EXHIBIT 99.1
Published on September 28, 2022
Exhibit 99.1
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
IN CONNECTION WITH THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2021
In this report, as used herein, and unless the context suggests otherwise, the terms “ZK” “Company” “we” “us” or “ours” refer to the combined business of ZK International Group Co., Ltd., its subsidiaries. References to “dollar” and “$” are to U.S. dollars, the lawful currency of the United States, and references to “Renminbi” and “RMB” are to the legal currency of China. References to “SEC” are to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report on Form 6-K and with the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2022 (the “2021 Annual Report”). This discussion may contain forward-looking statements based upon 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 identified elsewhere in this report on Form 6-K, and those listed in the 2021 Annual Report under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” or in other parts of the 2021 Annual Report.
Results of Operations
The tables in the following discussion summarize our consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this press release. The operating results in any period are not necessarily of the results that may be expected for any future period.
For the Six Months Ended March 31, |
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2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Revenues | $ | 42,890,657 | $ | 42,168,823 | ||||
Cost of sales | (38,923,548 | ) | (37,461,065 | ) | ||||
Gross profit | 3,967,109 | 4,707,758 | ||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses | 930,052 | 2,769,264 | ||||||
General and administrative expenses | 2,232,863 | 1,166,210 | ||||||
Research and development costs | 560,216 | 2,419,355 | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 3,723,132 | 6,354,829 | ||||||
Operating Income (loss) | 243,977 | (1,647,071 | ) | |||||
Other income (expenses): | ||||||||
Interest expenses | (465,466 | ) | (528,598 | ) | ||||
Interest income | 4,493 | 9,543 | ||||||
Other income (expenses), net | 218,277 | 325,539 | ||||||
Total other income (expenses), net | (242,696 | ) | (193,516 | ) | ||||
Income (Loss) before income taxes | 1,281 | (1,840,587 | ) | |||||
Income tax provision | - | (76,306 | ) | |||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1,281 | $ | (1,916,893 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests | (9,635 | ) | (1,334,346 | ) | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd. | $ | (8,354 | ) | $ | (582,547 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1,281 | $ | (1,916,893 | ) | |||
Other comprehensive income: | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 871,641 | 1,863,153 | ||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | 872,922 | (53,740 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests | (15,437 | ) | (1,315,874 | ) | ||||
Comprehensive income attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd. | 857,485 | 1,262,134 | ||||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share | ||||||||
Basic | - | (0.03 | ) | |||||
Diluted | - | (0.03 | ) | |||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding | ||||||||
Basic | 28,918,177 | 19,243,252 | ||||||
Diluted | 33,692,819 | 21,743,252 |
Revenue
Revenue increased by $721,834 or 1.71%, to $42,890,657 for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $42,168,823 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by our increased sales of stainless steel coil and nickel material as compared to our stainless steel piping and fitting products. During six months ended March 31, 2022, the sales of stainless steel coil and nickel material accounts for approximately 65.36% of our total revenue, as compared to 53.85% of our total revenue during six months ended March 31, 2021.
Gross profit
Our gross profit decreased by $740,649, or 15.73%, to $3,967,109 for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $4,707,758 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. Gross profit margin was 9.25% for the six months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to 11.16% for the six months ended March 31, 2021. The decrease of gross profit was primarily due to increased sales percentage of low margin products such as stainless steel coil products and decreased sales percentage of high-margin products such as water and gas piping products. The gross profit of stainless steel coil products is approximately 0.57% 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 22.67% during six months ended March 31, 2022.
Selling and Marketing Expenses
We incurred $930,052 in selling and marketing expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $2,769,264 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. Selling and marketing expenses decreased by $1,839,212, or 66.42%, during the six months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the six months ended March 31, 2022. This decrease is primarily due to decreased marketing expenses paid for the marketing and promoting services provided to xSigma Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company. During the six months ended March 31, 2021, the Company entered into a Consultancy Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Dentoro Alliance LP, a company incorporated in the Republic of Ireland (the “Consultant”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Consultant agreed to provide marketing services for the business development of xSigma Corporation, including website development, social media and community management, content creation and public relations management. In exchange for the Consultant’s services, the Company agreed to pay the Consultant 250,000 ordinary shares of the Company. The shares are valued at $3.58/share.
General and Administrative expenses
We incurred $2,232,863 in general and administrative expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $1,166,210 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. General and administrative expenses increased by $1,066,653, or 91.46%, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. The increase is primarily due to decrease in travelling expenses and administrative staff salary.
Research and Development Expenses
We incurred $560,216 in research and development expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $2,419,355 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. R&D expenses decreased by $1,859,139, or 76.84%, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. During the six months ended March 31, 2021, our various subsidiaries developed a DeFi exchange, a cryptocurrency trading platform, and an NFT platform, while those platforms were in late-stage development during the six months ended March 31, 2022 and therefore the related expenses decreased significantly.
Income from operations
As a result of the factors described above, we incurred operating income of $243,977 for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to operating loss of $1,647,071 for the six months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of operating income of $1,891,048.
Other income and expenses
Our interest income and expenses were $4,493 and $465,466, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to interest income and expenses of $9,543 and $528,598, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2021. The decrease of interest expense is primarily due to the decrease of bank loan incurred during fiscal half year of 2022. Other income mainly consists of government grant for financial support to the Company under local government’s innovation incentive programs.
Net Income
As a result of the factors described above, we incurred net loss of $1,281 for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to net loss of $1,916,893 for the six months ended March 31, 2021, a increase in profit of $1,918,174.
Foreign currency translation
Our consolidated financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars but the functional currency of our operating subsidiaries is RMB. Results of operations and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period, assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate at the end of the period and equity is translated at historical exchange rates. Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the financial statements denominated in RMB into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income. Our foreign currency translation gain for the six months ended March 31, 2022 was $871,641, compared to a currency translation gain of $1,863,153 for the six months ended March 31, 2021, an decrease of $991,512. The decreased gain is primarily due to the depreciation of RMB against the U.S. dollars.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $5,244,796 and $13,525,298 respectively. We believe that our current cash, cash to be generated from our operations and access to capital market will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs for at least the next twelve months. However, we do not have any amounts committed to be provided by our related party. We are also not dependent upon future financing to meet our liquidity needs for the next twelve months. However, we plan to expand our business to implement our growth strategies in the water supply market and strengthen our position in the marketplace. To do so, we may need more capital through equity financing to increase our production and meet market demands.
Substantially all of our operations are conducted in China and all of our revenues, expense, cash and cash equivalents are denominated in Renminbi (RMB). RMB is subject to the exchange control regulation in China, and, as a result, we may have difficulty distributing any dividends outside of China due to PRC exchange control regulations that restrict its ability to convert RMB into U.S. Dollars.
Under applicable PRC regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a foreign-invested enterprise in China is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to its general reserves until the accumulative amount of such reserves reaches 50% of its registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The board of directors of a foreign-invested enterprise has the discretion to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits to staff welfare and bonus funds, which may not be distributed to equity owners except in the event of liquidation. Under PRC law, RMB is currently convertible into U.S. Dollars under a company’s “current account,” which includes dividends, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, without prior approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), but is not from a company’s “capital account,” which includes foreign direct investments and loans, without the prior approval of the SAFE.
With respect to retained earnings accrued after such date, our board of directors may declare dividends after taking into account our operations, earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability and other factors as it may deem relevant at such time. Any declaration and payment, as well as the amount, of dividends will be subject to our By-Laws, charter and applicable Chinese and U.S. state and federal laws and regulations, including the approval from the shareholders of each subsidiary which intends to declare such dividends, if applicable.
We have limited financial obligations dominated in US dollars, thus the foreign currency restrictions and regulations in the PRC on the dividends distribution will not have a material impact on the liquidity, financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Cash Flow Summary
For the Six Months Ended March 31, |
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2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Net cash used in (provided by) operating activities | $ | (5,862,144 | ) | $ | (4,234,329 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (165,772 | ) | 57,857 | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (1,650,350 | ) | 23,823,569 | |||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 87,415 | 386,231 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | $ | (7,590,851 | ) | $ | 20,033,328 |
Operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $5.86 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to net cash used in was approximately $4.23 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended March 31, 2022 was mainly due to the increase of accounts receivable of approximately $1.97 million, increase of inventory of approximately $5.73 million, increase of other receivables of approximately $3.02 million, decrease of accrued expenses and other current liabilities of approximately $1.19 million, and decrease of advance from customers of approximately $3.25 million, partially offset by the decrease of advance to suppliers of approximately $8.13 million, and increase of accounts payable of approximately $1.12 million.
Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended March 31, 2021 was mainly due to the increase of advance to suppliers of approximately $9.05 million as a result of our advance payment to certain suppliers to order raw materials, decrease of accounts payable of approximately $4.38 million, decrease of accrued expenses and other current liabilities of approximately $2.08 million, partially offset by the decrease of accounts receivable of approximately $6.76 million, increase of advance from customers of approximately $2.91 million and decrease of other receivables of approximately $2.42 million.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $0.17 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to net cash provided by approximately $0.06 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2022 was mainly due to purchases of equipment of approximately $0.12 million.
Net cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2021 was mainly due to disposal of equipment of approximately $0.06 million.
Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $1.65 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of approximately $23.82 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2022 was mainly due to net short-term bank loan repayment of approximately $2.82 million, and net loan repayment to related parties of approximately $0.65 million. The net cash used in financing activities was mainly offset by net proceeds from short-term investment of approximately $2.36 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2021 was mainly due to financing through stock offering and warrants exercise of approximately $27.34 million, and net proceeds from short-term bank loans of approximately $0.35 million. The net cash provided by financing activities was mainly offset by cash advance to related parties of approximately $2.88 million which was subsequently repaid by the related parties, and repayment of related party payables of approximately $1.14 million.
Statement Regarding Unaudited Financial Information
The unaudited financial information set forth above is subject to adjustments that may be identified when audit work is performed on the Company’s year-end financial statements, which could result in significant differences from this unaudited financial information.
Safe Harbor Statement
This report contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may, “will, “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.