ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Corporate History
The principal activities of Sunrise Real
Estate Group, Inc. (“
SRRE
”) and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “
Company
”)
are real estate development and property brokerage services, including real estate marketing services, property leasing services;
and property management services in the People’s Republic of China (“
PRC
”). Our current ownership interests
in our various subsidiaries and other entities is set forth in the below organizational chart.
Sunrise Real Estate Development Group,
Inc. (“
CY-SRRE
”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SRRE, was established in the Cayman Islands on April 30, 2004
as a limited liability company. Shanghai Xin Ji Yang Real Estate Consultation Company Limited (“
SHXJY
”) was
established in the PRC on August 20, 2001 as a limited liability company. SHXJY was originally owned by a Taiwanese company, of
which the principal and controlling shareholder was Lin Chi-Jung. On June 8, 2004, all the fully paid up capital of SHXJY was transferred
to CY-SRRE. On June 25, 2004, SHXJY and two individuals established a subsidiary, namely, Suzhou Xin Ji Yang Real Estate Consultation
Company Limited (“
SZXJY
”) in the PRC, at which point in time, SHXJY held a 90% equity interest in SZXJY.
On August 9, 2005, SHXJY sold a 10% equity
interest in SZXJY to a company owned by a director of SZXJY, and transferred a 5% equity interest in SZXJY to CY-SRRE. Following
the disposal and the transfer, CY-SRRE effectively held an 80% equity interest in SZXJY. On November 24, 2006, CY-SRRE, SHXJY,
a director of SZXJY and a third party established a subsidiary, namely, Suzhou Shang Yang Real Estate Consultation Company Limited
(“
SZSY
”) in the PRC, with CY-SRRE holding a 12.5% equity interest, SHXJY holding a 26% equity interest and the
director of SZXJY holding a 12.5% equity interest in SZSY. At the date of incorporation, SRRE and the director of SZXJY entered
into a voting agreement that provided that SRRE is entitled to exercise the voting right in respect of his 12.5% equity interest
in SZSY. As a result of the voting agreement, SRRE effectively holds has 51% of the voting power of SZSY. On September 24, 2007,
CY-SRRE sold a 5% equity interest in SZXJY to a company owned by a director of SZXJY. Following the disposal, CY-SRRE effectively
holds a 75% equity interest in SZXJY.
In October 2011, SHXJY purchased a 24%
interest in Linyi Shang Yang Real Estate Consultation Company Limited (“
LYSY
”) and acquired approximately 103,385
square meters of land for the purpose of developing the land into villa-style residential housing. On March 6, 2012, SHXJY established
a wholly-owned subsidiary, namely Linyi Rui Lin Construction and Design Company Limited (“
LYRL
”). SHXJY’s
24% equity interest in LYSY was then transferred to LYRL. In agreement with Zhang Shu Qin, who owns 51% of LYSY, we have the right
to vote 51% interest and thus have 75% of the voting power of LYSY.
LIN RAY YANG Enterprise Ltd. (“
LRY
”),
a wholly-owned subsidiary of SRRE, was established in the British Virgin Islands on November 13, 2003 as a limited liability company.
On February 5, 2004, LRY established a wholly owned subsidiary, Shanghai Shang Yang Investment Management and Consulting Company
Limited (“
SHSY
”) in the PRC as a limited liability company. On January 10, 2005, LRY and a PRC third party established
a subsidiary, Suzhou Gao Feng Hui Property Management Company Limited (“
SZGFH
”), in the PRC, with LRY holding
80% of the equity interest in SZGFH. On May 8, 2006, LRY acquired 20% of the equity interest in SZGFH from the third party. Following
the acquisition, LRY effectively held 100% of the equity interest in SZGFH. The Company sold SZGFH in 2017.
In 2011, we acquired a 49% ownership of
Wuhan Yuan Yu Long Property Development Company Limited (“
WHYYL
”); the purpose of this project company was
for a development project in Wuhan.
SRRE was initially incorporated in Texas
on October 10, 1996, under the name of Parallax Entertainment, Inc. (“
Parallax
”). On December 12, 2003, Parallax
changed its name to Sunrise Real Estate Development Group, Inc.
On August 31, 2004, SRRE, CY-SRRE and Lin
Chi-Jung, an individual and agent for the beneficial shareholder of CY-SRRE, i.e., Ace Develop, entered into an exchange agreement
under which SRRE issued 5,000,000 shares of common stock to the beneficial shareholder or its designees, in exchange for all outstanding
capital stock of CY-SRRE. The transaction closed on October 5, 2004. Lin Chi-Jung is Chairman of the Board of Directors of SRRE,
the President of CY-SRRE and the principal and controlling shareholder of Ace Develop.
Also on August 31, 2004, SRRE, LRY and
Lin Chi-Jung, an individual and agent for beneficial shareholders of LRY, i.e., Ace Develop, Planet Tech and Systems Tech, entered
into an exchange agreement under which SRRE issued 10 million shares of common stock to the beneficial shareholders, or their designees,
in exchange for all outstanding capital stock of LRY. The transaction was closed on October 5, 2004. Lin Chi-Jung is Chairman of
the Board of Directors of SRRE, the President of LRY and the principal and controlling shareholder of Ace Develop. Regarding the
10 million shares of common stock of SRRE issued in this transaction, SRRE issued 8.5 million shares to Ace Develop, 750,000 shares
to Planet Tech and 750,000 shares to Systems Tech.
As a result of the acquisition, the former
owners of CY-SRRE and LRY hold a majority interest in the combined entity. Generally accepted accounting principles require in
certain circumstances that a company whose shareholders retain the majority voting interest in the combined business be treated
as the acquirer for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the acquisition was accounted for as a “reverse acquisition”
arrangement whereby CY-SRRE and LRY are deemed to have purchased SRRE. However, SRRE remained the legal entity and the Registrant
for Securities and Exchange Commission reporting purposes.
On May 23, 2006, Sunrise Estate Development
Group, Inc. changed its name to Sunrise Real Estate Group, Inc.
General Business Description
SRRE has gone through a series of transactions
leading to the completion of a reverse merger on October 5, 2004. Prior to the closing of the exchange agreements described in
“Corporate History” above, SRRE was an inactive "shell" company. Following the closing, SRRE, through its
two wholly owned subsidiaries, CY-SRRE and LRY, has engaged in the property brokerage services, real estate marketing services,
property leasing services and property management services in the PRC.
The Company recognizes that in order to
differentiate itself from the market, it should avoid direct competition with large-scale property developers who have their own
marketing departments. Our objective is to develop a niche position with marketing alliances with medium size and smaller developers
and become their outsourcing marketing and sales agents. This strategic plan is designed to expand our activities beyond our existing
revenue base, enabling us to assume higher investment risk and giving us flexibility in collaborating with partnering developers.
The plan is aimed at improving our capital structure, diversifying our revenue base, creating higher values and equity returns.
SRRE operates through its wholly owned
subsidiaries, CY-SRRE and LRY. Neither CY-SRRE nor LRY have operations but conduct operations in Mainland China through their respective
subsidiaries that are based in the PRC. CY-SRRE operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, SHXJY. LRY operates through its wholly
owned subsidiaries, SHSY. SHXJY and SHSY are property agency business earning commission revenue from marketing and sales services
to developers. Our company organization chart is as follows:
Figure 1: Company Organization Chart
|
1.
|
It
was previously known as Shanghai Shang Yang Real Estate Consultation Co., Limited. The company changed its name to Shanghai Shang
Yang Investment Management and Consulting Company Limited on May 28, 2013.
|
|
2.
|
SHGXL
is consolidated into the Company’s financials because the Company has control of the development rights and are beneficiary
of the revenue SHGXL generates.
|
Our major business is agency sales and real estate development.
Additionally, we expand our business to the field of financial activities such as entity investment, fund management, financial
services and so on.
For the fiscal year ended December 31,
2017, 4% of our net revenues of $1,233,006 were generated from our brokerage operations. For these services we earned a commission
fee calculated as a percentage of the sales prices. We have focused our sales on the whole China market, especially in secondary
cities. To expand our business agencies, we have established subsidiaries and branches in Shanghai, Suzhou, Quanjiao, Shangqiu,
and Wuhan.
Since we started our agency sales operations
in 2001, we have established a reputation as a sales and marketing agency for new projects. With our accumulated expertise and
experience, we intend to take a more aggressive role by participating in property investments. We plan to select property developers
with outstanding qualifications as our strategic partners, and continue to build strength in design, planning, positioning and
marketing services. Beginning in 2012, we commenced our first development project in Wuhan and Linyi and started the initial construction
in the first quarter of 2012. In Wuhan, we commenced the construction of Phase 1 of the project in the third quarter of 2012.There
are a total of eight buildings. The eight buildings that are open for sale currently have a 90% sales rate. As of April, 2018
, the project has sold 726 apartment units with an area of 81,221 square meters. All apartment units have been sold and only store
fronts on the first floor and parking lots remain on sale.
Since October 20, 2014, the Linyi project
has constructed 121 units, which encompasses approximately 40% of the gross sales area. Proceeds from sales will be used to finance
the constructions of the subsequent phases of the project. We are applying for bank loans and other forms of funding, however,
there are no assurances we will be able to obtain future financings. As of April 2018, the Linyi project has sold 108 units with
a sales area of 41,094 square meters and we have started phase two construction of about 17,000 square meters.
SHDEW was established in June 2013 as a
skincare and cosmetic company. We own 23.08% of the common stock of SHDEW. The company has made progress in its operation. Its
WeChat store had a membership of over a million members as of December 31, 2017. SHDEW is developing its own skincare products
as well as solidifying its position in the ecommerce platform.
Business Activities
Our main operating subsidiaries, SHXJY
and SHSY, have engaged in sales and marketing agency work for newly built property units. We also have developed a network of landowners
and developers, allowing us to explore opportunities in property investments.
In order to build a cushion against the
cyclical nature of the real estate industry and have a more diversified revenue base, we established another operating subsidiary,
SZGFH, in 2005 for property management and rental operations.
Additionally, we expanded into real estate
development in 2011 by establishing LYSY and investing in WHYYL, an unconsolidated affiliate. LYSY has a real estate development
project located in Linyi City Economic Development Zone, Shandong Province, PRC, which covers a site area of approximately 103,385
square meters for development of villa-style residential housing buildings. WHYYL is developing a real estate project in Wuhan,
with a site area of approximately 27,950 square meters for development of eight high-rise residential buildings.
We added a new business line in 2015 and
categorize it as our service sales. The business is mainly to provide business consulting services.
Commission Based Services
Commission based services refer to marketing
and sales agency operations, which provide the following services:
a. Integrated Marketing Planning
b. Advertising Planning & Execution
c. Sales Planning and Execution
In this business, we sign a marketing and
sales agency agreement with property developers to undertake the marketing and sales activities of a specific project. The scope
of service varies according to clients' needs; it could be a full package of all the above services, a combination of any two of
the above services or any single service.
Real Estate Development
In mid-2011, we established a project company
in Wuhan of which we own 49%. We commenced the construction of phase one of the project in the third quarter of 2012 and the pre-sale
of the phase one in the first quarter of 2013. There are a total of 8 buildings. As of November 2017, all resident units have been
sold excepted of commercial shops and underground park units.
In October 2011, we established LYSY and
own 24% of the company. During the first quarter of 2012, we acquired approximately 103,385 square meters for the purpose of developing
villa-style residential housing. We began construction in mid-2012 and as of December 31, 2016 have constructed 121 units, which
encompasses all units in phase 1. The phase 1 has completed construction in May 2015. The sales started in November 2013; we have
made sales of 104 units at the end of November 2017. Proceeds from sales will be used to finance the constructions of the subsequent
phases of the project. The phase 2 has begun construction of 17,000 square meters (“sqm”) in October 2017.
On March 13, 2014,
the Company has signed a joint development agreement with Zhongji Pufa Real Estate Co. According to this agreement, the Company
obtained a right to develop the Guangxing Lu (“GXL”) project, which located in the Putuo district, Shanghai, PRC. This
project covers a site area of approximately 2,502 square meters for the development of one building of apartment. Presale began
on March 2016, and construction was completed on March of 2017. As of December 31, 2017 , the project has sold 79 units
with a sales area of 3,967 square meters. There have been 18 units subject to presale contract termination out of maximum presale
of 97 units. The project is preparing for the final acceptance of construction by the government authorities. Regulation issued
in 2017 require all commercial and office buildings be used in accordance to what it was originally intended when the project registered
its plans. Our GXL project was inspected by the government and was found to be in accordance with our originally registered plan.
However, as of May 10, 2018, we were waiting for the proper authority to allow continued selling of the units.
We are applying for bank loans and other
forms of funding; however, there are no assurances we will be able to obtain future financings.
Mainland China's Property Sector
The industry's macro environment is improving,
and the property sector is gradually developing to be a more regulated market. Stable economic growth provides a solid and secure
base for investment returns in the property sector.
GDP Growth of PRC for the period of 2013
through 2017:
|
|
GDP
GROWTH
|
|
2013
|
|
|
7.7
|
%
|
2014
|
|
|
7.3
|
%
|
2015
|
|
|
6.9
|
%
|
2016
|
|
|
6.7
|
%
|
2017
|
|
|
6.9
|
%
|
Source: National Bureau of Statistics
of China
Government regulation
In 2017, the Shanghai Municipal Construction
and Construction Commission issued the Opinions on the Clarification of Commercial and Office Project (Document 2017 No. 400 )
. This new regulation requires all commercial and office buildings be used in accordance to what it was originally intended when
the project registered its plans.
The State Taxation Administration issued the Regulation of Land
Value-added Tax Clearing and Administrating in May 2009, effective on June 1, 2009. It requires developers to clear the land value-added
tax, which have completed development projects and have finished sale, or have sold development projects under constructed, or
have transferred the land use right to others.
In December 2009, the Ministry of Finance,
Ministry of Land and Resources, Ministry of Supervision, the Central Government, and five other agencies announced in “Notice
Regarding to Improve Upon Land Sale and Receivable Management,” to increase the initial payment of land purchases to 50%
of the purchase price and the entire purchase price must be paid in full within the year. Prior to the announcement, initial payment
was around 20% to 30%.
On January 1, 2010, the Ministry of
Finance and the State Administration of Taxation re-imposed the business tax on total proceeds from the resale of certain residential
properties held for less than five years. The China Banking Regulatory Authority withdrew its earlier policy and emphasized the
minimum 40% down payment requirement for mortgages for second properties. On March 8, 2010, the Ministry of Land and Resources
issued a circular to further strengthen the supervision on land supply, requiring a real estate developer to pay at least 50% of
the land premium within one month and 100% within one year after the land use right contract is executed. On April 17, 2010,
the State Council issued the Circular on Firmly Restraining Soaring Housing Prices in Certain Cities. According to this circular,
|
•
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A down payment must be no less than 30% of the purchase price for first self-use housing unit purchases by a family with a gross construction area of more than 90 square meters.;
|
|
•
|
The minimum down payment for the second housing unit purchased by a family is increased from 40% to 50% and the loan interest rate must be no less than 110% of benchmark lending interest rate;
|
|
•
|
Down payment for the third or more housing unit purchased by any family and the loan interest rate must be further increased significantly based on the rate for the first and second housing units, as determined by commercial banks based on their assessment of the risks;
|
|
•
|
Commercial banks may suspend extending loans to families for their purchases of the third or more housing units in regions where commercial housing unit prices are too high or have risen too fast or supply of housing units is insufficient. The banks may also suspend extending loans to individuals for their purchase of housing units outside of their registered residence if they cannot furnish evidence of their tax or social insurance premium payment for at least one year locally in the region where the subject housing units are located; and
|
|
•
|
Local governments are allowed to limit the total number of housing units one can purchase in certain period in light of the local situation.
|
On January 10, 2010, the government established
11 measures to strengthen management of the real estate market to address rising real estate prices. The measures called for an
increasing supply of low-cost houses for low-income families and common residential houses, encouraging reasonably priced house
buying while limiting purchases for speculation and investment, strengthening real estate project loan risk management and market
supervision, speeding up construction of residential housing projects for low-income households, and specifying responsibilities
of local governments.
In January 2011, the State Council released
an additional eight new measures to put downward pressure on property prices by:
|
1)
|
Requiring local governments to set housing price targets
in proportion with local income levels for 2011;
|
|
2)
|
Requiring a business tax for housing sales within 5 years
of purchase must be levied on total sales value;
|
|
3)
|
Strengthening the management of land supply for housing;
|
|
4)
|
Imposing purchase restrictions in all large- & medium-sized
cities. Families already owning a residential property are restricted to buy only one more, while those already owning two or
more properties are prohibited to purchase additional properties;
|
|
5)
|
Accelerating the construction of social security residential
housings;
|
|
6)
|
Providing that the down payment ratio for second-home purchases
must not be less than 60%, up from 50%, with an interest rate at least 1.1 times of the benchmark rate;
|
|
7)
|
Improving guidance for the media's housing market coverage;
|
|
8)
|
Providing for implementation & accountability for local
governments over the housing price control targets.
|
In May 2011, the National Development and
Reform Commission (“NDRC”) began the “one house, one price” policy which requires developers to enhance
its disclosure of the residential properties’ offering prices and available supply volume. This policy is designed to prevent
developers from posting false supply volume and prices to fuel speculative price volatility.
In July 2011, the China’s State Council
declared that it will continue to implement tightening policies and expand the housing purchase restrictions to second and third-tier
cities.
In late February and March 2013,
the PRC government issued the “New Five Policies” for administration of the housing market and detailed implementation
rules, which revealed the PRC government’s strong determination on curbing the increase of housing prices by requiring more
stringent implementation of the housing price control measures. For example, in the cities where there are existing restrictions
on housing sale, if the housing prices are rising fast due to insufficient local housing supply, the local governments are required
to take more stringent measures to restrict housing units from being sold to those households that own more than one housing unit.
In these cities, the minimum down payment for the second housing unit purchased by a household may be further increased from 60%
and the loan interest rate may be raised to be more than 110% of benchmark lending interest rate, as the local housing price control
measures require. The New Five Policies also reiterated and emphasized the implementation of the 20% income tax on capital gain
generated from housing unit sale. Following the request of the central government, Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities in
China have announced detailed regulations to implement the New Five Policies in late March 2013, to further cool down the
local real estate markets.
In July 2012, the Ministry of Land
and Resources and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development jointly issued a notice to further tighten the land use administration
and seek stricter enforcement of the existing real estate market regulations, which include, in particular, enhanced control over
the floor area and plot ratio of land for housing purpose, closer scrutiny on the qualification of land bidders, and strengthened
investigation and punishment on land bidding winners who leave land idle for more than one year.
Such measures and policies by the government
have negatively affected the real estate market and caused a reduction in transactions in the real estate market. While these measures
and policies remain in effect, they may continue to depress the real estate market, dissuade would-be buyers from making purchases,
reduce transaction volume, cause a decline in average selling prices, and prevent developers from raising the capital they need
and increase developers’ costs to start new projects.
Environmental matters
There is a growing concern in regards to
the global warming issues affecting the world. The changing weather patterns and abnormal conditions may affect the construction
and logistics of developers and this may indirectly cause inverse effect to our operation. Extreme weather conditions may delay
in construction of properties; this then may delay the sale of these properties and therefore delaying our future revenue stream.
Employees
As of December 31, 2017, we had the following
number and categories of employees:
|
|
Employees
|
|
SRRE
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Dept.
|
|
|
2
|
|
Accounting Dept.
|
|
|
2
|
|
Investor Relations Dept.
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHXJY
|
|
|
|
|
Administration Dept.
|
|
|
3
|
|
Accounting Dept.
|
|
|
1
|
|
Research & Development Dept.
|
|
|
3
|
|
Marketing Dept.
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SZXJY
|
|
|
|
|
Administration Dept.
|
|
|
8
|
|
Research & Development Dept.
|
|
|
3
|
|
Accounting Dept.
|
|
|
7
|
|
Marketing Dept.
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SZSY
|
|
|
|
|
Marketing Dept.
|
|
|
5
|
|
Research & Development Dept.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHSY
|
|
|
|
|
Administration Dept.
|
|
|
4
|
|
Accounting Dept.
|
|
|
3
|
|
Development Dept.
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WHGFH
|
|
|
|
|
Marketing Dept.
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LYSY
|
|
|
|
|
Accounting Dept
|
|
|
2
|
|
Administration Dept.
|
|
|
7
|
|
Construction Dept.
|
|
|
9
|
|
Marketing Dept.
|
|
|
14
|
|
Executive Dept.
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LYRL
|
|
|
|
|
Administration Dept.
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHRJ
|
|
|
|
|
Administration Dept.
|
|
|
|
|
Design Dept.
|
|
|
1
|
|
Total
|
|
|
101
|
|
None of our employees are represented by
a labor union or bound by a collective bargaining unit. We believe that our relationship with its employees is satisfactory.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
RISK FACTORS
SRRE has identified a number of risk factors
faced by the Company. These factors, among others, may cause actual results, events or performance to differ materially from those
expressed in this 10-K or in press releases or other public disclosures. You should be aware of the existence of these factors.
RISKS RELATING TO THE GROUP
SRRE is a holding company and depends
on its subsidiaries’ cash flows to meet its obligations.
SRRE is a holding company, and it conducts
all of its operations through its subsidiaries. As a result, its ability to meet any obligations depends upon its subsidiaries’
cash flows and payment of funds as dividends, loans, advances or other payments. In addition, the payment of dividends or the making
of loans, advances or other payments to SRRE may be subject to regulatory or contractual restrictions.
Our invoicing for commissions may be
delayed.
Generally, we recognize our commission
revenues after the contracts signed with developers are completed and confirmations are received from the developers. However,
sometimes we do not recognize income even when we have rendered our services for any of the following reasons:
|
a.
|
The developers have not received payments from potential purchasers who have promised to pay the outstanding sum by cash;
|
|
b.
|
The purchasers, who need to obtain mortgage financing to
pay the outstanding balance due, are unable to obtain the necessary financing from their banks;
|
|
c.
|
Banks are sometimes unwilling to grant the necessary bridge
loan to the developers in time due to the developers’ relatively low credit rating;
|
|
d.
|
The developers tend to be in arrears with sales commissions;
therefore, do not grant confirmation to us to be able to invoice them accordingly.
|
Development of new business may stretch
our cash flow and strain our operation efficiency.
Business expansion and the need to integrate
operations arising from the expansion may place a significant strain on our managerial, operational and financial resources, and
will further contribute to a need to increase in our financial needs.
Our acquisition of new property may
involve risks.
These acquisitions involve several risks
including, but not limited to, the following:
a. The acquired properties may not perform
as well as we expected or ever become profitable.
b. Improvements to the properties may ultimately
cost significantly more than we had originally estimated.
Additional acquisitions might harm our
business.
As part of our business strategy, we may
seek to acquire or invest in additional businesses, products, services or technologies that we think could complement or expand
our business. If we identify an appropriate acquisition opportunity, we might be unable to negotiate the terms of that acquisition
successfully, finance it, or integrate it into our existing business and operations. We may also be unable to select, manage or
absorb any future acquisitions successfully. Furthermore, the negotiation of potential acquisitions, as well as the integration
of an acquired business, would divert management time and other resources. We may have to use a substantial portion of our available
cash to consummate an acquisition. If we complete acquisitions through exchange of our securities, our shareholders could suffer
significant dilution. In addition, we cannot assure you that any particular acquisition, even if successfully completed, will ultimately
benefit our business.
Our real estate investments are subject
to numerous risks.
We are subject to risks that generally
relate to investments in real estate. The investment returns available from equity investments in real estate depend in large part
on the amount of income earned and capital appreciation generated by the related properties, as well as the expenses incurred.
In addition, a variety of other factors affect income from properties and real estate values, including governmental regulations,
insurance, zoning, tax and eminent domain laws, interest rate levels and the availability of financing. For example, new or existing
real estate zoning or tax laws can make it more expensive and/or time-consuming to develop real property or expand, modify or renovate
properties. When interest rates increase, the cost of acquiring, developing, expanding or renovating real property increases and
real property values may decrease as the number of potential buyers decrease. Similarly, as financing becomes less available, it
becomes more difficult both to acquire and to sell real property. Finally, governments can, under eminent domain laws, take real
property. Sometimes this taking is for less compensation than the owner believes the property is worth. Any of these factors could
have a material adverse impact on results of our operations or financial condition. In addition, equity real estate investments,
such as the investments we hold and any additional properties that we may acquire, are relatively difficult to sell quickly. If
our properties do not generate sufficient revenue to meet operating expenses, including debt servicing and capital expenditures,
our income will be reduced.
Competition, economic conditions and
similar factors affecting us, and the real estate industry in general, could affect our performance.
Our properties and business are subject
to all operating risks common to the real estate industry. These risks include:
|
a.
|
Adverse effects of general and local economic conditions;
|
|
b.
|
Increases in operating costs attributable to inflation
and other factors; and
|
|
c.
|
Overbuilding in certain property sectors.
|
These factors could adversely affect our
revenues, profitability and results of operations.
Our business is susceptible to fluctuations
in the real estate market of China, especially in certain areas of eastern China where a significant portion of our operations
are concentrated, which may adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.
We conduct our real estate services business
in China. Our business depends substantially on the conditions of the PRC real estate market. Demand for private residential real
estate in China has grown rapidly in the recent decade but such growth is often coupled with volatility in market conditions and
fluctuation in real estate prices. Fluctuations of supply and demand in China’s real estate market are caused by economic,
social, political and other factors. To the extent fluctuations in the real estate market adversely affect real estate transaction
volumes or prices, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
As a significant portion of our operations
is concentrated in Shanghai and Jiangsu Province, any decrease in demand or real estate prices or any other adverse developments
in these regions may materially and adversely affect our total real estate transaction volumes and average selling prices, which
may in turn adversely affect our revenues and results of operations. These economic uncertainties involve, among other things,
conditions of supply and demand in local markets and changes in consumer confidence and income, employment levels, increase
in mortgage interest rates and government regulations. These risks and uncertainties could periodically have an adverse effect
on consumer demand for and the pricing of our homes, which could cause our operating revenues to decline. In addition, builders
are subject to various risks, many of them outside the control of the homebuilder including competitive overbuilding, availability
and cost of building lots, materials and labor, adverse weather conditions, cost overruns, changes in government regulations, and
increases in real estate taxes and other local government fees. A reduction in our revenues could in turn negatively affect the
market price of our securities.
Our net income is generated primarily
from an investment in one of our unconsolidated affiliates, and we are dependent upon advances and expected distributions from
such affiliate to operate and grow our business and satisfy our liabilities.
We are dependent upon our investment in
SHDEW, an unconsolidated affiliate, to generate our net income and expect such investment to generate the majority of our cash
receipts thought the payment of dividends and advances over the next few years. Any material decline in the business of SHDEW or
in its expected ability to pay dividends would materially and adversely affect our business, our ability to service liabilities
and to pay dividends on our common stock, unless we obtain other sources of financing, of which there can be no assurance. In 2017,
SHDEW generated $79,128,172 in equity income, compared to $62,866,782 in total net income for the Company. As of December 31, 2017,
we own 23.08% of SHDEW, but we do not control the payment by SHDEW of dividends or other distributions to us. In addition, the
payment of dividends or other distributions from SHDEW could be subject to restrictions on, or taxation of, dividends or repatriation
of earnings under applicable law, monetary transfer restrictions, currency exchange regulations in jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries
operate or any other restrictions imposed by current or future agreements to which SHDEW may be a party, including debt instruments.
Events beyond our control, including changes in general business and economic conditions, could adversely impact the value of our
investment and the ability of SHDEW to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.
In addition, a significant portion of our
assets consist of ownership interests in SHDEW. If we were required to liquidate any of such securities in order to generate funds
to satisfy our liabilities, we may be required to sell such securities at a time or times at which we would not be able to realize
what we believe to be the long-term value of such assets and there might be a very limited market for such securities.
Our business may be materially and adversely
affected by government measures aimed at China’s real estate industry.
The real estate industry in China is subject
to government regulations. Until 2009, the real estate markets in a number of major cities in China had experienced rapid and significant
growth. Before the global economic crisis hit all the major economies worldwide in 2009, the PRC government had adopted a series
of measures to restrain what it perceived as unsustainable growth in the real estate market. From 2003 to 2013, the PRC government
introduced a series of specific administrative and credit-control measures including, but not limited to, setting minimum down
payment requirements for residential and commercial real estate transactions, limiting availability of mortgage loans, and tightening
governmental approval process for certain real estate transactions.
In cities such as Beijing and Shanghai,
we have seen the effects of such policies and regulatory measures. The sales volumes for real properties in Beijing and Shanghai
decreased significantly after the policy change. The sale prices for certain properties in such cities are also weakened. The PRC
government’s policy and regulatory measures on the PRC real estate sector could adversely affect the property purchasers’
ability to obtain mortgage financing or significantly increase the cost of mortgage financing and reduce market demand for properties.
These factors may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Despite the recent government measures
aimed at maintaining the long-term stability of the real estate market, there is no assurance that the PRC government will not
continue to adopt new measures in the future that may result in short-term downward adjustments and uncertainty in the real estate
market.
Our business may be materially and adversely
affected as a result of decreased transaction volumes or real estate prices that may follow these adjustments or market uncertainty.
We operate in a highly competitive environment.
Our competitors may be able to adapt more
quickly to changes in customer needs or to devote greater resources than we can to developing and expanding our services. Such
competitors could also attempt to increase their presence in our markets by forming strategic alliances with other competitors,
by offering new or improved services or by increasing their efforts to gain and retain market share through competitive pricing.
As the market for our services matures, price competition and penetration into the market will intensify. Such competition may
adversely affect our gross profits, margins and results of operations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete
successfully with existing or new competitors.
We may be unable to effectively manage
our growth.
We will need to manage our growth effectively,
which may entail devising and effectively implementing business and integration plans, training and managing our growing workforce,
managing our costs, and implementing adequate control and reporting systems in a timely manner. We may not be able to successfully
manage our growth or to integrate and assimilate any acquired business operations. Our failure to do so could affect our success
in executing our business plan and adversely affect our revenues, profitability and results of operations.
If we fail to successfully manage our
planned expansion of operations, our growth prospects will be diminished and our operating expenses could exceed budgeted amounts.
Our ability to offer our services in an
evolving market requires an effective planning and management process. We have expanded our operations rapidly since inception,
and we intend to continue to expand them in the foreseeable future. This rapid growth places significant demand on our managerial
and operational resources and our internal training capabilities. In addition, we have hired a significant number of employees
and plan to further increase our total work force. This growth will continue to substantially burden our management team. To manage
growth effectively, we must:
a. Implement and improve our
operational, financial and other systems, procedures and controls on a timely basis.
b. Expand, train and manage our
workforce, particularly our sales and marketing and support organizations.
We cannot be certain that our systems,
procedures and controls will be adequate to support our current or future operations or that our management will be able to handle
such expansion and still achieve the execution necessary to meet our growth expectations. Failure to manage our growth effectively
could diminish our growth prospects and could result in lost opportunities as well as operating expenses exceeding the amount budgeted.
We may be unable to maintain internal
funds or obtain financing or renew credit facilities in the future.
Adequate financing is one of the major
factors, which can affect our ability to execute our business plan in this regard. We finance our business mainly through internal
funds, bank loans or raising equity funds. There is no guarantee that we will always have internal funds available for future developments
or we will not experience difficulties in obtaining financing and renewing credit facilities granted by financial institutions
in the future. In addition, there may be a delay in equity fundraising activities. Although in August and November 2014 we issued
40,000,000 shares of stock of the Company in aggregate for cash of approximately $3,400,000 to Ace Develop, with Lin Chi-Jung,
our CEO, President and Chairman, the sole shareholder of Ace Develop, our access to obtain debt or equity financing depends on
the bank’s willingness to lend and on conditions in the capital markets, and we may not be able to secure additional sources
of financing on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. If we cannot raise additional capital on acceptable terms, we may not
be able to develop or enhance our services, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated
requirements. To fully realize our business objectives and potential, we may require additional financing. If we are unable to
obtain any necessary additional financing, we will be required to substantially curtail our approach to implementing our business
objectives. Additional financing may be debt, equity or a combination of debt and equity. If equity is used, it could result in
significant dilution to our shareholders.
We require substantial capital resources to fund our land
use rights acquisition and property developments, which may not be available.
Property development is capital intensive.
Our ability to secure sufficient financing for land use rights acquisition and property development depends on a number of factors
that are beyond our control, including market conditions in the capital markets, the PRC economy and the PRC government regulations
that affect the availability and cost of financing for real estate companies.
In order to strengthen liquidity management
and regulate money and credit supply, the People’s Bank of China raised the RMB reserve requirement ratio for depository
financial institutions. Prior to December 2011, the People’s Bank of China raised the reserve requirement ratio by an additional
1.5%. Effective on December 5, 2011, the People’s Bank of China reduced the RMB reserve requirement ratio by 0.5%. Effective
on February 24, 2012 and May 18, 2012, People’s Bank of China decided to further cut the RMB reserve requirement ratio by
0.5% twice. The reserve requirement ratio refers to the amount of funds that banks must hold in reserve against deposits made by
their customers. These increases in the reserve requirement ratio have reduced the amount of commercial bank credit available to
businesses in China, including us.
Our operations and growth prospects
may be significantly impeded if we are unable to retain our key personnel or attract additional key personnel, particularly since
experienced personnel and new skilled personnel are in short supply.
Competition for key personnel is intense.
As a small company, our success depends on the service of our executive officers, and other skilled managerial and technical personnel,
and our ability to attract, hire, train and retain personnel. There is always the possibility that certain of our key personnel
may terminate their employment with us to work for one of our competitors at any time for any reason. There can be no assurance
that we will be successful in attracting and retaining key personnel. The loss of services of one or more key personnel could have
a material adverse effect on us and would materially impede the operation and growth of our business.
If our partnering developers experience
financial or other difficulties, our business and revenues could be adversely affected.
As a service-based company, we greatly
depend on the working relationships and agency contracts with its partnering developers. We are exposed to the risks that our partnering
developers may experience financial or other difficulties, which may affect their ability or will to carry out any existing development
projects or resell contracts, thus delaying or canceling the fulfillment of their agency contracts with us. Any of these factors
could adversely affect our revenues, profitability and results of operations.
Our partnering developers are subject to
extensive government regulation which could make it difficult for them to obtain adequate funding or additional funding. Various
PRC regulations restrict developers’ ability to raise capital through external financings and other methods, including, but
not limited to, the following:
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PRC banks are prohibited from extending loans to real estate companies to fund the purchase of land use rights;
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developers cannot borrow from a PRC bank for a particular project unless we fund at least 35% of the total investment amount of that project using our own capital;
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developers cannot borrow from a PRC bank for a particular project if we do not obtain the land use right certificate for that project;
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property developers are strictly prohibited from using the proceeds from a loan obtained from a local bank to fund property developments outside of the region where the bank is located; and
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PRC banks are prohibited from accepting properties that have been vacant for more than three years as collateral for a loan.
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We may fail to obtain, or may experience
material delays in obtaining necessary government approvals for any major property development, which will adversely affect our
business.
The real estate industry is strictly regulated
by the PRC government. Property developers in China must abide by various laws and regulations, including implementation rules
promulgated by local governments to enforce these laws and regulations. Before commencing, and during the course of, development
of a property project, we need to apply for various licenses, permits, certificates and approvals, including land use rights certificates,
construction site planning permits, construction work planning permits, construction permits, pre-sale permits and completion acceptance
certificates. We need to satisfy various requirements to obtain these certificates and permits. To date, we have not encountered
serious delays or difficulties in the process of applying for these certificates and permits, but we cannot guarantee that we will
not encounter serious delays or difficulties in the future. In the event that we fail to obtain the necessary governmental approvals
for any of our major property projects, or a serious delay occurs in the government’s examination and approval progress,
we may not be able to maintain our development schedule and our business and cash flows may be adversely affected.
We may be unable to complete our property
developments on time or at all.
The progress and costs for a development project can be adversely
affected by many factors, including, without limitation:
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delays in obtaining necessary licenses, permits or approvals from government agencies or authorities;
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shortages of materials, equipment, contractors and skilled labor;
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disputes with our third-party contractors;
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failure by our third-party contractors to comply with our designs, specifications or standards;
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difficult geological situations or other geotechnical issues;
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on-site labor disputes or work accidents; and natural catastrophes or adverse weather conditions.
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Any construction delays, or failure to complete a project according
to our planned specifications or budget, may delay our property sales, which could harm our revenues, cash flows and our reputation.
If we fail to establish and maintain
strategic relationships, the market acceptance of our services, and our profitability, may suffer.
To offer services to a larger customer
base, our direct sales force depends on strategic partnerships, marketing alliances, and partnering developers to obtain customer
leads and referrals. If we are unable to maintain our existing strategic relationships or fail to enter into additional strategic
relationships, we will have to devote substantially more resources to the marketing of our services. We would also lose anticipated
customer introductions and co-marketing benefits. Our success depends in part on the success of our strategic partners and their
ability to market our services successfully.
In addition, our strategic partners may not regard us as significant for their own businesses. Therefore, they could reduce their
commitment to us or terminate their respective relationships with us, pursue other partnerships or relationships, or attempt to
develop or acquire services that compete with our services. Even if we succeed in establishing these relationships, they may not
result in additional customers or revenues.
We are subject to the risks associated
with projects operated through joint ventures.
Some of our projects are operated through
joint ventures in which we have controlling interests. We may enter into similar joint ventures in the future. Any joint venture
investment involves risks such as the possibility that the joint venture partner may seek relief under Chinese insolvency laws,
or have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals. While the bankruptcy
or insolvency of our joint venture partner generally should not disrupt the operations of the joint venture, we could be forced
to purchase the partner’s interest in the joint venture, or the interest could be sold to a third party. Additionally, we
may enter into joint ventures in the future in which we have non-controlling interests. If we do not have control over a joint
venture, the value of our investment may be affected adversely by a third party that may have different goals and capabilities
than ours. It may also be difficult for us to exit a joint venture that we do not control after an impasse. In addition, a joint
venture partner may be unable to meet its economic or other obligations, and we may be required to fulfill those obligations.
We are subject to the risks associated
with projects operated through joint ventures.
Some of our projects are operated through
joint ventures in which we have controlling interests. We may enter into similar joint ventures in the future. Any joint venture
investment involves risks such as the possibility that the joint venture partner may seek relief under federal or state insolvency
laws or have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals. While the bankruptcy
or insolvency of our joint venture partner generally should not disrupt the operations of the joint venture, we could be forced
to purchase the partner’s interest in the joint venture, or the interest could be sold to a third party. Additionally, we
may enter into joint ventures in the future in which we have non-controlling interests. If we do not have control over a joint
venture, the value of our investment may be affected adversely by a third party that may have different goals and capabilities
than ours. It may also be difficult for us to exit a joint venture that we do not control after an impasse. In addition, a joint
venture partner may be unable to meet its economic or other obligations, and we may be required to fulfill those obligations.
We are subject to risks relating to
acts of God, terrorist activity and war.
Our operating income may be reduced by
acts of God, such as natural disasters or acts of terror, in locations where we own and/or operate significant properties and areas
from which we draw customers and partnering developers. Some types of losses, such as from earthquake, hurricane, terrorism and
environmental hazards, may be either uninsurable or too expensive to justify insuring against. Should an uninsured loss or a loss
in excess of insured limits occur, we could lose all or a portion of the capital we have invested in any particular property, as
well as any anticipated future revenue from such property. In that event, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage
debt or other financial obligations related to the property. Similarly, wars (including the potential for war), terrorist activity
(including threats of terrorist activity), political unrest and other forms of civil strife as well as geopolitical uncertainty
have caused in the past, and may cause in the future, our results to differ materially from anticipated results.
We have limited business insurance coverage in China.
The insurance industry in China is still
at an early stage of development. Insurance companies in China offer limited business insurance products. As a result, we do not
have any business liability or disruption insurance coverage for our operations in China. Any business disruption, litigation or
natural disaster might result in substantial costs and diversion of resources.
We may be affected by global climate
change or by legal, regulatory, or market responses to such change.
There is a growing concern in regards to
the global warming issues affecting the world. The changing weather patterns and abnormal conditions may affect the construction
and logistics of developers and this may indirectly cause inverse effect to our operation. Extreme weather conditions may delay
in construction of properties; this then may delay the sale of these properties and therefore delaying our future revenue stream.
There may be regulations in manufacturing materials for property construction and new building codes in response to global warming
that may delay construction and/or create further expenses to the developers. These possible changes may indirectly affect our
business.
Our real estate development operating
results may not achieve our goals.
As there are many variables to developing
a real estate project, we face the risk of running out of funds mid construction and may have to delay or be unable to continue
developing the project. We may also run into market downturn and not be able to sell any of the housings we’ve developed.
If any of the above happens, we may face an extreme cash shortage and will directly affect our business.
The staff of our accounting department
lack training and experience in the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“
U.S. GAAP
”),
which may result in accounting errors in the financial statements that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“
SEC
”).
Our executive offices are located in the
PRC. Our entire bookkeeping and accounting staff is located there. Our books and records are maintained in Chinese, using Chinese
accounting principles. Chinese accounting principles vary in many important respects from U.S. GAAP. To file our Company’s
financial statements with the SEC, our accounting staff must convert the financial statements from Chinese accounting principles
to U.S. accounting principles. However, none of the members of our accounting staff has extensive experience or
training in the preparation of financial
statements under U.S. accounting principles. Neither do we have any employee who has previous experience in accounting for a U.S.
public company. This situation creates a risk that the financial statements we file with the SEC will fail to present our financial
condition and/or results of operations as required by SEC rules and U.S. GAAP.
We have identified material weaknesses
in our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to develop or maintain an effective system of internal controls, we
may not be able to accurately report our financial results and prevent fraud. As a result, current and potential stockholders could
lose confidence in our financial statements, which would harm the trading price of our common stock.
Companies that file reports with the SEC,
including us, are subject to the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or SOX 404. SOX 404 requires management
to establish and maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting and annual reports on Form 10-K filed under the
Exchange Act to contain a report from management assessing the effectiveness of a company’s internal control over financial
reporting. A report of our management is included under Item 9A.“Controls and Procedures” of this report. We are a
smaller reporting company and, consequently, are not required to include an attestation report of our auditor in this annual report.
However, if and when we become subject to the auditor attestation requirements under SOX 404, we can provide no assurance that
we will receive an unqualified report from our independent auditors.
During its evaluation of the effectiveness
of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, management identified a material weakness relating to our
lack of sufficient accounting personnel with an appropriate understanding of U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting requirements.
We are undertaking remedial measures, which
measures will take time to implement and test, to address the material weakness. There can be no assurance that such measures will
be sufficient to remedy the material weakness identified or that additional material weaknesses or other control or significant
deficiencies will not be identified in the future. If we continue to experience material weaknesses in our internal controls or
fail to maintain or implement required new or improved controls, such circumstances could cause us to fail to meet our periodic
reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in our financial statements, or adversely affect the results of periodic
management evaluations and, if required, annual auditor attestation reports. Each of the foregoing results could cause investors
to lose confidence in our reported financial information and lead to a decline in our stock price. See Item 9A. “Controls
and Procedures” for more information.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR SECURITIES
Our controlling shareholders could take actions that are
not in the public shareholders’ best interests.
As of May 10, 2018, Ace Develop directly
controls 64.80% of our outstanding common stock and Lin Chi-Jung, our Chairman, is the sole shareholder of Ace Develop. As of May
10, 2018, Robert Lin Investments directly controls 0.22% of our outstanding common stock and Lin Chao Chun, one of our directors,
is the principal and controlling shareholder of Robert Lin Investments. Accordingly, pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation
and bylaws, Ace Develop and Lin Chi-Jung, and Robert Lin Investments and Lin Chao Chun, by virtue of their controlling ownership
of share interests, will be able to exercise substantial influence over our business by directly or indirectly voting at either
shareholders meetings or the board of directors meetings in matters of significance to us and our public shareholders, including
matters relating to:
a. Election of directors and officers;
b. The amount and timing of dividends and
other distributions;
c. Acquisition of or merger with another
company; and
d. Any proposed amendments to our Articles
of Incorporation.
Future sales of our common stock could
adversely affect our stock price.
If our shareholders sell substantial amounts
of our common stock in the public market, the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected. In a ddition, the sale
of these shares could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities.
We are traded on the OTCQB, which can
be a volatile market.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB
a quotation system for equity securities. It is a more limited trading market than the Nasdaq Capital Market, and timely and accurate
quotations of the price of our common stock may not always be available. Investors may expect trading volume to be low in such
a market. Consequently, the activity of only a few shares may affect the market and may result in wide swings in price and in volume.
We may be subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
A majority of our revenues are received,
and a majority of our operating costs are incurred, in Renminbi. Because our financial statements are presented in U.S. Dollars,
any significant fluctuation in the currency exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. Dollar will affect our reported results
of operations. We do not currently engage in currency-hedging transactions.
Trading of our common stock is limited,
which may make it difficult for investors to sell their shares at times and prices that investors feel are appropriate.
Trading of our common stock has been extremely
limited. This adversely effects the liquidity of our common stock, not only in terms of the number of shares that can be bought
and sold at a given price, but also through delays in the timing of transactions and reduction in security analysts’ and
the media’s coverage of us. This may result in lower prices for our common stock than might otherwise be obtained and could
also result in a larger spread between the bid and asked prices for our common stock.
There is a limited market for our common
stock and an active trading market for our common stock may never develop.
Trading in our common stock has been limited
and has been characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors that may have little to do with a company’s
operations or business prospects.
Because it may be a “penny stock,”
it will be more difficult for shareholders to sell shares of our common stock.
In addition, our common stock may be considered
a “penny stock” under SEC rules because it has been trading on the OTC Bulletin Board at prices lower than $1.00. Broker-dealers
who sell penny stocks must provide purchasers of these stocks with a standardized risk-disclosure document prepared by the SEC.
This document provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks involved in investing in the penny-stock
market. A broker must also give a purchaser, orally or in writing, bid and offer quotations and information regarding broker and
salesperson compensation, make a written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser, and obtain
the purchaser’s written agreement for the purchaser. Broker-dealers also must provide customers that hold penny stocks in
their accounts with such broker-dealers a monthly statement containing price and market information relating to the penny stock.
If a penny stock is sold to investors in violation of the penny stock rules, investors may be able to cancel the purchase and get
the money back. The penny stock rules may make it difficult for investors to sell their shares of our stock, and because of these
rules, there is less trading in penny stocks. Moreover, many brokers simply choose not to participate in penny-stock transactions.
Accordingly, investors may not always be able to resell shares of our common stock publicly at times and at prices that investors
feel are appropriate.
Our stock price is, and we expect it to remain, volatile,
which could limit investors’ ability to sell stock at a profit.
Since the completion of the SRRE /CY-SRRE/LRY
share exchange transactions the market price of our common stock has ranged from a high of $0.11 per share to a low of $0.01 per
share in 2017. The volatile price of our stock makes it difficult for investors to predict the value of our investment, to sell
shares at a profit at any given time, or to plan purchases and sales in advance. A variety of factors may affect the market price
of our common stock. These include, but are not limited to:
a. Announcements of new technological innovations
or new commercial services by our competitors or us;
b. Developments concerning proprietary
rights;
c. Regulatory developments in Mainland
China and foreign countries;
d. Period-to-period fluctuations in our
revenues and other results of operations;
e. Economic or other crises and other external
factors;
f. Changes in financial estimates by securities
analysts; and
g. Sales of our common stock.
We will not be able to control many
of these factors, and we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our financial results will not necessarily be indicative
of our future performance.
The stock market in general has experienced
extreme price and volume fluctuations that may have been unrelated and disproportionate to the operating performance of individual
companies. These broad market and industry factors may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating
performance.
Because we have not paid and do not
plan to pay cash dividends, investors will not realize any income from an investment in our common stock unless and until investors
sell their shares at profit.
We did not pay cash dividends on our common
stock in 2017, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the near future. Investors should not rely on an investment
in our stock if they require dividend income. Further, investors will only realize income on an investment in our stock in the
event they sell or otherwise dispose of their shares at a price higher than the price they paid for their shares. Such a gain would
result only from an increase in the market price of our common stock, which is uncertain and unpredictable.
We intend to retain all of our earnings
for use in our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the near future.
The payment of any future dividends will
be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon a number of factors, including future earnings, the success
of our business activities, general financial condition, future prospects, general business conditions and such other factors as
our Board of Directors may deem relevant.
RISKS RELATING TO THE REAL ESTATE
INDUSTRY IN YANGTZE DELTA AND OTHER AREAS OF THE PRC
The real estate market in Yangtze Delta
and other areas of the PRC is at an early stage of development.
We are subject to real estate market conditions
in the PRC generally and Yangtze Delta in particular. Private ownership of property in the PRC is still at an early stage of development.
Although there is a perception that economic growth in the PRC and the higher standard of living resulting from such growth will
lead to a greater demand for private properties in the PRC, it is not possible to predict with certainty that such a correlation
exists as many social, political, economic, legal and other factors may affect the development of the property market. The level
of uncertainty is increased by the limited availability of accurate financial and market information as well as the overall low
level of transparency in the PRC.
The PRC property market, including the
Yangtze Delta property market, is volatile and may experience oversupply and property price fluctuations. The central and local
governments frequently adjust monetary and other economic policies to prevent and curtail the overheating of the PRC and local
economies, and such economic adjustments may affect the real estate market in Yangtze Delta and other parts of China. Furthermore,
the central and local governments from time to time make policy adjustments and adopt new regulatory measures in a direct effort
to control the over development of the real estate market in China, including Yangtze Delta. Such policies may lead to changes
in market conditions, including price instability and an imbalance of supply and demand of residential properties, which may materially
adversely affect our business and financial conditions. Also, there is no assurance that there will not be over development in
the property sector in Yangtze Delta and other parts of China in the future. Any future over development in the property sector
in Yangtze Delta and other parts of China may result in an oversupply of properties and a fall of property prices in Yangtze Delta
or any of our other markets, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition. The lack of a liquid secondary
market for residential property may discourage investors from acquiring new properties. The limited amount of property mortgage
financing available to PRC individuals may further inhibit demand for residential developments.
Local government may issue further restrictive
measures in the future.
In January 2011, the Shanghai municipal
government put forward a local restrictive policy. The policy prohibits residential housing purchases for 1) non-local residents,
who are not able to provide a local tax payment or social security payment certificate over one year within the most recent two
years, 2) local resident, who is already in possession of two residential units. The policy also limits residential housing purchases
for 1) non-local residents, who are able to provide local tax payment certificate over one year, to only one unit, 2) local residents,
who are already in possession of only one residential unit, to one additional residential unit.
We cannot assure you that the local government
in Shanghai or Jiangsu Province will not issue further restrictive measures in the future. The local government’s restrictive
regulations and measures could increase our operating costs in adapting to these regulations and measures, limit our access to
capital resources or even restrict our business operations, which could further adversely affect our business and prospects.
We face increasing competition, which
may adversely affect our revenues, profitability and results of operations.
In recent years, a large number of property
companies have begun undertaking property sales and investment projects in Yangtze Delta and elsewhere in the PRC. Some of these
property companies may have better track records and greater financial and other resources than we do. The intensity of the competition
may adversely affect our business and financial position. In addition, the real estate market in Yangtze Delta and elsewhere in
the PRC is rapidly changing. If we cannot respond to the changes in the market conditions more swiftly or effectively than our
competitors do, our business and financial position will be adversely affected.
If the availability or attractiveness of
mortgage financing were significantly limited, many of our prospective customers would not be able to purchase the properties,
thus adversely affecting our business and financial position.
Mortgages are becoming increasingly popular
as a means of financing property purchases in the PRC. An increase in interest rates may significantly increase the cost of mortgage
financing, thus reducing the affordability of mortgages as a source of financing for residential property purchases. The PRC government
has increased the down payment requirements and imposed certain other conditions that make mortgage financing unavailable or unattractive
for some potential property purchasers. There is no assurance that the down payment requirements and other conditions will not
be further revised. If the availability or attractiveness of mortgage financing is further significantly limited, many of our prospective
customers would not be able to purchase the properties and, as a result, our business and future prospects would be adversely affected.
Our future prospects are heavily dependent
on the performance of property sectors in specific geographical areas.
The properties we resell and intend to
invest in are mainly based in Yangtze Delta. Our future prospects are, therefore, heavily dependent on the continued growth of
the property sector around Yangtze Delta, and our business may be affected by any adverse developments in the supply and demand
or housing prices in the property sector around Yangtze Delta.
The current level of property development
and investment activity in Yangtze Delta and other markets is substantial. However, there is no assurance that such property resale
and investment activity in Yangtze Delta or any of our other markets will continue at this level in the future or that we will
be able to benefit from the future growth of these property markets.
Our revenues and operating income could
be reduced by adverse conditions specific to our property locations.
The properties we resell and intend to
invest in are concentrated geographically and are located predominately in Yangtze Delta. As a result, our business and our financial
operating results may be materially affected by adverse economic, weather or business conditions in this area. Adverse conditions
that affect these areas such as economic recession, changes in extreme weather conditions and natural disasters, may have an adverse
impact on our operations.
RISKS RELATING TO THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC
OF CHINA
All of our current prospects and deals
are generated in Mainland China; thus all of our revenues are derived from our operations in the PRC. Accordingly, our business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects are subject, to a significant extent, to economic, political and legal
developments in the PRC.
PRC economic, political policies and
social conditions could adversely affect our business.
The economy of PRC differs from the economies
of most developed countries in a number of respects, including the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth
rate and control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources.
The PRC Government has been reforming the
PRC economic system from planned economy to market oriented economy for more than 20 years, and has also begun reforming the government
structure in recent years. These reforms have resulted in significant economic growth and social progress. Although we believe
these reforms will have a positive effect on our overall and long-term development, we cannot predict whether any future changes
in PRC’s political, economic and social conditions, laws, regulations and policies will have any adverse effect on our current
or future business, results of operations or financial condition.
Changes in foreign exchange regulations may adversely affect
our ability to pay dividends and could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Substantially all of our revenues and operating
expenses are denominated in Renminbi. Conversion of Renminbi is under strict government regulation in the PRC. The Renminbi is
currently freely convertible under the "current account", including trade and service related foreign exchange transactions
and payment of dividends, but not under the "capital account", which includes foreign direct investment and loans. Under
the existing foreign exchange regulations in the PRC, we will be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies without prior approval
from the State Administration for Foreign Exchange by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, there is no assurance
that the above foreign policies regarding payment of dividends in foreign currencies will continue in the future.
Fluctuation of the Renminbi could materially
affect the value of, and dividends payable on, the common stock.
The value of the Renminbi is subject to
changes in the PRC Government’s policies and depends to a large extent on China’s domestic and international economic
and political developments, as well as supply and demand in the local market. Since 1994, the official exchange rate for the conversion
of Renminbi to U.S. Dollars has generally been stable, and in 2005 the official exchange rate between U.S. Dollars and Renminbi
had a little fluctuation. However, we cannot give any assurance that the value of the Renminbi will continue to remain stable against
the U.S. Dollar or any other foreign currency. Since our income and profit are denominated in Renminbi, any devaluation of the
Renminbi would adversely affect the value of, and dividends, if any, payable on, our shares in foreign currency terms.
Our operations could be adversely affected
by changes in the political and economic conditions in the PRC. The PRC is our main market and accounted for all of our revenue.
Therefore, we face risks related to conducting business in the PRC. Changes in the social, economic and political conditions of
the PRC may adversely affect our business. Unfavorable changes in government policies, political unrest and economic developments
may also have a negative impact on our operations.
Since the adoption of the “open door
policy” in 1978 and the “socialist market economy” in 1993, the PRC government has been reforming and is expected
to continue to reform its economic and political systems. Any changes in the political and economic policies of the PRC government
may lead to changes in the laws and regulations or the interpretation of the same, as well as changes in the foreign exchange regulations,
taxation and import and export restrictions, which may, in turn, adversely affect our financial performance. While the current
policy of the PRC government seems to be one of imposing economic reform policies to encourage foreign investments and greater
economic decentralization, we cannot assure that such a policy will continue to prevail in the future.
The PRC Legal System Embodies Uncertainties
The PRC legal system is a civil law system
based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which decided legal cases have little value as precedents.
In 1979, the PRC Government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general.
The overall effect of legislation over the past 28 years has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of
foreign investment in Mainland China. Our PRC operating subsidiaries, wholly foreign-owned enterprises (“WFOEs”), are
subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in the PRC in general and laws and regulations applicable to WFOEs
in particular. However, these laws, regulations and legal requirements are constantly changing, and their interpretation and enforcement
involve uncertainties. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us and other foreign investors. In addition,
we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to
existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the pre-emption of local regulations by national laws.
Our shareholders may not be able to
enforce U.S. civil liabilities claims.
Our assets are located outside the United
States and are held through subsidiaries incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and the PRC.
Our current operations are conducted in the PRC. In addition, our directors and officers are residents of the PRC. As a result,
it may be difficult for shareholders to implement service of process on these individuals. In addition, there is uncertainty as
to whether the courts of China would recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against the Company or such
persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof, or be
competent to hear original actions brought in these countries against us or such persons predicated upon the securities laws of
the United States or any state thereof.