 )   $ (119,000 )
Denominator:                        
Basic weighted-average ordinary shares     7,262,023       6,826,633       6,415,616  
Diluted weighted-average ordinary shares     7,262,023       6,826,633       6,415,616  
Basic and diluted net loss per share-continuing operations   $ (0.9 )   $ (4 )   $ (16 )
Basic and diluted net loss per share-discontinued operations   $ (0.8 )   $ (9 )   $ (18 )

 

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the following securities were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

 

    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2018     2017     2016  
Share options and non-vested restricted stock     261,450       502,573       555,510  
Convertible bonds (see Note 20)     465,430       1,633,851        
Total     726,880       2,136,424       555,510  

 

26. Commitments and Contingencies

 

(a) Commitments

 

Product Warranties — The Group offers the industry standard warranty up to 25 years for its PV panels and industry standard five to ten years on inverter and balance of system components. Due to the warranty period, the Group bear the risk of warranty claims long after the Group has shipped product and recognized revenue. In the Group’s cable, wire and mechanical assemblies business, the Group’s historically warranty claims have not been material. In the Group’s solar PV business, the greatest warranty exposure is in the form of product replacement.

 

 

 

  F- 44  

 

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2007 and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2010, the Group installed own manufactured solar panels. Since 2011, due to the absence of historical material warranty claims and identical warranty terms, the Group has not recorded any additional warranty provision relating to solar energy systems sold. PV construction contracts entered into during the recent years included provisions under which the Group agreed to provide warranties to the customers. The warranty the Group offers to its customers is identical to the warranty offered to the Group by its suppliers, therefore, the Group passes on all potential warranty exposure and claims, if any, with respect systems sold by the Group to its suppliers. Since the Group do not have sufficient historical data to estimate its exposure, the Group have looked to its own historical data in combination with historical data reported by other solar system installers and manufacturers. Due to the absence of historical material warranty claims, the Group has not recorded a material warranty accrual related to solar energy systems as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. 

 

Operating leases — The Group leases offices, facilities and vehicles under various operating leases, some of which contain escalation clauses. Rental expenses under operating leases included in the statement of operations were $1,133, $1,301 and$1,210 from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively.

 

Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows as of December 31, 2018:

 

2019   $ 528  
2020     463  
2021     284  
2022     84  
2023     84  
Thereafter     1,266  
    $ 2,709  

 

Capital commitments — As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Group had capital commitments of approximately $6,617 and $22,071, respectively, from continuing operations. These capital commitments were solely related to contracts signed with vendors for procurement of services or PV related products used for the construction of solar PV systems being developed by the Group.

 

The capital commitments as at balance sheet dates disclosed above do not include those incomplete acquisitions for investment and business as at balance sheet dates as the agreements could either be terminated unconditionally without any penalty or cancelable when the closing conditions as specified in the agreements could not be met.

 

(b) Contingencies

 

On January 26, 2018, Sinsin Group filed a complaint against the Group requesting the payment of outstanding purchase price and related interest of $43,595 (EUR 38,054). On June 25, 2018, an interim measures judgment was made which appointed an interim management of Sinsin, consisting of two members elected by Sinsin Group and one member elected by the Group. The interim management would manage the bank accounts of Sinsin and collect the proceeds of electric energy revenue. As of the issuance of the financial statements, this case is still on the proceeding, and it is uncertain how the court will rule.

 

The Company’s previous employee filed suit in March 2016 against the Company for breach of the prior employment contract with the Company. The case is still in the early stage of proceeding as of the date of issuance of these financial statements, and it is uncertain how the United States Court will rule on the plaintiff’s appellate brief. Based on the information available to the Company, management believe that it is probable that a loss had been incurred and a provision of $1,323 and $800 was made as of December 31, 2018, and 2017.

 

 

 

  F- 45  

 

 

The Company did not file 2017 tax return which was due October 16, 2018 and has not received a notice on penalty from the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) as the date of issuance of financial statements, and the Company submitted the tax filing together with the tax penalty abatement request of 2017 on April 10, 2019. As of the issuance of the financial statements, the Company has not received the result of tax penalty from IRS. Based on the information available to the Company, management believe it is possible that a loss would incur regarding the 2017 late filing tax penalty, while the amount cannot be reasonable estimated and the Company is still waiting for the assessment from IRS, thus no provision was made for the 2017 late filing tax penalty as of December 31, 2018.

 

From time to time, the Group is involved in various other legal and regulatory proceedings arising in the normal course of business. While the Group cannot predict the occurrence or outcome of these proceedings with certainty, it does not believe that an adverse result in any pending legal or regulatory proceeding, individually or in the aggregate, would be material to the Group’s consolidated financial condition or cash flows; however, an unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s results of operations. 

 

27. Concentration Risk

 

A substantial percentage of the Group’s net revenue comes from sales made to a small number of customers to whom sales are typically made on an open account basis. There was no customer of which the revenue accounted for 10% or more of total net revenue for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

Details of customers accounting for 10% or more of total accounts receivable and notes receivable at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively are:

 

    December 31, 2018     December 31, 2017  
Customer         % of Total           % of Total  
Valta Solar LLC   $ 8,366       25%     $        
Thermi Venture SA.     6,763       20%       7,100       27%  
AES Distribution Energy, LLC     3,525       11%              
KDC Solar Designed LLC     4,823       15%       5,348       21%  
    $ 23,477       71%     $ 12,448       48%  

 

28. Segment information

 

Operating segments are defined as components of a company which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the client operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Group’s chief operating decision maker is the Chairman, Mr. Peng. Based on the financial information presented to and reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, the Group has determined that it has a single operating and reporting segment: solar energy products and services. The types of products and services in this single segment primarily include: (i) Sales of PV components, (ii) Sales of pre-development solar project, (iii) Sales of PV project assets, (iv) Electricity revenue under PPAs, (v) Bitcoin mining equipment sale and hosting service, (vi) Others.

 

Net sales by major product and services are as follows:

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
    2018     2017     2016  
Sales of PV components   $ 93,547     $ 111,795     $ 86,477  
Sales of pre-development solar project     15,794              
Sales of PV project assets     10,809       6,042       14,914  
Electricity revenue with PPAs     3,043       2,793       12,311  
Bitcoin mining equipment sale and hosting service     1,052              
Others     1,337       890       900  
    $ 125,582     $ 121,520     $ 114,602  

 

 

 

  F- 46  

 

 

Net sales by geographic location are as follows:

 

    For the years ended December 31,  
Location (a)   2018     2017     2016  
United Kingdom   $ 932     $ 6,903     $ 694  
Australia     91,381       112,174       81,241  
United States     18,721             6,622  
Greece     378             8,737  
Japan     12,437       511       12,893  
Italy     1,733       1,932       1,740  
Germany                 2,675  
    $ 125,582     $ 121,520     $ 114,602  

 

(a) Sales are attributed to countries based on location of customers.

 

Geographic information, which is based upon physical location, for long-lived assets was as follows:

 

Location  

December 31,

2018

   

December 31,

2017

 
Greece   $ 2,637     $ 2,997  
United States     16,368       16,368  
Italy     9,038       9,952  
Japan            
UK     9,642       10,578  
Australia     2,285       2,853  
Germany            
    $ 39,970     $ 42,748  

 

29. Related Party Transactions

 

The amount due from related parties of $39 and $94 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 represented the advance payment to management for business operation.

 

The amount due to related parties of $79 and $nil as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 mainly represented the short term borrowing made from related parties.

 

In 2018, the Group disposed SPI China to Lighting Charm, an affiliate of Ms. Shan Zhou, the spouse of Xiaofeng Peng, the Group’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. As of the December 10, 2018, the disposition was closed (see Note 4 Disposition of SPI China).

 

 

 

  F- 47  

 

 

30. Subsequent Events

 

(a) Private placement of shares

 

On January 17, 2019, the Company announced the entry into share purchase agreements with certain existing shareholders (including certain key management personnel of the Company) and other investors (collectively, the "Purchasers"), to purchase an aggregate of 6,600,000 ordinary shares of the Company (the "Shares") at a price of US$1.16 per Share, for a total consideration of approximately US$7.7 million.

 

The Shares are being offered and sold solely to non-U.S. investors, on a private placement basis in reliance on Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The completion of the above transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Purchasers are subject to a 90-day lock-up period beginning on the closing date. The private placement was closed as of April 14, 2019.

 

(b) Heliohrisi Purchase Agreement

 

On March 20, 2019, the Group entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (“Heliohrisi Purchase Agreement”) with Thermi Taneo Venture Capital Fund (“Thermi”) and purchased 100% equity interest of Heliohrisi at a cash price of $3,943 (EUR 3,442). Heliohrisi Company located in Greece, with a solar photovoltaic project of 1.988 MW peak capacity. Pursuant to Heliohrisi Purchase Agreement, the closing date of the acquisition was March 21, 2019, and the Group obtained related control of Heliohrisi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  F- 48  

Exhibit 4.49

 

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Purchase Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of January 15, 2019 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between Happy Goal Industries Limited, with its address at Suite A, 21F, Elton Bldg, 288 Des Voeux Road, Central, HongKong (the “ Purchaser ”), and SPI Energy Co., Ltd. , a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”). Each of the Purchaser and the Company is referred to herein each as a “ Party ”, and collectively as the “ Parties ”.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser desire to provide for the issuance, sale and purchase of certain number of ordinary shares of the Company, par value US$0.0001 per share (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the issuance, sale and purchase of certain Ordinary Shares and related transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the Company and the Purchaser agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

PURCHASE AND SALE

 

Section 1.1            Issuance, Sale and Purchase of Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, the Company agrees to issue, sell and deliver to the Purchaser, free and clear of any pledge, mortgage, security interest, encumbrance, lien, charge, assessment, claim or restriction of any kind or nature other than those imposed by the Articles of Association and Bylaws of the Company, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, on the Closing Date (as defined below), 1,350,000 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchase Shares ”).

 

Section 1.2            Purchase Price . The Purchaser shall pay an aggregate purchase price of US$1,566,000 (the “ Purchase Price ”) for the Purchase Shares.

 

Section 1.3            Closing .

 

(a)                Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing (the “ Closing ”) of the purchase and sale of the Purchase Shares shall take place at a place determined by the Company at 9:00 A.M. New York time on a date that is no later than April 15, 2019 or at such other time or on such other date that is agreed upon in writing by the Company and the Purchaser (the “ Closing Date ”).

 

(b)                At or before the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver the Purchase Price by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the Company’s bank account designated by the Company in a written notice to the Purchaser. At the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver a certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Purchaser certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 1.4(b) .

 

 

 

  1  

 

 

(c)                After the Closing and as soon as practicable, the Company shall make entry or entries in the register of members of the Company and deliver to the Purchaser the following items:

 

(i)                  A share certificate (x) representing the number of Purchase Shares and (y) evidencing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchase Shares with the rights of a holder of Ordinary Shares under the Articles of Association and the Bylaws of the Company, such rights being the same as the rights of other holders of Ordinary Shares .

 

(ii)                 A copy of the updated register of members of the Company evidencing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchase Shares.

 

Section 1.4            Closing Conditions .

 

The obligations of the Company to issue and sell the Purchase Shares as contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction, on or before the Closing, of each of the following conditions, provided that any of which may be waived in writing by the Company in its sole discretion:

 

(a)                All corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Purchase Shares shall have been completed and all corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Purchaser in connection with the purchase of the Purchase Shares shall have been completed.

 

(b)                The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section 2.2 of this Agreement shall have been true and correct on the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have performed and complied with in all material respects all, and not be in breach or default in any material respect under any, agreements, covenants, conditions and obligations contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with on or before the Closing.

 

(c)                No governmental authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins, prevents, prohibits or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of, or materially and adversely alter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or imposes any damages or penalties that are substantial in relation to the Company; and no action, suit, proceeding or investigation shall have been instituted by or before any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or threatened that seeks to restrain, enjoin, prevent, prohibit or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of, or materially and adversely alter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or impose any damages or penalties that are substantial in relation to the Company.

 

ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 2.1            Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:

 

(a)                Organization and Authority . Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is an entity duly incorporated or otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with the requisite power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business in all material respects as is currently conducted. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in material violation or default of any of the provisions of its respective certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary and no proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority or qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not adversely affect the ability of the Company to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement or adversely affect the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to conduct the business as is currently conducted.

 

 

 

  2  

 

 

(b)                Due Issuance of the Purchase Shares . The Purchase Shares of the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to the Purchaser and paid for by the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and free of any liens or encumbrances, except as required by applicable laws, and issued in compliance with all applicable federal, securities laws and the Articles of Association and the Bylaws of the Company.

 

(c)                Authority . The Company has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.

 

(d)                Noncontravention . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies. Neither the execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any government, governmental entity or court to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject. To the Company’s best knowledge, neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by the Company with any of the terms and conditions hereof will contravene any existing agreement, federal, state, county or local law, rule or regulation or any judgment, decree or order applicable to, or binding upon, it.

 

(e)                Filings, Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser in Section 2.2(f) , neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance by the Company of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the filing, consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving notice to, any governmental or public body or authority, except such as have been obtained, made, given or will be made promptly hereafter and any required filing or notification with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Section 2.2            Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser . The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

 

(a)                Due Formation . It is a company duly incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with full power and authority to own and operate and to carry on its business in the places and in the manner as currently conducted.

 

(b)                Authority . It has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.

 

(c)                Valid Agreement . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.

 

(d)                Consents . Neither the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement nor the consummation by it of any of the transactions contemplated hereby nor the performance by it of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving of notice to, any governmental or public body or authority or any third party, except as have been obtained, made or given.

 

 

 

  3  

 

 

(e)                No Conflict . Neither the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement, nor the consummation by it of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by it with any of the terms and conditions hereof will contravene any existing agreement, federal, state, county or local law, rule or regulation or any judgment, decree or order applicable to, or binding upon, it.

 

(f)                 Status and Investment Intent .

 

(i)                  Experience . It has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Purchase Shares. It is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment, including a complete loss of its investment.

 

(ii)                 Purchase Entirely for Own Account . It is acquiring the Purchase Shares for its own account for investment purposes only and not with the view to, or with any intention of, resale, distribution or other disposition thereof. It does not have any direct or indirect arrangement, or understanding with any other persons to distribute, or regarding the distribution of the Purchase Shares in violation of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) or other applicable laws.

 

(iii)                Not U.S. person . It is not a “U.S. person” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) and is not purchasing the Purchase Shares for the account or benefit of any “U.S. person”.

 

(iv)               Distribution Compliance Period . It acknowledges that all offers and sales of the Purchase Shares before the end of the “distribution compliance period” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) be made only in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act, pursuant to registration of the securities under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption therefrom.

 

(v)                Restrictive Legend . It understands that the certificate evidencing the Purchase Shares will bear a legend or other restriction substantially to the following effect:

 

“THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). NO SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION, TRANSFER OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THESE SECURITIES MAY BE MADE UNLESS EITHER (A) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (B) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EITHER CASE UPON THE RECEIPT OF AN OPINION OF U.S. COUNSEL.”

 

(vi)               No Broker . No broker, investment banker or other person is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Purchaser.

 

(g)                Financing . It has sufficient funds available to it to purchase all of the Purchase Shares pursuant to this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 3.1            Lockup . Without the prior written consent of the Company, the Purchaser shall not sell, give, assign, hypothecate, pledge, encumber, grant a security interest in or otherwise dispose of, or suffer to exist (whether by operation of law or otherwise) any encumbrance on, any of the Purchase Shares, or any right, title or interest therein or thereto, prior to the date that is 90 days after the Closing Date.

 

 

 

  4  

 

 

Section 3.2            Survival of the Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made by any Party shall survive for two years and shall terminate and be without further force or effect on the second anniversary of the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any claims asserted in good faith with reasonable specificity (to the extent known at such time) and in writing by notice from the non-breaching Party prior to the expiration date of the applicable survival period shall not thereafter be barred by the expiration of the relevant representations or warranty and such claims shall survive until finally resolved.

 

Section 3.3            Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to Closing, (i) by mutual agreement of the Parties, (ii) by the Purchaser in the event that the Closing has not occurred by the date that is 90 days from the date of this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 3.3 shall be deemed to release any Party from any liability for any breach of this Agreement prior to the effective date of such termination.

 

Section 3.4            Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

Section 3.5            Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, performance breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of any Party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other Party.

 

(a)                The Dispute shall be settled in Hong Kong in a proceeding conducted in English by one (1) arbitrator from the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force when the Arbitration Notice is submitted in accordance with the HKIAC Rules.

 

(b)                Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents reasonably requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party.

 

(c)                The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award.

 

(d)                During the course of the arbitral tribunal's adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

 

Section 3.6            Amendment . This Agreement shall not be amended, changed or modified, except by another agreement in writing executed by the Parties hereto.

 

Section 3.7            Binding Effect . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, each of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 3.8            Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations hereunder may be assigned by the Company or the Purchaser without the express written consent of the other Party. Any purported assignment in violation of the foregoing sentence shall be null and void.

 

 

 

  5  

 

 

Section 3.9            Notices . All notices, requests, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given on the date of actual delivery if delivered personally to the Parties to whom notice is to be given, on the date sent if sent by telecopier, tested telex or prepaid telegram, on the next business day following delivery if sent by courier or on the day of attempted delivery by postal service if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage paid, and properly addressed as follows:

 

If to the Purchaser, at:

Happy Goal Industries Limited

Suite A, 21F, Elton Bldg, 288 Des Voeux Road, Central, HongKong

   
If to the Company, at:

SPI Energy Co., Ltd.

4677 Old Ironside Drive, Suite 190,

Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

 

Any Party may change its address for purposes of this Section 3.9 by giving the other Party a written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

Section 3.10        Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties hereto with respect to the matters covered hereby, and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or in writing, if any, between the Parties with respect to the matters covered hereby are merged and superseded by this Agreement.

 

Section 3.11        Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the Parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

 

Section 3.12        Fees and Expenses . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Party will be responsible for all of its own expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.13        Public Announcements . The Purchaser shall not make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise communicate with any news media without the prior written consent of the Company unless otherwise required by securities laws or other applicable law.

 

Section 3.14        Specific Performance . The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement is not performed in accordance with the terms hereof. Accordingly, each Party shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity.

 

Section 3.15        Headings . The headings of the various articles and sections of this Agreement are inserted merely for the purpose of convenience and do not expressly or by implication limit, define or extend the specific terms of the section so designated.

 

Section 3.16        Execution in Counterparts . For the convenience of the Parties and to facilitate execution, this Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

 

 

 

 

  6  

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

   
  SPI Energy Co., Ltd.
     
  By: /s/ Xiaofeng Peng
    Name:      Xiaofeng Peng
    Title:        Chief Executive Officer
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  7  

 

 

 

Purchaser:

   
  Happy Goal Industries Limited
     
  By: ___________________________
    Name:
    Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  8  

 

Exhibit 4.50

 

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Purchase Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of January 15, 2019 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between CHEONG Hoong Khoeng, a Malaysia resident with passport ID:A36328046 (the “ Purchaser ”), and SPI Energy Co., Ltd. , a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”). Each of the Purchaser and the Company is referred to herein each as a “ Party ”, and collectively as the “ Parties ”.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser desire to provide for the issuance, sale and purchase of certain number of ordinary shares of the Company, par value US$0.0001 per share (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the issuance, sale and purchase of certain Ordinary Shares and related transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the Company and the Purchaser agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

PURCHASE AND SALE

 

Section 1.1            Issuance, Sale and Purchase of Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, the Company agrees to issue, sell and deliver to the Purchaser, free and clear of any pledge, mortgage, security interest, encumbrance, lien, charge, assessment, claim or restriction of any kind or nature other than those imposed by the Articles of Association and Bylaws of the Company, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, on the Closing Date (as defined below), 500,000 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchase Shares ”).

 

Section 1.2            Purchase Price . The Purchaser shall pay an aggregate purchase price of US$ 580,000 (the “ Purchase Price ”) for the Purchase Shares.

 

Section 1.3            Closing .

 

(a)                Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing (the “ Closing ”) of the purchase and sale of the Purchase Shares shall take place at a place determined by the Company at 9:00 A.M. New York time on a date that is no later than April 15, 2019 or at such other time or on such other date that is agreed upon in writing by the Company and the Purchaser (the “ Closing Date ”).

 

(b)                At or before the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver the Purchase Price by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the Company’s bank account designated by the Company in a written notice to the Purchaser. At the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver a certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Purchaser certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 1.4(b) .

 

 

 

  1  

 

 

(c)                After the Closing and as soon as practicable, the Company shall make entry or entries in the register of members of the Company and deliver to the Purchaser the following items:

 

(i)                  A share certificate (x) representing the number of Purchase Shares and (y) evidencing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchase Shares with the rights of a holder of Ordinary Shares under the Articles of Association and the Bylaws of the Company, such rights being the same as the rights of other holders of Ordinary Shares .

 

(ii)                 A copy of the updated register of members of the Company evidencing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchase Shares.

 

Section 1.4            Closing Conditions .

 

The obligations of the Company to issue and sell the Purchase Shares as contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction, on or before the Closing, of each of the following conditions, provided that any of which may be waived in writing by the Company in its sole discretion:

 

(a)                All corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Purchase Shares shall have been completed and all corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Purchaser in connection with the purchase of the Purchase Shares shall have been completed.

 

(b)                The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section 2.2 of this Agreement shall have been true and correct on the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have performed and complied with in all material respects all, and not be in breach or default in any material respect under any, agreements, covenants, conditions and obligations contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with on or before the Closing.

 

(c)                No governmental authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins, prevents, prohibits or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of, or materially and adversely alter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or imposes any damages or penalties that are substantial in relation to the Company; and no action, suit, proceeding or investigation shall have been instituted by or before any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or threatened that seeks to restrain, enjoin, prevent, prohibit or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of, or materially and adversely alter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or impose any damages or penalties that are substantial in relation to the Company.

 

ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 2.1            Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:

 

(a)                Organization and Authority . Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is an entity duly incorporated or otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with the requisite power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business in all material respects as is currently conducted. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in material violation or default of any of the provisions of its respective certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary and no proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority or qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not adversely affect the ability of the Company to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement or adversely affect the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to conduct the business as is currently conducted.

 

 

 

  2  

 

 

(b)                Due Issuance of the Purchase Shares . The Purchase Shares of the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to the Purchaser and paid for by the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and free of any liens or encumbrances, except as required by applicable laws, and issued in compliance with all applicable federal, securities laws and the Articles of Association and the Bylaws of the Company.

 

(c)                Authority . The Company has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.

 

(d)                Noncontravention . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies. Neither the execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any government, governmental entity or court to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject. To the Company’s best knowledge, neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by the Company with any of the terms and conditions hereof will contravene any existing agreement, federal, state, county or local law, rule or regulation or any judgment, decree or order applicable to, or binding upon, it.

 

(e)                Filings, Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser in Section 2.2(f) , neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance by the Company of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the filing, consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving notice to, any governmental or public body or authority, except such as have been obtained, made, given or will be made promptly hereafter and any required filing or notification with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Section 2.2            Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser . The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

 

(a)                Authority . It has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.

 

(b)                Valid Agreement . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

(c)                Consents . Neither the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement nor the consummation by it of any of the transactions contemplated hereby nor the performance by it of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving of notice to, any governmental or public body or authority or any third party, except as have been obtained, made or given.

 

(d)                No Conflict . Neither the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement, nor the consummation by it of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by it with any of the terms and conditions hereof will contravene any existing agreement, federal, state, county or local law, rule or regulation or any judgment, decree or order applicable to, or binding upon, it.

 

 

 

  3  

 

 

(e)                Status and Investment Intent .

 

(i)                  Experience . It has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Purchase Shares. It is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment, including a complete loss of its investment.

 

(ii)                 Purchase Entirely for Own Account . It is acquiring the Purchase Shares for its own account for investment purposes only and not with the view to, or with any intention of, resale, distribution or other disposition thereof. It does not have any direct or indirect arrangement, or understanding with any other persons to distribute, or regarding the distribution of the Purchase Shares in violation of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) or other applicable laws.

 

(iii)                Not U.S. person . It is not a “U.S. person” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) and is not purchasing the Purchase Shares for the account or benefit of any “U.S. person”.

 

(iv)                Distribution Compliance Period . It acknowledges that all offers and sales of the Purchase Shares before the end of the “distribution compliance period” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) be made only in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act, pursuant to registration of the securities under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption therefrom.

 

(v)                 Restrictive Legend . It understands that the certificate evidencing the Purchase Shares will bear a legend or other restriction substantially to the following effect:

 

“THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). NO SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION, TRANSFER OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THESE SECURITIES MAY BE MADE UNLESS EITHER (A) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (B) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EITHER CASE UPON THE RECEIPT OF AN OPINION OF U.S. COUNSEL.”

 

(vi)                No Broker . No broker, investment banker or other person is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Purchaser.

 

(f)                 Financing . It has sufficient funds available to it to purchase all of the Purchase Shares pursuant to this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 3.1            Lockup . Without the prior written consent of the Company, the Purchaser shall not sell, give, assign, hypothecate, pledge, encumber, grant a security interest in or otherwise dispose of, or suffer to exist (whether by operation of law or otherwise) any encumbrance on, any of the Purchase Shares, or any right, title or interest therein or thereto, prior to the date that is 90 days after the Closing Date.

 

Section 3.2            Survival of the Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made by any Party shall survive for two years and shall terminate and be without further force or effect on the second anniversary of the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any claims asserted in good faith with reasonable specificity (to the extent known at such time) and in writing by notice from the non-breaching Party prior to the expiration date of the applicable survival period shall not thereafter be barred by the expiration of the relevant representations or warranty and such claims shall survive until finally resolved.

 

 

 

  4  

 

 

Section 3.3            Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to Closing, (i) by mutual agreement of the Parties, (ii) by the Purchaser in the event that the Closing has not occurred by the date that is 90 days from the date of this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 3.3 shall be deemed to release any Party from any liability for any breach of this Agreement prior to the effective date of such termination.

 

Section 3.4            Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

Section 3.5            Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, performance breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of any Party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other Party.

 

(a)                The Dispute shall be settled in Hong Kong in a proceeding conducted in English by one (1) arbitrator from the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force when the Arbitration Notice is submitted in accordance with the HKIAC Rules.

 

(b)                Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents reasonably requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party.

 

(c)                The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award.

 

(d)                During the course of the arbitral tribunal's adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

 

Section 3.6            Amendment . This Agreement shall not be amended, changed or modified, except by another agreement in writing executed by the Parties hereto.

 

Section 3.7            Binding Effect . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, each of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 3.8            Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations hereunder may be assigned by the Company or the Purchaser without the express written consent of the other Party. Any purported assignment in violation of the foregoing sentence shall be null and void.

 

Section 3.9            Notices . All notices, requests, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given on the date of actual delivery if delivered personally to the Parties to whom notice is to be given, on the date sent if sent by telecopier, tested telex or prepaid telegram, on the next business day following delivery if sent by courier or on the day of attempted delivery by postal service if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage paid, and properly addressed as follows:

 

If to the Purchaser, at:

CHEONG Hoong Khoeng

#04-152,Block St 51, Singapore 650532

Tel:+65-96267559

 

If to the Company, at:

SPI Energy Co., Ltd.

4677 Old Ironside Drive, Suite 190,

Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

 

 

 

 

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Any Party may change its address for purposes of this Section 3.9 by giving the other Party a written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

Section 3.10          Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties hereto with respect to the matters covered hereby, and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or in writing, if any, between the Parties with respect to the matters covered hereby are merged and superseded by this Agreement.

 

Section 3.11          Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the Parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

 

Section 3.12          Fees and Expenses . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Party will be responsible for all of its own expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.13          Public Announcements . The Purchaser shall not make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise communicate with any news media without the prior written consent of the Company unless otherwise required by securities laws or other applicable law.

 

Section 3.14          Specific Performance . The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement is not performed in accordance with the terms hereof. Accordingly, each Party shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity.

 

Section 3.15          Headings . The headings of the various articles and sections of this Agreement are inserted merely for the purpose of convenience and do not expressly or by implication limit, define or extend the specific terms of the section so designated.

 

Section 3.16          Execution in Counterparts . For the convenience of the Parties and to facilitate execution, this Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

   
  SPI Energy Co., Ltd.
     
  By: /s/ Xiaofeng Peng
    Name:      Xiaofeng Peng
    Title:        Chief Executive Officer
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  7  

 

 

 

 

Purchaser:

   
  CHEONG Hoong Khoeng
     
  By: /s/ CHEONG Hoong Khoeng
    Name: CHEONG Hoong Khoeng
    Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  8  

 

Exhibit 4.51

 

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Purchase Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of January 15, 2019 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between LDK New Energy Holding Limited, with its address at Unit 15-16, 19/F, South Wing, Delta House,3 On Yiu Street, Shatin, Shek Mun, NT, Hong Kong (the “ Purchaser ”), and SPI Energy Co., Ltd. , a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”). Each of the Purchaser and the Company is referred to herein each as a “ Party ”, and collectively as the “ Parties ”.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser desire to provide for the issuance, sale and purchase of certain number of ordinary shares of the Company, par value US$0.0001 per share (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the issuance, sale and purchase of certain Ordinary Shares and related transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the Company and the Purchaser agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

PURCHASE AND SALE

 

Section 1.1            Issuance, Sale and Purchase of Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, the Company agrees to issue, sell and deliver to the Purchaser, free and clear of any pledge, mortgage, security interest, encumbrance, lien, charge, assessment, claim or restriction of any kind or nature other than those imposed by the Articles of Association and Bylaws of the Company, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, on the Closing Date (as defined below), 2,900,000 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchase Shares ”).

 

Section 1.2            Purchase Price . The Purchaser shall pay an aggregate purchase price of US$3,364,000 (the “ Purchase Price ”) for the Purchase Shares.

 

Section 1.3            Closing .

 

(a)                Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing (the “ Closing ”) of the purchase and sale of the Purchase Shares shall take place at a place determined by the Company at 9:00 A.M. New York time on a date that is no later than April 15, 2019 or at such other time or on such other date that is agreed upon in writing by the Company and the Purchaser (the “ Closing Date ”).

 

(b)                At or before the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver the Purchase Price by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the Company’s bank account designated by the Company in a written notice to the Purchaser. At the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver a certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Purchaser certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 1.4(b) .

 

 

 

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(c)                After the Closing and as soon as practicable, the Company shall make entry or entries in the register of members of the Company and deliver to the Purchaser the following items:

 

(i)                  A share certificate (x) representing the number of Purchase Shares and (y) evidencing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchase Shares with the rights of a holder of Ordinary Shares under the Articles of Association and the Bylaws of the Company, such rights being the same as the rights of other holders of Ordinary Shares .

 

(ii)                  A copy of the updated register of members of the Company evidencing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchase Shares.

 

Section 1.4            Closing Conditions .

 

The obligations of the Company to issue and sell the Purchase Shares as contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction, on or before the Closing, of each of the following conditions, provided that any of which may be waived in writing by the Company in its sole discretion:

 

(a)                All corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Purchase Shares shall have been completed and all corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Purchaser in connection with the purchase of the Purchase Shares shall have been completed.

 

(b)                The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section 2.2 of this Agreement shall have been true and correct on the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have performed and complied with in all material respects all, and not be in breach or default in any material respect under any, agreements, covenants, conditions and obligations contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with on or before the Closing.

 

(c)                No governmental authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins, prevents, prohibits or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of, or materially and adversely alter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or imposes any damages or penalties that are substantial in relation to the Company; and no action, suit, proceeding or investigation shall have been instituted by or before any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or threatened that seeks to restrain, enjoin, prevent, prohibit or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of, or materially and adversely alter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or impose any damages or penalties that are substantial in relation to the Company.

 

ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 2.1            Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:

 

(a)                Organization and Authority . Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is an entity duly incorporated or otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with the requisite power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business in all material respects as is currently conducted. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in material violation or default of any of the provisions of its respective certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary and no proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority or qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not adversely affect the ability of the Company to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement or adversely affect the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to conduct the business as is currently conducted.

 

 

 

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(b)                Due Issuance of the Purchase Shares . The Purchase Shares of the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to the Purchaser and paid for by the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and free of any liens or encumbrances, except as required by applicable laws, and issued in compliance with all applicable federal, securities laws and the Articles of Association and the Bylaws of the Company.

 

(c)                Authority . The Company has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.

 

(d)                Noncontravention . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies. Neither the execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any government, governmental entity or court to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject. To the Company’s best knowledge, neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by the Company with any of the terms and conditions hereof will contravene any existing agreement, federal, state, county or local law, rule or regulation or any judgment, decree or order applicable to, or binding upon, it.

 

(e)                Filings, Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser in Section 2.2(f) , neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance by the Company of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the filing, consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving notice to, any governmental or public body or authority, except such as have been obtained, made, given or will be made promptly hereafter and any required filing or notification with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Section 2.2            Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser . The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

 

(a)                Due Formation . It is a company duly incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with full power and authority to own and operate and to carry on its business in the places and in the manner as currently conducted.

 

(b)                Authority . It has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.

 

(c)                Valid Agreement . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.

 

(d)                Consents . Neither the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement nor the consummation by it of any of the transactions contemplated hereby nor the performance by it of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving of notice to, any governmental or public body or authority or any third party, except as have been obtained, made or given.

 

 

 

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(e)                No Conflict . Neither the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement, nor the consummation by it of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by it with any of the terms and conditions hereof will contravene any existing agreement, federal, state, county or local law, rule or regulation or any judgment, decree or order applicable to, or binding upon, it.

 

(f)                 Status and Investment Intent .

 

(i)                   Experience . It has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Purchase Shares. It is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment, including a complete loss of its investment.

 

(ii)                  Purchase Entirely for Own Account . It is acquiring the Purchase Shares for its own account for investment purposes only and not with the view to, or with any intention of, resale, distribution or other disposition thereof. It does not have any direct or indirect arrangement, or understanding with any other persons to distribute, or regarding the distribution of the Purchase Shares in violation of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) or other applicable laws.

 

(iii)                 Not U.S. person . It is not a “U.S. person” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) and is not purchasing the Purchase Shares for the account or benefit of any “U.S. person”.

 

(iv)                 Distribution Compliance Period . It acknowledges that all offers and sales of the Purchase Shares before the end of the “distribution compliance period” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) be made only in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act, pursuant to registration of the securities under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption therefrom.

 

(v)                 Restrictive Legend . It understands that the certificate evidencing the Purchase Shares will bear a legend or other restriction substantially to the following effect:

 

“THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). NO SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION, TRANSFER OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THESE SECURITIES MAY BE MADE UNLESS EITHER (A) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (B) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EITHER CASE UPON THE RECEIPT OF AN OPINION OF U.S. COUNSEL.”

 

(vi)                No Broker . No broker, investment banker or other person is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Purchaser.

 

(g)                Financing . It has sufficient funds available to it to purchase all of the Purchase Shares pursuant to this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 3.1            Lockup . Without the prior written consent of the Company, the Purchaser shall not sell, give, assign, hypothecate, pledge, encumber, grant a security interest in or otherwise dispose of, or suffer to exist (whether by operation of law or otherwise) any encumbrance on, any of the Purchase Shares, or any right, title or interest therein or thereto, prior to the date that is 90 days after the Closing Date.

 

 

 

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Section 3.2            Survival of the Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made by any Party shall survive for two years and shall terminate and be without further force or effect on the second anniversary of the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any claims asserted in good faith with reasonable specificity (to the extent known at such time) and in writing by notice from the non-breaching Party prior to the expiration date of the applicable survival period shall not thereafter be barred by the expiration of the relevant representations or warranty and such claims shall survive until finally resolved.

 

Section 3.3            Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to Closing, (i) by mutual agreement of the Parties, (ii) by the Purchaser in the event that the Closing has not occurred by the date that is 90 days from the date of this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 3.3 shall be deemed to release any Party from any liability for any breach of this Agreement prior to the effective date of such termination.

 

Section 3.4            Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

Section 3.5            Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, performance breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of any Party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other Party.

 

(a)                The Dispute shall be settled in Hong Kong in a proceeding conducted in English by one (1) arbitrator from the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force when the Arbitration Notice is submitted in accordance with the HKIAC Rules.

 

(b)                Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents reasonably requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party.

 

(c)                The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award.

 

(d)                During the course of the arbitral tribunal's adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

 

Section 3.6            Amendment . This Agreement shall not be amended, changed or modified, except by another agreement in writing executed by the Parties hereto.

 

Section 3.7            Binding Effect . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, each of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 3.8            Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations hereunder may be assigned by the Company or the Purchaser without the express written consent of the other Party. Any purported assignment in violation of the foregoing sentence shall be null and void.

 

 

 

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Section 3.9            Notices . All notices, requests, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given on the date of actual delivery if delivered personally to the Parties to whom notice is to be given, on the date sent if sent by telecopier, tested telex or prepaid telegram, on the next business day following delivery if sent by courier or on the day of attempted delivery by postal service if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage paid, and properly addressed as follows:

 

If to the Purchaser, at:

LDK New Energy Holding Limited

Unit 15-16, 19/F, South Wing, Delta House,3 On Yiu Street, Shatin, Shek Mun, NT, Hong Kong

   
If to the Company, at:

SPI Energy Co., Ltd.

4677 Old Ironside Drive, Suite 190,

Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

 

Any Party may change its address for purposes of this Section 3.9 by giving the other Party a written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

Section 3.10          Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties hereto with respect to the matters covered hereby, and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or in writing, if any, between the Parties with respect to the matters covered hereby are merged and superseded by this Agreement.

 

Section 3.11          Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the Parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

 

Section 3.12          Fees and Expenses . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Party will be responsible for all of its own expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.13          Public Announcements . The Purchaser shall not make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise communicate with any news media without the prior written consent of the Company unless otherwise required by securities laws or other applicable law.

 

Section 3.14          Specific Performance . The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement is not performed in accordance with the terms hereof. Accordingly, each Party shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity.

 

Section 3.15          Headings . The headings of the various articles and sections of this Agreement are inserted merely for the purpose of convenience and do not expressly or by implication limit, define or extend the specific terms of the section so designated.

 

Section 3.16          Execution in Counterparts . For the convenience of the Parties and to facilitate execution, this Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

  SPI Energy Co., Ltd.
     
  By: /s/ CHEONG Hoong Khoeng
    Name:      CHEONG Hoong Khoeng
    Title:        Chief Operating Officer
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Purchaser:

   
  LDK New Energy Holding Limited
     
  By: ___________________________
    Name:
    Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Exhibit 4.52

 

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Purchase Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of January 15, 2019 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between LIM Joo Heng, a Malaysia resident with passport ID: A38683852 (the “ Purchaser ”), and SPI Energy Co., Ltd. , a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”). Each of the Purchaser and the Company is referred to herein each as a “ Party ”, and collectively as the “ Parties ”.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser desire to provide for the issuance, sale and purchase of certain number of ordinary shares of the Company, par value US$0.0001 per share (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the issuance, sale and purchase of certain Ordinary Shares and related transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the Company and the Purchaser agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

PURCHASE AND SALE

 

Section 1.1            Issuance, Sale and Purchase of Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, the Company agrees to issue, sell and deliver to the Purchaser, free and clear of any pledge, mortgage, security interest, encumbrance, lien, charge, assessment, claim or restriction of any kind or nature other than those imposed by the Articles of Association and Bylaws of the Company, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, on the Closing Date (as defined below), 500,000 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchase Shares ”).

 

Section 1.2            Purchase Price . The Purchaser shall pay an aggregate purchase price of US$ 580,000 (the “ Purchase Price ”) for the Purchase Shares.

 

Section 1.3            Closing .

 

(a)                Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing (the “ Closing ”) of the purchase and sale of the Purchase Shares shall take place at a place determined by the Company at 9:00 A.M. New York time on a date that is no later than April 15, 2019 or at such other time or on such other date that is agreed upon in writing by the Company and the Purchaser (the “ Closing Date ”).

 

(b)                At or before the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver the Purchase Price by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the Company’s bank account designated by the Company in a written notice to the Purchaser. At the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver a certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Purchaser certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 1.4(b) .

 

 

 

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(c)                After the Closing and as soon as practicable, the Company shall make entry or entries in the register of members of the Company and deliver to the Purchaser the following items:

 

(i)                  A share certificate (x) representing the number of Purchase Shares and (y) evidencing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchase Shares with the rights of a holder of Ordinary Shares under the Articles of Association and the Bylaws of the Company, such rights being the same as the rights of other holders of Ordinary Shares .

 

(ii)                 A copy of the updated register of members of the Company evidencing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchase Shares.

 

Section 1.4            Closing Conditions .

 

The obligations of the Company to issue and sell the Purchase Shares as contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction, on or before the Closing, of each of the following conditions, provided that any of which may be waived in writing by the Company in its sole discretion:

 

(a)                All corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Purchase Shares shall have been completed and all corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Purchaser in connection with the purchase of the Purchase Shares shall have been completed.

 

(b)                The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section 2.2 of this Agreement shall have been true and correct on the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have performed and complied with in all material respects all, and not be in breach or default in any material respect under any, agreements, covenants, conditions and obligations contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with on or before the Closing.

 

(c)                No governmental authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins, prevents, prohibits or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of, or materially and adversely alter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or imposes any damages or penalties that are substantial in relation to the Company; and no action, suit, proceeding or investigation shall have been instituted by or before any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or threatened that seeks to restrain, enjoin, prevent, prohibit or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of, or materially and adversely alter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or impose any damages or penalties that are substantial in relation to the Company.

 

ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 2.1            Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:

 

(a)                Organization and Authority . Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is an entity duly incorporated or otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with the requisite power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business in all material respects as is currently conducted. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in material violation or default of any of the provisions of its respective certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary and no proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority or qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not adversely affect the ability of the Company to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement or adversely affect the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to conduct the business as is currently conducted.

 

 

 

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(b)                Due Issuance of the Purchase Shares . The Purchase Shares of the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to the Purchaser and paid for by the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and free of any liens or encumbrances, except as required by applicable laws, and issued in compliance with all applicable federal, securities laws and the Articles of Association and the Bylaws of the Company.

 

(c)                Authority . The Company has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.

 

(d)                Noncontravention . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies. Neither the execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any government, governmental entity or court to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject. To the Company’s best knowledge, neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by the Company with any of the terms and conditions hereof will contravene any existing agreement, federal, state, county or local law, rule or regulation or any judgment, decree or order applicable to, or binding upon, it.

 

(e)                Filings, Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser in Section 2.2(f) , neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance by the Company of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the filing, consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving notice to, any governmental or public body or authority, except such as have been obtained, made, given or will be made promptly hereafter and any required filing or notification with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Section 2.2            Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser . The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

 

(a)                Authority . It has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.

 

(b)                Valid Agreement . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

(c)                Consents . Neither the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement nor the consummation by it of any of the transactions contemplated hereby nor the performance by it of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving of notice to, any governmental or public body or authority or any third party, except as have been obtained, made or given.

 

(d)                No Conflict . Neither the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement, nor the consummation by it of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by it with any of the terms and conditions hereof will contravene any existing agreement, federal, state, county or local law, rule or regulation or any judgment, decree or order applicable to, or binding upon, it.

 

 

 

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(e)                Status and Investment Intent .

 

(i)                  Experience . It has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Purchase Shares. It is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment, including a complete loss of its investment.

 

(ii)                 Purchase Entirely for Own Account . It is acquiring the Purchase Shares for its own account for investment purposes only and not with the view to, or with any intention of, resale, distribution or other disposition thereof. It does not have any direct or indirect arrangement, or understanding with any other persons to distribute, or regarding the distribution of the Purchase Shares in violation of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) or other applicable laws.

 

(iii)                Not U.S. person . It is not a “U.S. person” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) and is not purchasing the Purchase Shares for the account or benefit of any “U.S. person”.

 

(iv)                Distribution Compliance Period . It acknowledges that all offers and sales of the Purchase Shares before the end of the “distribution compliance period” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) be made only in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act, pursuant to registration of the securities under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption therefrom.

 

(v)                Restrictive Legend . It understands that the certificate evidencing the Purchase Shares will bear a legend or other restriction substantially to the following effect:

 

“THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). NO SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION, TRANSFER OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THESE SECURITIES MAY BE MADE UNLESS EITHER (A) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (B) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EITHER CASE UPON THE RECEIPT OF AN OPINION OF U.S. COUNSEL.”

 

(vi)                No Broker . No broker, investment banker or other person is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Purchaser.

 

(f)                 Financing . It has sufficient funds available to it to purchase all of the Purchase Shares pursuant to this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 3.1            Lockup . Without the prior written consent of the Company, the Purchaser shall not sell, give, assign, hypothecate, pledge, encumber, grant a security interest in or otherwise dispose of, or suffer to exist (whether by operation of law or otherwise) any encumbrance on, any of the Purchase Shares, or any right, title or interest therein or thereto, prior to the date that is 90 days after the Closing Date.

 

Section 3.2            Survival of the Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made by any Party shall survive for two years and shall terminate and be without further force or effect on the second anniversary of the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any claims asserted in good faith with reasonable specificity (to the extent known at such time) and in writing by notice from the non-breaching Party prior to the expiration date of the applicable survival period shall not thereafter be barred by the expiration of the relevant representations or warranty and such claims shall survive until finally resolved.

 

 

 

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Section 3.3            Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to Closing, (i) by mutual agreement of the Parties, (ii) by the Purchaser in the event that the Closing has not occurred by the date that is 90 days from the date of this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 3.3 shall be deemed to release any Party from any liability for any breach of this Agreement prior to the effective date of such termination.

 

Section 3.4            Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

Section 3.5            Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, performance breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of any Party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other Party.

 

(a)                The Dispute shall be settled in Hong Kong in a proceeding conducted in English by one (1) arbitrator from the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force when the Arbitration Notice is submitted in accordance with the HKIAC Rules.

 

(b)                Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents reasonably requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party.

 

(c)                The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award.

 

(d)                During the course of the arbitral tribunal's adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

 

Section 3.6            Amendment . This Agreement shall not be amended, changed or modified, except by another agreement in writing executed by the Parties hereto.

 

Section 3.7            Binding Effect . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, each of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 3.8            Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations hereunder may be assigned by the Company or the Purchaser without the express written consent of the other Party. Any purported assignment in violation of the foregoing sentence shall be null and void.

 

Section 3.9            Notices . All notices, requests, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given on the date of actual delivery if delivered personally to the Parties to whom notice is to be given, on the date sent if sent by telecopier, tested telex or prepaid telegram, on the next business day following delivery if sent by courier or on the day of attempted delivery by postal service if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage paid, and properly addressed as follows:

 

If to the Purchaser, at:

LIM Joo Heng

#04-152,Block St 51, Singapore 650532

Tel:+65-96267559

 

If to the Company, at:

SPI Energy Co., Ltd.

4677 Old Ironside Drive, Suite 190,

Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

 

 

 

 

  5  

 

 

Any Party may change its address for purposes of this Section 3.9 by giving the other Party a written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

Section 3.10          Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties hereto with respect to the matters covered hereby, and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or in writing, if any, between the Parties with respect to the matters covered hereby are merged and superseded by this Agreement.

 

Section 3.11          Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the Parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

 

Section 3.12          Fees and Expenses . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Party will be responsible for all of its own expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.13          Public Announcements . The Purchaser shall not make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise communicate with any news media without the prior written consent of the Company unless otherwise required by securities laws or other applicable law.

 

Section 3.14         Specific Performance . The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement is not performed in accordance with the terms hereof. Accordingly, each Party shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity.

 

Section 3.15          Headings . The headings of the various articles and sections of this Agreement are inserted merely for the purpose of convenience and do not expressly or by implication limit, define or extend the specific terms of the section so designated.

 

Section 3.16          Execution in Counterparts . For the convenience of the Parties and to facilitate execution, this Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

  SPI Energy Co., Ltd.
     
  By: /s/ Xiaofeng Peng
    Name:      Xiaofeng Peng
    Title:        Chief Executive Officer
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  7  

 

 

 

 

Purchaser:

   
  LIM Joo Heng
     
  By: /s/ LIM Joo Heng
    Name: LIM Joo Heng
    Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  8  

 

Exhibit 4.53

 

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Purchase Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of January 15, 2019 (the “ Effective Date ”), is by and between UPC Co., Ltd., with its address at Floor 4 , Willow house, cricket square, PO Box 2804, Grand Cayman, KY1-1112, Cayman Islands (the “ Purchaser ”), and SPI Energy Co., Ltd. , a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “ Company ”). Each of the Purchaser and the Company is referred to herein each as a “ Party ”, and collectively as the “ Parties ”.

 

W I T N E S S E T H :

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser desire to provide for the issuance, sale and purchase of certain number of ordinary shares of the Company, par value US$0.0001 per share (the “ Ordinary Shares ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser desire to make certain representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in connection with the issuance, sale and purchase of certain Ordinary Shares and related transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the Company and the Purchaser agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

PURCHASE AND SALE

 

Section 1.1            Issuance, Sale and Purchase of Shares . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, the Company agrees to issue, sell and deliver to the Purchaser, free and clear of any pledge, mortgage, security interest, encumbrance, lien, charge, assessment, claim or restriction of any kind or nature other than those imposed by the Articles of Association and Bylaws of the Company, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, on the Closing Date (as defined below), 1,350,000 Ordinary Shares (the “ Purchase Shares ”).

 

Section 1.2            Purchase Price . The Purchaser shall pay an aggregate purchase price of US$ 1,566,000 (the “ Purchase Price ”) for the Purchase Shares.

 

Section 1.3            Closing .

 

(a)                Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing (the “ Closing ”) of the purchase and sale of the Purchase Shares shall take place at a place determined by the Company at 9:00 A.M. New York time on a date that is no later than April 15, 2019 or at such other time or on such other date that is agreed upon in writing by the Company and the Purchaser (the “ Closing Date ”).

 

(b)                At or before the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver the Purchase Price by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the Company’s bank account designated by the Company in a written notice to the Purchaser. At the Closing, the Purchaser shall deliver a certificate of a duly authorized officer of the Purchaser certifying as to the matters set forth in Section 1.4(b) .

 

 

  1  

 

 

(c)                After the Closing and as soon as practicable, the Company shall make entry or entries in the register of members of the Company and deliver to the Purchaser the following items:

 

(i)                  A share certificate (x) representing the number of Purchase Shares and (y) evidencing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchase Shares with the rights of a holder of Ordinary Shares under the Articles of Association and the Bylaws of the Company, such rights being the same as the rights of other holders of Ordinary Shares .

 

(ii)                 A copy of the updated register of members of the Company evidencing the Purchaser as the holder of the Purchase Shares.

 

Section 1.4            Closing Conditions .

 

The obligations of the Company to issue and sell the Purchase Shares as contemplated by this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction, on or before the Closing, of each of the following conditions, provided that any of which may be waived in writing by the Company in its sole discretion:

 

(a)                All corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Purchase Shares shall have been completed and all corporate and other actions required to be taken by the Purchaser in connection with the purchase of the Purchase Shares shall have been completed.

 

(b)                The representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in Section 2.2 of this Agreement shall have been true and correct on the date of this Agreement and shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing; and the Purchaser shall have performed and complied with in all material respects all, and not be in breach or default in any material respect under any, agreements, covenants, conditions and obligations contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with on or before the Closing.

 

(c)                No governmental authority of competent jurisdiction shall have enacted, issued, promulgated, enforced or entered any law (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) that is in effect and restrains, enjoins, prevents, prohibits or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of, or materially and adversely alter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or imposes any damages or penalties that are substantial in relation to the Company; and no action, suit, proceeding or investigation shall have been instituted by or before any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or threatened that seeks to restrain, enjoin, prevent, prohibit or otherwise makes illegal the consummation of, or materially and adversely alter, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or impose any damages or penalties that are substantial in relation to the Company.

 

ARTICLE II

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Section 2.1            Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing, as follows:

 

(a)                Organization and Authority . Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is an entity duly incorporated or otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with the requisite power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business in all material respects as is currently conducted. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in material violation or default of any of the provisions of its respective certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary and no proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority or qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not adversely affect the ability of the Company to carry out its obligations under, and to consummate the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement or adversely affect the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to conduct the business as is currently conducted.

 

 

 

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(b)                Due Issuance of the Purchase Shares . The Purchase Shares of the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered to the Purchaser and paid for by the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and free of any liens or encumbrances, except as required by applicable laws, and issued in compliance with all applicable federal, securities laws and the Articles of Association and the Bylaws of the Company.

 

(c)                Authority . The Company has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.

 

(d)                Noncontravention . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies. Neither the execution and the delivery of this Agreement, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will violate any constitution, statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any government, governmental entity or court to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject. To the Company’s best knowledge, neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by the Company with any of the terms and conditions hereof will contravene any existing agreement, federal, state, county or local law, rule or regulation or any judgment, decree or order applicable to, or binding upon, it.

 

(e)                Filings, Consents and Approvals . Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser in Section 2.2(f) , neither the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, nor the consummation by the Company of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor the performance by the Company of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the filing, consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving notice to, any governmental or public body or authority, except such as have been obtained, made, given or will be made promptly hereafter and any required filing or notification with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Section 2.2            Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser . The Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to the Company as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

 

(a)                Due Formation . It is a company duly incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, with full power and authority to own and operate and to carry on its business in the places and in the manner as currently conducted.

 

(b)                Authority . It has full power and authority to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and each agreement, certificate, document and instrument to be executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery by it of this Agreement and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite actions on its part.

 

(c)                Valid Agreement . This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable remedies.

 

(d)                Consents . Neither the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement nor the consummation by it of any of the transactions contemplated hereby nor the performance by it of this Agreement in accordance with its terms requires the consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration with, or the giving of notice to, any governmental or public body or authority or any third party, except as have been obtained, made or given.

 

 

 

  3  

 

 

(e)                No Conflict . Neither the execution and delivery by it of this Agreement, nor the consummation by it of any of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance by it with any of the terms and conditions hereof will contravene any existing agreement, federal, state, county or local law, rule or regulation or any judgment, decree or order applicable to, or binding upon, it.

 

(f)                 Status and Investment Intent .

 

(i)                  Experience . It has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Purchase Shares. It is capable of bearing the economic risks of such investment, including a complete loss of its investment.

 

(ii)                Purchase Entirely for Own Account . It is acquiring the Purchase Shares for its own account for investment purposes only and not with the view to, or with any intention of, resale, distribution or other disposition thereof. It does not have any direct or indirect arrangement, or understanding with any other persons to distribute, or regarding the distribution of the Purchase Shares in violation of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) or other applicable laws.

 

(iii)                Not U.S. person . It is not a “U.S. person” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) and is not purchasing the Purchase Shares for the account or benefit of any “U.S. person”.

 

(iv)               Distribution Compliance Period . It acknowledges that all offers and sales of the Purchase Shares before the end of the “distribution compliance period” (as such term is defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act) be made only in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act, pursuant to registration of the securities under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption therefrom.

 

(v)                Restrictive Legend . It understands that the certificate evidencing the Purchase Shares will bear a legend or other restriction substantially to the following effect:

 

“THE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”). NO SALE, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION, TRANSFER OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THESE SECURITIES MAY BE MADE UNLESS EITHER (A) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (B) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EITHER CASE UPON THE RECEIPT OF AN OPINION OF U.S. COUNSEL.”

 

(vi)               No Broker . No broker, investment banker or other person is entitled to any broker’s, finder’s or other similar fee or commission in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of the Purchaser.

 

(g)                Financing . It has sufficient funds available to it to purchase all of the Purchase Shares pursuant to this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 3.1            Lockup . Without the prior written consent of the Company, the Purchaser shall not sell, give, assign, hypothecate, pledge, encumber, grant a security interest in or otherwise dispose of, or suffer to exist (whether by operation of law or otherwise) any encumbrance on, any of the Purchase Shares, or any right, title or interest therein or thereto, prior to the date that is 90 days after the Closing Date.

 

 

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Section 3.2            Survival of the Representations and Warranties . All representations and warranties made by any Party shall survive for two years and shall terminate and be without further force or effect on the second anniversary of the Closing Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any claims asserted in good faith with reasonable specificity (to the extent known at such time) and in writing by notice from the non-breaching Party prior to the expiration date of the applicable survival period shall not thereafter be barred by the expiration of the relevant representations or warranty and such claims shall survive until finally resolved.

 

Section 3.3            Termination . This Agreement may be terminated, and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to Closing, (i) by mutual agreement of the Parties, (ii) by the Purchaser in the event that the Closing has not occurred by the date that is 90 days from the date of this Agreement. Nothing in this Section 3.3 shall be deemed to release any Party from any liability for any breach of this Agreement prior to the effective date of such termination.

 

Section 3.4            Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

Section 3.5            Dispute Resolution . Any dispute, controversy or claim (each, a “ Dispute ”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the interpretation, performance breach, termination, validity or invalidity thereof, shall be referred to arbitration upon the demand of any Party to the dispute with notice (the “ Arbitration Notice ”) to the other Party.

 

(a)                The Dispute shall be settled in Hong Kong in a proceeding conducted in English by one (1) arbitrator from the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (the “ HKIAC ”) in accordance with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Administered Arbitration Rules (the “ HKIAC Rules ”) in force when the Arbitration Notice is submitted in accordance with the HKIAC Rules.

 

(b)                Each party to the arbitration shall cooperate with each other party to the arbitration in making full disclosure of and providing complete access to all information and documents reasonably requested by such other party in connection with such arbitral proceedings, subject only to any confidentiality obligations binding on such party.

 

(c)                The award of the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the parties thereto, and the prevailing party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for enforcement of such award.

 

(d)                During the course of the arbitral tribunal's adjudication of the Dispute, this Agreement shall continue to be performed except with respect to the part in dispute and under adjudication.

 

Section 3.6            Amendment . This Agreement shall not be amended, changed or modified, except by another agreement in writing executed by the Parties hereto.

 

Section 3.7            Binding Effect . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, each of the Parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.

 

Section 3.8            Assignment . Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, duties or obligations hereunder may be assigned by the Company or the Purchaser without the express written consent of the other Party. Any purported assignment in violation of the foregoing sentence shall be null and void.

 

 

 

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Section 3.9            Notices . All notices, requests, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given on the date of actual delivery if delivered personally to the Parties to whom notice is to be given, on the date sent if sent by telecopier, tested telex or prepaid telegram, on the next business day following delivery if sent by courier or on the day of attempted delivery by postal service if mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage paid, and properly addressed as follows:

 

If to the Purchaser, at:

UPC Co., Ltd.

Floor 4 , Willow house,cricket square,PO Box 2804, Grand Cayman, KY1-1112, Cayman Islands

   
If to the Company, at:

SPI Energy Co., Ltd.

4677 Old Ironside Drive, Suite 190,

Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA

 

Any Party may change its address for purposes of this Section 3.9 by giving the other Party a written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

 

Section 3.10          Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Parties hereto with respect to the matters covered hereby, and all prior agreements and understandings, oral or in writing, if any, between the Parties with respect to the matters covered hereby are merged and superseded by this Agreement.

 

Section 3.11          Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the Parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

 

Section 3.12          Fees and Expenses . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Party will be responsible for all of its own expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this Agreement.

 

Section 3.13          Public Announcements . The Purchaser shall not make, or cause to be made, any press release or public announcement in respect of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise communicate with any news media without the prior written consent of the Company unless otherwise required by securities laws or other applicable law.

 

Section 3.14          Specific Performance . The Parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of this Agreement is not performed in accordance with the terms hereof. Accordingly, each Party shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or equity.

 

Section 3.15          Headings . The headings of the various articles and sections of this Agreement are inserted merely for the purpose of convenience and do not expressly or by implication limit, define or extend the specific terms of the section so designated.

 

Section 3.16          Execution in Counterparts . For the convenience of the Parties and to facilitate execution, this Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

  SPI Energy Co., Ltd.
     
  By: /s/ Xiaofeng Peng
    Name:      Xiaofeng Peng
    Title:        Chief Executive Officer
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Purchaser:

   
  UPC Co., Ltd.
     
  By: ___________________________
    Name:
    Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  8  

 

Exhibit 4.54

 

 

SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

(HELIOHRISI S.A.)

 

This Agreement (“ Agreement ”) is dated 20 th March 2019,

 

Between

 

A)                  THERMI TANEO Venture Capital Fund a closed-end mutual fund formed in accordance with Law 2992/2002, with registered address at St. Kazantzidi 47, 55535, Thessaloniki, as represented by its administrator ΤHERMI VENTURES S.A., acting as manager, duly represented for the execution of the present by Mr. Nikolaos Giouras by virtue of a resolution of its Board of Directors dated 19 March 2019; and by Hellenic Capital Partners AEDAKES acting as co-manager (for the purpose of assisting and granting its consent in accordance with the incorporation and management agreement of THERMI TANEO Venture Capital Fund) by Mr. Spiridon Papadatos by virtue of a resolution of its Board of Directors dated 20 March 2019 (“ Seller ”);

 

B)                  SP ORANGE POWER (CYPRUS) LIMITED, a Cyprus company with registered address at 2, Romanos street, Tlais Tower, First Floor, 1070, Nicosia Cyprus, duly represented for the execution of the present by Mr. Vassilios Orfanos by virtue of a Power of Attorney dated 15 March 2019 (“ Buyer ”);

 

(Seller and Buyer are referred to individually as the “ Party ”, and collectively as the “ Parties ”)

 

Whereas

 

A) This Agreement is entered into pursuant to a Framework Share Purchase Agreement dated 20 th September 2017 (hereinafter the “ Framework SPA ”), entered into among, inter alia, Seller and Buyer. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Framework SPA.

 

B) Today is the Heliohrisi Closing Date.

 

C) Seller is the lawful and undisputed owner and holder of thirty seven thousand thirty one (37,031) issued and outstanding registered voting shares with a nominal value of EUR ten (€10) each (hereinafter the “ Heliohrisi Shares ”), comprising the total (100%) of the fully paid up outstanding voting share capital of the société anonyme “Heliohrisi Société Anonyme For Energy Production and Development” («ΗΛΙΟΧΡΗΣΗ ΑΝΩΝΥΜΟΣ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΕΚΜΕΤΑΛΛΕΥΣΗΣ ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑΣ»), with the distinctive title “Heliohrisi S.A.” («ΗΛΙΟΧΡΗΣΗ Α.Ε»), a company duly established and validly existing under the laws of Greece, with registered address at 47, St. Kazatzidi street, Pylaia 555 35 Thessaloniki, GEMI Number 007601801000, and Greek Tax Registration Number (“AFM”) 998380676 (hereinafter the “ Company ”).

 

D) Buyer wishes to purchase and acquire the Heliohrisi Shares and Seller wishes to sell the Heliohrisi Shares according to the terms and conditions provided for in this Agreement and the Framework SPA.

 

 

 

 

 

  1  
 

 

NOW, it is agreed as follows:

 

1 SALE & PURCHASE

 

1.1 Buyer hereby purchases and acquires from Seller and Seller sells and transfers to Buyer, the Heliohrisi Shares, which are free and clear of any Encumbrance (with the exception of the pledges incorporated in favor of SPI Energy Co., Ltd, Thelmico Limited, SP Orange Power (Cyprus) Limited which are discharged on the date hereof in accordance with the Framework SPA), third party rights, claims, options, rights of first refusal, charges of any kind, in return for the Purchase Price, together with all rights attaching to them as of the day of transfer (including, without limitation, the right to receive all dividends or distributions declared, made or paid on or after such day of transfer) and delivers the original share certificates representing the Heliohrisi Shares.

 

1.2 The Buyer hereby accepts title and delivery of the Heliohrisi Shares pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Framework SPA.

 

1.3 Upon execution of this Agreement, the Buyer becomes the sole and unencumbered owner of the Heliohrisi Shares.

 

2 REPRESENTATIONS & CLOSING ACTIONS

 

2.1 Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer that: (a) all representations and warranties contained in article 10 of the Framework SPA are true and correct as of the date hereof except for 10 (c) since the Seller is currently the owner of the Heliohrisi Shares (Seller hereby repeats all such representations and warranties except for 10(c) above); (b) from the date of the Framework SPA until the date hereof there has been no adverse material change regarding the Companies or the Projects; and (c) as of the Effective Date, and without prejudice to paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 of the Framework SPA, the Company has not incurred any Liabilities or any loss or reduction in the value of its Assets except to the extent permitted under the Framework SPA.

 

  In connection with the decrease of the share capital of the company Thermi Energiaki Société Anonyme («Thermi Ενεργειακή Ανώνυμη Εταιρεία»), a company organized and existing under the law of Greece with registered address in the Municipality of Pylaia in the Prefecture of Thessaloniki (9th km National Road Thessaloniki-Thermi) with Greek Tax Registration Number (AFM) 997993888 and GEMI Number 59213004000 (hereinafter “Thermi Energy”), which was decided by virtue of the resolution of Extraordinary Meeting of the Shareholders of Thermi Energy dated 15th September 2017, Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer that: (a) the above share capital decrease is valid, effective and legal and cannot be annulled or challenged; (b) by virtue of the above share capital decrease, the Seller has become the sole and legal owner of the Heliohrisi Shares; (c) there are no creditors of Thermi Energy with claims due (against Thermi Energy) as of the date of the above resolution of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Shareholders of Thermi Energy, nor any creditors whose claims are not due, who may challenge the validity of the share capital decrease of Thermi Energy; and (d) as of the date hereof, there have been no objections by any creditor of Thermi Energy as to the realization of the said share capital decrease.

 

2.2 Seller has delivered to Buyer the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal period ending 31.12.2018 and the Closing Balance Sheet of the Company which are attached hereto as Exhibit A. The above financial statements and the Closing Balance Sheet have been prepared by Seller without Buyer having confirmed their accuracy and completeness. Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer that: (a) the above financial statements and the Closing Balance Sheet (attached hereto as Exhibit A) fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Company and the results of operations for the periods to which they relate; and (b) the Company does not have any material liabilities or obligations of any nature, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, other than those reflected in the above financial statements and the Closing Balance Sheet (attached hereto as Exhibit A).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2.3 The Parties confirm that all closing actions and deliveries required pursuant to article 8 of the Framework Agreement have been fulfilled (payment of the Purchase Price is effected pursuant to article 3 hereof).

 

2.4 The Seller has delivered to the Buyer the updated Disclosure Schedule which is attached hereto as Exhibit B .

 

3 PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT

 

3.1 The Heliohrisi Purchase Price for the transfer of the Shares is set to the amount of EUR three million four hundred forty-one thousand eight hundred ninety-one (€3,441,891.00). The above Purchase Price is subject to adjustment pursuant to paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 of the Framework SPA. In addition to the Heliohrisi Purchase Price, the Buyer shall pay to the Seller the amount of EUR one hundred thirty two thousand six hundred twenty one (€132,621.00) as interests due in accordance with clause 7.2 (b) (ii) of the Framework SPA, i.e., the aggregate amount payable by the Buyer to the Seller is EUR three million five hundred seventy four thousand five hundred twelve (€3,574,512.00) .

 

3.2 The aggregate amount of EUR three million five hundred seventy-four thousand five hundred twelve (€3.574.512) in accordance with paragraph 3.1 above, is paid by the Buyer to the Seller as follows:

 

a) The amount of EUR two million nine hundred seventy thousand (€2,970,000.00) (the Heliohrisi First Instalment) has been already paid by the Buyer to the Seller pursuant to article 9.3 (a) of the Framework SPA (the execution of the present Agreement constituting evidence of receipt by the Seller of the Heliohrisi First Instalment);

 

b) Following application (payment) of the Heliohrisi First Instalment, the balance of the Heliohrisi Purchase Price, i.e. amount of EUR six hundred four thousand five hundred twelve (€604,512.00) is paid today by delivery from the Buyer to the Seller of the bank cheque (“τραπεζική επιταγή”) dated 20 March 2019, number 00078022-7 issued by Alpha Bank on the name of the Seller, copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit C

 

  Following the above payments, the Seller hereby confirms that it has received in full the Heliohrisi Purchase Price, according to clause 9.3. of the Framework SPA, and all interests due under clause 7.2 (b) (ii) of the Framework SPA.

 

4 GOVERNING LAW, DISPUTE RESOLUTION

 

4.1 If any question, dispute, difference or claim arises out of or in connection with this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity, performance or termination (a “Framework SPA Dispute”), which either Party has notified to the other, senior management personnel from each Party shall meet and diligently attempt in good faith to resolve the Framework SPA Dispute for a period of thirty (30) calendar days following one Party's written request to the other Party for such a meeting. If, however, either Party refuses or fails to so meet, or the Framework SPA Dispute is not resolved by negotiation during such 30-day period, the provisions of paragraph 4.2 shall apply.

 

 

 

 

  3  
 

 

4.2 Any SPA dispute arising in connection with this Agreement that is not settled amicably between the Parties shall be settled by arbitration in Athens pursuant to the Greek Civil Procedure. There shall be three (3) arbitrators and the award of the arbitral panel shall be final and binding upon the Parties.

 

4.3 This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the Parties and any Framework SPA Dispute arising under or relating thereto (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Greece.

 

5 INCORPORATION OF FRAMEWORK SPA

 

All other terms and provisions of the Framework SPA are incorporated herein by reference and shall apply to this Agreement as if such terms and conditions were set out herein.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties, acting through their duly authorized representatives, have caused this Agreement to be signed in their respective names as follows:

 

 

For the Seller

 

THERMI TANEO Venture Capital

Fund, represented by

ΤHERMI VENTURES S.A, acting as

manager and Hellenic Capital Partners

AEDAKES acting as co-manager

(for its consent)

 

/s/ Nikolaos Giouras             

Name: Nikolaos Giouras

Capacity: Attorney in fact

 

/s/ Spiridon Papadatos        

 

Name: Spiridon Papadatos

For the Buyer

 

SP ORANGE POWER (CYPRUS) LIMITED

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Vassilis Orfanos                 

Name: Vassilis Orfanos

Capacity: Attorney in fact

 

 

Capacity: Attorney in fact

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  4  
 

 

EXHIBIT A: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF 31.12.2018 & CLOSING BALANCE SHEET OF COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  5  
 

 

EXHIBIT B: UPDATED DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE

 

1) HELIOHRISI S.A.

 

A) Legal Due Diligence
· Board of Directors minutes 31/03/2012 (composition of the Board & representation)
· Board of Directors minutes 02/07/2012 (authorization for submission of documents with the tax office of Athens)
· Board of Directors minutes 31/09/2012 (institution of company subsidiary at Alexandroupoli) Board of Directors minutes 22/04/2013 (approval of payment to Thelmico)
· Board of Directors minutes 22/04/2013 (approval of payment to Restec Renewal)
· Board of Directors minutes 29/04/2013 (approval of issuance of bank check for the deposition at company’s bank account at Proredit Bank)Board of Directors minutes 24/05/2013 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2012)
· Board of Directors minutes 28/06/2013 (approval of payment to SPI)
· Board of Directors minutes 9/07/2013 (approval of payment to Restec Renewal)Board of Directors minutes 22/08/2013 (approval of payment to Thelmico)
· Board of Directors minutes 27/08/2013 (approval of payment to SPI)
· Board of Directors minutes 10/01/2014 (approval of payment to SPI & Thelmico)
· Board of Directors minutes 09/04/2014 (approval of payment to SPI & Thelmico)
· Board of Directors minutes 22/05/2014 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2013)
· Board of Directors minutes 27/06/2014 (approval of payment to SPI)
· Board of Directors minutes 07/10/2014 (approval of payment to SPI & Thelmico)
· Board of Directors minutes 10/12/2014 (approval of bank transfer to company’s bank deposit account)Board of Directors minutes 21/01/2015 (approval of payment to SPI & Thelmico)
· Board of Directors minutes 03/04/2015 (approval of payment to SPI & Thelmico)
· Board of Directors minutes 14/05/2015 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2014)
· Board of Directors minutes 25/05/2015 (authorization for withdrawal from bank account)
· Board of Directors minutes 19/07/2015 (approval of payment to SPI)
· Board of Directors minutes 20/07/2015 (certification of share capital increase)
· Board of Directors minutes 08/09/2015 (authorization for submission of documents with the tax office)
· Board of Directors minutes 31/08/2015 (approval of payment to SPI & Thelmico)Board of Directors minutes 09/10/2015 (composition of the Board & representation)
· Board of Directors Minutes 20/10/2016 (authorization for submission of documents with the tax office)
· Board of Directors minutes 3/03/2016 (approval of bank transfer to company’s bank account at Procredit Bank)
· Board of Directors minutes 27/04/2016 (approval of payment to SPI & Thelmico)
· Board of Directors minutes 12/05/2016 (approval of payment to SPI & Thelmico)
· Board of Directors minutes 26/05/2016 (approval of bank transfer to company’s bank account at Procredit Bank)
· Board of Directors minutes 27/05/2016 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2015)
· Board of Directors minutes 31/07/2017 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2016)
· Board of Directors Minutes 1/08/2017 (issuance of one provisional title for the number of shares issued following the last 2 share capital increases) together with the new provisional share title for 31,031 shares
· Board of Directors Minutes 21/08/2017 (authorization for submission of documents with the tax office)
· Board of Directors Minutes 6/09/2017 (Approval of Framewrk Agreement – authorization for the signing)
· Board of Directors Minutes 11/09/2017 (issuance of one provisional title for all shares issued following all share capital increases)
· Board of Directors Minutes 26/09/2017 (approval of payment 1 st installation of framework agreement)
· Board of Directors Minutes 30/07/2018 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2017)

 

 

 

 

  6  
 

 

· Shareholders’ Ordinary Meeting 30/06/2013 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2012)
· Shareholders’ Ordinary Meeting 30/06/2014 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2013)
· Shareholders’ Ordinary Meeting 30/06/2015 (GM convened but did not discuss the agenda and agreed on a rescheduling)
· Shareholders’ Ordinary Meeting 14/07/2015 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2014)
· Shareholders’ Ordinary Meeting 30/06/2016 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2015)
· Shareholders’ Ordinary Meeting 4/09/2017 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2016)
· Shareholders’ Ordinary Meeting 3/09/2018 (approval of financial accounts for fiscal year 2017)

 

· Shareholders’ Extraordinary Meeting 31/03/2012 (election of the new Board)
· Shareholders’ Extraordinary Meeting 31/03/2012 (change of company’s seat)Shareholders’ Extraordinary Meeting 21/04/2015 (share capital increase)
· Shareholders’ Extraordinary Meeting 09/10/2015 (election of the new Board)
· Shareholders’ Extraordinary Meeting 10/07/2017 (share capital increase)

 

· Publication from GEMI with prot. No 14828 dated 08/09/2015 (share capital increase)
· Publication from GEMI with prot. no 18343 and dated 20/10/2015 (election of the Board)
· Publication from GEMI with prot. no 10403 dated 1/02/2016 (financial accounts for fiscal year 2014)
· Publication from GEMI with prot. no 918651 dated 20/02/2019 (financial accounts for fiscal year 2016)Publication from GEMI with prot. no 18671 and dated 24/10/2016 (financial accounts for fiscal year 2015)
· GEMI Announcement with prot. no 10412 and dated 2/08/2017 (re amendment of Article 5-share capital)
· Publication from GEMI with prot. no 14837 and dated 8.09.2015 (share capital increase certification)Publication from GEMI with prot. no 11232 and dated 25.08.2017 and Company’s Articles of Association and its recent Codified Articles of Association 21/04/2015 (AMENDED)
· Lease Agreement dated 31/05/2012 (terminated)
· Court Certificates no 15430, 15431, 15432, 15433, 15434, 15435, 15436, 15437 dated 19/05/2017, and 4083/18.05.2017
· Application to GEMI dated 05/07/2017 (correction of the distinctive title)
· GEMI certificate 376821.533683 dated 26.04.2017
· Prefectural Certificate about Administrative Fines with prot. no 4539 dated 7/07/2017

 

· Official Bulletin of the Government Gazette no 3631/29/05/2007 (registration of the incorporation act)
· Official Bulletin of the Government Gazette no 1207/ 08/05/2012 (change of company’s Board of Directors & representation)
· Official Bulletin of the Government Gazette no 7427/20/07/2012 (change of company’s seat)
· Official Bulletin of the Government Gazette no 2801/18.03.2014 (financial accounts for fiscal year 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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B) Financial Due Diligence

 

· Balance 2015
· Balance 2016
· Balance 2017
· Balance Sheet 2016
· Lease Notary Deed 7.869/29/02/2010
· Sublease Agreement with Polygon-Telecommunications Surveys Constructions SA (02/01/2017)
· Fixed Costs 2009
· Income Tax Statement 2014
· Income Tax Statement 2015
· VAT Submission 2016 (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December)
· VAT Submission 2017 (January, February, March)
· Internet Banking (winbank) proof statement March 2017
· Internet Banking (winbank) proof Statement December 2016
· Facility management Agreement with I2E SA dated 01/05/2013
· Tax Certificate (expire 27/06/2017)
· IKA Certificate (expire 09/11/2017)
· IKA Certificate (expire 19/12/2017)
· Tax Certificate (expire 06/05/2017)
· Tax Certificate (expire 20/08/2017)
· Tax Certificate (expire 18/05/2019)
· IKA Certificate (expire 12/04/2019)
· Statement of economic data from business activity 2014
· Statement of economic data from business activity 2015
· Part-time employment contract APOSTOLOPOULOS GEORGIOS (FILE E9)
· List of Employees 2016 (FILE 4)
· Employment contract APOSTOLOPOULOS GEORGIOS 04/07/2013 (FILE 3)
· Insurance Contract no 11556854 (with a reference that it has been paid on 4.07.2017)
· RAE Statement 22/06/2012 (RAE decision no 566)
· Certificate from Hellenic Chambers of Commerce of Thessaloniki no 254732/21/06/2017 that expires 31/12/2017
· Agreement with 3PSECURITY 01/05/2013 for patrol services
· Agreement with INACCESS NETWORKS AE 02/06/2014 for the installation of the Insolar System for the Control Center and Portal
· Agreement with IOANNIS AGNANTIARIS 01/10/2013 as Safety Administrator
· Asset registry

 

 

 

 

 

 

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C) Licenses, documents, books and records

 

1. Generation Licence

 

1.1 Generation Licence, Ministerial Decision with Ref. No Δ6/Φ16.275/οικ. 5738/ 29-3-2010 of the Minister of Environment Energy and Climate Change
Relevant Documents

(a)         Copies of abstracts of the two (2) daily newspapers of Athens “H AYGI” issue 11105 dated 13-5-2011 p. 21 and ‘GOAL’ issue 11-5-2011.

(b)        RAE’s positive opinion No 454/18-1-2010 addressed to the Ministry of Environment Energy and Climate Change;

(c)         RAE’s negative opinion no 315/2007 addressed to the Ministry of Development.

(d)        Company’s Application with ref no RAE ΑΘ -00456 (I-71031)/22-4-2008.

(e)         RAE’s Decision no 2314/4-9-2008 addressed to the Ministry of Development.

(f)          RAE’s Decision no 2377/22-9-2008 addressed to the Ministry of Development.

(g)        Topographical Plan of the Engineer Polymeros Mouloudis dated May 2007, certified by RAE on 27-4-2010 with ref. no ΟΑ – 01189.

 

(h)        Letter issued by RAE under ref no O-48032/21-7-11 pursuant to the Company’s application (submitted to RAE on 18-5-11 with RAE ref no I-138021)

(i)          1 st semestrial report for the supervision of the Generation Licence dated 15-10-10, submitted to RAE under Ref No I -137258 on 4-5-2011. A copy of the submitted application for the issuance of an Installation Licence is attached.

(j)          2 nd semestrial report for the supervision of a project with Installation Licence dated 17-5-2011, submitted to RAE under Ref No I -138021 on 18-5-2011.

(k)        3 rd semestrial report for the supervision of a Project with Installation Licence dated 13-1-12, submitted to RAE under Ref No I -149350 on 16-1-2012.

(l)          3 rd (as referred in the report) semestrial report for the supervision of a Project with Installation Licence dated 3-5-2012.

(m)      Copy of an abstract of newspaper “Goal” issue dated 11-5-2011 and “Avgi” issue no 11105 dated 13-5-2011.

 

1.2 Decision 277/2012 of RAE for the amendment of the Company’s Generation Licence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  9  
 

 

 

2.       Installation Licence

 

2.1   Installation Licence, Decision with Ref. No 5484/Φ Φ/Β.13/ 15-10-2010 of the Director of the Directorate for Waters of the Prefecture East Macedonia – Thrace.    

 

   Relevant Documents

(i)        Non signed copy of the application filed by Energeiakes Technologies Corp. for the issuance of the Installation Licence on behalf of the Company dated 19-8-2008.

 

(ii)     Abstracts of the newspapers Eparxiakos Typos, p. 10, issue dated 22-10-2010 and Eleftheros, p. 37, issue dated 29-10-2010

 

2.2. Decision 7332/Φ Φ/Β.13/10-4-2012 of the Department of Technical Support and Natural Resources of East Macedonia and Trace, Directorate of Technical Control for the amendment of the Company’s Installation Licence

 

 

3. Environmental Approvals and Consents

 

3.1 Decision with Ref No Π- 1079/09 issued by the Director of the Directorate of Environment Prefectural Department of Evros, Prefectural Self Government of Evros – Rodopi for the Approval of the Environmental Terms of the Project
Relevant Documents

(a)       Opinion with ref no π-500/3-4-2012 of the Directorate of Environment and Urban Planning, Department of Environment and Water Economy of Evros.

(b)      Letter with ref. no. Π-1082οικ/10-11-2009 issued by the Directorate of Environment of the Prefecture Department of Evros, Prefecture Self Government of Evros – Rodopi.

(c)       Opinion of the Ministry of Culture, 15 th Directorate of Byzantine Antiquities with ref. no 900/21-6-2007.

(d)      Opinion of the Ministry of Culture, ΙΘ’ Directorate of Prehistorical and Classical Antiquities with ref. no. 1942/28-6-2007.

(e)       Opinion of the Ministry of Culture, Directorate of Contemporary Monuments of Central Macedonia with ref. no 1807/15-6-2007.

(f)        Opinion of the Forest Authority of Soufli, Directorate of Forests – Evros with ref. no 3925/24-7-2007.

(g)      Certificate of the Directorate of Urban Planning and Environment, Prefecture Department of Evros with ref. no I-2277/07 dated 25-5-2007.

 

3.2  Decision with ref. no. 20963/1357/2-11-2009 issued by the Department of Environmental and Urban Planning of the Directorate of Environment and Urban Planning of the District of East Macedonia and Thrace (Preliminary Environmental Impact Study).

 

Relevant documents

(a)       Abstract of the newspaper Eleftheri Thraki, issue 14196/5-12-2009.

(b)      Opinion of the Civil Aviation Service , General Directorate for Air Transportation, Directorate of Airports, Department of Maps and Encumbrances of the Ministry of Communication and Transportation, with Ref No Δ3/Δ/22653/5329, dated 18-6-2007.

(c)       Opinion of the Directorate of Tourism of East Macedonia and Thrace , with ref. no. 458/24-3-2008.

(d)      Opinion of the General Authority for National Defence with ref. no Φ.100.1/87141σ.8430/20-9-2007.

(e)       Opinion of the Directorate of Certification of the General Directorate of Communications of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications with ref. no 39094 dated 16-7-2007

(f)        Decision of the Prefectural Urban Planning Committee (ΝΕΧΩΠ ) no 67/2009 dated 26-10-2009.

(g)      Copy of the Preliminary Impact Study submitted by the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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4. Other documents

 

4.1 Approval of Small Scale Works no 351/27-1-2012 (execution date 8-2-2012)

 

Relevant Documents

(a) Attached to the Approval of Small Scale Works are copies legally certified by the Urban Planning Authority of Alexandroupolis: (a) of the Topographical Chart of the engineer Maria Anna Mavromati dated January 2012 and (b) of a coverage plan ( διάγραμμα κάλυψης ) of the same engineer.

 

4.2 Act for the characterization of Land with Ref No 3398/24-5-2007 issued by the Soufli Forest Authority, Directorate of Forest of Evros.

 

Relevant Documents

Certificate with the ref no 5090/28-8-2007 issued by the Soufli Forest Authority, Directorate of Forest of Evros

 

4.3 Agreement for the construction of Grid Connection Works dated 20-12-2012 between PPC S.A. and the Company

 

Relevant Documents

Connection Offer issued by HTSO addressed to the Company with ref. no 10371/31-8-2010, valid for four (4) years from the date of issuance.

Letter of Acceptance of Connection Terms of the PV Plant of the Company issued by the Company and addressed to HTSO dated 7-9-2010

Receipt of payment No 922830/23-12-2010 for the amount of Connection Terms (i.e. 35.000,00 euros plus corresponding VAT 23% 8.050,00 euros, in total 43.050,00 euros) to PPC by the Company.

 

4.4 Power Purchase Agreement no. 4998 dated 24-1-2011 between HTSO S.A. and the Company

 

Relevant Documents

Letter issued by HTSO with ref. no 168 dated 10-1-2012

Letter issued by the Company addressed to HTSO dated 13-12-2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT C: BANK CHEQUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  12  

Exhibit 12.1

 

Certification by the Chief Executive Officer

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

 

I, Xiaofeng Peng, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. (the “Company”);

 

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 Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The Company’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 Company 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 Company, 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 Company’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 Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The Company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’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 Company’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 Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 30, 2019

 

By:  

/s/ Xiaofeng Peng

 
    Name:       Xiaofeng Peng  
    Title:       Chief Executive Officer  
            (Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officer)  

Exhibit 13.1

 

Certification by the Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

In connection with this annual report on Form 20-F of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Xiaofeng Peng, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

 

(1) The Report 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 Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: April 30, 2019

 

           
By:  

/s/ Xiaofeng Peng

 
    Name:   Xiaofeng Peng  
    Title:   Chief Executive Officer  
        (Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officer)  

Exhibit 15.1

 

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

The Board of Directors

SPI Energy Co., Ltd:

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement (No. 333-147246) on Form S-8 and its Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. (as successor in interest to Solar Power, Inc.) and the registration statement (No. 333-203917) on Form S-8 and its Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. (as successor in interest to Solar Power, Inc.), of our report dated October 27, 2017, with respect to the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year ended December 31 2016 (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”) of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”), before the effects of the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in presentation of the consolidated statements of cash flows described in Note 3(cc), the adjustments to retrospectively apply the change in accounting and presentation of discontinued operations described in Note 4, and the adjustments to retrospectively reflect the reverse stock splits to all share and net loss per share information as described in Note 22(a), which report appears in the December 31, 2018 annual report on Form 20-F of SPI Energy Co., Ltd.

 

Our report dated October 27, 2017 contains an explanatory paragraph that states the Group has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a working capital deficit and a net capital deficit as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Group has defaulted repayment of substantial amounts of debts and borrowings.  These factors raise substantial doubt about the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

 

 

 

/s/ KPMG Huazhen LLP

 

Shanghai, China

April 30, 2019

 

 

Exhibit 15.2

 

 

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent

 

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. on Form S-8 (FILE NO. 333-203917) and its Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 of our report which includes an explanatory paragraph as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, dated April 30, 2019, with respect to our audits of the consolidated financial statements of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F of SPI Energy Co., Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Our report on the consolidated financial statements refers to the audited adjustments to the 2016 financial statements to retrospective apply the change in presentation of restricted cash on the consolidated statements of cash flows, the change in accounting and presentation of discontinued operation and the audited adjustments to all share and net loss per share information to retrospectively reflect the reverse stock splits.

 

 

/s/ Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk llp

 

Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk llp

Beijing, China

April 30, 2019