Form: 6-K

Current report of foreign issuer pursuant to Rules 13a-16 and 15d-16 Amendments

January 28, 2022

     

 

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. Announces Record Revenues of $99.41 Million, an Increase of 14.5% for the Fiscal Year 2021

 

WENZHOU, China, Jan. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ZK International Group Co., Ltd. (ZKIN) ("ZK International" or the "Company"), a designer, engineer, manufacturer, and supplier of patented high-performance stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products primarily used for water and gas supplies, today announced its audited financial results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021.

 

Financial Highlights for the Fiscal Year 2021

 

    For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30,  
($ millions, except per share data)   2021     2020     % Change  
Revenue   $ 99.41     $ 86.85       14.46 %
Gross profit   $ 6.47     $ 3.94       64.13 %
Gross margin     6.51 %     4.54 %     1.97 percentage points  
Income (loss) from operations   $ (3.65 )   $ (1.88 )     94.40 %
Operating income (loss) margin     (3.68 %)     (2.16 %)     -1.51 percentage points  
Net income (loss) attributable to ZK                        
International   $ (3.80 )   $ (0.83 )     -360.20 %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.05 )     236.70 %
Net book value per share   $ 3.08     $ 2.72       13.24 %

 

 

 

 

· Revenue increased by 14.46% to a record $99.41 million primarily driven by the market demand of construction materials and the shortages of supply in the current market. In particular, the piping systems in the real estate sector, we observed an increase of the weighted average selling price ("ASP") during the fiscal year 2021. As a result of global shortage of construction materials, with our ability to lock in the supply of material, our international sales increased by 144.04% compared to the last fiscal year.
     
· Gross profit increased by 64.13% to $6.47 million. Gross margin was 6.51%, compared to 4.54% for the prior fiscal year. The increase of gross profit was primarily due to increased weighted average selling prices which is attributable to the market demand recovery over the construction materials and supply shortages on the current market.
     
· Loss from operations was $3.65 million, compared to loss from operations of $1.88 million for the prior fiscal year. The increase of operational loss was mainly due to the one-time stock-based compensations incurred during the fiscal year 2021 for the expenses related to our new business operations and subsidiaries. During fiscal year 2021, we hired third-part individuals and consulting firms to facilitate our operations in xSigma Corporation, which is principally engaged in decentralized finance ("DeFi") and cryptocurrency market, and xSigma Collectibles which is principally engaged in operating an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) marketplace.
     
· Net loss attributable to ZK International was $3.80 million, or net loss of $0.17 per share. This compared to net loss attributable to ZK International of $0.83 million, or $0.05 per share, for the prior fiscal year.
     
· Net book value per share was $3.08 as of September 30, 2021, compared to $2.72 as of September 30, 2020.

 

Mr. Jiancong Huang, Chairman of ZK International, commented, "We are pleased with our record revenue growth to almost $100 million and increased gross margin. Our financial results in 2021 were largely driven by the market recovery from the pandemic and worldwide construction material supply shortage. The Chinese government also continues to focus on improving water and gas infrastructure. Our ability to work closely with the local government and provide sophisticated piping solutions for major projects is key to our growth trajectory. We anticipate that our business will continue to grow and expand into the the next fiscal year."

 

Mr. Huang continued, "Building on the foundation of our core steel pipe business, we are excited to provide additional value to our shareholders with our various investments in our xSigma subsidiary assets. With our investments into xSigma DeFi, xSigma Trading, MaximBet, and MaximNFT, we are excited in diversifying our revenue stream and creating shareholder value for our shareholder. We are thinking out of the box and by doing so, we are confident that ZK is going to provide its existing and future shareholders with a value propisition for a long time to come".

 

 

 

 

Financial Results for the Fiscal Year 2021

 

Revenues

 

Revenues increased by $12,560,426 or 14.46%, to $99,407,217 for the year ended September 30, 2021 from $86,846,791 for the year ended September 30, 2020. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by the following factors:

 

1) Due to increased market demand of construction materials and the shortages of supply in the current market. In particular, the piping systems in the real estate sector, we observed an increase of the weighted average selling price ("ASP") during the fiscal year 2021.

 

2) As a result of global shortage of construction materials, and our ability to lock in supply of material, our international sales increased by 144.04% compared to the last fiscal year. Our international sales revenue during fiscal year 2021 amounted to $2,707,441, an increase of

$1,676,951 compared to last fiscal year.

 

Gross Profit

 

Our gross profit increased by $2,528,386, or 64.13%, to $6,471,188 for the year ended September 30, 2021 from $3,942,802 for the year ended September 30, 2020. Gross profit margin was 6.51% for the year ended September 30, 2021, as compared to 4.54% for the year ended September 30, 2020. The increase of gross profit was primarily due to increased weighted average selling prices which is attributable to the market demand recovery over the construction materials and supply shortages on the current market.

 

In the prior years, our gross profit decreased by $11,701,240, or 74.80%, to $3,942,802 for the year ended September 30, 2020 from $15,644,042 for the year ended September 30, 2019. Gross profit margin was 4.54% for the year ended September 30, 2020, as compared to 24.49% for the year ended September 30, 2019. The decrease of gross profit was primarily due to decreased weighted average selling prices we offered to customers as a temporary sales strategy during the pandemic by providing one-off discount on certain products to some key customers as a result of other customers not being able to fulfill their orders as they suffered from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year. The decrease of gross profit was also attributable to the increased sales percentage of low gross margin products such as stainless steel coil and strip and decreased sales percentage of high gross margin products such as stainless steel piping and fitting products. The gross profit of stainless steel coil products is approximately 0.15% due to the decrease of average selling price of stainless steel coil products, while our water and gas piping products generally have gross margin of 7.58% during the year ended September 30, 2020.

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

 

Selling and marketing expenses increased by $0.90 million, or 40.71%, to $3.12 million for the fiscal year 2021 from $2.22 million for the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of sales, selling and marketing expenses was 3.1% for the fiscal year 2021, compared to 2.6% for the prior fiscal year. This increase is primarily due to increase in payroll expenses, freight expenses, and compensation for the sales personnel during the year. The increase in our selling and marketing expenses is related to our international sales and can be attributed to the increased marketing of our subsidiaries.

 

General and administrative expenses increase by $3.30 million, or 132.49%, to $5.77 million for the fiscal year 2021 from $2.48 million for the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses was 5.8% for the fiscal year 2021, compared to 2.9% for the prior fiscal year. The increase is primarily due to the stock-based compensation incurred during the fiscal year 2021 for the expenses related to our new business operations and subsidiaries. During fiscal year 2021, we hired third-part individuals and consulting firms to facilitate our operations in xSigma Corporation, which is principally engaged in decentralized finance ("DeFi") and cryptocurrency market, and xSigma Collectibles which is principally engaged in operating an NFT (Non-Fungible Token) marketplace.

 

Research and development expenses increased by $0.11 million, or 9.84%, to $1.23 million for the fiscal year 2021 from $1.12 million for the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of sales, research and

development expenses was 1.2% for the fiscal year 2021, compared to 1.3% for the prior fiscal year.

 

The increase was primarily due to the increased research and development activities during fiscal year 2021. Management is committed to expanding our research and development activities to enhance competitive advantage.

 

Total operating expenses increase by $4.30 million, or 73.9%, to $10.12 million for the fiscal year 2020 from $5.82 million for the prior fiscal year. As a percentage of sales, total operating expenses was 10.2% for the fiscal year 2021, compared to 6.7% for the prior fiscal year.

 

 

 

 

Income(loss) from Operations

 

Loss from operations was $3.65 million for the fiscal year 2021, compared to loss from operations of $1.88 million for the prior fiscal year. As a result, operating loss margin was 3.68% for the fiscal year 2021, compared to operating loss margin of 2.16% for the prior fiscal year. The increase in operating loss and operating loss margin were primarily related to increased General and Administrative expenses as explained above and partially offset by increased gross profit.

 

Other Income (Expenses)

 

Interest expenses were $1.19 million for the fiscal year 2021, compared to $1.00 million for the prior fiscal year. Other income was $0.43 million for the fiscal year 2021, compared to $0.33 million for the prior fiscal year. As a result, total net other expenses were $0.70 million for the fiscal year 2021, compared to $0.39 million for the prior fiscal year.

 

Net Income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share

 

As a result of the factors described above, net loss was $3.80 million for the fiscal year 2021, compared to net loss of $0.84 million for the prior fiscal year. Net loss margin was 3.82% for the fiscal year 2021, compared to net loss margin of 0.96% for the prior fiscal year.

 

After deducting for non-controlling interests, net loss attributable to ZK International was $3.80 million, or net loss of $0.17 per share, for the fiscal year 2021. This compared to net loss attributable to ZK International of $0.83 million, or $0.05 per share, for the prior fiscal year.

 

 

 

 

Financial Condition

 

As of September 30, 2021, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $13.53 million, compared to $3.76 million as of September 30, 2020. Short-term bank borrowings were $21.39 million as of September 30, 2021, compared to $17.37 million as of September 30, 2020.

 

Accounts receivable was $27.12 million as of September 30, 2021, compared to $31.39 million as of September 30, 2020. Inventories were $20.68 million as of September 30, 2021, compared to $21.68 million as of September 30, 2020. Accounts payable was $2.16 million as of September 30, 2021, compared to $10.35 million as of September 30, 2020.

 

Total current assets and current liabilities were $78.70 million and $44.51 million, respectively, leading to a current ratio of 1.77 as of September 30, 2021. This compared to the total current assets and current liabilities of $64.78 million and $40.88 million, respectively, and current ratio of 1.58 as of September 30, 2020.

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $3.48 million for the fiscal year 2021, compared to net cash provided by operating activities was $0.46 million for the prior fiscal year. Net cash used in investing activities was $27.15 million for the fiscal year 2021, compared to $1.16 million for the prior fiscal year. Net cash provided by financing activities was $40.24 million for the fiscal year 2021, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $0.76 million for the prior fiscal year.

 

About ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

 

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. is a China-based designer, engineer, manufacturer, and supplier of patented high-performance stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products that require sophisticated water or gas pipeline systems. The Company owns 33 patents, 21 trademarks, 2 Technical Achievement Awards, and 10 National and Industry Standard Awards. ZK International is Quality Management System Certified (ISO9001), Environmental Management System Certified (ISO1401), and a National Industrial Stainless Steel Production Licensee that is focused on supplying steel piping for the multi-billion dollar industries of Gas and Water sectors. ZK has supplied stainless steel pipelines for over 2,000 projects, including the Beijing National Airport, the "Water Cube", and "Bird's Nest", which were venues for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Emphasizing superior properties and durability of its steel piping, ZK International is providing a solution for the delivery of high quality, highly sustainable, environmentally sound drinkable water not only to the China market but also to international markets such as Europe, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

 

For more information please visit www.ZKInternationalGroup.com. Additionally, please follow the Company on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Weibo. For further information on the Company's SEC filings please visit www.sec.gov.

 

 

 

 

Safe Harbor Statement

 

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate" or "continue" or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantee of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of ZK International. Actual results may differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties, as well as other risk factors that are included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although ZK International believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in forward-looking statements will be realized. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by ZK International or any other person that their objectives or plans will be achieved. ZK International does not undertake any obligation to revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

 

 

 

ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(IN U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

    For the year ended September 30,  
    2021     2020     2019  
Revenues   $ 99,407,217     $ 86,846,791     $ 63,883,520  
Cost of sales     (92,936,029 )     (82,903,989 )     (48,239,478 )
Gross profit     6,471,188       3,942,802       15,644,042  

 

Operating expenses:

                       
Selling and marketing expenses     3,117,906       2,215,651       2,647,429  
General and administrative expenses     5,772,710       2,482,972       2,897,995  
Research and development costs     1,234,161       1,123,555       1,452,061  
Total operating expenses     10,124,777       5,822,178       6,997,485  

 

Operating Income (loss)

    (3,653,589 )     (1,879,376 )     8,646,557  

 

Other income (expenses):

                       
Interest expenses     (1,196,648 )     (1,000,554 )     (1,151,045 )
Interest income     13,733       7,192       24,437  
Gain on disposal of subsidiary, net           536,612        
Income (loss) on investment     50,649       (256,937 )      
Other income, net     431,438       327,845       921,973  
Total other expenses, net     (700,828 )     (385,842 )     (204,635 )

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (4,354,417 )     (2,265,218 )     8,441,922  

 

Income tax recovery (expense)

    552,146       1,428,202       (248,228 )

 

Net (loss) income

  $ (3,802,271 )   $ (837,016 )   $ 8,193,694  
Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests     2,757       11,402       (86,828 )

 

Net (loss) income attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

    (3,799,514 )     (825,614 )   $ 8,106,866  

 

Net (loss) income

    (3,802,271 )   $ (837,016 )   $ 8,193,694  

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                       
Foreign currency translation adjustment     2,423,439       2,319,048       (1,694,278 )
                         
Total comprehensive income   $ (1,378,832 )   $ 1,482,032     $ 6,499,416  
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests     (14,773 )     (6,136 )     (73,919 )
Comprehensive income attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.   $ (1,393,605 )   $ 1,475,896     $ 6,425,497  

 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

                       
Basic   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 0.49  
Diluted     (0.17 )     (0.05 )     0.49  
                         
Weighted average number of shares outstanding                        
Basic     21,873,594       16,558,037       16,551,708  
Diluted     22,633,819       16,558,037       16,551,708  

 

 

 

 

ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

 

    As of September 30,  
    2021     2020  
Assets            
Current assets            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 13,525,298     $ 3,759,535  
Restricted cash     77,906        
Short-term Investment     2,560,760       294,568  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,221,870 and $2,020,373, respectively     27,124,959       31,393,289  
Notes receivable           192,819  
Other receivables     2,158,120       3,337,634  
Due from related parties           47,135  
Inventories     20,689,252       21,679,258  
Advance to suppliers     12,567,368       4,078,256  
Total current assets     78,703,663       64,782,494  
Property, plant and equipment, net     8,004,855       7,870,680  
Right-of use asset     54,166        
Intangible assets, net     8,749,987       929,021  
Deferred tax assets     353,460       724,612  
Long-term deposit     12,472,847       11,836,860  
Long-term investment     25,323,323       306,837  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 133,662,301     $ 86,450,504  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable   $ 2,159,731     $ 10,351,880  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     6,875,769       4,172,781  
Lease liability - current portion     26,332        
Accrued payroll and welfare     1,853,019       1,555,705  
Advance from customers     5,666,214       2,345,891  
Due to related parties     1,072,335       1,315,803  
Convertible debentures     2,823,364        
Short-term bank borrowings     21,394,761       17,372,894  
Other borrowing - short term portion     283,758       420,741  
Notes payables           153,175  
Income tax payable     2,354,832       3,188,615  
Total current liabilities     44,510,115       40,877,485  
Lease liability - long term portion     27,834        
Other borrowing - long term portion           269,290  
TOTAL LIABILITIES   $ 44,537,949     $ 41,146,775  

 

Equity

               
Common stock, no par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 28,918,177 and 16,558,037 shares issued and     outstanding, respectively                
Additional paid-in capital     63,374,085       18,049,630  
Statutory surplus reserve     2,914,602       2,904,699  
Subscription receivable     (125,000 )      
Retained earnings     19,737,504       23,546,921  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     2,898,594       492,685  
Total equity attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.     88,799,785       44,993,935  
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests     324,567       309,794  
Total equity     89,124,352       45,303,729  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   $ 133,662,301     $ 86,450,504  

 

 

 

 

ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

 

    For the year ended September 30,  
    2021     2020     2019  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:                  
Net income   $ (3,802,271 )   $ (837,016 )   $ 8,193,694  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:                        
Depreciation expense     568,038       438,467       375,286  
Amortization expense     481,763       11,366       13,638  
Loss on disposal of fixed assets           7,608       2,244  
Bad debt expense     92,032              
Inventory provision           103,942        
Write-off of advance to suppliers     108,395       100,684       102,523  
Deferred tax benefits     406,064       (406,637 )     (1,958 )
Non-cash service expense                 50,679  
Gain on disposal of subsidiary           (536,612 )      
Loss on investment           214,114        
Change in unrecognized tax benefits     (918,038 )     (1,021,565 )      
Stock compensation expense     1,351,082              
Interest expense of convertible notes     210,173              
Interest expense of financing lease     44,458              
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                        
Accounts receivable     5,804,654       (4,800,889 )     995,327  
Other receivables     1,345,520       (793,936 )     680,970  
Notes receivable     201,187       206,465       13,119  
Inventories     2,021,789       103,123       (3,846,722 )
Advance to suppliers     (8,297,301 )     2,933,852       596,380  
Right of use assets     (53,634 )              
Accounts payable     (8,662,576 )     5,582,787       2,593,103  
Notes payable     (159,823 )     (153,824 )     308,005  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     2,428,410       (484,477 )     (1,314,005 )
Accrued payroll and welfare     211,632       140,497       506,894  
Advance from customers     3,162,961       (198,358 )     (887,934 )
Income tax payable     (77,214 )     (149,386 )     83,250  
Lease liability     53,635              
Net cash provided (used in) operating activities     (3,479,064 )     460,205       8,464,493  

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                       
Purchases of property, plant and equipment     (114,319 )     (1,168,322 )     (880,289 )
Proceed from disposal of property, plant and equipment           6,281       5,963  
Purchase of CIP     (47,942 )            
Disposal of intangible asset                  
Purchases of intangible assets     (1,983,812 )           (11,149 )
Investment into CG Malta     (25,000,000 )            
Net cash used in investing activities     (27,146,073 )     (1,162,041 )     (885,475 )

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing activities:                  
Net proceeds released from (placed into) short-term investment     (2,228,301 )           559,030  
Net proceeds received from (placed into) long-term deposit                 (7,682,151 )
Proceeds from short-term bank borrowings     31,203,129       18,061,979       25,875,962  
Repayments of short-term bank borrowings     (28,144,978 )     (17,836,445 )     (28,199,497 )
Net proceeds received from (repaid to) related parties     (280,313 )     (133,007 )     (2,279,911 )
Proceed from other borrowing           775,951        
Repayment of other borrowing     (483,458 )     (107,195 )      
Proceeds from stock issuances     24,758,458              
Proceeds from convertible notes issuances     14,071,908              
Proceeds from stock warrants exercise     1,345,056              
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     40,241,501       761,283       (11,726,567 )

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    227,305       248,950       (83,902 )

 

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

    9,843,669       308,397       (4,231,451 )
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of period     3,759,535       3,451,138       7,682,589  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of period   $ 13,603,204     $ 3,759,535     $ 3,451,138  

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information: Non-cash financing activities

  $     $     $  
Cash paid for income taxes   $ 37,041     $ 149,291     $ 170,331  
Cash paid for interest expenses   $ 338,575     $ 991,319     $ 1,197,504  

 

 

For Enquiries:

 

Contact Person: Di Chen

Cell Number: +86 15057357883

Email: super.di@live.cn