10-Q 1 v385437_10q.htm 10-Q

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark one)

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014

Or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ________ to _________

 

Commission file number: 000-33123

 

China Automotive Systems, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   33-0885775
     
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or   (I.R.S. employer identification number)
organization)    

 

No. 1 Henglong Road, Yu Qiao Development Zone, Shashi District

Jing Zhou City, Hubei Province, the People’s Republic of China

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

  (86) 716- 832- 9196  
     
  Issuer’s telephone number  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes          x          No          ¨

 

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

 

Yes          x          No          ¨

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer ¨
       
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)		 ¨  Smaller reporting company x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes          ¨          No          x

 

As of August 13, 2014, the Company had 28,043,019 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

 

 
 

  

CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.

 

INDEX

 

    Page
     
Part I — Financial Information
     
Item 1. Financial Statements. 4
  Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 4
  Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 6
  Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 7
  Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 9
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 30
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. 48
Item 4. Controls and Procedures. 48
     
Part II — Other Information
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings. 51
Item 1A. Risk Factors. 51
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. 52
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities. 52
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. 52
Item 5. Other Information. 52
Item 6. Exhibits. 52
     
Signatures 54

 

2
 

  

Cautionary Statement

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future financial performance. The Company has attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “can,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the matters set forth in this Quarterly Report or other reports or documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those projected. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company’s expectations are as of the date this Form 10-Q is filed, and the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is filed to confirm these statements to actual results, unless required by law. All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Item 1A “Risk Factors” of Part II in this report.

 

3
 

  

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands of USD, except share and per share amounts)

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Net product sales, including $14,928 and $9,035 to related parties for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013  $115,476   $97,889 
Cost of products sold, including $7,461 and $6,006 purchased from related parties for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013   93,893    79,500 
Gross profit   21,583    18,389 
Gain on other sales   8,226    1,058 
Less: Operating expenses          
Selling expenses   4,327    3,800 
General and administrative expenses   3,776    3,217 
Research and development expenses   5,180    4,616 
Total operating expenses   13,283    11,633 
Income from operations   16,526    7,814 
Other income, net   139    3 
Financial income (expenses), net   (28)   (108)
Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies   16,637    7,709 
Less: Income taxes   3,126    1,571 
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies   75    68 
Net income   13,586    6,206 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   2,580    1,225 
Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders  $11,006   $4,981 
Comprehensive income:          
Net income  $13,586   $6,206 
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax   (25)   3,436 
Comprehensive income   13,561    9,642 
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests   2,576    1,808 
Comprehensive income attributable to parent company  $10,985   $7,834 
           
Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders per share          
           
Basic –  $0.39   $0.18 
           
Diluted-  $0.39   $0.18 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding          
Basic   28,043,019    28,043,019 
Diluted   28,064,376    28,048,789 

 

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

 

4
 

  

China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands of USD, except share and per share amounts)

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Net product sales, including $26,738 and $17,178 to related parties for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013  $229,782   $195,052 
Cost of products sold, including $14,652 and $12,671 purchased from related parties for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013   186,861    157,302 
Gross profit   42,921    37,750 
Gain on other sales   9,135    1,732 
Less: Operating expenses          
Selling expenses   7,369    6,964 
General and administrative expenses   7,322    7,343 
Research and development expenses   11,068    8,016 
Total operating expenses   25,759    22,323 
Income from operations   26,297    17,159 
Other income, net   378    73 
Financial income (expenses), net   186    (309)
Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies   26,861    16,923 
Less: Income taxes   5,101    3,317 
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies   137    126 
Net income   21,897    13,732 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   4,116    2,811 
Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders  $17,781   $10,921 
Comprehensive income:          
Net income  $21,897   $13,732 
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of tax   (2,422)   4,048 
Comprehensive income   19,475    17,780 
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests   3,712    3,497 
Comprehensive income attributable to parent company  $15,763   $14,283 
           
Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders per share          
           
Basic –  $0.63   $0.39 
           
Diluted-  $0.63   $0.39 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding          
Basic   28,043,019    28,043,019 
Diluted   28,063,939    28,049,863 

 

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

 

5
 

  

China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated)

 

   June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $55,757   $53,979 
Pledged cash deposits   26,959    33,963 
Short-term investments   38,472    35,510 
Accounts and notes receivable, net - unrelated parties   285,182    267,639 
Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties   24,658    17,194 
Advance payments and others - unrelated parties   2,441    3,156 
Advance payments and others - related parties   625    866 
Inventories   63,308    51,392 
Assets held for sale   -    925 
Current deferred tax assets   6,032    5,783 
Total current assets   503,434    470,407 
Non-current assets:          
Property, plant and equipment, net   83,698    80,018 
Intangible assets, net   1,424    686 
Other receivables, net - unrelated parties   441    252 
Other receivables, net - related parties   61    108 
Advance payment for property, plant and equipment - unrelated parties   3,633    3,488 
Advance payment for property, plant and equipment - related parties   1,522    2,097 
Long-term investments   4,114    4,023 
Goodwill   642    - 
Non-current deferred tax assets   4,660    4,528 
Total assets  $603,629   $565,607 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Bank and government loans  $42,840   $37,381 
Accounts and notes payable - unrelated parties   207,889    198,419 
Accounts and notes payable - related parties   4,921    4,634 
Customer deposits   1,723    1677 
Accrued payroll and related costs   6,201    7,052 
Accrued expenses and other payables   43,968    29,062 
Accrued pension costs   5,086    4,626 
Taxes payable   8,287    7,792 
Amounts due to shareholders/directors   376    312 
Current deferred tax liabilities   217    117 
Total current liabilities   321,508    291,072 
Long-term liabilities:          
Advances payable   2,867    2,764 
Non-current deferred tax liabilities   339    - 
Total liabilities  $324,714   $293,836 
           
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 29)          
           
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock, $0.0001 par value - Authorized - 80,000,000 shares; Issued– 28,260,302 and 28,260,302 shares at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively  $3   $3 
Additional paid-in capital   34,518    39,565 
Retained earnings-          
Appropriated   10,178    10,048 
Unappropriated   163,674    146,023 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   30,044    32,061 
Treasury stock – 217,283 and 217,283 shares at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively   (1,000)   (1,000)
Total parent company stockholders' equity   237,417    226,700 
Non-controlling interests   41,498    45,071 
Total stockholders' equity   278,915    271,771 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $603,629   $565,607 

 

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

 

6
 

  

China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated)

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
         
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $21,897   $13,732 
Adjustments to reconcile net income from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   7,751    7,218 
Increase (decrease) in allowance for doubtful accounts   121    (106)
Inventory write downs   1,922    277 
Deferred income taxes   (413)   (143)
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies   (128)   (126)
Amortization of debt issue cost   -    57 
Gain on fixed assets disposals   (7,506)   (165)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
(Increase) decrease in:          
Pledged deposits   6,695    4,306 
Accounts and notes receivable   (25,139)   (32,734)
Advance payments and others   1,038    (219)
Inventories   (7,461)   (4,211)
Increase (decrease) in:          
Accounts and notes payable   7,948    9,689 
Customer deposits   57    (106)
Accrued payroll and related costs   (790)   73 
Accrued expenses and other payables   191    2,679 
Accrued pension costs   502    44 
Taxes payable   1,007    (66)
Advances payable   -    (32)
Net cash provided by operating activities   7,692    167 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Increase in other receivables   636    (212)
Cash received from property, plant and equipment sales   6,777    1,557 
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment   (8,194)   (5,565)
Payments to acquire intangible assets   (5)   (60)
Purchase of short-term investments   (15,882)   (15,376)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments   12,597    - 
Acquisition of Fujian Qiaolong,net of cash acquired   (2,976)   - 
Net cash used in investing activities   (7,047)   (19,656)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from government and bank loan   6,774    14,111 
Repayments of bank loan   (3,251)   (8,069)
Dividends paid to the non-controlling interests   (1,985)   (405)
Increase (decrease) in amounts due to shareholders/directors   69    (40)
Net cash provided by financing activities   1,607    5,597 
Effects of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents   (474)   1,513 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   1,778    (12,379)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   53,979    87,649 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $55,757   $75,270 

 

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

 

7
 

  

China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

(In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated)

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30,		 
   2014   2013 
Cash paid for interest  $603   $739 
Cash paid for income taxes  $3,109   $2,029 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

   Six Months Ended
June 30,		 
   2014   2013 
Advance payments for acquiring property, plant and equipment  $5,155   $3,204 
Non-controlling interests arising as a result of acquisition of Fujian Qiaolong   2,793    - 
Account receivable for selling property, plant and equipment   1,890    - 
Dividends payable to the Company’s shareholders   5,048    - 
Dividends payable to non-controlling interests  $8,127   $167 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF ACQUISITION

  

   Six Months Ended
June 30,		 
   2014   2013 
Purchase consideration settled in cash for Fujian Qiaolong  $(3,007)  $- 
Less: cash acquired   31    - 
Investing cash outflow for acquisitions   (2,976)   - 

 

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

 

8
 

  

China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

 

1.Organization and business

 

China Automotive Systems, Inc., “China Automotive,” was incorporated in the State of Delaware on June 29, 1999 under the name Visions-In-Glass, Inc. China Automotive, including, when the context so requires, its subsidiaries and the joint ventures described below, is referred to herein as the “Company.” The Company is primarily engaged in the manufacture and sale of automotive systems and components, as described below.

 

Great Genesis Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong on January 3, 2003 under the Companies Ordinance in Hong Kong as a limited liability company, “Genesis,” is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Great Genesis is mainly engaged in the manufacture and sale of automotive systems and components through its controlled subsidiaries and the joint ventures, as described below.

  

Henglong USA Corporation, “HLUSA,” incorporated on January 8, 2007 in Troy, Michigan, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and is mainly engaged in marketing of automotive parts in North America, and provides after-sales service and research and development support accordingly.

 

The Company owns the following aggregate net interests in the entities established in the People's Republic of China, the “PRC,” and Brazil as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

   Percentage Interest 
Name of Entity  June 30,
2014		   December 31,
2013		 
Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co., Ltd., “Jiulong” 1   81.00%   81.00%
Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co., Ltd., “Henglong” 2   80.00%   80.00%
Shenyang Jinbei Henglong Automotive Steering System Co., Ltd., “Shenyang” 3   70.00%   70.00%
Universal Sensor Application Inc., “USAI” 4   83.34%   83.34%
Wuhan Jielong Electric Power Steering Co., Ltd., “Jielong” 5   85.00%   85.00%
Wuhu HengLong Automotive Steering System Co., Ltd., “Wuhu” 6   77.33%   77.33%
Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co., Ltd, “Hubei Henglong” 7   100.00%   100.00%
Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Technology (Testing) Center, “Testing Center” 8   80.00%   80.00%
Beijing Henglong Automotive System Co., Ltd., “Beijing Henglong” 9   50.00%   50.00%
Chongqing Henglong Hongyan Automotive System Co., Ltd., “Chongqing Henglong” 10   70.00%   70.00%
CAAS Brazil’s Imports And Trade In Automotive Parts Ltd., “Brazil Henglong” 11   80.00%   80.00%
Fujian Qiaolong Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd., “Fujian Qiaolong” 12   51.00%   - 
Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd., “Wuhan Chuguanjie”13   85.00%   - 

 

  1. Jiulong was established in 1993 and mainly engages in the production of integral power steering gear for heavy-duty vehicles.

 

  2. Henglong was established in 1997 and mainly engages in the production of rack and pinion power steering gears for cars and light-duty vehicles.

 

  3. Shenyang was established in 2002 and focuses on power steering parts for light duty vehicles.

 

  4. USAI was established in 2005 and mainly engages in the production and sales of sensor modules.

 

  5. Jielong was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of electric power steering, “EPS.”

 

9
 

  

  6. Wuhu was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automobile steering systems.

 

  7. On March 7, 2007, Genesis established Hubei Henglong, formerly known as Jingzhou Hengsheng Automotive System Co., Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiary, to engage in the production and sales of automotive steering systems. On July 8, 2012, Hubei Henglong changed its name to Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co., Ltd.

 

  8. In December 2009, Henglong, a subsidiary of Genesis, formed the Testing Center, which mainly engages in the research and development of new products. The registered capital of the Testing Center was RMB30.0 million, equivalent to approximately $4.4 million.

  

  9. On January 24, 2010, Genesis entered into a joint venture contract with Beijing Hainachuan Auto Parts Co., Ltd. to establish Beijing Henglong as a joint venture company to design, develop and manufacture both hydraulic and electric power steering systems and parts. On September 16, 2010, with Beijing Hainachuan’s agreement, Genesis transferred its interest in the joint venture to Hubei Henglong, and left the other terms of the joint venture contract unchanged. According to the joint venture agreement, the Company does not have voting control of Beijing Henglong. Therefore, the Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include Beijing Henglong, and such investment is accounted for through the equity method.

 

  10. On February 21, 2012, Hubei Henglong and SAIC-IVECO Hongyan Company, “SAIC-IVECO,” established a Sino-foreign joint venture company, Chongqing Henglong, to design, develop and manufacture both hydraulic and electric power steering systems and parts.

 

  11. On August 21, 2012, Brazil Henglong was established as a Sino-foreign joint venture company by Hubei Henglong and two Brazilian citizens, Ozias Gaia Da Silva and Ademir Dal’ Evedove. Brazil Henglong engages mainly in the import and sales of automotive parts in Brazil.

 

  12. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired a 51.0% ownership interest in Fujian Qiaolong Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd., “Fujian Qiaolong”, a special purpose vehicle manufacturer and dealer with automobile repacking qualifications, based in Fujian, China. Fujian Qiaolong mainly manufactures and distributes drainage and rescue vehicles with mass flow, drainage vehicles with vertical downhole operation, crawler-type mobile pump stations, high-altitude water supply and discharge drainage vehicles, long-range control crawler-type mobile pump stations and other vehicles. The consideration was approximately $3.0 million.

 

  13. In May 2014, Jielong formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd., “Wuhan Chuguanjie”, which mainly engages in D&R, manufacture and sales of automobile electronic systems and parts. The new wholly-owned subsidiary is located in Wuhan, China.The registered capital of Wuhan Chuguanjie is RMB30.0 million, equivalent to approximately $4.9 million. At the date of release of this quarterly report, Jielong has not completed the capital injection.

 

2.Basis of presentation and significant accounting policies

 

(a)Basis of Presentation

 

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The details of subsidiaries are disclosed in Note 1. Significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. The condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions in Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by such accounting principles for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

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The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but in the opinion of the Company’s management, contain all necessary adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments, for a fair statement of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the interim periods presented.

 

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 is derived from the Company’s audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, although the Company’s management believes that the disclosures contained in these financial statements are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. For further information, please refer to the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2014.

 

Estimation - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(b)Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”. The new guidance changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures in this area. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. Additionally, ASU 2014-08 requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations that will provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. The new guidance also requires disclosure of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. ASU 2014-08 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this update on its financial statements.

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. ASU 2014-09 will eliminate transaction-specific and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current U.S. GAAP and replace it with a principle-based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 will require that companies recognize revenue based on the value of transferred goods or services as they occur in the contract. The ASU also will require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Management is currently assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

 

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In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12 (“ASU 2014-12”), “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period.” ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. As indicated in the definition of vest, the stated vesting period (which includes the period in which the performance target could be achieved) may differ from the requisite service period. For all entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. The effective date is the same for both public business entities and all other entities. Entities may apply the amendments in this Update either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. If retrospective transition is adopted, the cumulative effect of applying this Update as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements should be recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance at that date. Additionally, if retrospective transition is adopted, an entity may use hindsight in measuring and recognizing the compensation cost. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this Update on its financial statements.

  

(c)Significant Accounting Policies

 

Business Combinations – A business combination is recorded using the purchase method of accounting, and the cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of the assets given, liabilities incurred, and equity instruments issued as well as the contingent considerations and all contractual contingencies as of the acquisition date. The costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interests. The excess of (i) the total of consideration of acquisition, fair value of the non-controlling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the subsidiary acquired over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the subsidiary acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the consideration of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

 

Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as a result of the Company’s acquisition of interests in its subsidiary. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of December 31, and between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) revised guidance on “Testing of Goodwill for Impairment.” Under this guidance, the Company has the option to choose whether it will apply the qualitative assessment first and then the quantitative assessment, if necessary, or to apply the quantitative assessment directly. For a reporting unit applying a qualitative assessment first, the Company starts the goodwill impairment test by assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is mandatory. Otherwise, no further testing is required. The quantitative impairment test uses a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is considered not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, the second step of the impairment test is performed in order to determine the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. Determining the implied fair value of goodwill requires valuation of a reporting unit’s tangible and intangible assets and liabilities in a manner similar to the allocation of purchase price in a business combination. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is deemed impaired and is written down to the extent of the difference. The Company estimates total fair value of the reporting unit using discounted cash flow analysis, and makes assumptions regarding future revenue, gross margins, working capital levels, investments in new products, capital spending, tax, cash flows, and the terminal value of the reporting unit.

 

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There have been no other updates to the significant accounting policies set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

3.Acquisition

 

In the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired a 51.0% ownership interest in Fujian Qiaolong Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd., “Fujian Qiaolong”,a special purpose vehicle manufacturer and dealer with automobile repacking qualification, based in Fujian, China. Fujian Qiaolong mainly manufactures and distributes drainage and rescue vehicle with mass flow, drainage vehicles with vertical downhole operation, crawler-type mobile pump stations, high-altitude water supply and discharge drainage vehicles, long-range control crawler-type mobile pump stations and other vehicles. The acquisition expands the Company’s scope of business and improves the Company’s product mix. The results of Fujian Qiaolong have been included since the date of acquisition and are reflected in the Company’s Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The total purchase price was approximately $3.0 million. The goodwill resulting from the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

The following table summarizes the allocation of consideration and the respective fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Fujian Qiaolong acquisition as of the date of purchase (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

Total purchase price:     
Cash consideration paid to acquire ownership interest  $3,007 
      
Assets     
Cash and cash equivalents  $31 
Current assets, net of cash acquired   8,428 
Deferred tax asset   69 
Property and equipment   3,694 
Intangible assets   864 
Goodwill   642 
Total assets consolidated into the Group  $13,728 
Liabilities     
Current liabilities, excluding current deferred tax liabilities   (7,352)
Deferred tax liabilities   (448)
Other liabilities   (128)
Total liabilities consolidated into the Group   (7,928)
Non-controlling interests at fair value   (2,793)
Total equity consolidated into the Group  $3,007 

 

Pro forma results of operations for the acquisition of Fujian Qiaolong have not been presented because it is not material to the consolidated results of operations.

 

For the acquisition of Fujian Qiaolong, intangible assets which have been assessed and recognized, such as patents and developed technology, have a weighted-average useful life of 4.7 years.

 

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4.Pledged cash deposits

 

Pledged cash deposits are used as guarantees for the Company’s notes payable and their use is restricted. The Company regularly pays some of its suppliers by bank notes. The Company has to make a cash deposit, equivalent to 30 % - 100 % of the face value of the relevant bank note in order to obtain the bank note.

 

5.Short-term investments

 

Short-term investments comprise time deposits with maturity terms of more than three months but due within one year. The carrying values of time deposits approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The interest earned is recognized in the condensed unaudited statements of operations and comprehensive income over the contractual term of the deposit.

 

6.Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

The Company’s accounts and notes receivable as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   June 30, 2014   December 31,
2013		 
Accounts receivable - unrelated parties (1)   $157,495   $140,920 
Notes receivable - unrelated parties (2) (3)    129,111    128,068 
Total accounts and notes receivable- unrelated parties   286,606    268,988 
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - unrelated parties   (1,424)   (1,349)
Accounts and notes receivable, net - unrelated parties   285,182    267,639 
Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties   24,658    17,194 
Accounts and notes receivable, net  $309,840   $284,833 

 

  (1) As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has pledged $11.9 million and $19.1 million, respectively, of accounts receivable as security for its comprehensive credit facility with banks in China.

 

  (2) Notes receivable represent accounts receivable in the form of bills of exchange for which acceptances are guaranteed and settlements are handled by banks.

 

  (3) As of June 30, 2014, Henglong collateralized its notes receivable in an amount of RMB 228.1 million (equivalent to approximately $37.1 million) as security for the credit facility with banks in China and the Chinese government, including RMB 197.1 million (equivalent to approximately $32.0 million) in favor of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Jingzhou Branch, “ICBC Jingzhou,” for the purpose of obtaining the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit (as defined in Note 14) which is used as security for the non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $30.0 million provided by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) Limited, “ICBC Macau,” and RMB 31.0 million (equivalent to approximately $5.0 million) in favor of the Chinese government as security for the low-interest government loan (see Note 14). As of December 31, 2013, Henglong collateralized its notes receivable in an amount of RMB 196.3 million (equivalent to approximately $32.2 million) in favor of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Jingzhou Branch, “ICBC Jingzhou,” for the purpose of obtaining the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit (as defined in Note 14) which is used as security for the non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $30.0 million provided by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) Limited, “ICBC Macau.”

 

7.Inventories

 

The Company’s inventories as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   June 30, 2014   December 31,
2013		 
Raw materials  $14,465   $12,185 
Work in process   13,256    8,079 
Finished goods   35,587    31,128 
Total   $63,308   $51,392 

 

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Provision for inventories valuation amounted to $1.9 million and $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

8.Other receivables, net

 

The Company’s other receivables as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
Other receivables - unrelated parties (1)   $507   $314 
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts- unrelated parties   (66)   (62)
Other receivables, net - unrelated parties  $441   $252 

 

   June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
Other receivables - related parties (1)   $714   $729 
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts- related parties   (653)   (621)
Other receivables, net - related parties  $61   $108 

 

  (1) Other receivables consist of amounts advanced to both related and unrelated parties, primarily as unsecured demand loans, with no stated interest rate or due date. These receivables originate as part of the Company's normal operating activities and are periodically settled in cash.

 

9.Assets held for sale

 

According to the agreement signed between the Company and Jingzhou Land Reserve Center (“JLRC”), a local PRC government bureau, the Company has agreed to transfer the land use rights over 136,392 square meters of a piece of land in total located at Jingzhou city, Hubei Province, the PRC, to JLRC for total consideration of approximately $13.0 million. The collection of the consideration is subject to JLRC’s completion of its sale of such land use rights to be tendered in the open market.

 

In the third quarter of 2013, the Company recognized and received consideration of $4.6 million upon the completion of the sale of the first portion of the land use rights by JLRC. As of December 31, 2013, the balance of assets held for sale represented the remaining land use rights to be sold within the 12 months following such date.

 

In April 2014, JLRC successfully sold the remaining land use rights through an open tender. The consideration for the remaining land use rights was approximately $8.4 million, of which $ 6.5 million was received by the Company as of June 30, 2014 and the remaining $1.9 million has been recorded in accounts and notes receivable on the accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated balance sheets. Accordingly, the Company recorded $7.5 million for the sale of the rest of the land use rights as gain on other sales on the accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

 

10.Long term investments

 

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s balance of long-term investment was $4.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively. For the long-term investments in which the Company has no voting control, such investments were accounted for using the equity method or cost method.

 

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On January 24, 2010, the Company invested $3.1 million to establish a fifty-fifty joint venture company, Beijing Henglong, with an unrelated party. The Company accounts for its operating results with the equity method of accounting.

 

The Company’s share of net assets and net income is reported as “long-term investment” on the condensed unaudited consolidated balance sheets and “equity in earnings of affiliated companies” on the condensed unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. The Company’s condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect the equity earnings of non-consolidated affiliates of $0.13 million and $0.13 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

11.Property, plant and equipment, net

 

The Company’s property, plant and equipment as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
Land use rights and buildings  $46,895   $43,849 
Machinery and equipment   114,549    110,322 
Electronic equipment   7,517    7,414 
Motor vehicles   4,058    3,195 
Construction in progress   6,976    5,133 
Total amount of property, plant and equipment(1)    179,995    169,913 
Less: Accumulated depreciation(2)    (96,297)   (89,895)
Total amount of property, plant and equipment, net(3)   $83,698   $80,018 

 

  (1) Through the acquisition of Fujian Qiaolong in the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired $3.7 million of property, plant and equipment, consisting of $3.4 million of land use rights and buildings, $0.2 million of machinery and equipment, and $0.1 million of motor vehicles, which are depreciated over a weighted average life of 43.0 years, 3.5 years, and 3.1 years, respectively.

 

  (2) Depreciation charges were $4.0 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $7.63 million and $7.13 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

  (3) As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had pledged property, plant and equipment with net book value of $51.0 million and $51.4 million, respectively, for its comprehensive credit facilities with banks in China.

 

12.Intangible assets

 

The Company’s intangible assets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
Costs:          
Patent technology  $2,911   $2,067 
Management software license   699    699 
Total intangible assets(1)    3,610    2,766 
Less: Amortization(2)    (2,186)   (2,080)
Total intangible assets, net  $1,424   $686 

 

(1)Through the acquisition of Fujian Qiaolong in the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired $0.9 million of intangible assets, consisting of $0.9 million of patent technology and $nil of management software licenses, which are amortized over a weighted average life of 4.7 years and 1.1 years, respectively.

 

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(2)Amortization expenses were $0.08 million and $0.04 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $0.12 million and $0.09 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

13.Deferred income tax assets

 

In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” the Company assesses, on a quarterly basis, its ability to realize its deferred tax assets. Based on the more likely than not standard in the guidance and the weight of available evidence, the Company believes a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets is necessary. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considered the following significant factors: an assessment of recent years’ profitability and losses by tax authorities; the Company’s expectation of profits based on margins and volumes expected to be realized, which are based on current pricing and volume trends; the long period in all significant operating jurisdictions before the expiry of net operating losses, noting further that a portion of the deferred tax asset is composed of deductible temporary differences that are subject to an expiry period until realized under tax law. The Company will continue to evaluate the provision of valuation allowance in future periods.

 

The components of estimated deferred income tax assets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   June 30,
2014		   December 31,
2013		 
         
Losses carry forward (U.S.) (1)   $6,946   $6,825 
Losses carry forward (PRC) (1)    2,150    1,838 
Product warranties and other reserves   4,408    4,207 
Property, plant and equipment   4,480    4,346 
Share-based compensation   297    296 
Bonus accrual   418    557 
Other accruals   721    850 
Others   1,070    1,103 
Total deferred tax assets   20,490    20,022 
Less: taxable temporary difference related to revenue recognition   (586)   (793)
Total deferred tax assets, net   19,904    19,229 
Less: Valuation allowance   (9,212)   (8,918)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance (2)   $10,692   $10,311 

 

  (1) The net operating losses carry forward for the U.S. entity for income tax purposes are available to reduce future years' taxable income. These losses will expire, if not utilized, in 20 years. Net operating losses carry forward for non-U.S. entities can be carried forward for 5 years to offset taxable income. However, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the valuation allowance was $9.2 million and $8.9 million, respectively, including $7.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively, allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets in the United States and $2.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively, allowance for the Company’s non-U.S. deferred tax assets. Based on the Company’s current operations in the United States, management believes that the deferred tax assets in the United States are not likely to be realized in the future. For the non-U.S. deferred tax assets, pursuant to certain tax laws and regulations in China, the management believes such amount will not be used to offset future taxable income.

 

  (2) Approximately $4.7 million and $4.5 million of net deferred income tax asset as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, are included in non-current deferred tax assets in the accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The remaining $6.0 million and $5.8 million of net deferred income tax assets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, are included in current deferred tax assets.

 

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14.Bank and government loans, net

 

Loans consist of the following at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   June 30, 2014   December 31,
2013		 
Short-term bank loan (1) (2)   $7,964   $7,381 
Short-term bank loan (3)    30,000    30,000 
Short-term government loan (4)    4,876    - 
Subtotal   42,840    37,381 
Debt issue cost   -    (57)
Amortization   -    57 
Bank and government loans, net  $42,840   $37,381 

 

(1)These loans are secured by property, plant and equipment of the Company and are repayable within one year (see Note 11). As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the weighted average interest rate was 6.86% and 6.22% per annum, respectively. Interest is paid on the twentieth day of each month and the principal repayment is at maturity.

 

(2)On July 18, 2013, Jiulong entered into a one-year loan agreement with China Construction Bank Jingzhou branch in the amount of $1.6 million. The agreement contains certain financial and non-financial covenants, including but not limited to restrictions on the utilization of the funds and the maintenance of an asset-liability ratio not exceeding 60%. As of June 30, 2014, the asset-liability ratio of Jiulong was 53.4% and the Company was in compliance with these covenants at June 30, 2014.

 

(3)On May 18, 2012, the Company entered into a credit facility agreement, the “Credit Agreement,” with ICBC Macau to obtain a non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $30.0 million, the “Credit Facility”. The Credit Facility would have expired on November 3, 2012 unless the Company drew down the line of credit in full prior to such expiration date, and the maturity date for the loan drawdown was the earlier of (i) 18 months from the drawdown or (ii) 1 month before the expiry of the standby letter of credit obtained by Henglong from ICBC Jingzhou as security for the Credit Facility, the “Henglong Standby Letter of Credit”. The interest rate of the Credit Facility is calculated based on a three-month LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum, subject to the availability of funds and fluctuation at ICBC Macau’s discretion. The interest is calculated daily based on a 360-day year and it is fixed one day before the first day of each interest period. The interest period is defined as three months from the date of drawdown. As security for the Credit Facility, the Company was required to provide ICBC Macau with the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit for a total amount not less than $31.6 million if the Credit Facility is fully drawn.

 

On May 22, 2012, the Company drew down the full amount of $30.0 million under the Credit Facility and provided the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit for an amount of $31.6 million in favor of ICBC Macau. The Henglong Standby Letter of Credit issued by ICBC Jingzhou is collateralized by Henglong’s notes receivable of RMB 197.1 million (equivalent to approximately $32.0 million). The Company also paid an arrangement fee of $0.1 million to ICBC Macau and $0.1 million to ICBC Jingzhou. The original maturity date of the Credit Facility was May 22, 2013.

 

On May 7, 2013, ICBC Macau agreed to extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility to May 13, 2014. The interest rate of the Credit Facility under the extended term is revised as the three-month LIBOR plus 2.0% per annum, Except for the above, all other terms and conditions as stipulated in the Credit Agreement remain unchanged.

 

On May 13, 2014, ICBC Macau agreed to extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility to May 12, 2015. The interest rate of the Credit Facility under the extended term is revised as the three-month LIBOR plus 2.55% per annum. Except for the above, all other terms and conditions as stipulated in the Credit Agreement remain unchanged. As of June 30, 2014, the interest rate of the Credit Facility was 2.78% per annum.

 

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(4)On March 28, 2014, the Company received a Chinese government loan of RMB 30.0 million (equivalent to approximately $4.9 million), with an interest rate of 3% per annum, that will mature on March 15, 2015. Henglong has pledged RMB 31.0 million (equivalent to approximately $5.0 million) of notes receivable as security for such government loan (see Note 6).

 

15.Accounts and notes payable

 

The Company’s accounts and notes payable as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   June 30,
2014		   December 31,
2013		 
Accounts payable - unrelated parties  $137,471   $120,202 
Notes payable - unrelated parties (1)    70,418    78,217 
Total accounts and notes payable - unrelated parties   207,889    198,419 
Total accounts and notes payable - related parties   4,921    4,634 
Total accounts and notes payable  $212,810   $203,053 

 

(1)Notes payable represent accounts payable in the form of bills of exchange whose acceptances are guaranteed and settlements are handled by banks. The Company has pledged cash deposits, notes receivable and certain property, plant and equipment to secure notes payable granted by banks.

 

16.Accrued expenses and other payables

 

The Company’s accrued expenses and other payables as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   June 30,
2014		   December 31,
2013		 
Accrued expenses  $4,492   $4,980 
Accrued interest   112    85 
Other payables   2,204    1,858 
Warranty reserves (1)    23,986    22,104 
Dividends payable to common shareholders (2)   5,047    - 
Dividends payable to non-controlling interests  (3)   8,127    35 
Total   $43,968   $29,062 

 

(1)The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties when the products are sold. Such estimates of product warranties are based on, among other things, historical experience, product changes, material expenses, services and transportation expenses arising from the manufactured products. Estimates will be adjusted on the basis of actual claims and circumstances.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and for the year ended December 31, 2013, the warranties activities were as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   Six Months Ended June 30,   Year Ended
December 31,		 
   2014   2013   2013 
Balance at beginning of the period  $22,104   $18,081   $18,081 
Additions during the period   5,055    5,637    12,707 
Settlement within period, by cash or actual material   (2,972)   (4,013)   (9,244)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)   (201)   313    560 
Balance at end of the period  $23,986   $20,018   $22,104 

 

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(2)On May 27, 2014, the Company announced the payment of a special cash dividend of $0.18 per common share to the Company’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 26, 2014.

 

(3)In accordance with the resolution of the board of directors of Henglong, in June 2014, Henglong declared a dividend amounting to $40.6 million to its shareholders, of which $8.1 million was payable to the holder of the non-controlling interests.

 

17.Taxes payable

 

The Company’s taxes payable as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   June 30, 2014   December 31,
2013		 
Value-added tax payable  $4,007   $5,494 
Income tax payable   3,904    1,841 
Other tax payable   376    457 
Total   $8,287   $7,792 

 

18.Advances payable

 

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, advances payable by the Company were $2.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

 

The amounts are special subsidies made by the Chinese government to the Company to offset the cost and charges related to the improvement of production capacities and improvement of the quality of products. For the government subsidies with no further conditions to be met, the amounts are recorded as other income when received; for the amounts with certain operating conditions, the government subsidies are recorded as advances payable when received and will be recorded as a deduction of related expenses and cost of acquired assets when the conditions are met.

 

The balances are unsecured, interest-free and will be repayable to the Chinese government if the usage of such advance does not continue to qualify for the subsidy.

 

19.Additional paid-in capital

 

The Company’s positions in respect of the amounts of additional paid-in capital for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the year ended December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   Six  Months Ended June 30,   Year Ended 
December 31,		 
   2014   2013   2013 
Balance at beginning of the period  $39,565   $39,371   $39,371 
Share-based compensation   -    -    194 
Return of  common shareholders’ investment cost (1)   (5,047)   -    - 
Balance at end of the period  $34,518   $39,371   $39,565 

 

(1)On May 27, 2014, the Company announced a special cash dividend of $0.18 per common share to the Company’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 26, 2014. As China Automotive Systems, the parent company, had an accumulated deficit position as of the date of the dividend declaration, the dividends distributed to the Company’s common shareholders described above are treated as a return of common shareholders’ investment cost.

 

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20.Retained earnings

 

Appropriated

 

Pursuant to the relevant PRC laws and regulations, the profits distribution of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries, which are based on their PRC statutory financial statements, rather than the financial statement that was prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are available for distribution in the form of cash dividends after these subsidiaries have paid all relevant PRC tax liabilities, provided for losses in previous years, and made appropriations to statutory surplus at 10%.

 

When the statutory surplus reserve reaches 50% of the registered capital of a company, additional reserve is no longer required. However, the reserve cannot be distributed to venture partners. Based on the business licenses of the PRC subsidiaries, the registered capital of Henglong, Jiulong, Shenyang, Jielong, Wuhu, Hubei Henglong and Chongqing are $10.0 million, $4.2 million (equivalent to RMB 35.0 million), $8.1 million (equivalent to RMB 67.5 million), $6.0 million, $3.8 million (equivalent to RMB 30.0 million), $39 million and $9.5 million (equivalent to RMB 60.0 million), respectively, and the registered capital of USAI is $2.6 million.

 

The Company’s activities in respect of the amounts of the appropriated retained earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the year ended December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   Six Months Ended June 30,   Year Ended 
December 31,		 
   2014   2013   2013 
Balance at beginning of the period  $10,048   $9,953   $9,953 
Appropriation of retained earnings   130    95    95 
Balance at end of the period  $10,178   $10,048   $10,048 

 

Unappropriated 

 

The Company’s activities in respect of the amounts of the unappropriated retained earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the year ended December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

 

   Six Months Ended June 30,   Year Ended
December 31,		 
   2014   2013   2013 
Balance at beginning of the period  $146,023   $119,329   $119,329 
Net income attributable to parent company   17,781    10,921    26,789 
Appropriation of retained earnings   (130)   (95)   (95)
Balance at end of the period  $163,674   $130,155   $146,023 

 

21. Accumulated other comprehensive income  

 

The Company’s activities in respect of the amounts of the accumulated other comprehensive income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the year ended December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   Six Months Ended June 30,   Year Ended
December 31,		 
   2014   2013   2013 
Balance at beginning of the period  $32,061   $25,898   $25,898 
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to parent company   (2,017)   3,361    6,163 
Balance at end of the period  $30,044   $29,259   $32,061 

 

21
 

  

22.Non-controlling interests

 

The Company’s activities in respect of the amounts of the non-controlling interests’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, and the year ended December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

    Six Months Ended June 30,     Year Ended
December 31,		  
    2014     2013     2013  
Balance at beginning of the period   $ 45,071     $ 38,846     $ 38,846  
Fair value of the non-controlling interests arising from the acquisition of Fujian Qiaolong (1)     2,793       -       -  
Income attributable to non-controlling interests     4,116       2,811       6,276  
Dividends declared to the non-controlling interest holders of joint-venture companies     (10,077 )     (405 )     (1,299 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to non-controlling interests     (405 )     687       1,248  
Balance at end of the period   $ 41,498     $ 41,939     $ 45,071  

 

(1)In the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired a 51.0% equity interest in Fujian Qiaolong (see Note 3). The fair value of the non-controlling interest of Fujian Qiaolong is $2.8 million.

 

23.Gain on other sales

 

Gain on other sales mainly consisted of net amount retained from sales of materials, property, plant and equipment, land use rights, and scraps. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, gain on other sales amounted to $9.1 million as compared to $1.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $7.4million. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company sold the remaining land use rights (see Note 9) and recognized a gain of $7.5 million, which represented the difference between the selling price of $8.4 million and the net book value of the land use rights of $0.9 million. There was no such gain in the same period in 2013.

 

24.Financial (income) expenses, net

 

During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded financial expenses, net which are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Interest expense  $546   $582 
Interest income   (496)   (698)
Foreign exchange gain, net   (196)   (21)
Loss (gain) of cash discount, net   (3)   5 
Bank fees   177    240 
Total financial expense, net  $28   $108 

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Interest expense  $824   $1,005 
Interest income   (1,253)   (1,155)
Foreign exchange gain, net   (1)   47 
Loss (gain) of cash discount, net   (62)   12 
Bank fees   306    400 
Total financial (income) expense, net  $(186)  $309 

 

22
 

  

25.Income tax rate

 

The Company’s subsidiaries registered in the PRC are subject to state and local income taxes within the PRC at the applicable tax rate of 25% on the taxable income as reported in their PRC statutory financial statements in accordance with the relevant income tax laws applicable to foreign invested enterprise, unless preferential tax treatment is granted by local tax authorities. If the enterprise meets certain preferential terms according to the China income tax law, such as assessment as a “High & New Technology Enterprise” by the government, then, the enterprise will be subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15%.

 

Pursuant to the New China Income Tax Law and the Implementing Rules (“New CIT”) which became effective as of January 1, 2008, dividends generated after January 1, 2008 and payable by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign investors will be subject to a 10% withholding tax if the foreign investors are considered as non-resident enterprises without any establishment or place within China or if the dividends payable have no connection with the establishment or place of the foreign investors within China, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a different withholding arrangement.

 

Genesis, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary and the direct holder of the equity interests in the Company’s subsidiaries in China, is incorporated in Hong Kong. According to the Mainland China and Hong Kong Taxation Arrangement, dividends paid by a foreign-invested enterprise in China to its direct holding company in Hong Kong will be subject to withholding tax at a rate of no more than 5%, if the foreign investor owns directly at least 25% of the shares of the foreign-invested enterprise. Under the New CIT, if Genesis is regarded as a non-resident enterprise and therefore is required to pay an additional 5% withholding tax for any dividends payable to it from the PRC subsidiaries.

 

According to PRC tax regulation, the Company should withhold income taxes for the profit distributed from the PRC subsidiaries to Genesis, the subsidiaries’ holding company incorporated in Hong Kong. For the profit that the PRC subsidiaries intended to distribute to Genesis, the Company accrues the withholding income tax as deferred tax liabilities. During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized deferred tax liabilities of $0.07 million and $0.07 million, respectively, for profit to be distributed to Genesis of $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The Company intended to re-invest the remaining undistributed profits generated from the PRC subsidiaries in those subsidiaries permanently. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company still has undistributed earnings of approximately $176.5 million and $158.5 million, respectively, from investment in the PRC subsidiaries that are considered permanently reinvested. Had the undistributed earnings been distributed to Genesis and not permanently reinvested, the tax provision as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of approximately $8.8 million and $7.9 million, respectively, would have been recorded. Such undistributed profits will be reinvested in Genesis and not further distributed to the parent company incorporated in the United States going forward.

 

During 2008, Jiulong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15% for 2008, 2009 and 2010. In 2011, the Company passed the re-assessment of the government based on PRC income tax laws. Accordingly, the Company continued to be taxed at the 15% tax rate in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Company estimated the applied tax rate in 2014 to be 15% as it will probably pass the re-assessment in 2014 and continue to qualify as “High & New Technology Enterprise”.

 

During 2008, Henglong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15% for 2008, 2009 and 2010. In 2011, the Company passed the re-assessment of the government, based on PRC income tax laws. Accordingly, it continued to be taxed at the 15% tax rate in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Company estimated the applied tax rate in 2014 to be 15% as it will probably pass the re-assessment in 2014 and continue to qualify as “High & New Technology Enterprise”.

 

23
 

  

During 2009, Shenyang was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15% for 2009, 2010 and 2011. In 2012, the Company passed the re-assessment of the government based on PRC income tax laws. Accordingly, it will continue to be taxed at the 15% tax rate in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

 

During 2013, Jielong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it is subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15% for 2013, 2014 and 2015.

 

According to the New CIT, Hubei Henglong has been subject to tax at a rate of 12.5% from 2010 to 2012. In November 2011, Hubei Henglong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise”, based on the PRC income tax law. Accordingly, it will be subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15% for 2013. The Company estimated the applied tax rate in 2014 to be 15% as it will probably pass the re-assessment in 2014 and continue to qualify as “High & New Technology Enterprise”.

 

According to the New CIT, USAI and Testing Center were exempted from income tax in 2009, and each has been subject to income tax at a rate of 12.5% in 2010 and 2011, and 25% in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

 

Chongqing Henglong was established in 2012. According to the New CIT, Chongqing Henglong is subject to income tax at a uniform rate of 25%. No provision for Chongqing Henglong is made as it had no assessable income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

Based on Brazilian income tax laws, Brazil Henglong is subject to income tax at a uniform rate of 15%, and a resident legal person is subject to additional tax at a rate of 10% for the part of taxable income over $0.12 million (equivalent to BRL 0.24 million). The Company had no assessable income in Brazil for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

Fujian Qiaolong was acquired in the second quarter of 2014. In November 2011, Fujian Qiaolong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15% for 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Company estimates that it will continue to be taxed at the 15% tax rate in 2014, as a result of the Company being able to pass the re-assessment and continue to qualify as “High & New Technology Enterprise”. No provision for Fujian Qiaolong is made as it had no assessable income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014.

 

The profits tax rate of Hong Kong is 16.5%. No provision for Hong Kong tax is made as Genesis is an investment holding company, and had no assessable income in Hong Kong for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

The enterprise income tax rate of the United States is 35%. No provision for U.S. tax is made for HLUSA as HLUSA had no assessable income in the United States for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2013. HLUSA made a provision for assessable income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014.

 

The enterprise income tax rate of the United States is 35%. No provision for U.S. tax is made for the Company as the Company had no assessable income in the United States for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

The effective tax rate decreased to 18.8% and 19.0% for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 from 20.4% and 19.6% for the same periods in 2013, which was primarily due to a significant increase in assessable income of Henglong which has a low effective tax rate of 15.0%.

 

26.Income per share

 

Basic income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is calculated using the weighted average number of ordinary shares and dilutive ordinary share equivalents outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options is determined based on the treasury stock method.

 

The calculation of basic and diluted income per share attributable to the parent company for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, were (figures are in thousands of USD , except share and per share amounts ):

 

24
 

  

   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Numerator:          
Net income attributable to the parent company’s common shareholders – Basic and Diluted  $11,006   $4,981 
Denominator:          
Weighted average shares outstanding   28,043,019    28,043,019 
Dilutive effects of stock options   21,357    5,770 
Denominator for dilutive income per share – Diluted   28,064,376    28,048,789 
           
Net income per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders – Basic  $0.39   $0.18 
Net income per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders – Diluted  $0.39   $0.18 

 

As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the exercise prices for 60,000 shares and 45,000 shares, respectively, of outstanding stock options were above the weighted average market price of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and these stock options were excluded from the calculation of the diluted income per share for the corresponding periods presented.

  

The calculations of basic and diluted income per share attributable to the parent company for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, were (figures are in thousands of USD , except share and per share amounts ):

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Numerator:          
Net income attributable to the parent company’s common shareholders – Basic and Diluted  $17,781   $10,921 
Denominator:          
Weighted average shares outstanding   28,043,019    28,043,019 
Dilutive effects of stock options   20,920    6,844 
Denominator for dilutive income per share – Diluted   28,063,939    28,049,863 
           
Net income per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders – Basic  $0.63   $0.39 
Net income per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders – Diluted  $0.63   $0.39 

 

As of June 30, 2014 and 2013, the exercise prices for 60,000 shares and 45,000 shares, respectively, of outstanding stock options were above the weighted average market price of the Company’s common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and these stock options were excluded from the calculation of the diluted income per share for the corresponding periods presented.

 

27.Significant concentrations

 

A significant portion of the Company’s business is conducted in China where the currency is the RMB. Regulations in China permit foreign owned entities to freely convert the RMB into foreign currency for transactions that fall under the "current account," which includes trade related receipts and payments, interest and dividends. Accordingly, the Company’s Chinese subsidiaries may use RMB to purchase foreign exchange for settlement of such "current account" transactions without pre-approval. However, pursuant to applicable regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with the PRC law. In calculating accumulated profits, foreign investment enterprises in China are required to allocate at least 10% of their annual net income each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds, including mandated employee benefits funds, unless these reserves have reached 50% of the registered capital of the enterprises.

 

25
 

  

Transactions other than those that fall under the "current account" and that involve conversion of RMB into foreign currency are classified as "capital account" transactions; examples of "capital account" transactions include repatriations of investment by or loans to foreign owners, or direct equity investments in a foreign entity by a China domiciled entity. "Capital account" transactions require prior approval from China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, or its provincial branch to convert a remittance into a foreign currency, such as USD, and transmit the foreign currency outside of China.

 

This system could be changed at any time and any such change may affect the ability of the Company or its subsidiaries in China to repatriate capital or profits, if any, outside China. Furthermore, SAFE has a significant degree of administrative discretion in implementing the laws and has used this discretion to limit convertibility of current account payments out of China. Whether as a result of a deterioration in the Chinese balance of payments, a shift in the Chinese macroeconomic prospects or any number of other reasons, China could impose additional restrictions on capital remittances abroad. As a result of these and other restrictions under the laws and regulations of the PRC, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the parent. The Company has no assurance that the relevant Chinese governmental authorities in the future will not limit further or eliminate the ability of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries to purchase foreign currencies and transfer such funds to the Company to meet its liquidity or other business needs. Any inability to access funds in China, if and when needed for use by the Company outside of China, could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and its business.

 

The Company grants credit to its customers including Xiamen Joylon, Xiamen Automotive Parts, Shanghai Fenglong and Jiangling Yude, which are related parties of the Company. The Company’s customers are mostly located in the PRC.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company’s ten largest customers accounted for 68.7% of its consolidated net product sales, with one customer individually accounting for more than 10% of consolidated net sales, i.e., 11.6%. As of June 30, 2014, approximately 4.9% of accounts receivable were from trade transactions with the aforementioned one customer, and there was one other individual customer with a receivables balance of more than 10% of total accounts receivable, i.e. 12.3%.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company’s ten largest customers accounted for 74.0% of its consolidated net sales, with the largest customer individually accounting for more than 10% of consolidated net sales, i.e., 11.5%. As of June 30, 2013, approximately 6.4% of accounts receivable were from trade transactions with the aforementioned one customer, and there were two other individual customers with a receivables balance of more than 10% of total accounts receivable, i.e. 11.9% and 12.4%, respectively.

 

28.Related party transactions and balances

 

Related party transactions are as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

Related sales

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Merchandise sold to related parties  $14,928   $9,035 
   $14,928   $9,035 

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Merchandise sold to related parties  $26,738   $17,178 
   $26,738   $17,178 

 

26
 

 

Related purchases

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Materials purchased from related parties  $7,461   $6,006 
Technology purchased from related parties   72    421 
Equipment purchased from related parties   336    1051 
Total  $7,869   $7,478 

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Materials purchased from related parties  $14,652   $12,671 
Technology purchased from related parties   164    517 
Equipment purchased from related parties   1,254    1,383 
Total  $16,070   $14,571 

 

Related receivables

 

   June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
Accounts receivable  $24,658   $17,194 
Other receivables   61    108 
Total  $24,719   $17,302 

 

Related advances 

   June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
Advance equipment payment to related parties  $1,522   $2,097 
Advance payments and others to related parties   625    866 
Total  $2,147   $2,963 

 

Related payables 

   June 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
Accounts payable  $4,921   $4,634 

 

These transactions were consummated under similar terms as those with the Company's third party customers and suppliers.

 

Related parties pledged certain land use rights and buildings as security for the Company’s credit facilities provided by banks.

 

 Loans to Related Parties

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2013, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries provided short-term loans to related parties of the Company in the aggregate principal amount of $ 0.7 million (RMB 4.3 million). The contractual period of each loan was three months or less from the date of the extension of the loan and the Company did not charge interest due to their short-term maturity. The loans to related parties were entered into for the purpose of assisting the borrowing entities in addressing certain cash flow needs. All of these loans qualified for net reporting in accordance with ASC 230 “Statement of Cash Flows”. As of June 30, 2013, all of these loans had been repaid to the Company.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, there were no loan activities with related parties.

 

27
 

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013 
Loans to related parties   -   $686 

 

As of August 13, 2014, Hanlin Chen, the Company’s Chairman, owns 63.65% of the common stock of the Company and has the effective power to control the vote on substantially all significant matters without the approval of other stockholders.

 

29.Commitments and contingencies

 

Legal proceedings

 

Securities Action - Southern District of New York. On October 25, 2011, a purported securities class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of all purchasers of the Company’s securities between March 25, 2010 and March 17, 2011. On February 24, 2012, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, changing the purported class period to between May 12, 2009 and March 17, 2011. The amended complaint alleged that the Company, certain of its present officers and directors, and the Company’s former independent accounting firm violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules promulgated thereunder, and sought unspecified damages. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, which the court denied on August 8, 2012. On September 4, 2012, the Company filed an answer to the amended complaint. On January 15, 2013, plaintiffs filed a motion to certify the purported class, which the court denied on May 31, 2013. On July 17, 2013, plaintiffs filed a petition for permission to appeal the order denying class certification, and, on August 1, 2013, the Company filed an answer in opposition to the petition. On October 23, 2013, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit denied plaintiffs’ petition for permission to appeal. On December 6, 2013, plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of a settlement with the Company’s former independent accounting firm and certification of a proposed settlement class, which the district court denied on January 15, 2014. On March 28, 2014, the Company and plaintiffs entered into a settlement agreement. As part of the settlement, on April 29, 2014, the Company and plaintiffs filed a stipulation dismissing all claims by plaintiffs against the Company and its current and former officers and directors, with no admission of any wrongdoing or liability. On April 29, 2014, the court entered an order granting the dismissal. The settlement had no material effect on the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Other than the above, the Company is not a party to any pending or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any threatened legal proceedings. In addition, no director, officer or affiliate of the Company, or owner of record of more than five percent of the securities of the Company, or any associate of any such director, officer or security holder is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company in reference to pending litigation.

 

Other commitments and contingencies

 

In addition to the bank loans, notes payables and the related interest, the following table summarizes the Company’s major commitments and contingencies as of June 30, 2014 (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

    Payment obligations by period  
    2014 (1)     2015     2016     2017     Thereafter     Total  
Interest on short-term bank loan   $ 643     $ 331     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 974  
Obligations for purchasing agreements     4,470       4,197       -       -       -       8,667  
Total   $ 5,113     $ 4,528     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 9,641  

 

(1)Remaining 6 months in 2014.

 

28
 

  

30. Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any significant transactions, obligations or relationships that could be considered off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

31. Segment reporting

 

The accounting policies of the product sectors are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that the disaggregated financial results for the product sectors have been prepared using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which management internally disaggregates financial information for the purposes of assisting them in making internal operating decisions. Generally, the Company evaluates performance based on stand-alone product sector operating income and accounts for inter segment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, at current market prices.

 

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had 12 product sectors, five of which were principal profit makers and were reported as separate sectors and engaged in the production and sales of power steering (Henglong, Jiulong, Shenyang, Wuhu and Hubei Henglong), and one holding company (Genesis). The other seven sectors were engaged in the production and sale of sensor modular (USAI), EPS (Jielong), provision of after sales and R&D services (HLUSA), production and sale of power steering (Chongqing Henglong), trade (Brazil Henglong), commercial vehicle repacking and sales (Fujian Qiaolong), and manufacture and sales of automobile electronic systems and parts (Wuhan Chuguanjie). Since the revenues, net income and net assets of these seven sectors collectively are less than 10% of consolidated revenues, net income and net assets, respectively, in the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company incorporated these seven sectors into “Other Sectors.”

 

As of June 30, 2013, the Company had 10 product sectors, five of which were principal profit makers and were reported as separate sectors and engaged in the production and sales of power steering (Henglong, Jiulong, Shenyang, Wuhu and Hubei Henglong), and one holding company (Genesis). The other five sectors were engaged in the production and sale of sensor modular (USAI), EPS (Jielong), provision of after sales and R&D services (HLUSA), production and sale of power steering (Chongqing Henglong) and trade (Brazil Henglong). Since the revenues, net income and net assets of these five sectors collectively are less than 10% of consolidated revenues, net income and net assets, respectively, in the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements, the Company incorporated these five sectors into “Other Sectors.”

 

As discussed in Acquisition (see Note 3) above, the Company acquired a 51.0% equity interest in Fujian Qiaolong in the second quarter of 2014. The results of Fujian Qiaolong have been included since the date of acquisition and are reflected in Other Sectors in the Company’s segment reporting.

 

The Company’s product sector information for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, is as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   Net Product Sales   Net Income (Loss) 
   Three Months Ended June 30,   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
                 
Henglong  $71,665   $57,829   $11,799   $5,071 
Jiulong   20,155    21,019    399    615 
Shenyang   12,043    10,202    506    227 
Wuhu   5,857    5,689    (35)   (10)
Hubei Henglong   13,684    12,422    42,106(1)   719 
Other Sectors   11,372    7,723    406    828 
Total Segments   134,776    114,884    55,181    7,450 
Corporate   -    -    (1,188)   (1,069)
Eliminations   (19,300)   (16,995)   (40,407)   (175)
Total  $115,476   $97,889   $13,586   $6,206 

 

(1) $40.3 million included in the amount of net income is attributable to the dividend from Henglong, which has been eliminated at the consolidation level.

 

29
 

  

   Net Product Sales   Net Income (Loss) 
   Six Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
                 
Henglong  $143,085   $121,990   $17,533   $11,384 
Jiulong   41,789    40,043    1,582    1,237 
Shenyang   23,940    19,069    762    516 
Wuhu   12,404    12,165    (79)   (167)
Hubei Henglong   27,283    22,827    43,402(1)   1,458 
Other Sectors   20,323    17,308    995    894 
Total Segments   268,824    233,402    64,195    15,322 
Corporate   -    -    (2,023)   (2,511)
Eliminations   (39,042)   (38,350)   (40,275)   921 
Total  $229,782   $195,052   $21,897   $13,732 

 

(1)$40.3 million included in the amount of net income is attributable to the dividend from Henglong, which has been eliminated at the consolidation level.

 

32. Subsequent event

 

On August 11, 2014, the Company entered into a Stock Exchange Agreement (the “Agreement”) to acquire from Jingzhou City Jiulong Machinery Electricity Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (“Jiulong Machinery Electricity”) its minority interest in Henglong, such minority interest being a 20% equity interest therein; and Jiulong, such minority interest being a 19% equity interest therein.

 

The consideration for the acquisition is the issuance of 4,078,000 new shares of the Company to Jiulong Machinery Electricity, with 3,260,000 new shares of the Company being exchanged for the 20% equity interest in Henglong and 818,000 new shares of the Company being exchanged for the 19% equity interest in Jiulong. The shares will be issued in a private placement transaction that is exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

The Company expects to complete the acquisition pursuant to the provisions of the Agreement in the third quarter of 2014. Upon consummation of the transaction, Henglong and Jiulong will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto and the other financial information contained elsewhere in this Report.

 

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General Overview

 

China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading power steering systems supplier for the China automobile industry. The Company has business relations with more than sixty vehicle manufacturers, including SAIC Group, BAIC Group, FAW Group, Dongfeng Auto Group and Changan Automobile Group, the five largest automobile manufacturers in China; Shenyang Brilliance Jinbei Co., Ltd., the largest light vehicle manufacturer in China; Chery Automobile Co., Ltd, the largest state owned car manufacturer in China; BYD Auto Co., Ltd and Zhejiang Geely Automobile Co., Ltd., the largest privately owned car manufacturers in China. The PRC-based joint ventures of General Motors (GM), Volkswagen, Citroen and Chrysler North America are all key customers. Starting in 2008, the Company has supplied power steering pumps and power steering gear to the Sino-foreign joint ventures established by GM, Citroen and Volkswagen in China. The Company has supplied power steering gears to Chrysler North America since 2009.

 

Most of the Company’s production and research and development institutes are located in China. The Company has approximately 3,000 employees dedicated to design, development, manufacture and sales of its products. By leveraging its extensive experience, innovative technology and geographic strengths, the Company aims to grow leading positions in automotive power steering systems and to further improve overall margins, long-term operating profitability and cash flows. To achieve these goals and to respond to industry factors and trends, the Company is continuing work to improve its operations and business structure and achieve profitable growth.

 

Corporate Structure

 

The Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sales of automotive systems and components. Great Genesis Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong on January 3, 2003 under the Companies Ordinance of Hong Kong as a limited liability company, “Genesis,” is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the holding company of the Company’s joint ventures in the PRC. Henglong USA Corporation, “HLUSA,” incorporated on January 8, 2007 in Troy, Michigan, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and mainly engages in marketing of automotive parts in North America, and provides after-sales service and research and development support. CAAS Brazil’s Imports And Trade In Automotive Parts Ltd., “Brazil Henglong,” was established by Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Jingzhou Hengsheng Automotive System Co., Ltd), “ Hubei Henglong,” as a Sino-foreign joint venture company with two Brazilian citizens in Brazil in August 2012. Fujian Qiaolong was acquired by the Company in the second quarter of 2014, as a joint venture company that mainly manufactures and distributes drainage and rescue vehicles with mass flow, drainage vehicles with vertical downhole operation, crawler-type mobile pump stations, high-altitude water supply and discharge drainage vehicles, long-range control crawler-type mobile pump stations and other vehicles.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

The Company prepares its condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management periodically evaluates the estimates and judgments made. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates as a result of different assumptions or conditions. The following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

The Company considers an accounting estimate to be critical if:

 

  · It requires the Company to make assumptions about matters that were uncertain at the time it was making the estimate, and

 

  · Changes in the estimate or different estimates that the Company could have selected would have had a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

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The table below presents information about the nature and rationale for the Company’s critical accounting estimates:

 

Balance Sheet
Caption 		  Critical
Estimate
Item		   Nature of Estimates
Required 		  Assumptions/Approaches Used   Key Factors
Accrued
liabilities and
other long-term
liabilities
 		   Warranty obligations
 		   Estimating warranty requires the Company to forecast the resolution of existing claims and expected future claims on products sold. VMs (Vehicle Manufacturers) are increasingly seeking to hold suppliers responsible for product warranties, which may impact the Company’s exposure to these costs.   The Company bases its estimate on historical trends of units sold and payment amounts, combined with its current understanding of the status of existing claims and discussions with its customers.     ·     VM sourcing
·     VM policy decisions regarding warranty claims
 
                 

Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and other long-term assets    Valuation of long- lived assets and investments
 		   The Company is required from time-to-time to review the recoverability of certain of its assets based on projections of anticipated future cash flows, including future profitability assessments of various product lines.   The Company estimates cash flows using internal budgets based on recent sales data, independent automotive production volume estimates and customer commitments.    ·     Future production estimates
·     Customer preferences and decisions 
                 
Accounts and notes receivables
 		   Provision for doubtful accounts and notes receivable
 		   Estimating the provision for doubtful accounts and notes receivable requires the Company to analyze and monitor each customer’s credit standing and financial condition regularly. The Company grants credit to its customers, generally on an open account basis. It will impact the Company’s expense disclosure and results of operations if such estimate is improper.   The Company grants credit to its customers for three to four months based on each customer’s current credit standing and financial data. The Company assesses the allowance on an individual customer basis, under normal circumstances. The Company records provision for bad debts based on specific identification methods.     ·     Customers’ credit standing and financial condition

 

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Deferred income taxes
 		   Recoverability of deferred tax assets
 		   The Company is required to estimate whether recoverability of its deferred tax assets is more likely than not based on forecasts of taxable earnings in the related tax jurisdiction.   The Company uses historical and projected future operating results, based upon approved business plans, including a review of the eligible carry forward period, tax planning opportunities and other relevant considerations.     ·     Tax law changes
·     Variances in future projected profitability, including by taxing entity
 
                 
Tax payable and deferred tax assets/liabilities
 		   Uncertain tax positions
 		   The Company is required to determine and assess all material positions, including all significant uncertain positions in all tax years that are still subject to assessment or challenge under relevant tax statutes.     The Company applies a more likely than not threshold and a two-step approach for tax position measurement and financial statement recognition. For the two-step approach, the first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement.   ·     An allocation or a shift of income between jurisdictions
·     The characterization of income or a decision to exclude reporting taxable income in a tax return
·     A decision to classify a transaction, entity, or other position in a tax return as tax exempt

 

In addition, there are other items within the Company’s financial statements that require estimation, but are not as critical as those discussed above. These include the allowance for reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, impairment of goodwill and business combinations. Although not significant in recent years, changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a significant effect on the Company’s condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Please see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Report.

 

Results of Operations

 

In the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired a 51.0% equity interest in Fujian Qiaolong. Pursuant to ASC Topic 805, the results of Fujian Qiaolong have been included since the date of acquisition and are reflected in the condensed unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended June 30, 2014, and under ”Other Sectors”in the Company’s segment reporting. Please refer to Note 3 to the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements in this Report.

 

Results of Operations—Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

 

    Net Product Sales     Cost of Products Sold  
    (in thousands of USD,
except percentages)		     (in thousands of USD,
except percentages)		  
    2014     2013     Change     2014     2013     Change  
Henglong   $ 71,665     $ 57,829       13,836       23.9 %   $ 59,982     $ 47,389     $ 12,593       26.6 %
Jiulong     20,155       21,019       (864 )     -4.1       17,166       18,378       (1,212 )     -6.6  
Shenyang     12,043       10,202       1,841       18.0       10,600       9,332       1,268       13.6  
Wuhu     5,857       5,689       168       3.0       5,284       5,109       175       3.4  
Hubei Henglong     13,684       12,422       1,262       10.2       10,609       10,142       467       4.6  
Other Sectors     11,372       7,723       3,649       47.2       9,452       5,969       3,483       58.4  
Total Segments     134,776       114,884       19,892       17.3       113,093       96,319       16,774       17.4  
Elimination     (19,300 )     (16,995 )     (2,305 )     13.6       (19,200 )     (16,819 )     (2,381 )     14.2  
Total   $ 115,476     $ 97,889     $ 17,587       18.0 %   $ 93,893     $ 79,500     $ 14,393       18.1 %

 

Net Product Sales

 

Net product sales were $115.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $97.9 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $17.6 million, or 18.0%. The increase was mainly due to the continuing growth of automotive market demand in China and North America.

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2014, there was an increase in sales of passenger vehicle power steerings compared with the same period last year, mainly due to the introduction of certain new products to the market and improvement in the quality of some of the old products, which resulted in the expansion of the Company’s market share in China, especially among the joint-venture brands’ auto customers.

 

In the first six months of 2014, the Chinese government increased investment in infrastructure industries, such as railways and highways, which led to an increase in the sales of commercial vehicles in the China market.

 

In order to maintain the share of sales in the commercial vehicle market, most automobile component manufacturers have reduced the price of their products, which led to continuing price decreases of steering gears for commercial vehicles, the Company’s main products. As result of a significant decrease in the price of steering gears for commercial vehicles, the Company’s main products, during the three months ended June 30, 2014, the increase in sales of steering gears for commercial vehicles was partly offset by the price decrease.

 

In summary, the Company had an increase in sales volume leading to a sales increase of $15.5 million, an increase in selling price leading to a sales increase of $1.6 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar resulted in a sales increase of $0.5 million.

 

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Further analysis by segment (before elimination) is as follows:

 

•Net product sales for Henglong were $71.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $57.8 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $13.8 million, or 23.9%, which was mainly due to an increase in sales volume for passenger vehicles in the China market and the higher selling price of middle-level electric power steering compared with the low-level electric power steering the same period of last year. An increase in sales volume led to a sales increase of $10.1 million, an increase in selling price led to a sales increase of $3.5 million and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar resulted in a sales increase of $0.2 million.

 

•Net product sales for Jiulong were $20.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $21.0 million for the same period in 2013, representing a decrease of $0.9 million, or 4.1%, which was mainly due to the Company achieving higher sales volume in the commercial vehicles steering gears market, offset partially by a decrease in average selling price. An increase in sales volume led to a sales increase of $0.7 million, a decrease in average selling price caused by product mix change led to a sales decrease of $1.7 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar resulted in a sales increase of $0.1 million.

 

•Net product sales for Shenyang were $12.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $10.2 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $1.8 million, or 18.0%, which was mainly due to an increase in sales volume for passenger vehicles in the China market. An increase in sales volumes led to a sales increase of $2.4 million, and a decrease in selling price led to a sales decrease of $0.6 million.

 

•Net product sales for Wuhu were $5.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $0.2 million, or 3.0%.

 

•Net product sales for Hubei Henglong were $13.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $12.4 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $1.3 million, or 10.2%. Hubei Henglong’s products were all sold to the United States. The net product sales increase was mainly due to the growth of automotive market demand in North America. An increase in sales volumes led to a sales increase of $0.8 million, an increase in selling price led to a sales increase of $0.4 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar resulted in a sales increase of $0.1 million.

 

•Net product sales for Other Sectors were $11.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $7.7 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $3.6 million, or 47.2%, primarily due to the Company’s improved quality of machine columns, which led to an increase in sales of Other Sectors of $2.3 million, and the sales of Fujian Qiaolong (acquired in the second quarter of 2014) having been consolidated in Other Sectors, which led to an increase in sales of Other Sectors of $1.3 million.

 

Cost of Products Sold

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2014, the cost of products sold was $93.9 million, compared to $79.5 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $14.4 million, or 18.1%. The increase in the cost of products sold was mainly due to the net effect of a net increase in sales volumes which led to a cost of products sold increase of $12.7 million, an increase in unit cost which led to a cost of products sold increase of $1.3 million, and the appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar which led to a cost of products sold increase of $0.4 million. The increase in the unit cost of sales was primarily due to an increase in certain costs as a result of enhancing the quality of products and the unit cost of middle-level EPS being higher than low-level EPS in the same period last year. Further analysis is as follows:

 

•Cost of products sold for Henglong was $60.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $47.4 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $12.6 million, or 26.6%. This increase was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes and the higher unit cost of middle-level EPS this year compared with low-level EPS in the same period last year. An increase in sales volumes led to a cost of products sold increase of $8.1 million, an increase in unit cost led to a cost of products sold increase of $4.3 million, and the appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar led to a cost of products sold increase of $0.2 million.

 

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    Cost of products sold for Jiulong was $17.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $18.4 million for the same period of 2013, representing a decrease of $1.2 million, or 6.6%. The decrease in cost of products sold was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes which led to a cost of products sold increase of $0.3 million, which was offset by a decrease in unit cost which led to a cost of products sold decrease of $1.7 million.

 

•Cost of products sold for Shenyang was $10.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $9.3 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $1.3 million, or 13.6%. The increase in cost of products sold was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes which led to a cost of products sold increase of $2.4 million, offset by a decrease in unit cost which led to a cost of products sold decrease of $1.1 million.

 

•Cost of products sold for Wuhu was $5.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $5.1 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $0.2 million, or 3.4%. The increase in cost of products sold was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes.

 

•Cost of products sold for Hubei Henglong was $10.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $10.1 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $0.5 million, or 4.6%. The increase in cost of products sold was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes.

 

•Cost of products sold for Other Sectors was $9.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $6.0 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $3.5 million, or 58.4%. The increase in cost of products sold was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes, which led to a cost of products sold increase of $2.6 million, and an increase in unit cost, which led to a cost of products sold increase of $0.9 million.

 

Gross margin was 18.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2014, consistent with gross margin of 18.8% in the same period of 2013.

 

Gain on Other Sales

 

Gain on other sales mainly consisted of net amount retained from sales of materials, property, plant and equipment, land use rights and scraps. For the three months ended June 30, 2014, gain on other sales amounted to $8.2 million, while it amounted to $1.1 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $7.1 million. The increase was mainly due to an increase in sales of land use rights. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company sold the remaining land use rights (see Note 9) and recognized a gain of $7.5 million, which represented the difference between the selling price of $8.4 million and the net book value of the land use rights of $0.9 million. There was no such gain in the same period of 2013.

  

Selling Expenses

 

Selling expenses were $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $3.8 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $0.5 million, or 13.2%, mainly due to an increase in sales volumes which led to an increase in warehouse rental fees of $0.1 million, an increase in transport charge of $0.2 million, and an increase in travel expenses of $0.2 million.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses were $3.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $3.2 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $0.6 million, or 18.8%, which was mainly due to an increase in salaries and wages cost of $0.8 million, an increase in consulting fees of $0.2 million, and a decrease in legal fees of $0.6 million.

 

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Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses were $5.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $4.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $0.6 million, or 13.0%. The Company’s research and development expenses were mainly used for the development and trial production of EPS and other new products. Research and development expenditures have continued to be significant in the past three years. In summary, expenses for mold improvement increased by $0.4 million, external technical support fees increased by $0.1 million, and the salaries and wages expenses of research and development related staff increased by $0.1 million.

 

The global automotive parts industry is highly competitive; winning and maintaining new business requires suppliers to rapidly produce innovative products on a cost-competitive basis. In the past three years, the Company has continued to purchase advanced manufacturing equipment for newly developed products and hiring senior technicians, and give bonuses to technical personnel who make an outstanding contribution to product research and development.

 

Income from Operations

 

Income from operations was $16.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $7.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $8.7 million, or 111.5%, including an increase of $3.2 million in gross profit and an increase of $7.2 million in gain on other sales, which was offset by an increase of $1.7 million in operating expenses.

 

Other Income, Net

 

Other income, net was $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $nil for the three months ended June 30, 2013, an increase of $0.1 million, primarily resulting from increased government subsidies.

 

Financial Expenses, Net

 

Financial expenses, net, was $nil for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to financial expenses, net of $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, representing a decrease of $0.1 million, which was mainly due to the appreciation of the RMB which led to an increase in gain on foreign currency exchange and a decrease in time deposits during the three months ended June 30, 2014, which generated less interest income for the Company.

 

Income Before Income Tax Expenses and Equity In Earnings Of Affiliated Companies

 

Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies was $16.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $7.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $8.9 million, which was mainly due to an increase in operating income of $8.7 million, an increase in other income of $0.1 million, and a decrease in financial expenses of $0.1 million.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense was $3.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $1.6 million of income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $1.5 million, which was mainly due to an increase in income before income tax and a decrease in the effective tax rate. The income before income tax increased to $16.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from $7.7 million for the same period in 2013 and the effective tax rate decreased to 18.8% from 20.4% as a result of the significant increase in income before income tax of Henglong, which has a low effective tax rate of 15.0% (see Note 25).

 

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Net Income

 

Net income was $13.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to net income of $6.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $7.4 million, which was mainly due to an increase in income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies of $8.9 million, offset by an increase in income tax expenses of $1.5 million.

 

Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests amounted to $2.6 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

The Company owns equity interests in eleven non-wholly owned subsidiaries established in the PRC and Brazil, through which it conducts its operations. Except for Beijing Henglong, which is accounted for under the equity method, all the operating results of these non-wholly owned subsidiaries were consolidated in the Company’s financial statements as of June 30, 2014 and 2013. For the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded $2.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, for the non-controlling interests’ share in the earnings of the consolidated non-wholly owned subsidiaries.

 

Net Income Attributable to Parent Company’s Common Shareholders

 

Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders was $11.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders of $5.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $6.0 million, reflecting an increase in net income.

 

Results of Operations—Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

 

In the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired a 51.0% equity interest in Fujian Qiaolong. Pursuant to ASC Topic 805, the results of Fujian Qiaolong have been included since the date of acquisition and are reflected in the condensed unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the six months ended June 30, 2014, and under “Other Sectors” in the Company’s segment reporting. Please refer to Note 3 to the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements in this Report.

 

   Net Product Sales   Cost of Products Sold 
   (in thousands of USD,
except percentages)		   (in thousands of USD,
except percentages)		 
   2014   2013   Change   2014   2013   Change 
Henglong  $143,085   $121,990    21,095    17.3%  $119,004   $100,037   $18,967    19.0%
Jiulong   41,789    40,043    1,746    4.4    35,439    34,759    680    2.0 
Shenyang   23,940    19,069    4,871    25.5    21,484    17,099    4,385    25.6 
Wuhu   12,404    12,165    239    2.0    11,330    11,282    48    0.4 
Hubei Henglong   27,283    22,827    4,456    19.5    21,662    18,747    2,915    15.5 
Other Sectors   20,323    17,308    3,015    17.4    17,016    14,649    2,367    16.2 
Total Segments   268,824    233,402    35,422    15.2    225,935    196,573    29,362    14.9 
Elimination   (39,042)   (38,350)   -692    1.8    (39,074)   (39,271)   197    -0.5 
Total  $229,782   $195,052   $34,730    17.8%  $186,861   $157,302   $29,559    18.8%

 

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Net Product Sales

 

Net product sales were $229.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $195.1 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $34.7 million, or 17.8%. The increase was mainly due to the continuing growth of automotive market demand in China and North America.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2014, there was an increase in sales of passenger vehicle power steerings compared with the same period last year, mainly due to the introduction of certain new products to the market and improvement in the quality of some of the old products, which resulted in the expansion of the Company’s market share in China, especially among the joint-venture brands’ auto customers.

 

In the first six months of 2014, the Chinese government increased investment in infrastructure industries, such as railways and highways, which led to an increase in the sales of commercial vehicles in the China market. The Company’s sales of steering gears for commercial vehicles, one of the main products of the Company, also increased.

 

In order to maintain the share of sales in the commercial vehicle market, most automobile component manufacturers have reduced the price of their products, which led to continuing price decreases of steering gears for commercial vehicles, the Company’s main products.

 

In summary, the Company had an increase in sales volume leading to a sales increase of $35.5 million, a decrease in selling price leading to a sales decrease of $3.5 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar resulted in a sales increase of $2.7 million.

 

Further analysis by segment (before elimination) is as follows:

 

•Net product sales for Henglong were $143.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $122.0 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $21.1 million, or 17.3%, which was mainly due to an increase in sales volume for passenger vehicles in the China market and the higher selling price of middle-level electric power steering compared with the low-level electric power steering the same period of last year. An increase in sales volume led to a sales increase of $15.2 million, an increase in selling price led to a sales increase of $4.4 million and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar resulted in a sales increase of $1.5 million.

 

•Net product sales for Jiulong were $41.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $40.0 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $1.8 million, or 4.4%, which was mainly due to the Company achieving higher sales volume in the commercial vehicles steering gears market. An increase in sales volume led to a sales increase of $8.5 million, a decrease in average selling price caused by product mix change led to a sales decrease of $7.2 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar resulted in a sales increase of $0.5 million.

 

•Net product sales for Shenyang were $23.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $19.1 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $4.9 million, or 25.5%, which was mainly due to an increase in sales volume for passenger vehicles in the China market. An increase in sales volumes led to a sales increase of $6.2 million, a decrease in selling price led to a sales decrease of $1.5 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar resulted in a sales increase of $0.2 million.

 

•Net product sales for Wuhu were $12.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $12.2 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $0.2 million, or 2.0%.

 

•Net product sales for Hubei Henglong were $27.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $22.8 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $4.5 million, or 19.5%. Hubei Henglong’s products were all sold to the United States. The net product sales increase was mainly due to the growth of automotive market demand in North America. An increase in sales volumes led to a sales increase of $3.6 million, an increase in selling price led to a sales increase of $0.6 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar resulted in a sales increase of $0.3 million.

 

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•Net product sales for Other Sectors were $20.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $17.3 million for the same period in 2013, representing an increase of $3.0 million, or 17.4%, primarily due to the Company’s new products and improved quality of machine columns, which led to an increase in sales of Other Sectors of $0.8 million, an increase in sales of commercial vehicles in the China market which led to an increase in sales of Chongqing of $0.9 million, and sales of Fujian Qiaolong (acquired in the second quarter of 2014)  having been consolidated in Other Sectors, which led to an increase in sales of Other Sectors of $1.3 million.

 

Cost of Products Sold

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the cost of products sold was $186.9 million, compared to $157.3 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $29.6 million, or 18.8%. The increase in the cost of products sold was mainly due to the net effect of a net increase in sales volumes which led to a cost of products sold increase of $30.5 million, a decrease in unit cost which led to a cost of products sold decrease of $3.2 million, and the appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar which led to a cost of products sold increase of $2.3 million. The decrease in the unit cost of sales was primarily due to a decrease in the cost of raw materials, including steel, enhanced production efficiency and strengthened cost control, which was partially offset by the higher unit cost of middle-level EPS compared with low-level EPS in the same period last year. Further analysis is as follows:

 

•Cost of products sold for Henglong was $119.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $100.0 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $19.0 million, or 19.0%. This increase was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes and the higher unit cost of middle-level EPS this year compared with low-level EPS in the same period last year. An increase in sales volumes led to a cost of products sold increase of $12.0 million, an increase in unit cost led to a cost of products sold increase of $5.8 million, and the appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar led to a cost of products sold increase of $1.2 million.

 

    Cost of products sold for Jiulong was $35.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $34.7 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $0.7 million, or 2.0%. The increase in cost of products sold was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes which led to a cost of products sold increase of $7.3 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar which resulted in a cost of products sold increase of $0.4 million, which was offset by a decrease in unit cost which led to a cost of products sold decrease of $7.0 million.

 

•Cost of products sold for Shenyang was $21.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $17.1 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $4.4 million, or 25.6%. The increase in cost of products sold was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes which led to a cost of products sold increase of $5.7 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar which resulted in a cost of products sold increase of $0.2 million, offset by a decrease in unit cost which led to a cost of products sold decrease of $1.5 million.

 

•Cost of products sold for Wuhu was $11.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, consistent with $11.3 million for the same period of 2013, mainly including an increase in sales volumes which led to a cost of products sold increase of $0.7 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar which resulted in a cost of products sold increase of $0.1 million, offset by a decrease in unit cost which led to a cost of products sold decrease of $0.8 million .

 

•Cost of products sold for Hubei Henglong was $21.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $18.8 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $2.9 million, or 15.5%. The increase in cost of products sold was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes.

 

•Cost of products sold for Other Sectors was $17.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $14.6 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $2.4 million, or 16.2%. The increase in cost of products sold was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes, which led to a cost of products sold increase of $1.7 million, the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar, which resulted in a cost of products sold increase of $0.2 million, and an increase in unit cost, which led to a cost of products sold increase of $0.5 million.

 

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Gross margin was 18.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2014, representing a 0.7% decrease from 19.4% for the same period of 2013, which was primarily due to a decrease in selling price of steering gear for commercial vehicles.

 

Gain on Other Sales

 

Gain on other sales mainly consisted of net amount retained from sales of materials, property, plant and equipment, land use rights and scraps. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, gain on other sales amounted to $9.1 million, while it amounted to $1.7 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $7.4 million. The increase was mainly due to an increase in sales of land use rights. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company sold the remaining land use rights (see Note 9) and recognized a gain of $7.5 million, which represented the difference between the selling price of $8.4 million and the net book value of the land use rights of $0.9 million.

  

Selling Expenses

 

Selling expenses were $7.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $7.0 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $0.4 million, or 5.7%, mainly due to an increase in sales volumes which led to an increase in warehouse rental fees of $0.2 million, an increase in transport charge of $0.2 million, and an increase in advertising expenses of $0.2 million,offset by a decrease in other expenses, such as salaries and wages expenses of $0.2 million.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses were $7.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, consistent with $7.3 million for the same period of 2013, mainly reflecting an increase in salaries and wages expenses of $0.7 million, the acquisition of Fujian Qiaolong in the current period having been consolidated in the financial statements and the inclusion of the G&A expenses of Fujian Qiaolong from the acquisition date of $0.2 million, an increase in other expenses of $0.5 million and a decrease in legal fees of $1.4 million.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses were $11.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $3.1 million, or 38.8%. The Company’s research and development expenses were mainly used for the development and trial production of EPS and other new products. Research and development expenditures have continued to be significant in the past three years. In summary, expenses for mold improvement increased by $1.5 million, external technical support fees increased by $0.1 million, and the salaries and wages expenses of research and development related staff increased by $1.5 million.

 

The global automotive parts industry is highly competitive; winning and maintaining new business requires suppliers to rapidly produce innovative products on a cost-competitive basis. In the past three years, the Company has continued to purchase advanced manufacturing equipment for newly developed products and hiring senior technicians, and give bonuses to technical personnel who make an outstanding contribution to product research and development.

 

Income from Operations

 

Income from operations was $26.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $17.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $9.1 million, or 52.9%, including an increase of $5.2 million in gross profit and an increase of $7.4 million in gain on other sales, which was offset by an increase of $3.4 million in operating expenses.

 

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Other Income, Net

 

Other income, net was $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, an increase of $0.3 million, primarily resulting from increased government subsidies.

 

Financial Income (Expenses), Net

 

Financial income, net, was $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to financial expenses, net of $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, representing a decrease of $0.5 million, which was mainly due to a decrease in bank loans which led a decrease in interest charges and an increase in time deposits during the six months ended June 30, 2014, which generated more interest income for the Company.

 

Income Before Income Tax Expenses and Equity In Earnings Of Affiliated Companies

 

Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies was $26.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $16.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $10.0 million, which was mainly due to an increase in operating income of $9.1million, an increase in other income of $0.3 million, and a decrease in financial expenses of $0.5 million.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense was $5.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $3.3 million of income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $1.8 million, which was mainly due to an increase in income before income tax and a decrease in the effective tax rate. The income before income tax increased to $26.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from $16.9 million for the same period in 2013 and the effective tax rate decreased to 19.0% from 19.6% as a result of the increase in income before income tax of Henglong, which has a low effective tax rate of 15.0% (See Note 25).

 

Net Income

 

Net income was $21.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to net income of $13.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $8.2 million, which was mainly due to an increase in income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies of $10.0 million, offset by an increase in income tax expenses of $1.8 million.

 

Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests amounted to $4.1 million and $2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

The Company owns equity interests in eleven non-wholly owned subsidiaries established in the PRC and Brazil, through which it conducts its operations. Except for Beijing Henglong, which is accounted for under the equity method, all the operating results of these non-wholly owned subsidiaries were consolidated in the Company’s financial statements as of June 30, 2014 and 2013. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded $4.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively, for the non-controlling interests’ share in the earnings of the consolidated non-wholly owned subsidiaries.

 

Net Income Attributable to Parent Company’s Common Shareholders

 

Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders was $17.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders of $10.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013, representing an increase of $6.9 million, reflecting an increase in net income.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Capital Resources and Use of Cash

 

The Company has historically financed its liquidity requirements from a variety of sources, including short-term borrowings under bank credit agreements, bankers’ acceptances, issuances of capital stock and notes and internally generated cash. As of June 30, 2014, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $94.2 million, compared to $89.5 million as of December 31, 2013, representing an increase of $1.8 million, or 3.3%.

 

The Company had working capital of $181.9 million as of June 30, 2014, compared to $179.3 million as of December 31, 2013, representing an increase of $2.6 million, or 1.5%.

 

The Company intends to indefinitely reinvest the funds in subsidiaries established in the PRC.

 

The Company believes that, in view of its current cash position as of June 30, 2014, the cash expected to be generated from the operations and funds available from bank borrowings as detailed in subsequent paragraphs will be sufficient to meet its working capital and capital expenditure requirements (including the repayment of bank loans) for at least twelve months commencing from June 30, 2014.

 

Capital Source

 

The Company’s capital source is multifaceted, such as bank loans and banker’s acceptance facilities. In financing activities and operating activities, the Company’s banks require the Company to sign line of credit agreements and repay all existing borrowings under such facilities within one year. On the condition that the Company can provide adequate mortgage security and has not violated the terms of the line of credit agreement, such one year facilities can be extended for another year.

 

The Company had short-term bank and government loans of $42.8 million, including bank loans of $38.0 million and a government loan of $4.8 million (see Note 14); and bankers’ acceptances of $70.4 million (see Note 15) as of June 30, 2014.

 

The Company currently expects to be able to obtain similar bank loans (i.e., RMB loans) and bankers’ acceptance facilities in the future if it can provide adequate mortgage security following the termination of the above-mentioned agreements (see the table under “Bank Arrangements” below for more information). If the Company is not able to do so, it will have to refinance such debt as it becomes due or repay that debt to the extent it has cash available from operations or from the proceeds of additional issuances of capital stock. Owing to depreciation, the value of the mortgages securing the above-mentioned bank loans and banker's acceptances will be lowered by approximately $8.8 million over the next 12 months. If the Company wishes to obtain the same amount of bank loans and banker's acceptances, it will have to provide additional mortgages of $8.8 million as of the maturity date of such line of credit agreements (see the table under “Bank Arrangements” below for more information). The Company can still obtain a reduced line of credit with a reduction of $8.8 million, which is 60.57% (the mortgage rate) of $14.6 million, if it cannot provide additional mortgages. The Company expects that the reduction in bank loans will not have a material adverse effect on its liquidity.

 

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 Bank Arrangements

 

As of June 30, 2014, the principal outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities and lines of credit was as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

   Bank  Due
Date		  Amount
Available
(4)		   Amount Used   Assessed
Mortgage Value
(6)		 
1.  Comprehensive credit facilities  Bank of China  Mar 2015  $22,916   $6,465   $15,438 
      Nov 2014   2,275    2,275      
                      
2.  Comprehensive credit facilities(5)  Jingzhou Commercial Bank  July 2014   32,506    8,558    62,514 
                      
3.  Comprehensive credit facilities  China Construction Bank  Nov 2014   11,377    3,246    30,758 
                      
4.  Comprehensive credit facilities (1)   Shanghai Pudong Development Bank  Mar 2015   25,354    3,279    13,177 
                      
5.  Comprehensive credit facilities (1)  China CITIC Bank  Nov 2014   16,253    20,381    15,123 
      July 2016   4,876    2,438      
                      
6.  Comprehensive credit facilities  China Everbright Bank  Aug 2014   4,876    4,835    8,322 
                      
7.  Comprehensive credit facilities(1)  China Huaxia Bank  Sep 2014   26,004    15,114    - 
                      
8.  Comprehensive credit facilities  ICBC Macau  May 2015   30,000    30,000    32,034 
                      
Total        $176,437   $96,591(2)  $177,366(3)

 

(1)Each of Henglong’s comprehensive credit facility with China CITIC Bank, Henglong and Jielong's comprehensive credit facility with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, and Henglong's comprehensive credit facility with China Hua Xia Bank, is required to be guaranteed by Jiulong, another subsidiary of the Company, in addition to the above pledged assets.

 

(2)The amount used includes bank loans of $36.3 million and notes payable of $60.3 million as of June 30, 2014. The remainder of $6.5 million of bank and government loan and $10.2 million of notes payable was 100% secured by bank notes and time deposit without utilization of credit lines.

 

(3)In order to obtain lines of credit, the Company needs to pledge certain assets to banks. As of June 30, 2014, the pledged assets included $43.9 million of accounts and notes receivable and other pledged assets with an assessed value of $133.5 million.

 

(4)The amount available is used for the drawdown of bank loans and issuance of bank notes. For the drawdown of bank loans, this amount represents the amount that the Company can borrow immediately; for issuance of bank notes, the Company needs to pledge additional collateral in order to utilize these bank facilities.

 

(5)As at the date of this report, the comprehensive credit facility with Jingzhou Commercial Bank has expired. The Company is negotiating the renewal of the credit facilities with the bank and expects to obtain the renewal in late August 2014.  As the Company has obtained sufficient comprehensive lines of credit from other banks, the Company does not anticipate any significant adverse impact on its financial position if the Company fails to renew this credit facility.

 

(6)The pledged cash deposits, which are disclosed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements in this Report, were not included in the assessed mortgage value.

 

The Company may request the banks to issue notes payable or bank loans within its credit line using a 365-day revolving line.

 

The Company renewed its existing short-term bank loans and borrowed new bank loans during 2014 at annual interest rates of 2.78% to 8.40%, and loan terms of five to twelve months. Pursuant to the comprehensive credit line arrangement the Company pledged and guaranteed:

 

(1) Accounts receivable, land use rights and buildings with an assessed value of approximately $15.4 million as security for its comprehensive credit facility with the Bank of China;

(2) Equipment with an assessed value of approximately $62.5 million as security for its revolving comprehensive credit facility with Jingzhou Commercial Bank;

(3) Equipment, land use rights and buildings with an assessed value of approximately $30.8 million as security for its comprehensive credit facility with China Construction Bank;

(4) Land use rights and buildings with an assessed value of approximately $13.2 million as security for its comprehensive credit facility with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank;

 

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(5) Land use rights and buildings with an assessed value of approximately $15.1 million as security for its comprehensive credit facility with China CITIC Bank;

(6) Land use rights and buildings with an assessed value of approximately $8.3 million as security for its comprehensive credit facility with China Everbright Bank;

(7) Henglong’s comprehensive credit facility with China Hua Xia Bank is guaranteed by Jiulong, another subsidiary of the Company; and

(8) On May 18, 2012, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with ICBC Macau to obtain the Credit Facility.

 

The interest rate of the Credit Facility is calculated based on a three-month LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum, subject to the availability of funds and fluctuation at ICBC Macau’s discretion. The interest is calculated daily on a 360-day basis and it is to be fixed one day before the first day of each interest period. The interest period is defined as three months from the date of drawdown.

 

As security for the Credit Facility, the Company was required to provide ICBC Macau with the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit for a total amount of not less than $31.6 million if the Credit Facility is to be fully drawn.

On May 22, 2012, the Company drew down the full amount of $30.0 million under the Credit Facility and provided the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit for an amount of $31.6 million in favor of ICBC Macau. The Henglong Standby Letter of Credit issued by ICBC Jingzhou is collateralized by Henglong’s notes receivable of RMB197.1 million (equivalent to approximately $32.0 million). The Company also paid an arrangement fee of $0.1 million to ICBC Macau and $0.1 million to ICBC Jingzhou. The original maturity date of the Credit Facility was May 22, 2013.

 

On May 7, 2013, ICBC Macau agreed to extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility to May 13, 2014. The interest rate of the Credit Facility under the extended term is calculated based on the three-month LIBOR plus 2.0% per annum, Except for the above, all other terms and conditions as stipulated in the Credit Agreement remain unchanged.

 

On May 13, 2014, ICBC Macau agreed to extend the maturity date of the Credit Facility to May 12, 2015. The interest rate of the Credit Facility under the extended term is revised as the three-month LIBOR plus 2.55% per annum. Except for the above, all other terms and conditions as stipulated in the Credit Agreement remain unchanged. As of June 30, 2014, the interest rate of the Credit Facility was 2.78 % per annum.

 

Cash Requirements

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s expected cash outflows resulting from financial contracts and commitments (in thousands of USD). The Company has not included information on its recurring purchases of materials for use in its manufacturing operations. These amounts are generally consistent from year to year, closely reflecting the Company’s levels of production, and are not long-term in nature (being less than three months in length).

 

          Payment Due Dates  
    Total     Less than 1
year		     1-3 years     3-5 years     More than 5
Years		  
Short-term loan including interest payable   $ 43,814     $ 43,814     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Notes payable (1)     70,418       70,418       -       -       -  
Other contractual purchase commitments, including service agreements     8,667       4,470       4,197       -       -  
Total   $ 122,899     $ 118,702     $ 4,197     $ -     $ -  

 

(1)Notes payable do not bear interest.

 

Short-term Loans 

 

The following table summarizes the contract information of short-term borrowings among the banks and the government of the PRC and the Company as of June 30, 2014 (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

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Bank / PRC Government   Purpose   Borrowing
Date 		  Borrowing
Term
(Months) 		    Annual Interest
Rate 		    Date of
Interest
Payment 		  Due Date   Amount
Payable on
Due Date 		 
ICBC Macau   Working Capital   13 May 2014 (1)     12       2.78 %   Pay quarterly   12 May 2015     30,000  
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China   Working Capital   26 May 2014     6       6.16 %   Pay quarterly   25Oct 2014     731  
  Working Capital   24 Jul(2) 2013     12       7.50 %   Pay quarterly   24 Jul 2014     1,788  
Bank of China   Working Capital   31 Mar 2014     12       8.40 %   Pay quarterly   31 Mar 2015     325  
    Working Capital   28 Mar 2014     12       8.10 %   Pay quarterly   28 Mar 2015     162  
Chongqiong Commercial Bank   Working Capital   6 Jun 2014     12       6.00 %   Pay quarterly   6 Jun 2015     894  
China CITIC Bank   Working Capital   7 Aug 2013(2)     12       7.20 %   Pay monthly   7 Aug 2014     2,438  
China Construction Bank   Working Capital   18 Jul(2) 2013     12       6.00 %   Pay monthly   17 Jul 2014     1,626  
Financial Bureau of Jingzhou Development Zone   Working Capital   28 Mar 2014     12       3.00 %   Pay upon maturity   15 Mar 2015     4,876  
Total                                   $ 42,840  

 

(1)The original borrowing date and maturity date of this loan was May 22, 2012 and May 22, 2013, respectively. The original maturity date was extended to May 12, 2015.

 

(2)The borrowings were repaid in full in July and August 2014, respectively.

 

The Company must use the loans for the purpose described in the table. For the three bank loans, if the Company fails to do so, it will be charged a penalty interest at 100% of the specified loan rate listed in the table above. Except for the loan granted by ICBC Macau as disclosed in the section “Capital Source” above, the Company has to pay interest at the interest rate described in the table on the 20th of each month. If the Company fails to do so, it will be charged compound interest at the specified rate in the above table. The Company has to repay the principal outstanding on the specified date in the table. If it fails to do so, it will be charged a penalty interest at 50% of the specified loan rate. For the government loan, the Company has to repay the principal outstanding on the specified date in the table. If it fails to do so, it will be charged a penalty rate at 0.3% per day in addition to the penalty interest of the loan rate that is published by the People’s Bank of China for the same period.

 

Management believes that the Company had complied with such financial covenants as of June 30, 2014, and will continue to comply with them.

 

Notes Payable

 

The following table summarizes the contract information of issuing notes payable between the banks and the Company as of June 30, 2014 (figures are in thousands of USD):

 

Purpose   Term (Month)     Due Date   Amount Payable on
Due Date		  
Working Capital (1)     3-6     Jul -14   $ 13,168  
Working Capital     3-6     Aug -14     10,211  
Working Capital     3-6     Sep -14     12,731  
Working Capital     3-6     Oct. -14     11,919  
Working Capital     3-6     Nov -14     12,201  
Working Capital     3-6     Dec -14     10,188  
Total (Note 14)               $ 70,418  

 

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(1)The notes payable were repaid in full in July 2014.

 

The Company must use notes payable for the purpose described in the table. If it fails to do so, the banks will no longer issue the notes payable, and it may have an adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and capital resources. The Company has to deposit sufficient cash in the designated account of the bank on the due date of notes payable for payment to the suppliers. If the bank has advanced payment for the Company, it will be charged a penalty interest at 50% of the loan rate that is published by the People’s Bank of China for the same period. The Company complied with such financial covenants as of June 30, 2014, and believes it will continue to comply with them.

 

Cash Flows

 

(a)Operating activities

 

Net cash provided by operations during the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $7.7 million, compared to net cash provided by operations of $0.2 million for the same period of 2013, representing an increase of $7.5 million.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the increase in net cash provided by operations was mainly due to the net effect of:

 

(1) The increase in net income (excluding non-cash items) by $2.9 million;

(2) The change in balance of pledge deposits which led to an increase in net cash provided by operations of $2.4 million;

(3) The change in balance of accounts and notes receivable which led to a decrease in net cash provided by operations of $7.6 million, which was mainly due to the sales of the Company’s goods always on credit terms which range from 4 to 6 months, and the fact that, during the six months ended June 30, 2014, there was a significant rise in sales revenue of the Company’s products compared with the same period last year, due to the Company’s collection strength, which led to an increase in the ending balance of accounts receivable compared with the same period last year;

(4) The change in balance of inventories which led to a decrease in net cash provided by operations of $3.2 million, which was mainly due to the increase in inventory as a result of an increase in sales;

(5) The change in balance of accounts and notes payable which led to a decrease in net cash provided by operations of $1.7 million, which was mainly due to a decrease in notes payable;

(6) The change in accrued expenses and other payable which led to a decrease in net cash provided by operations of $2.5 million, which was mainly due to the Company paying certain legal expenses, audit fees and consulting fees that accrued in the prior quarter; and

(7) The change of balance of tax payable, which led to an increase in net cash provided by operations of $1.1 million.

 

(b)Investing activities

 

The Company used net cash of $7.0 million in investment activities during the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $19.7 million during the same period of 2013, representing a decrease of $12.7 million, which was mainly due to an increase in purchase of equipment of $2.6 million, the acquisition of Fujian Qiaolong cost of $3.0 million in cash, an increase in sale of property, plant and equipment of $5.2 million, and a decrease in bank deposits with original maturities of over three months of $12.6 million (see Note 5).

 

(c)Financing activities

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company obtained net cash of $1.6 million from financing activities, compared to net cash of $5.6 million provided by financing activities for the same period of 2013, representing a decrease of $4.0 million, which was mainly due to the net effect of (1) the proceeds from government and bank loans having decreased by $2.5 million and (2) the payment of dividends to non-controlling interest having increased by $1.6 million.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any significant transactions, obligations or relationships that could be considered off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

There were no material changes to the disclosure made in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 regarding this matter.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, Messrs. Wu Qizhou and Li Jie, respectively, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2014, the end of the period covered by this Report. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports, such as this Form 10-Q, that it files or submits 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 a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2014. Based on that evaluation, Messrs. Wu and Li concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2014.

 

Background of Review

 

In the first quarter of 2014, the Company identified certain loan transactions, the "Transactions", between certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, on the one hand, and various other companies, on the other hand, that occurred during 2013. The Company has determined that the Transactions constituted "related party transactions" and that the Company’s procedures were not followed so as to properly identify the Transactions as related party transactions, submit them in advance to the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, the "Audit Committee", for its examination and approval and make timely disclosure of the Transactions in the Company’s quarterly financial statements. Upon learning of the Transactions, the Audit Committee engaged independent legal and accounting consultants and undertook a thorough review of these matters, the "Review", to determine the nature and financial impact of the Transactions, as well as any deficiencies in the internal controls of the Company with respect to the Transactions, and analyze certain additional related party transactions that were identified in the context of the Review. The Company’s management cooperated fully with the Audit Committee and its advisers with respect to the Review. The Audit Committee concluded that the failure to identify the Transactions as related party transactions, submit them in advance to the Audit Committee for its examination and approval and timely disclose the Transactions evidenced a failure of the Company’s controls that management should be directed to address. The Company’s Board of Directors agreed with the Audit Committee’s conclusions.

 

The Transactions, which are detailed in Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, were short-term loan transactions that were designed to use the Company’s idle cash resulting from the seasonality of its business to generate returns and at the same time to assist the borrowing entities in addressing certain cash flow needs. All of the loans were timely repaid, with interest, if any, at commercially stated rates. Nevertheless, because certain of the borrowers were entities in which certain senior members of the Company’s management held a direct or indirect financial interest, the Transactions were required to be treated as related party transactions for purposes of the Company’s internal policies and procedures and financial reporting.

 

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The Review determined that the errors resulted from inconsistent interpretations and application of the Company’s written policies and procedures with respect to related party transactions. As disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, these deficiencies represented a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, as more fully described below.

 

The Review concluded that the errors did not result from any fraud or intentional misconduct and that the Transactions did not constitute loans that are prohibited by Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Description of Material Weakness

 

As disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, in connection with the Review, management identified the following control deficiencies as of December 31, 2013 that constituted a material weakness:

 

Although the Company has a policy requiring that related party transactions be reported and disclosed by the Finance Department and promptly directed to the Audit Committee for its review and approval, and the Company historically has applied that policy and approval process to various transactions, Company personnel failed to adhere to the policy with respect to the Transactions. The Review revealed that this control failure was a result of differing interpretations on the part of individual Company personnel regarding the scope and application of the policy. Further, when certain of the Transactions later were reported to members of the Finance Department, those persons did not promptly report the Transactions to the Audit Committee. The Transactions later were also identified by the Internal Audit Department of the Company as deviations from the Company’s internal control procedures during the normal course of its internal audit procedures. However, Internal Audit personnel did not report the Transactions to the Audit Committee until the Internal Audit Department had completed its broader and regular internal audit procedures and, therefore, they did not timely inform the Audit Committee about the Transactions.

 

Remediation Steps to Address Material Weakness

 

In response to the material weakness identified above, the Audit Committee directed that management consider certain corrective or remedial actions in respect of the relevant internal controls at the Company. Management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, adopted the recommendations of the Audit Committee and it has begun to implement the measures described below to address the material weakness. This remediation effort is intended both to address the identified material weakness and to enhance the Company’s overall financial control environment. Management believes that the remediation measures described below will remediate the identified control deficiencies. However, management continues to evaluate and work to improve its internal control over financial reporting. It may be determined that additional measures must be taken to address control deficiencies.

 

Pursuant to the Review and the resulting conclusions by management, the Company is taking the following steps to remediate the identified material weakness: (1) the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to related party transactions are being amended to clarify their scope, as well as certain definitions and internal reporting and approval requirements; (2) a training program is being designed and implemented, which will be mandatory for relevant Company personnel and which will focus on the scope and application of the Company’s controls concerning related party transactions, including reporting and approval requirements; (3) policies and procedures will be amended to clarify that any identified errors relating to the reporting and submission for approval of related party transactions should be immediately brought to the attention of the Audit Committee by the Finance Department or the Internal Audit Department; and (4) as directed by the Audit Committee, the Company’s Internal Audit Department will conduct and report to the Audit Committee with respect to a series of special audits designed to assess the implementation of the subject policies and procedures, the Company’s controls regarding related party transactions and relevant staff members’ awareness of the Company’s procedures and controls regarding related party transactions. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, the Company continued to implement the remediation measures described above.

 

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The material weakness identified by management is not fully remediated as of the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q though some remediation measures such as the training, the relevant policies update and internal audit procedures have been taken. The Company has performed substantive procedures in an effort to ensure that the information reflected in this report is supported and fairly presented as of the date of this report. The Audit Committee has directed management to develop a detailed plan and timetable for the implementation of the above-referenced remediation measures and will monitor their implementation. In addition, under the direction of the Audit Committee, management will continue to review and make necessary changes to the overall design of the system of internal controls and the control environment, as well as policies and procedures to improve the overall effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Other than as described herein, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. — OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

Securities Action - Southern District of New York. On October 25, 2011, a purported securities class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of all purchasers of the Company’s securities between March 25, 2010 and March 17, 2011. On February 24, 2012, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, changing the purported class period to between May 12, 2009 and March 17, 2011. The amended complaint alleged that the Company, certain of its present officers and directors, and the Company’s former independent accounting firm violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules promulgated thereunder, and sought unspecified damages. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, which the court denied on August 8, 2012. On September 4, 2012, the Company filed an answer to the amended complaint. On January 15, 2013, plaintiffs filed a motion to certify the purported class, which the court denied on May 31, 2013. On July 17, 2013, plaintiffs filed a petition for permission to appeal the order denying class certification, and, on August 1, 2013, the Company filed an answer in opposition to the petition. On October 23, 2013, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit denied plaintiffs’ petition for permission to appeal. On December 6, 2013, plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of a settlement with the Company’s former independent accounting firm and certification of a proposed settlement class, which the district court denied on January 15, 2014. On March 28, 2014, the Company and plaintiffs entered into a settlement agreement. As part of the settlement, on April 29, 2014, the Company and plaintiffs filed a stipulation dismissing all claims by plaintiffs against the Company and its current and former officers and directors, with no admission of any wrongdoing or liability. On April 29, 2014, the court entered an order granting the dismissal. The settlement had no material effect on the condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Other than as set forth above, the Company is not a party to any pending or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any threatened legal proceedings. In addition, no director, officer or affiliate of the Company, or owner of record of more than five percent of the securities of the Company, or any associate of any such director, officer or security holder is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company in reference to pending litigation.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

 

Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A of the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The Company may undertake acquisitions or investments to expand its business that may pose risks to its business and dilute the ownership of its existing shareholders, and the Company may not realize the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions or investments.

 

The Company completed its acquisition of a 51% equity interest in Fujian Qiaolong in the second quarter of 2014. As part of the Company’s growth strategy, it will continue to evaluate opportunities to acquire or invest in other businesses to complement its current intellectual property and technologies or to expand the breadth of markets it can cover and to deepen its cooperation with its business partners. The process of integrating an acquired company, technology or investment has created, and will continue to create, unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. Acquisitions or investments that the Company may potentially make in the future entail a number of risks that could materially and adversely affect its business, operating and financial results, including:

 

*problems integrating the acquired operations, technologies or products into the Company’s existing business and products;
*diversion of management’s time and attention from its core business;
*adverse effects on existing business relationships with customers;
*need for financial resources above its planned investment levels;

 

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*failures in realizing anticipated synergies;
*difficulties in retaining business relationships with suppliers and customers of the acquired company;
*risks associated with entering markets in which the Company lacks experience;
*potential loss of key employees of the acquired company;
*potential future impairment of the Company’s acquisitions or investments;
*potential full or partial write-offs of acquired assets or investments and associated goodwill; and
*potential expenses related to the amortization of intangible assets.

 

The Company’s failure to address these risks may have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations. Any such acquisition or investment may require a significant amount of capital investment, which would decrease the amount of cash available for working capital or capital expenditures. In addition, if the Company uses its equity securities to pay for acquisitions, its shareholders may experience dilution. If the Company borrows funds to finance acquisitions, such debt instruments may contain restrictive covenants that can, among other things, restrict the Company from distributing dividends. If the Company is unable to generate significant amounts of revenue from Fujian Qiaolong and other acquired companies in the future, it may suffer financial losses as a result of Fujian Qiaolong and other acquired companies’ on-going operating expenses, expenses related to the amortization of intangible assets from these acquisitions, and additional share-based compensation expenses related to these acquisitions. The Company’s failure to address the risks associated with its acquisition of Fujian Qiaolong and other acquired companies may have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

See Note 32 to the Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Stock Exchange Agreement by which the Company intends to issue unregistered shares as consideration for the acquisition of the minority interests in two subsidiaries of the Company. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2014.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number		   Description
     
3.1(i)   Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from the filing on Form 10KSB File No. 000-33123.)
     
3.1(ii)   Bylaws (incorporated by reference from the Form 10KSB for the year ended December 31, 2002.)
     
10.1   Joint-venture Agreement, dated June 30, 2006, as amended on May 2, 2006, between Great Genesis Holdings Limited and Wuhu Chery Technology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to the exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Form 10Q Quarterly Report on May 10, 2006.)
     

10.2

  

Stock Exchange Agreement dated August 11, 2014 by and among Jingzhou City Jiulong Machinery Electricity Manufacturing Co., Ltd., China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co., Ltd.*

     
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification*
     
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification*
     
32.1   Section 1350 Certification*
     
32.2   Section 1350 Certification*
     
101+   The following materials from the China Automotive Systems, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, were filed on August 13, 2014 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL):

 

  (i) Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income,

 

  (ii) Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets,

 

  (iii) Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and

 

  (iv) related notes

 

  * filed herewith

 

  + XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
    (Registrant)
       
Date: August13, 2014   By: / s/ Qizhou Wu  
      Qizhou Wu
      President and Chief Executive Officer
       
Date: August 13, 2014   By: /s/ Jie Li
      Jie Li
      Chief Financial Officer

 

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