10QSB 1 form10qsb.htm Filed by Automated Filing Services Inc. (604) 609-0244 - Cathay Merchant Group, Inc. - Form 10-QSB

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

FORM 10-QSB

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

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

For the Transition Period From ____ to _____

Commission File Number: 000-16283

CATHAY MERCHANT GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE 04-2608713
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Unit 803, Dina House, Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell Street, Central,
Hong Kong SAR, China
(Address of principal executive offices)

Issuer's telephone number, including area code: (852) 2537-3613

Check whether the issuer: (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
during the past 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. [X] YES [   ] NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Role 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
[   ] YES [X] NO

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock as at May 8, 2007 was 18,890,579.

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): [   ] YES [X] NO


CATHAY MERCHANT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY REPORT - FORM 10-QSB
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Page
     
 PART I    
     
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements   3
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation   10
Item 3. Controls and Procedures   14
     
PART II    
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings   14
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   14
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities   14
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   14
Item 5. Other Information   15
Item 6. Exhibits   15
Signatures   18

Forward Looking Statements

          Certain statements contained in this quarterly report and other written material and oral statements made from time to time by us do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. As such, they are considered "forward-looking statements" that provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. Such statements are typically characterized by terminology such as "believe", "anticipate", "should", "intend", "plan", "expect", "estimate", "project", "strategy" and similar expressions. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to the prospects for our ability to identify new business opportunities, develop new business strategies and execute such business strategies. These statements are based upon assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors our management believes to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the following: our ability to identify and evaluate business opportunities that will achieve profitable operations while maintaining sufficient cash to operate our business and meet our liquidity requirements; our ability to obtain financing, if required, on terms acceptable to us, if at all; our ability to successfully attract strategic partners and to market both new and existing products and services domestically and internationally; exposure to lawsuits and regulatory proceedings; governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations; our ability to identify and complete diversification opportunities; and the impact of acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items. Except as required by applicable law, our company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CATHAY MERCHANT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

    MARCH 31,     DECEMBER 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (UNAUDITED)        
ASSETS            
Current Assets:            
 Cash and cash equivalents $  4,392   $  4,610  
 Restricted cash   73     73  
 Receivables   2,150     1,060  
 Due from affiliates   899     632  
 Inventories   14,909     15,212  
 Prepaid expenses and other   55     90  
       Total current assets   22,478     21,677  
Non-current Assets:            
 Deferred credit facility costs   163     183  
 Property, plant and equipment   1,695     1,566  
 Purchase option agreements   16,421     16,204  
 Goodwill   3,243     3,243  
 Deferred tax benefits   822     811  
       Total non-current assets   22,344     22,007  
       Total assets $  44,822   $  43,684  
             
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            
Current Liabilities:            
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $  15,990   $  13,694  
 Due to affiliates   7,475     9,248  
       Total current liabilities   23,465     22,942  
Long-term Liabilities:            
 Debt   11,587     11,434  
 Other liabilities   20     26  
       Total long-term liabilities   11,607     11,460  
Total liabilities   35,072     34,402  
Stockholders' Equity:            
 Common stock   2,038     2,038  
 Additional paid-in capital   28,031     28,031  
 Accumulated deficit   (16,333 )   (16,613 )
 Treasury stock, at cost   (5,313 )   (5,313 )
 Cumulative translation adjustment   1,327     1,139  
       Total stockholders' equity   9,750     9,282  
       Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $  44,822   $  43,684  

See accompanying notes.

3


CATHAY MERCHANT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    March 31, 2007     March 31, 2006  
    (UNAUDITED)  
Product sales, net $  27,503   $  20,912  
Cost of goods sold   26,105     20,013  
    1,398     899  
General and administrative expenses   1,284     1,295  
Operating income (loss)   114     (396 )
Other income (expense):            
   Interest and financing charges, net   (84 )   (185 )
   Miscellaneous   253     41  
    169     (144 )
Income (loss) before income tax   283     (540 )
Income tax expenses   (3 )   (4 )
Net income (loss) $  280   $  (544 )
Net income (loss) per common share, basic and diluted $  0.01   $  (0.03 )

See accompanying notes.

4


CATHAY MERCHANT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    March 31, 2007     March 31, 2006  
    (UNAUDITED)  
             
Net income (loss) $  280   $  (544 )
Other comprehensive income, foreign currency translation            
adjustment   188     344  
Comprehensive income (loss) $  468   $  (200 )

See accompanying notes.

5


CATHAY MERCHANT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    MARCH 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (UNAUDITED)  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
Net income (loss) $  280   $  (544 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash            
   provided by (used in) operating activities:            
   Depreciation and amortization   116     81  
     Foreign exchange   119     221  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
     Receivables   (1,055 )   (38 )
     Due from affiliates   (256 )   (204 )
     Inventories   497     157  
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets   37     (39 )
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses   2,078     (255 )
     Due to affiliates   (1,847 )   1,733  
         Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   (31 )   1,112  
             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:            
Purchase of fixed assets   (201 )   (87 )
         Net cash used in investing activities   (201 )   (87 )
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:            
Proceeds from exercise of stock options   -     32  
         Net cash provided by financing activities   -     32  
             
Effects of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents   14     43  
Changes in cash and cash equivalents   (218 )   1,100  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   4,610     3,843  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $  4,392   $  4,943  
             
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:            
Income taxes paid $  -   $  -  
Interest expenses paid $  -   $  -  

See accompanying notes.

6


CATHAY MERCHANT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

          The notes to these consolidated financial statements are presented United States Dollars, unless otherwise indicated. Euro is a legal tender used by the majority of the member states of the European Union. With the exception of per share amounts, amounts are presented in thousands.

Description of Business

          Cathay Merchant Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “Cathay”) is an aluminum manufacturing company.

          On June 30, 2005, the Company, acting through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cathay Merchant Group Limited (“CMG”), acquired all of the shares of MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerk GmbH (“MAW” – formerly AWP Aluminium Walzprodukte GmbH) and AFM Aluminiumfolie Merseburg GmbH (“AFM”). MAW and AFM are incorporated under the laws of Germany.

Basis of Presentation

          The unaudited interim period consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations. The interim period consolidated financial statements should be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006. In the opinion of the Company, the unaudited consolidated financial statements contained herein contain all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary to present a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. The results for the periods presented herein may not be indicative of the results for any subsequent period or the entire year.

2. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

          Basic earnings (loss) per share is determined by dividing net income applicable to common shares by the average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is determined using the same method as basic earnings per share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding includes potential dilutive effect of stock options.

          The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    MARCH 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (UNAUDITED)  
Net income (loss), basic and diluted $  280   $  (544 )
Weighted-average shares, basic   18,891     18,834  
Effect of dilutive securities   34     -  
Weighted-average shares, diluted   18,925     18,834  
Earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted $  0.01   $  (0.03 )

7


CATHAY MERCHANT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

3. INVENTORIES

          Inventories consist of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods. Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost (specific identification and first-in first-out methods) or market and consist of the following at March 31, 2007:

Raw materials $  6,046  
Work in progress   6,644  
Finished goods   2,219  
  $  14,909  

4. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

          During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company operated in one reportable business segment: manufacturing of aluminum products.

          The following tables disclose the Company’s sales by product types for the three months ended March 31, 2007:

  THREE MONTHS ENDED
  March 31, 2007
By product types  
   
Sheets $   1,297
Strips      6,783
Blanks      4,478
Foils   11,164
Other      3,781
  $ 27,503

          As of March 31, 2007, there was no material change in total assets from December 31, 2006.

5. RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS

          During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company had the following transactions with MFC Merchant Bank S.A.(“MFC Bank”), MFC Commodities GmbH and its parent company Mass Financial Corp. (“Mass”).

a)      Deposited its cash and cash equivalents with MFC Bank. Interest income on the deposit was $21. Such deposit amounted to $3,158 as at March 31, 2007.

b)      Sold products $21,736 (representing 79% of total sales of products) and paid marketing fee of $617 to MFC Commodities GmbH.

c)      Accrued or Paid interest of $121 to Mass.

6. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

          FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 48: Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No.109, clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This interpretation (1) prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and (2) provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. This interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Management’s preliminary assessment does not indicate that this new standard has a significant impact on our financial position.

8


CATHAY MERCHANT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

          In April 2007, the Company entered into amendment agreements with Grundstuckfonds Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH to extend the expiry date of both lease and purchase agreements to 2010.

          In May 2007, the Company and MFC Merchant Bank cancelled the credit facility and the fees for such facility were settled.

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ITEM 2.           MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION.

Overview

          Our primary business involves the manufacturing of aluminium products. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Cathay Merchant Group Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of Samoa ("Cathay Ltd."), acquired all of the shares of AWP Aluminium Walzprodukte GmbH and AFM Aluminiumfolie Merseburg GmbH on June 30, 2005. The companies were acquired for a combined purchase price of $18.5 million (€15,300,000). AWP Aluminium Walzprodukte was based in Berlin, Germany, and operated an aluminium rolling mill through its wholly-owned subsidiary, MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerke GmbH. In 2006, AWP Aluminium Walzprodukte merged with and into MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerke, with MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerke continuing on as the surviving corporation. Its products include aluminium sheets, foils, strips and blanks for use by industrial and commercial fabricators of aluminium products. On the same date, we also acquired AFM Aluminiumfolie Merseburg, which operates an aluminium rolling mill factory in Merseburg, Germany and produces aluminium foil for flexible (food and beverage) packaging, pharmaceutical packaging and other technical applications.

          We hold property interests in certain land, buildings and capital property where the two aluminium mills are located pursuant to the terms of two lease agreements with Grundstuckfonds Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH, a company wholly-owned by the State of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany ("GSA").

          Total combined production from the two mills during the year ended December 31, 2006 was 28,892 metric tonnes of finished products. The maximum total combined annual production from the two mills is 40,000 metric tonnes. The principal market for all of our aluminium products is primarily Europe, and we intend to utilize our acquisitions as a trading platform for Chinese companies involved in the export of aluminium products to Europe.

          We, through Cathay Ltd., acquired all of the outstanding shares of AFM Aluminiumfolie Merseburg, pursuant to a share purchase agreement dated June 30, 2005, from an unrelated third party for a purchase price of $8.5 million (€7,020,000). We paid $4.8 million (€4,000,000) in cash at closing on June 30, 2005 and the balance of the purchase price is evidenced by an unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $3.7 million (€3,020,000), maturing on June 30, 2008. The note bears interest at the rate of 4.2% per annum, payable annually, and calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and on the basis of a 365-day year. The note was issued by Cathay Ltd. and is guaranteed by us.

          We acquired all of the outstanding shares of AWP Aluminium Walzprodukte pursuant to a share purchase agreement dated June 30, 2005, between Cathay Ltd. and Blake International, a former wholly-owned subsidiary of KHD Humboldt Wedag International Ltd., for a purchase price of $10.0 million (€8,280,000). We paid $4.8 million (€4,000,000) in cash at closing on June 30, 2005 and the balance of the purchase price is evidenced by an unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $5.2 million (€4,280,000), maturing on June 30, 2008. The note bears interest at the rate of 4.2% per annum, payable annually, and calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and on the basis of a 365-day year. The note was issued by Cathay Ltd. and is guaranteed by us. Blake International was a wholly-owned subsidiary of KHD Humboldt Wedag which, at the time of the transaction, was an affiliate and significant shareholder of our company.

          Our aluminium rolled products are semi-finished products including sheets, foils, strips and blanks that constitute the raw materials for the manufacture of finished goods which are completed by our customers. Our aluminium rolling mills produce products for industrial and commercial purposes. The process of producing semi-finished aluminium products requires subsequent rolling, or cold rolling, and finishing steps such as annealing, coating, leveling or slitting to achieve the desired thicknesses and metal properties.

          Aluminium has several characteristics that provide value for diverse applications. Compared to substitute metals, aluminium is light-weight, has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is resistant to corrosion. Aluminium's greatest advantage, however, is that it can be recycled repeatedly without any material decline in performance or quality. Recycling of aluminium provides significant energy savings compared to the production of aluminium from other primary sources with significantly lower capital equipment costs.

          We generally purchase primary aluminium at prices set on the London Metal Exchange plus a premium that varies by geographic region of delivery, form and alloy.

          Industrial and commercial fabricators in the construction and automotive supply industry represent the largest

10


customers for MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerke's products. Aluminium rolled products developed for this market segment are often decorative, offer insulating properties, are durable and corrosion resistant, and have a high strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminium siding, gutters, and downspouts comprise a significant amount of construction volume. Other applications include doors, windows, awnings, canopies, façades, roofing and ceilings. Most of the customers of MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerke receive shipments in the form of aluminium sheets, foils, strips and blanks which are later fabricated according to our customers' specifications. Demand for most of MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerke's products is seasonal, with higher demand occurring in the spring, summer and fall months and lower demand in the winter months. Accordingly, our aluminium mills typically generate higher revenues in the spring, summer and fall months.

          The majority of our products are sold to two subsidiaries of Mass Financial Corp., which provide marketing services and re-sell the products to end-user customers. Mass Financial currently holds 5,256,844, or 27.8%, of our common shares as of May 4, 2007.

          The aluminium rolled products market is highly competitive. We face competition from a number of companies in Germany and from European companies selling their products to our markets. Our primary competitors in Europe are Norsk Hydro A.S.A., Alcan, Alcoa, Novelis and Corus. We compete based on our price, product quality, the ability to meet customers' specifications, short delivery times and range of products offered. We also use sophisticated technical equipment and focus on high-end niche markets in order to maintain our competitive advantage.

          In addition to competition from within the aluminium rolled products industry, we face competition from non-aluminium materials, as fabricators and end-users have, in the past, demonstrated a willingness to substitute other materials for aluminium. Aluminium competes with plastic and steel in building products applications. Factors affecting competition with substitute materials include price, ease of manufacture, consumer preference and performance characteristics.

          The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of our company for the three months ended March 31, 2007 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this quarterly report, as well as our most recent annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Results of Operations – Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

          Net product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were $27.5 million, compared to $20.9 million in the same period in 2006. Cost of goods sold for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were $26.1 million, compared to $20.0 million in the same period in 2006.

          All of our revenues during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 were generated by our two aluminum rolling mills.

          AFM Aluminiumfolie Merseburg's products include those that utilize aluminium foil because of its light weight, recyclability and formability and because it has a wide variety of uses in packaging. Aluminium foil can be processed to create a very thin foil that can be plain or printed and is typically laminated to plastic or paper to form an internal seal for a variety of packaging applications including flexible (food and beverage) packaging, pharmaceutical packaging and other technical applications. Customers typically order coils of such foil in a range of thicknesses from 6 microns to 50 microns. AFM Aluminiumfolie Merseburg enters into annual supply agreements with a majority of its larger customers that are typically concluded during the fall and winter months to cover the customers' requirements for the following year. This makes AFM Aluminiumfolie Merseburg's revenues relatively predictable at an early time in the year.

          The aluminium products of MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerke are sold to distributors, as well as end-users, principally for use by industrial and commercial fabricators of aluminium products whereas the aluminium products of AFM Aluminiumfolie Merseburg are sold exclusively to industrial fabricators.

          General and administrative expenses were $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

          We reported a net income of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to a net loss of $0.5 million, or $0.03 per common share, in the same period in 2006.

11


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

          At March 31, 2007, the Company had a working capital deficiency of $0.1 million, compared to $1.3 million at December 31, 2006.

          We entered into a five-year $20 million revolving credit facility dated April 26, 2004 with MFC Merchant Bank, which is to mature in March 2009. In August 2004, MFC Merchant Bank converted $1,575,000 of the principal that we have drawn under the credit facility into 3,150,000 shares of our common stock at the exercise price of $0.50 per share. As of March 31, 2007, we have an unused portion of a credit facility of $18,425,000. We are required to pay interest on any outstanding principal amount that we have drawn down under the credit facility on the first banking day of each calendar month, at an annual rate of Libor (being the one month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate fixed daily by the British Bankers Association) plus 3.5%, based on a 360 day year. The credit facility is secured by a first fixed and specific charge and security interest on all of our property, assets and undertakings imposed under our promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $20,000,000, and a floating charge on all of our company’s other property, assets and undertakings not specifically mortgaged and charged under the promissory note, including after-acquired assets or the proceeds of any and all assets. Our obligations under the credit facility are also secured by a pledge agreement in the aggregate principal amount of $20,000,000, pursuant to which we have pledged to MFC Merchant Bank all or our existing and future pecuniary claims against third parties. In May 2007, our company and MFC Merchant Bank cancelled the credit facility.

          As a result of our revenues from our aluminium rolling mills, we believe that we have sufficient working capital to meet operating expenses during the next twelve months. Currently, we are also seeking investments in or acquisitions of companies, technologies or products. We also intend to exercise our two purchase option agreements. The first option agreement is dated September 26, 2002 between AFM Aluminiumfolie Merseburg and GSA. Pursuant to the terms of the option agreement, we have the right to purchase certain lands, buildings and capital property located in the city of Merseburg, Germany at a price of $4.5 million (€3,400,000) until September 30, 2007. In April 2007, we entered into an amendment agreement with GSA to extend the expiry date to December 31, 2010. The second option agreement is dated October 26, 2004 between MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerk and GSA, whereby we have the right to purchase certain land, buildings and equipment located in the city of Httstedt, Germany, at a price of $4.0 million (€3,035,000) until July 31, 2009. In April 2007, we entered into an amendment agreement with GSA to extend the expiry date to July 31, 2010 and reduced the purchase price to $3.8 million (€2,844,000). We may need additional capital if we pursue such opportunities that we may identify through such activities. Should the need arise, we will consider financing alternatives, including the possibility of effecting private placements of our securities.

          There is no assurance that management will find suitable opportunities or effect the necessary financial arrangements for such investments, or provide the capital needed for the acquired activities.

Operating Activities

          Operating activities used cash of $31,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, and provided cash of $1.1 million in the same period in 2006.

Investing Activities

          Investing activities used cash of $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $87,000 in the same period in 2006.

Financing Activities

          Financing activities provided cash of $nil for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to $32,000 in the same period in 2006.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

          Our company has no outstanding derivative financial instruments, off-balance sheet guarantees, interest rate swap transactions or foreign currency contracts. Our company does not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts.

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

          The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management of our company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.

          Our management routinely makes judgments and estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. As the number of variables and assumptions affecting the probable future resolution of the uncertainties increase, these judgments become even more subjective and complex. We are currently in the aluminium manufacturing and trading business and have identified certain accounting policies, described below, that are the most important to the portrayal of our current financial condition and results of operations.

Revenue Recognition

          Our primary business is aluminum manufacturing and trading and our revenue primarily comes from the sale of aluminum products produced and sold. We receive orders from customers, process and convert the raw materials into finished goods, and ship the finished goods at the instructions of our customers. It is a simple manufacturing and trading process. The revenue is recognized when the finished goods are delivered, the terms of the sales are known and complied with and no significant obligations remain. Management believes that the risk of misstating the revenue is very remote and the only major misstatement, if any, comes from the period-end cut-off.

     Our return policy is governed by the provisions of the German Civil Code and the German Commercial Code. It stipulates that the seller has to transfer the product free from defects in materials and workmanship to the purchaser. To be deemed free from defects, the product has to be of the quality the two parties agreed on in their contract, when being transferred. If the product is not free from defects during the warranty period of two years, German law offers four possible claims to the purchaser:

  • Subsequent improvements or subsequent delivery to the choice of the purchaser. Other options for the purchaser only arise if the seller subsequently fails to perform his contractual duty.

  • After unsuccessfully requesting improvements of the product, the purchaser may withdraw from the contract, in which case a full cash refund is mandatory and the product has to be returned to the seller.

  • Instead of withdrawing, the purchaser may keep the product and consider a reduction of the purchase price.

  • The purchaser might claim compensation for the non-performance of the sale.

          Once an order has been placed by the purchaser and accepted by the seller the purchaser has no legal right to withdraw from the contract, unless the seller fails to perform his duties. A mutual cancellation is subject to the acceptance of the seller and depends on the individual situation.

Goodwill Impairment

          A goodwill impairment loss should be recognized when the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the fair value of the goodwill. An impairment loss should not be reversed if the fair value subsequently increases. We consider, but such consideration is not limited to, the following factors to determine the goodwill impairment:

  • a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate;

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  • an adverse action or assessment by a regulator;

  • unanticipated competition;

  • loss of key personnel;

  • a more-likely-than-not expectation that a significant portion or all of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed of;

  • the testing for write-down or impairment of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; or

  • the recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in its separate financial statements by a subsidiary that is a component of the reporting unit.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

          We periodically evaluate long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In performing the review of recoverability, we estimate future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. The estimates of future cash flows, based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, require our management to make subjective judgments. In addition, the time periods for estimating future cash flows is often lengthy, which increases the sensitivity of the assumptions made. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the estimated future cash flows projected in the evaluation of long-lived assets can vary within a wide range of outcomes. Our management considers the likelihood of possible outcomes in determining the best estimate of future cash flows.

ITEM 3.           CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

          We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

          As of March 31, 2007, the end of the quarter covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

          There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent quarter that have materially or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.           LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

          In the ordinary course of conducting our business, we may become subject to litigation and claims regarding various matters. There was no outstanding litigation as of March 31, 2007.

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

          None.

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ITEM 3.           DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

          None.

ITEM 4.           SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

          None.

ITEM 5.           OTHER INFORMATION.

          None.

ITEM 6.           EXHIBITS.

Exhibits Required by Item 601 of Regulation SB

Exhibit   Filed    
Number Exhibit Title Herewith Form Filing Date
         
(3)(i) Articles of Incorporation      
         
3.1.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Cathay Merchant Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation S-1 April 13, 1981
         
3.1.2 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Cathay Merchant Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation 10-Q January 31, 1987
         
3.1.3 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Cathay Merchant Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation 10-K July 28, 1990
         
3.1.4 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Cathay Merchant Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation 10-KSB July 31, 1997
         
3.1.5 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Cathay Merchant Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation 8-K June 5, 1998
         
3.1.6 Certificate of Designations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Cathay Merchant Group, Inc., a Delaware Corporation 8-K June 5, 1998
         
3.1.7 Certificate of Designations of Series B 5% Convertible Preferred Stock of Cathay Merchant Group, Inc., a Delaware Corporation 8-K February 9, 1999

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Exhibit   Filed    
Number Exhibit Title Herewith Form Filing Date
         
3.1.8 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Cathay Merchant Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation 8-K January 10, 2000
         
3.1.9 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Cathay Merchant Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation 8-K October 7, 2004
         
3(ii) By-laws      
         
3.2.1 Amended Bylaws of Cathay Merchant Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation 8-K May 17, 2000
         
(10) Material contracts      
         
10.1 Credit Facility Agreement dated as of April 26, 2004, between Cathay Merchant Group, Inc. and MFC Merchant Bank S.A. 8-K April 30, 2004
         
10.2 Financial Advisory Agreement dated January 1, 2004, between Cathay Merchant Group, Inc. and MFC Merchant Bank S.A. 10-KSB October 29, 2004
         
10.3 Memorandum of Understanding dated January 28, 2005, between Cathay Merchant Group (Shanghai) Wind Energy Co., Ltd. and Kangbao County Government of Hebei Province and Chuzhangdi Town Government. 10-KSB October 31, 2005
         
10.4 Wind Park Project Land Use Rights Agreement dated February 23, 2005, between Cathay Merchant Group (Shanghai) Wind Energy Co., Ltd. and Kangbao County Government. 10-KSB October 31, 2005
         
10.5 Share Purchase Agreement dated June 30, 2005, between Cathay Merchant Group Limited and Blake International Limited. 8-K June 30, 2005
         
10.6 Promissory Note dated June 30, 2005, between Cathay Merchant Group Limited and Cathay Merchant Group, Inc. 8-K June 30, 2005

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Exhibit   Filed    
Number Exhibit Title Herewith Form Filing Date
         
10.7 Share Purchase Agreement dated June 30, 2005, between Cathay Merchant Group Limited and Universal Metals Limited. 8-K June 30, 2005
         
10.8 Promissory Note dated June 30, 2005, between Cathay Merchant Group Limited and Cathay Merchant Group, Inc. 8-K June 30, 2005
         
10.9 Lease Agreement dated September 18, 2002, between GSA Grundstucksfonds Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH and MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerk GmbH 10-KSB April 2, 2007
         
10.10 Lease Agreement dated September 26, 2002, between GSA Grundstucksfonds Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH and MFC Aluminiumfolie Merseburg GmbH 10-KSB April 2, 2007
         
10.11 Purchase Option Agreement dated September 26, 2002, between GSA Grundstucksfonds Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH and MFC Aluminiumfolie Merseburg GmbH 10-KSB April 2, 2007
         
10.12 Agreement dated October 26, 2004, between GSA Grundstucksfonds Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH and MAW Mansfelder Aluminiumwerk GmbH 10-KSB April 2, 2007
         
10.13 Service Agreement dated August 22, 2005, between our company and Stefan Feuerstein 10-KSB April 2, 2007
         
10.14 Amendment to Service Agreement effective August 1, 2006, between our company and Stefan Feuerstein 10-KSB April 2, 2007
         
10.15* Document of Notary dated March 19, 2007 X
         
10.16* Amendment to Lease Agreement dated April 11, 2007 X
         
10.17* Amendment to Lease Agreement dated April 11, 2007 X
         
10.18* Amendment to Lease Agreement dated April 11, 2007 X

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Exhibit   Filed    
Number Exhibit Title Herewith Form Filing Date
         
(31) Section 302 Certifications      
         
31.1 Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer X
         
(32) Section 906 Certifications      
         
32.1 Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer X

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SIGNATURES

          In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: May 15, 2007 CATHAY MERCHANT GROUP, INC.
     
     
  By: /s/ Michael J. Smith
    Michael J. Smith
    Chief Executive Officer, President and
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer,
    Principal Accounting Officer and
    Principal Financial Officer)

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