The following discussion and analysis of the results of our operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed financial statements, and the notes to those unaudited condensed financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Report. All monetary figures are presented inU.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated. Our Management's Discussion and Analysis contains not only statements that are historical facts, but also statements that are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are, by their very nature, uncertain and risky. These risks and uncertainties include international, national, and local general economic and market conditions; our ability to sustain, manage, or forecast growth; our ability to successfully make and integrate acquisitions; new product development and introduction; existing government regulations and changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations; adverse publicity; competition; the loss of significant customers or suppliers; fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results; change in business strategy or development plans; business disruptions; the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the ability to protect technology; the risk of foreign currency exchange rate; and other risks that might be detailed from time to time in our filings with theSecurities and Exchange Commission . Although the forward-looking statements in this Report reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known by them. Consequently, and because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, the actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report as we attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and prospects. OverviewCode Chain New Continent Limited ("CCNC", formerly known asJM Global Holding Company andTMSR Holding Company Limited ) is a holding company incorporated in theState of Nevada with no material operations of its own. We currently conduct business throughShanghai Highlight Media Co., Ltd. ("Highlight Media") ("Highlight Media"). For accounting purposes,Makesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. ("Makesi WFOE") is the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media. Accordingly, underU.S. GAAP, CCNC treats Highlight Media as the consolidated affiliated entity and has consolidated Wuge's financial results in CCNC's financial statements. The VIE structure involves unique risks to investors. The VIE agreements have not been tested in a court of law and the Chinese regulatory authorities could disallow this VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and the value of our securities, including that it could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless. Book Publishing Planning Since 2018, Highlight Media has cooperated with authors and publishing houses inChina in corporate history and entrepreneur biographies planning and publishing in the lens of the finance industry. Highlight Media published "New Industrial Era - Chinese IndustrialistZhang Yuqiang and His New Stone Story", "Endless Realm - the Growth ifChina Ping 'An", "Unfinished Beauty - Fifteen Years of H World Group", "All Things Are Born - TCL's Forty Years", "From Connection to Activation - Digitalization and China's New Industrial Cycle" and other best-selling books in corporate history, finance and economics and has sold more than 200,000 copies. Highlight Media also plans and organizes online and offline activities with the publishing houses such as new book launches and book sharing sessions for customers, to promote new books and build influence and reputation for the corporate clients. Financial Self-Media
In 2016, Highlight Media founded the financial self-media "Guangdian 2049", which was renamed as "Guangdian Finance" in 2019, focusing on new ideas, new businesses, technologies, characters, investments, management, etc. in finance and economics. Since 2019, Highlight Media has posted 195 original articles and has cumulated more than 10,000 followers. Some of the top articles have more than 27,000 views. In 2021, Highlight Media created an account "Highlight Finance" onTou Tiao , a Chinese news and information content platform. The "Highlight Finance" account has posted 70 original articles. Some of the top articles on Highlight Finance has more than 60,000 views. Highlight Finance has been trusted by various high-quality enterprises, and has directed more than 100 original articles on finance and economics. Highlight Finance's contracted authors have also been invited to create than 10 manuscripts for the well-known financial self-media "Qin Shuo Moments". Some of the top articles have more
than 20,000 views. Public Relations Highlight Media also offer corporate clients with serviced regarding marketing materials, press releases, seminars, exhibitions, conferences, and public relations management. Highlight Media has established stable and long-term cooperative relations with many companies in the financial industry, such as Deshijia Ophthalmology, Haitong Hengxin,Shanshan Co., Ltd. etc., and has gained rich experience, resources and connections and strong Internet communication service capabilities. Prior toSeptember 28, 2022 , we also conducted business throughWuge Network Games Co., Ltd. ("Wuge"). Wuge focused its business on research, development and application of Internet of Things (IoT) and electronic tokens Wuge digital door signs. OnSeptember 28, 2022 , Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement with Wuge and the Wuge Shareholders to terminate the VIE Agreements and to cancel the Shares, based on the average closing price of$0.237 per share of the Company during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the termination agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treats Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company's consolidated financial statements underU.S. GAAP. 26
Prior toMarch 30, 2021 , we were also engaged in coal wholesales and sales of coke, steels, construction materials, mechanical equipment and steel scrap throughJiangsu Rong Hai Electric Power Fuel Co., Ltd. ("Rong Hai"), a then VIE of the Company. OnMarch 30, 2021 , the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with a buyer unaffiliated with the Company (the "Buyer"), andQihai Wang , former director of the Company (the "Payee"). Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to sell and the Buyer agreed to purchase all the issued and outstanding ordinary shares (the "Tongrong Shares") ofTongrong Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. ("Tongrong WFOE"), a PRC company and an indirect subsidiary of the Company. The Payee agreed to be responsible for the payment of the purchase price on behalf of Buyer. OnMarch 31, 2021 , the Company closed the sale of the Tongrong Shares and caused the CCNC Shares to be cancelled. Tongrong WFOE had a series of VIE agreements with Rong Hai and the shareholders of Rong Hai. The sale of Tongrong Shares included disposition of Rong Hai. As a result, as ofMarch 31, 2021 , operations of Tongrong WFOE and Rong Hai have been designated as discontinued operations.Recent Development
Acquisition of
OnApril 14, 2022 , the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement ("SPA") withShanghai Yuanma Food and Beverage Management Co., Ltd. , a PRC company ("Yuan Ma"), and all the shareholders ofYuan Ma ("Yuanma Shareholders"). Yuanma Shareholders areWei Xu , the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company, andJiangsu Lingkong Network Joint Stock Co., Ltd. , which is controlled byWei Xu .
Pursuant to the SPA, the Company agreed to issue an aggregate of 7,680,000 shares of common stock of the Company (the "Shares"), valued at$1.00 per share, to the Yuanma Shareholders, in exchange for Yuanma Shareholders' agreement to enter into and to causeYuan Ma to enter into certain agreements ("Yuan Ma VIE Agreements") with WFOE, the Company's indirectly owned subsidiary, to establish a VIE (variable interest entity) structure (the "Acquisition"). Through the Yuan Ma VIE Agreements, Makesi WFOE will receive the economic benefits ofYuan Ma and, for accounting purposes, the Company will consolidate the financial results ofYuan Ma in the consolidated financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles in theU.S. (U.S. GAAP). The Company has also agreed to hold a special meeting of the stockholders of the Company as soon as possible in connection with the Acquisition. The closing of the Acquisition is conditioned on the approval of the stockholders of the Company and any required regulatory approval. OnJune 13, 2022 , the Company held a special meeting of stockholders and approved the issuance of the Shares toWei Xu . OnJune 21, 2022 , pursuant to the SPA, Makesi WFOE entered into a series of Yuan Ma VIE Agreements withYuan Ma and Yuanma Shareholders, and the Shares were issued toWei Xu . The transaction contemplated in the SPA was completed. We plan to file the financial statements and pro forma financial information in a current report on Form 8-K to be filed on or beforeSeptember 6, 2022 .
Material terms of each of the Yuan Ma VIE Agreements are described below:
Technical Consultation and Services Agreement. Pursuant to the technical consultation and services agreement between Makesi WFOE andYuan Ma datedJune 21, 2022 , Makesi WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation services toYuan Ma relating toYuan Ma's business, including but not limited to business consultation services, human resources development, and business development. Makesi WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Makesi WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based onYuan Ma's actual operation on a quarterly basis. This agreement will be effective for 20 years and can be extended by Makesi WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to the other parties. Makesi WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a 30 days' prior written notice toYuan Ma . If any party breaches the agreement and fails to cure within 30 days from the written notice from the non-breach party, the non-breach party may (i) terminate the agreement and request the breaching party to compensate the non-breaching party's loss or (ii) request special performance by the breaching party and the breaching party to compensate the non-breaching party's loss. Equity Pledge Agreement. Under the equity pledge agreement among Makesi WFOE,Yuan Ma and Yuan Ma Shareholders datedJune 21, 2022 , Yuan Ma Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests inYuan Ma to Makesi WFOE to guaranteeYuan Ma's performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the technical consultation and services agreement. In addition, Yuan Ma Shareholders will complete the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. IfYuan Ma breaches its obligation under the technical consultation and services agreement, Makesi WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. This pledge will remain effective until all the guaranteed obligations are performed or the Yuan Ma Shareholders cease to be shareholders ofYuan Ma . Equity Option Agreement. Under the equity option agreement among Makesi WFOE,Yuan Ma and Yuan Ma Shareholders datedJune 21, 2022 , each ofYuan Ma Shareholders irrevocably granted to Makesi WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests inYuan Ma . Also, Makesi WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets ofYuan Ma . Without Makesi WFOE's prior written consent,Yuan Ma's shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests inYuan Ma andYuan Ma cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option. This pledge will remain effective until all options have been exercised. Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement. Under the voting rights proxy and financial support agreement among Makesi WFOE,Yuan Ma andYuan Ma Shareholders datedJune 21, 2022 , each Yuan Ma Shareholder irrevocably appointed Makesi WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder's behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests inYuan Ma , including but not limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters ofYuan Ma requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association ofYuan Ma . The proxy agreement is for a term of 20 years and can be extended by Makesi WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to the other parties. 27
Cancellation of Asset Purchase Agreement with
OnFebruary 23, 2021 , the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement withSichuan RiZhanYun Jisuan Co., Ltd. , (the "Seller"), which was amended and restated onApril 16, 2021 and further amended onMay 28, 2021 (the "Agreement"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company purchased, and the Seller sold, a total of 10,000 Bitcoin mining machines (the "Assets") for a total purchase price ofRMB 40,000,000 orUS$6,160,000 based on the exchange rate as ofApril 8, 2021 (the "Purchase Price"), payable in the form of 1,587,800 shares of common stock of the Company. In addition, pursuant to the Agreement, the Seller agreed to cause revenue and any other source of income from the operation of the Assets to be paid to the Company, payable in cryptocurrency to be deposited into a cryptocurrency wallet held by the Company on a daily basis. The Company agreed to issue to the Seller or its designees certain bonuses, payable in the common stock of the Company upon meeting certain milestones. OnJune 1, 2021 , the Company issued to the Seller's designee 2,513,294 shares of common stock (the "Shares"), consisted of (i) the Purchase Price in the form of 1,587,800 shares of common stock and (ii) 925,494 bonus shares for meeting and exceeding certain milestones. Because the Assets were never delivered to the Company and the Company has not received and is not able to accept cryptocurrency from the operation of the Assets, the Company and the Seller agreed to rescind the Agreement and cancel the Shares onSeptember 26, 2022 . Termination of the VIE Agreements withSichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. InJanuary 2020 ,Tongrong Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. , a then indirect subsidiary of the Company ("Tongrong WFOE"),Sichuan Wuge Network Games Co., Ltd. ("Wuge"), and shareholders of Wuge (the "Wuge Shareholders") entered into a share purchase agreement, pursuant to which the Company issued a total of 4,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company (the "Shares") to the Wuge Shareholders in exchange for Tongrong WFOE, Wuge and the Wuge Shareholders entering into certain Technical Consultation and Services Agreement., Equity Pledge Agreement, Equity Option Agreement, Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement, which was assigned by Tongrong WFOE toMakesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. , an indirect subsidiary of the Company ("Makesi WFOE") inJanuary 2021 (such agreements, as assigned, the "VIE Agreements") . The VIE Agreements established a "Variable Interest Entity" (VIE) structure, and pursuant to which the Company treated Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity and consolidated the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company's consolidated financial statements underU.S. GAAP. OnSeptember 28, 2022 , Makesi WFOE entered into a termination agreement (the "Termination Agreement") with Wuge and the Wuge Shareholders to terminate the VIE Agreements and to cancel the Shares, based on the average closing price of$0.237 per share of the Company during the 30 trading days immediately prior to the date of the Termination Agreement. As a result of such termination, the Company no longer treat Wuge as a consolidated affiliated entity or consolidates the financial results and balance sheet of Wuge in the Company's consolidated financial statements underU.S. GAAP.
Acquisition of
On
Pursuant to the SPA, the Company agreed to issue an aggregate of 9,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company (the "Shares"), valued at$0.25 per share, to the Highlight Media Shareholders, in exchange for Highlight Media's and Highlight Media Shareholders' agreement to enter into certain agreements (the "VIE Agreements") withMakesi IoT Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. ("WFOE"), the Company's indirectly owned subsidiary, to establish a VIE (variable interest entity) structure (the "Acquisition"). A "Variable Interest Entity" does not describe a legal relationship; it is an accounting concept. UnderU.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP), if through contractual arrangements, Entity A will absorb the losses or receive potentially significant benefits from the operations of Entity B, then the financial results and balance sheet of Entity B should be consolidated with the financial results and balance sheet in Entity A's consolidated financial statements. We have evaluated the guidance in FASB ASC 810 and determined that, after the VIE Agreements are signed, WFOE will be the primary beneficiary of Highlight Media for accounting purposes, because, pursuant to the VIE Agreements, once signed, Highlight Media shall pay service fees to WFOE in the amount of 100% of the Highlight Media's after-tax net income, while WFOE shall be obligated to absorb all of losses of Highlight Media. Accordingly, underU.S. GAAP, WFOE will treat Highlight Media as a consolidated affiliated entity and will consolidate the financial results and balance sheet of Highlight Media in the consolidated financial statements underU.S. GAAP.
Material terms of each of the VIE Agreements with Highlight Media are described below:
Technical Consultation and Services Agreement. Pursuant to the technical consultation and services agreement between Highlight Media and Makesi WFOE datedSeptember 16, 2022 , Makesi WFOE has the exclusive right to provide consultation services to Wuge relating to Wuge's business, including but not limited to business consultation services, human resources development, and business development. Makesi WFOE exclusively owns any intellectual property rights arising from the performance of this agreement. Makesi WFOE has the right to determine the service fees based on Wuge's actual operation on a quarterly basis. This agreement will be effective as long as Wuge exists. Makesi WFOE may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a 30 days' prior written notice to Wuge. Equity Pledge Agreement. Under the equity pledge agreement among Makesi WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders datedSeptember 16, 2022 , Wuge Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in Wuge to Makesi WFOE to guarantee Wuge's performance of relevant obligations and indebtedness under the technical consultation and services agreement. In addition, Wuge Shareholders will complete the registration of the equity pledge under the agreement with the competent local authority. If Wuge breaches its obligation under the technical consultation and services agreement, Makesi WFOE, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right to sell the pledged equity interests. This pledge will remain effective until all the guaranteed obligations are performed or the Wuge Shareholders cease to be shareholders of Wuge. 28 Equity Option Agreement. Under the equity option agreement among Makesi WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders datedSeptember 16, 2022 , each of Wuge Shareholders irrevocably granted to Makesi WFOE or its designee an option to purchase at any time, to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or a portion of his equity interests in Wuge. Also, Makesi WFOE or its designee has the right to acquire any and all of its assets of Wuge. Without Makesi WFOE's prior written consent, Wuge's shareholders cannot transfer their equity interests in Wuge and Wuge cannot transfer its assets. The acquisition price for the shares or assets will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted under the PRC law at the time of the exercise of the option. This pledge will remain effective until all options have been exercised. Voting Rights Proxy and Financial Support Agreement. Under the voting rights proxy and financial support agreement among Makesi WFOE, Wuge and Wuge Shareholders datedSeptember 16, 2022 , each Wuge Shareholder irrevocably appointed Makesi WFOE as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder's behalf any and all rights that such shareholder has in respect of his equity interests in Wuge, including but not limited to the power to vote on its behalf on all matters of Wuge requiring shareholder approval in accordance with the articles of association of Wuge. The proxy agreement is for a term of 20 years and can be extended by Makesi WFOE unilaterally by prior written notice to
the other parties.
Change of Directors and Officers
OnSeptember 15, 2022 , Mr.Fei Gan tendered his resignation as a director, the chairman of theNominating and Corporate Governance Committee , a member of the Compensation Committee, and a member of theAudit Committee of the Company , effectiveSeptember 15, 2022 . The resignation ofMr. Gan was not a result of any disagreement with the Company's operations, policies or procedures. OnSeptember 15, 2022 , Mr.Siyang Hu tendered his resignation as a director and a member of theNominating and Corporate Governance Committee , the Compensation Committee, and theAudit Committee of the Company , effectiveSeptember 15, 2022 . The resignation ofMr. Hu was not a result of any disagreement with the Company's operations, policies or procedures. OnSeptember 15, 2022 , approved by the Board of Directors, theNominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, Ms.Junhong He was appointed as a director and the chairman of theNominating and Corporate Governance Committee , a member of the Compensation Committee, and a member of theAudit Committee of the Company , effectiveSeptember 15, 2022 , and Ms.Jing Zhang was appointed as a director and a member of theNominating and Corporate Governance Committee , the Compensation Committee, and theAudit Committee of the Company , effectiveSeptember 15, 2022 .
The Board has determined that each of Ms.
OnOctober 4, 2022 , Mr.Wei Xu tendered his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company, effectiveOctober 4, 2022 . The resignation of Mr.Wei Xu was not a result of any disagreement with the Company's operations, policies or procedures. OnOctober 4, 2022 , Mr.Bibo Lin tendered his resignation as the Vice President and a director of the Company, effectiveOctober 4, 2022 . The resignation of Mr.Bibo Lin was not a result of any disagreement with the Company's operations, policies or procedures.
OnOctober 4, 2022 , approved by the Board of Directors, theNominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, Mr.Hongxiang Yu was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company, effectiveOctober 4, 2022 , and Ms.Shuang Zhang was appointed as the Vice President and a director of the Company, effectiveOctober 4, 2022 . OnNovember 10, 2022 , Mr.Tianxiang Zhu tendered his resignation as the Chief Operating Officer and a director of the Company, effectiveNovember 10, 2022 . The resignation of Mr.Tianxiang Zhu was not a result of any disagreement with the Company's operations, policies or procedures. OnNovember 10, 2022 , Mr.Chengwei Mo tendered his resignation as a director, the Chair of the Audit Committee, and a member of theNominating and Corporate Governance Committee and theCompensation Committee of the Company , effectiveNovember 10, 2022 . The resignation of Mr.Chengwei Mo was not a result of any disagreement with the Company's operations, policies or procedures. OnNovember 10, 2022 , the Board of Directors appointed Ms.Jing Zhang as the Chair of the Audit Committee, effectiveNovember 10, 2022 . The Board has determined thatMs. Zhang meets the "audit committee financial expert" standards of theSEC for service on the Audit Committee.
Change of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
On
On
29
Notice of Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule and Reverse Split
OnMay 5, 2022 , the Company received a written notice from theListing Qualifications Department of theNasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") regarding the Company's failure to comply with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), which requires listed securities to maintain a minimum bid price of$1.00 per share. A failure to comply with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) exists when listed securities fail to maintain a closing bid price of at least$1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days. Based on the closing bid price for the last 30 consecutive business days (including, in particular, the periodMarch 23, 2022 throughMay 4, 2022 ), the Company failed to meet the aforesaid requirement. The Company was provided a period of 180 calendar days, untilNovember 1, 2022 , to regain compliance. OnNovember 2, 2022 , the Company received a written notice from Nasdaq stating that, although the Company had not regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement byNovember 1, 2022 , in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company is eligible for an additional 180 calendar day period, or untilMay 1, 2023 , to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company's common stock must meet or exceed$1.00 per share for a minimum of ten consecutive business days during this 180-day period. At the Company's special meeting of stockholders held onOctober 18, 2022 , the stockholders approved an amendment to the Company's articles of incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of our common stock, at a ratio of between 1-for-10 and 1-for-30 as determined by our Board of Directors in their sole discretion, prior to the one-year anniversary of the special meeting. OnNovember 4, 2022 , as approved and authorized by the Board of Directors onOctober 21, 2022 , the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (the "Certificate of Amendment") with theNevada Secretary of State to effect a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value$0.0001 per shares, of the Company at a ratio of one-for-thirty (30), which will become effective at12:01 a.m. onNovember 9, 2022 (the "Reverse Stock Split"). Upon effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, every thirty (30) outstanding shares of common stock will be combined into and automatically become one share of common stock. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split and all such fractional interests will be rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares of common stock. The authorized shares prior to and following the Reverse Stock Split will remain the same at 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value$0.0001 per shares, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value$0.0001 per shares. The Reverse Stock Split does not alter the par value of the Company's common stock or modify any voting rights or other terms of the common stock. The Company's common stock will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the existing symbol "CCNC". The new CUSIP number following the Reverse Stock Split is 19200A204. Although the Company will use all reasonable efforts to achieve compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2), there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to regain compliance with that rule or will otherwise be in compliance with other Nasdaq listing criteria.
Key Factors that Affect Operating Results
Highlight Media, founded in 2016, is an integrated marketing service agency, focusing on enterprise brand management, crisis public relations, intelligent public opinion monitoring, media PR, financial and economic we-media operation, digital face application, large-scale exhibition services and other businesses. It is committed to becoming a modern science and technology media organization that fully empowers the development of customer enterprises in the era of artificial intelligence and big data. Its growth strategy is substantially dependent upon our ability to market our intended products and services successfully to prospective clients inChina . This requires that we heavily rely upon our sales and marketing team and marketing partners. Failure to reach potential clients will significantly affect our results of operation and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and the results of our operations. 30 The threats to network and data security are increasingly diverse and sophisticated. Despite the efforts and processes to prevent breaches, the social media platforms, systems and services of third parties that Highlight Media uses in its operations are vulnerable to cyber security risks, including cyber-attacks such as viruses and worms, phishing attacks, denial-of-service attacks, physical or electronic break-ins, employee theft or misuse, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with the servers and computer systems or those of third parties that Highlight Media use in its operations, which could lead to interruptions, delays, loss of critical data, and loss of consumer confidence. In addition, Highlight Media may be the target of email scams that attempt to acquire sensitive information or company assets. Despite the efforts to create security barriers to such threats, Highlight Media may not be able to entirely mitigate these risks. Any cyber-attack that attempts to obtain our data and assets, disrupt Highlight Media's service, or otherwise access the social media platforms, systems and services of third parties that Highlight Media uses, if successful, could adversely affect the business, operating results, and financial condition, be expensive to remedy, and damage the reputation of Highlight Media. The media industries involving IoT devices, software and services are characterized by the existence of a large number of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and by frequent litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. Much of this litigation involves patent holding companies or other adverse patent ownerswho have no relevant product revenues of their own, and against whom our own patent portfolio may provide little or no deterrence. The nature of Highlight Media's business and its publications involves copy rights. We cannot assure you that we, our subsidiaries or the variable interest entities will prevail in any future copyright infringement litigations. Defending such claims, regardless of their merit, could be time-consuming and distracting to management, result in costly litigation or settlement, cause delays, or require us, our subsidiaries or the variable interest to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. In addition, we, our subsidiaries or the variable interest entities could be obligated to indemnify our customers against third parties' claims of intellectual property infringement based on publications. If our products or solutions violate any third-party intellectual property rights, we could be required to withdraw them from the market, re-edit and re-publish them or seek to obtain licenses from third parties, which might not be available on reasonable terms or at all. Any efforts re-edit and re-publish our publications, obtain licenses from third parties on favorable terms might not be successful and, in any case, might substantially increase our costs and harm our business, financial condition and operating results. Withdrawal of any of our publications from the market could harm our business, financial condition and operating results. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
InDecember 2019 , a novel strain of coronavirus causing respiratory illness ("COVID-19") surfaced inWuhan, China , spreading at a fast rate in January and February of 2020, and confirmed cases were also reported in other parts of the world. In reaction to this outbreak, an increasing number of countries imposed travel suspensions to and from China following theWorld Health Organization's "public health emergency of international concern" announcement onJanuary 30, 2020 . Since this outbreak, business activities inChina and many other countries includingU.S. have been disrupted by a series of emergency quarantine measures taken by the government. As a result, our operations inChina have been materially affected. Our office inHubei Province , China were closed since the lockdown was enforced onJanuary 23, 2020 . The economic disruption caused by COVID-19 were catastrophic for the waste management business inWuhan , which had no revenue and negative operating income since the fourth quarter of 2019 and no revenue or operating income for the first and second quarter of 2020. The waste management business lost employees, suppliers and customers and was notable to recover. As a result, we sold the waste management business located inWuhan . In particular, onJune 30, 2020 , the Company disposed China Sunlong and its subsidiaries, includingShengrong Environmental Protection Holding Company Limited ("Shengrong BVI"), aBritish Virgin Islands company,Hong Kong Shengrong Environmental Company Limited ("Sunrong HK"), aHong Kong company,Shengrong Environmental Protection Technology (Wuhan) Co., Ltd. ("Shengrong WFOE"), PRC company, andWuhan HOST Coating Materials Co., Ltd. ("Wuhan HOST"), a PRC company, pursuant to a share purchase agreement withJiazhen Li , a former Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Long Liao andChunyong Zheng , former shareholders of Wuhan Host. Pursuant to the share purchase agreement, the Company sold 100% equity interests inChina Sunlong toJiazhen Li in exchange for forfeition and cancellation of all 1,012,932 shares of common stock of the Company held by Long Liao andChunyong Zheng . In addition, our offices inJiangsu Province andSichuan Province inChina were temporarily closed from early February until earlyMarch 2020 . The extent to which COVID-19 negatively impacts our business is highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted. We believe that the coronavirus outbreak and the measures taken to control it may have a significant negative impact on not only our business, but economic activities globally. The magnitude of this negative effect on the continuity of our business operation inChina remains uncertain. These uncertainties impede our ability to conduct our daily operations and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and as a result could adversely affect our stock price and create more volatility. 31 Results of Operations
Three Months Ended
Percentage 2022 2021 Change Change Revenues -Enterprise brand management service $ - - $ - - Total revenues - - - - Cost of Revenues -Enterprise brand management service - - - - Total cost of revenues - - - - Gross profit - - - - Operating expenses 64,041 747,708 (683,667 ) (91.4 )% Loss from operations (64,041 ) (747,708 ) 683,667 (91.4 )% Other income, net - 556,493 (556,493 ) (100.0 )% Loss from continuing operations (64,041 ) (191,215 ) 127,174 (66.5 )% Discontinued operations: Loss from discontinued operations - (2,463,494 ) 2,463,494 (100.0 )% Gain(Loss) on disposal, net of taxes (4,027,930 ) 15,661
(4,043,591 ) (25819.5 )% Net Loss (4,091,971 ) (2,639,048 ) (1,452,923 ) 55.1 % Operating Expenses
The Company's operating expenses include selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses, and recovery of doubtful accounts.
SG& A expenses decreased by approximately$0.7 million from approximately$0.7 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2021 to approximately$64,041 for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2022 . The decrease was mainly due
to the disposition of Wuge. Loss from Operations As a result of the foregoing, loss from operations for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2022 was approximately$64,041 , an decrease of approximately$0.7 million , or approximately 91.4%, from approximately loss from operations of$0.7 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2021 . The decrease was mainly due to the disposition of Wuge. 32 Net Loss The Company's net loss increased by approximately$1.5 million , or 55.1%, to approximately$4.0 million net loss for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2022 , from approximately$2.6 million net loss for the same period in 2021. The increase was mainly due to the disposition of Wuge.
Nine Months Ended
Percentage 2022 2021 Change Change Revenues -Enterprise brand management services $ - - $ - - Total revenues - - - - Cost of Revenues -Enterprise brand management services - - - - Total cost of revenues - - - - Gross profit - - - - Operating expenses 13,159,069 21,996,804 (8,837,735 ) (40.2 )% Loss from operations (13,159,069 ) (21,996,804 ) 8,837,735 (40.2 )% Other income, net - 2,367,311 (2,367,311 ) (100.0 )%
Loss from continuing operations (13,159,069 ) (19,629,493 ) 6,470,424 (33.0 )% Discontinued operations: Loss from discontinued operations (6,287,250 ) (1,344,503 ) (4,942,747 ) 367.6 % Loss on disposal, net of taxes (4,027,930 ) (11,218,835
) 7,190,905 (64.1 )% Net Loss (23,474,249 ) (32,192,831 ) 8,718,582 (27.1 )% Operating Expenses
The Company's operating expenses include selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses, and recovery of doubtful accounts.
SG& A expenses decreased by approximately$8.8 million from approximately$22.0 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2021 to approximately$13.2 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2022 . The decrease was mainly due to the disposition of Wuge. Loss from Operations As a result of the foregoing, loss from operations for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2022 was approximately$13.2 million , an decrease of approximately$8.8 million , or approximately 40.2%, from approximately loss from operations of$22.0 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2021 . The decrease was mainly due to the disposition of Wuge. Net Loss The Company's net loss decreased by approximately$8.7 million , or 27.1%, to approximately$23.5 million net loss for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2022 , from approximately$32.2 million net loss for the same period in 2021. The decrease was mainly due to the disposition of Wuge. 33
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of the unaudited condensed financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted inthe United States requires our management to make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported, including the notes thereto, and related disclosures of commitments and contingencies, if any. We have identified certain accounting policies that are significant to the preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. These accounting policies are important for an understanding of our financial condition and results of operation. Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial conditions and results of operations and require management's difficult, subjective, or complex judgment, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. Certain accounting estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to financial statements and because of the possibility that future events affecting the estimate may differ significantly from management's current judgments. We believe the following critical accounting policies involve the most significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers certain short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents primarily represent bank deposits and fixed deposits with maturities of less than three months.
Investments The Company purchases certain liquid short term investments such as money market funds and or other short term debt securities marketed by large financial institutions. These investments are not insured against loss of principal. These investments are accounted for as financial instruments that are marked to fair market value at the end of each reporting period. As result of their short maturities, and limited risk profile, at times, their amortized carrying cost may be the best approximation their fair value. Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable include trade accounts due from customers. An allowance for doubtful accounts may be established and recorded based on management's assessment of potential losses based on the credit history and relationships with the customers. Management reviews its receivables on a regular basis to determine if the bad debt allowance is adequate, and adjusts the allowance when necessary. Delinquent account balances are written-off against allowance for doubtful accounts after management has determined that the likelihood of collection is not probable. Inventories Inventories are comprised of raw materials, work in progress and finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the weighted average method in Highlight Media. Management reviews inventories for obsolescence and cost in excess of net realizable value at least annually and records a reserve against the inventory when the carrying value exceeds net
realizable value. Prepayments Prepayments are funds deposited or advanced to outside vendors for future inventory purchases. As a standard practice inChina , many of the Company's vendors require a certain amount to be deposited with them as a guarantee that the Company will complete its purchases on a timely basis. This amount is refundable and bears no interest. The Company has legally binding contracts with its vendors, which require any outstanding prepayments to be returned to the Company when the contract ends. 34 Fair value measurement The accounting standard regarding fair value of financial instruments and related fair value measurements defines financial instruments and requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments held by us. The Company considers the carrying amount of cash, notes receivable, accounts receivable, other receivables, prepayments, accounts payable, other payables and accrued liabilities, customer deposits, short term loans and taxes payable to approximate their fair values because of their short term nature.
The accounting standards define fair value, establish a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement and enhance disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The three levels are defined as follow:
? Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted)
for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. ? Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are
observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for
substantially the full term of the financial instruments. ? Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. Financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities are reported in the consolidated balance sheets at face value or cost, which approximate fair value because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and their current market rates of interest. Revenue recognition
OnJanuary 1, 2018 , the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) using the modified retrospective method for contracts that were not completed as ofJanuary 1, 2018 . This did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption of this new guidance as the Company's revenue, other than warranty revenues, was recognized based on the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfying the performance obligations. However, the impact of the Company's warranty revenue was not material as of the date of adoption, and as a result, did not result in an adjustment. The core principle underlying the revenue recognition ASU is that the Company will recognize revenue to represent the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in such exchange. This will require the Company to identify contractual performance obligations and determine whether revenue should be recognized at a point in time or over time, based on when control of goods and services transfers to a customer. The Company's revenue streams are primarily recognized at a point in time. The ASU requires the use of a new five-step model to recognize revenue from customer contracts. The five-step model requires that the Company (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, including variable consideration to the extent that it is probable that a significant future reversal will not occur, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the respective performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies the performance obligation. The application of the five-step model to the revenue streams compared to the prior guidance did not result in significant changes in the way the Company records its revenue. Upon adoption, the Company evaluated its revenue recognition policy for all revenue streams within the scope of the ASU under previous standards and using the five-step model under the new guidance and confirmed that there were no differences in the pattern of revenue recognition except its warranty revenues. An entity will also be required to determine if it controls the goods or services prior to the transfer to the customer in order to determine if it should account for the arrangement as a principal or agent. Principal arrangements, where the entity controls the goods or services provided, will result in the recognition of the gross amount of consideration expected in the exchange. Agent arrangements, where the entity simply arranges but does not control the goods or services being transferred to the customer, will result in the recognition of the net amount the entity is entitled to retain in the exchange. 35 Revenues from digital doors signs are recognized at a point in time when legal title and control over the sign is transferred to the customer. Management has determined that for the sales of digital door signs there is a single performance obligation that is met when the aforementioned control is transferred. Typically, customers make payment for the product in advance; the Company will record the payment as contract liabilities under the liability account customer deposits until the Company delivers the product by transferring control. Such revenues are recognized at a point in time after all performance obligations are satisfied under the new five-step model.
Payments received prior to the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are met, are recorded as customer deposits.
Gross versus Net Revenue Reporting
Starting fromJuly 2016 , in the normal course of the Company's trading of industrial waste materials business, the Company directly purchases the processed industrial waste materials from the Company's suppliers under the Company's specifications and drop ships the materials directly to the Company's customers. The Company would inspect the materials at its customers' site, during which inspection it temporarily assumes legal title to the materials, and after which inspection legal title is transferred to its customers. In these situations, the Company generally collects the sales proceed directly from the Company's customers and pay for the inventory purchases to the Company's suppliers separately. The determination of whether revenues should be reported on a gross or net basis is based on the Company's assessment of whether it is the principal or an agent in the transaction. In determining whether the Company is the principal or an agent, the Company follows the new accounting guidance for principal-agent considerations. Since the Company is the primary obligor and is responsible for (i) fulfilling the processed industrial waste materials delivery, (ii) controlling the inventory by temporarily assume legal title to the materials after inspecting the products from our vendors before passing the materials to our customers, and (iii) bearing the back-end risk of inventory loss with respect to any product return from the Company's customers, the Company has concluded that it is the principal in these arrangements, and therefore report revenues and cost of revenues on a gross basis.
Recently Issue Accounting Pronouncements
InFebruary 2018 , the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this Update affect any entity that is required to apply the provisions of Topic 220, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income, and has items of other comprehensive income for which the related tax effects are presented in other comprehensive income as required by GAAP. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning afterDecember 15, 2018 , and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendments in this Update is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, (1) for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued and (2) for all other entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The amendments in this Update should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in theU.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. We do not believe the adoption of this ASU would have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
We do not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income and statements of cash flows.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has funded working capital and other capital requirements primarily by equity contributions, loans from shareholders, cash flow from operations, short term bank loans, loans from third parties. Cash is required to repay debts and pay salaries, office expenses, income taxes and other operating expenses. As ofSeptember 30, 2022 , our net working capital was approximately minus$4.3 million , over 8% of the Company's current liabilities was from other payables - related parties due to major shareholders. Removing these liabilities, the Company had net working capital of$3.8 million and is expected to continue to generate cash flow by operations from the acquisitions of new companies and loans from related-parties in the twelve months period. We believe that current levels of cash and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet its anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months from the date the consolidated financial statements to be issued. However, it may need additional cash resources in the future if it experiences changed business conditions or other developments, and may also need additional cash resources in the future if it wishes to pursue opportunities for investment, acquisition, strategic cooperation or other similar actions. If it is determined that the cash requirements exceed the Company's amounts of cash and cash equivalents on hand, the Company may seek to issue debt or equity securities or obtain additional credit facility
The following summarizes the key components of the Company's cash flows for the
nine months ended
For the Nine Months endedSeptember 30, 2022 2021
Net cash used in by operating activities$ (966,745 ) $ (14,598,852 ) Net cash used in investing activities (12,275,607 ) (95,241 ) Net cash provided by financing activities - 22,795,019
Effect of exchange rate change on cash (1,095,699 ) (25,129 ) Net change in cash
$ (14,338,051 ) $ 8,075,796 As ofSeptember 30, 2022 andDecember 31, 2021 , the Company had cash in the amount of$250,279 and$14,588,330 , respectively. As ofSeptember 30, 2022 andDecember 31, 2021 ,$47,498 and$14,385,549 and were deposited with various financial institutions located in the PRC, respectively. As ofSeptember 30, 2022 andDecember 31, 2021 ,$202,781 and$202,781 were deposited with one financial institution located inthe United States , respectively. Operating activities Net cash used in operating activities was approximately$1.0 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2022 , as compared to approximately$14.6 million net cash used in operating activities for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2021 . Net cash provided by operating activities was mainly due to the increase of approximately$12.9 million impairment of prepayments, increase of approximately$4.0 million loss on disposal, the decrease of approximately$2.1 million of customer deposits, the increase of approximately$6.6 million ofGoodwill impairments, and the increase of approximately$0.9 million of taxes payable. Investing activities Net cash used in investing activities was approximately$12.3 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2022 , as compared to approximately$95,241 net cash used in investing activities for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2021 . Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2022 was due to approximately$6,689 spending on purchase of equipment, the increase of approximately$47,498 acquisition of Highlight Media and the decrease of approximately$12.3 million disposal of discontinued operations. Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was nil for the nine months ended
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