(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number
and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation
pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s
classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
As of December 31, 2022, there were 34,124,565 ordinary
shares issued and outstanding, par value US$0.0001 per share.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a
well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
If this report is an annual or transition report,
indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
(1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§
232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large
accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
If an emerging growth company that prepares its
financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition
period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange
Act. ☐
†The term “new or revised financial
accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification
after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial
reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or
issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section
12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction
of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error
corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s
executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting
the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
If “Other” has been checked in response
to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow: Item 17 ☐ Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check
mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent
to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes ☐ No ☐
In this annual report on Form 20-F, unless otherwise
indicated, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company”, “Jowell”, “Registrant”
and “JWEL” refer to Jowell Global Ltd., a company organized in the Cayman Islands, its predecessor entities, its subsidiaries,
variable interest entity and the subsidiaries of the consolidated variable interest entity.
Our business is primarily conducted in
China, an all of our revenues are received and denominated in RMB. RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currency and all
foreign exchange transactions must take place through authorized institutions. This annual report contains translations of Renminbi
amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. We make no representation that the Renminbi
or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this report could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case
may be, at any particular rate or at all. On December 31, 2022, the exchange rate was RMB 1 to $0.1450 which is the intermediate
exchange rate announced by the People’s Bank of China.
We completed an initial public offering of our
ordinary shares at an initial offering price of US$7.00 per share on March 19, 2021. Our ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per
share, are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “JWEL”.
This report contains “forward-looking statements”
for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that represent our beliefs, projections
and predictions about future events. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those listed under “Risk
Factors,” may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by
the forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements,”
including any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items, any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management
for future operations, any statements concerning proposed new projects or other developments, any statements regarding future economic
conditions or performance, any statements of management’s beliefs, goals, strategies, intentions and objectives, and any statements
of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”,
“would”, “predicts”, “potential”, “continue”, “expects”, “anticipates”,
“future”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates” and similar expressions,
as well as statements in the future tense, identify forward-looking statements.
We have based these forward-looking statements
largely on our current expectations and projections about future events that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of
operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to:
These forward-looking statements involve various
risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that our expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, our expectations
may later be found to be incorrect. Our actual results could be materially different from our expectations. Important risks and factors
that could cause our actual results to be materially different from our expectations are generally set forth in “Risk Factors”
and other sections in this report. You should thoroughly read this report and the documents that we refer to with the understanding that
our actual future results may be materially different from and worse than what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements
by these cautionary statements.
This report contains certain data and information
that we obtained from various government and private publications. Statistical data in these publications also include projections based
on a number of assumptions. Our industry may not grow at the rate projected by market data, or at all. Failure of this market to grow
at the projected rate may have a material and adverse effect on our business and the market price of our ordinary shares. In addition,
the rapidly changing nature of online cosmetic products, health and nutritional products and other consumer products marketplace results
in significant uncertainties for any projections or estimates relating to the growth prospects or future condition of our market. Furthermore,
if any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data are later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections
based on these assumptions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements made in this report
relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this report. Except as required by law, we undertake
no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this report and
the documents that we refer to in this report and any exhibits filed to this report, completely and with the understanding that our actual
future results may be materially different from what we expect.
PART
I
ITEM
1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not Applicable.
ITEM
2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable.
ITEM
3. KEY INFORMATION
Our Holding
Company Structure and Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated VIE and Its Individual Shareholders in China
We are a Cayman
Islands holding company without material operations and our business is conducted by our variable interest entity (“VIE”)
in China and this structure involves unique risks to investors. We are not a Chinese operating company and that our business in China
is conducted through contractual arrangements with the VIE. However, the VIE agreements have not been truly tested in the courts in
China. Chinese regulatory authorities could disallow this structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations
and/or a material change in the value of our securities, including that it could cause the value of such securities to significantly
decline or become worthless. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors— “If the Chinese government determines
that the contractual arrangements through which we control the VIE do not comply with applicable regulations,
our business could be adversely affected.” and “Uncertainties and quick change
in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations with little advance notice could result in a material and negative
impact on our business operations, decrease the value of our securities and limit the legal protections available to you and us.”
There are legal
and operational risks associated with being based in and having our operations in China. Recently, the PRC government initiated
a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in China with little advance notice, including cracking
down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using variable
interest entity structure, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly
enforcement. On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State
Council jointly issued an announcement to crack down on illegal activities in the securities market and promote the high-quality development
of the capital market, which, among other things, requires the relevant governmental authorities to strengthen cross-border oversight
of law-enforcement and judicial cooperation, to enhance supervision over China-based companies listed overseas, and to establish and
improve the system of extraterritorial application of the PRC securities laws. On February 15, 2022, Cybersecurity Review Measures published
by Cyberspace Administration of China or the CAC, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology,
Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, People’s Bank of China, State
Administration of Radio and Television, China Securities Regulatory Commission, State Secrecy Administration and State Cryptography Administration
became effective, which provides that, Critical Information Infrastructure Operators (“CIIOs”) that intend to purchase internet
products and services and Online Platform Operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security
shall be subject to the cybersecurity review by the Cybersecurity Review Office. On November 14, 2021, CAC published the Administration
Measures for Cyber Data Security (Draft for Public Comments), or the “Cyber Data Security Measure (Draft)”, which requires
cyberspace operators with personal information of more than 1 million users who want to list abroad to file a cybersecurity review with
the Office of Cybersecurity Review. On April 2, 2022, the CSRC released the Provisions on Strengthening Confidentiality and Archives
Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments), which provide that a domestic
company that seeks to offer and list its securities in a overseas market shall strictly abide by applicable PRC laws and regulations,
enhance legal awareness of keeping state secrets and strengthening archives administration, institute a sound confidentiality and archives
administration system, and take necessary measures to fulfill confidentiality and archives administration obligations. On July 7, 2022,
CAC promulgated the Measures for the Security Assessment of Data Cross-border Transfer, effective on September 1, 2022, which requires
the data processors to apply for data cross-border security assessment coordinated by the CAC under the following circumstances: (i)
any data processor transfers important data to overseas; (ii) any critical information infrastructure operator or data processor who
processes personal information of over 1 million people provides personal information to overseas; (iii) any data processor who provides
personal information to overseas and has already provided personal information of more than 100,000 people or sensitive personal information
of more than 10,000 people to overseas since January 1st of the previous year; and (iv) other circumstances under which the data
cross-border transfer security assessment is required as prescribed by the CAC. On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial Administrative
Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises (the “New Overseas Listing Rules”) with five
interpretive guidelines, which took effect on March 31, 2023. The New Overseas Listing Rules require Chinese domestic enterprises to
complete filings with relevant governmental authorities and report related information under certain circumstances, such as: a) an issuer
making an application for initial public offering and listing in an overseas market; b) an issuer making an overseas securities offering
after having been listed on an overseas market; c) a domestic company seeking an overseas direct or indirect listing of its assets through
single or multiple acquisition(s), share swap, transfer of shares or other means. According to the Notice on Arrangements for Overseas
Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises, published by the CSRC on February 17, 2023, a company that (i) has already completed
overseas listing or (ii) has already obtained the approval for the offering or listing from overseas securities regulators or exchanges
but has not completed such offering or listing before effective date of the new rules and completes such offering or listing before September
30, 2023 will be considered as an existing listed company and is not required to make any filing until it conducts a new offering in
the future. Furthermore, upon the occurrence of any of the material events specified below after an issuer has completed its offering
and listed its securities on an overseas stock exchange, the issuer shall submit a report thereof to the CSRC within 3 working days after
the occurrence and public disclosure of the event: (i) change of control; (ii) investigations or sanctions imposed by overseas securities
regulatory agencies or other competent authorities; (iii) change of listing status or transfer of listing segment; or (iv) voluntary
or mandatory delisting. As of the date of this report, these new laws and guidelines have not impacted the Company’s ability
to conduct its business, or list and trade on a U.S. or other foreign exchange as the Company has listed on Nasdaq before these laws
take effect and the data processing activities by the VIE do not affect national security; however, there are uncertainties in the interpretation
and enforcement of these new laws and guidelines, which could materially and adversely impact our business and financial outlook and
may impact our ability to accept foreign investments or continue to list on a U.S. or other foreign exchange. Any change in foreign investment
regulations, and other policies in China or related enforcement actions by China government could result in a material change in our
operations and the value of our securities and could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer our securities to
investors or cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless. The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act,
or the HFCA Act, was enacted on December 18, 2020. In accordance with the HFCA Act, trading in securities of any registrant on a
national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States may be prohibited if the PCAOB determines
that it cannot inspect or fully investigate the registrant’s auditor for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, and, as a result,
an exchange may determine to delist the securities of such registrant. On December 29, 2022, a legislation entitled “Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2023” (the “Consolidated Appropriations Act”) was signed into law by President Biden, which has
shortened the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act’s timeline for a potential trading prohibition from three years to two years,
thus reducing the time period before our securities may be prohibited from trading or delisted if our auditor is unable to meet the PCAOB
inspection requirement. The Company’s auditor is headquartered in the U.S. and it is not subject to the determinations announced
by the PCAOB on December 16, 2021, which determinations were vacated on December 15, 2022, and Holding Foreign Companies Accountable
Act and related regulations currently do not affect the Company as the Company’s auditor is subject to PCAOB’s inspection
on a regular basis.
Permissions Required from the PRC Authorities
for Our Operations
Shanghai Juhao is incorporated and operating in
mainland China and they have received all required permissions from Chinese authorities to operate its current business in China, including
Business License, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Certificate, Retail License for Alcoholic Products, Food Business License and International
Trade Business Filing Form. Other than these permits, the VIE is not required to obtain permit and approval from Chinese authorities to
operate our business. We, our subsidiaries, or VIE are not covered by permissions requirements from the China Securities Regulatory Commission
(CSRC), Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) or any other governmental agency that is required to approve the VIE’s business
and operations. As the VIE operates an e-commerce platforms for online-to-offline sales of cosmetics, health and nutritional supplements
and household products in China and our products and services do not pose national security risks, based on the advice of our PRC counsel
Jiangsu Yiyou Tianyuan Law Firm, we are not subject to the report requirement under Cybersecurity Review Measures published by Cyberspace
Administration of China, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public
Security, Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, People’s Bank of China, State Administration of
Radio and Television, China Securities Regulatory Commission, State Secrecy Administration and State Cryptography Administration on December
28, 2021, which became effective on February 15, 2022.
As of the date of this report, we (1) are not required to obtain permissions
from any PRC authorities to issue our securities to foreign investors except for the filing requirement under New Overseas Listing Rules,
(2) are not subject to permission requirements from China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”), Cyberspace Administration
of China (“CAC”) or any other authority that is required to approve of the VIE’s operations, and (3) have not received
or were denied such permissions by any PRC authorities. Nevertheless, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party
of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the “Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities
Activities According to Law,” or the Opinions, which were made available to the public on July 6, 2021. The Opinions emphasized
the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, and the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas
listings by Chinese companies. Given the current PRC regulatory environment, it is uncertain when and whether we, WFOE, VIE or their subsidiaries,
will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to be listed on a U.S. exchange in the future, and even when such permission
is obtained, whether it will be rescinded. If we, our subsidiaries, or the VIE do not receive or maintain such permissions or approvals,
inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change
and we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, it could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability
to offer or continue to offer our securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
Dividend Distribution and Cash Transfer
Between the Holding Company, Subsidiaries and VIE.
We, through the VIE, operates an e-commerce platform
for cosmetics, health and nutritional supplements and household products e-commerce platform in China. The VIE also sells our products
through authorized retail stores all across China. Operating under the brand name of “Love Home Store” or “LHH Store”,
the authorized retailers may operate as independent stores or store-in-shop (an integrated store), selling products that they purchased
through our online platform LHH Mall under their retailers’ accounts which provide them with major discounts. The VIE also
sells products through its “Juhao Best Choice” community group-buying stores in China.
The VIE receives its revenue in RMB. Under our
current corporate structure, to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, the Company may rely on certain dividend payments
from our WFOE in China. Our WFOE receives payments from VIE, pursuant to the VIE Agreements. WFOE may make distribution of such payments
to Jowell HK as dividends.
Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations,
payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made
in foreign currencies without prior approval from State Administration of Foreign Exchange or SAFE by complying with certain procedural
requirements. Therefore, our WFOE is able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without prior approval from SAFE, subject to the
condition that the remittance of such dividends outside of the PRC complies with certain procedures under PRC foreign exchange regulations,
such as the overseas investment registrations by the shareholders of the Company who are PRC residents. Approval from or registration
with appropriate government authorities is, however, required where the RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out
of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its
discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions. For our Hong Kong subsidiary and the
holding company (“Non-PRC Entities”), there is no restrictions on foreign exchange for such entities and they are able to
transfer cash among these entities, across borders and to US investors. Also, there is no restrictions and limitations on the abilities
of Non-PRC Entities to distribute earnings from their businesses, including from subsidiaries to the parent company or from the holding
company to the U.S. investors as well as the abilities to settle amounts owed.
We are a holding company, and we rely on dividends
and other distributions on equity paid by our subsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay
dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders and service any debt we may incur. If any of our subsidiaries incurs debt on
its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions
to us. Current PRC regulations permit our WFOE to pay dividends to the Company only out of its accumulated profits, if any, determined
in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, our WFOE, its subsidiary and VIE in China are required to
set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its
registered capital. Each such entity in China is also required to further set aside a portion of its after-tax profits to fund the employee
welfare fund, although the amount to be set aside, if any, is determined at the discretion of its board of directors. Although the statutory
reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses in excess of retained earnings
of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation. In addition,
the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax at a rate of 10% will be applicable to dividends
payable by Chinese companies to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless reduced under treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government
and the governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC resident enterprises are tax resident. Pursuant to the tax agreement
between mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the withholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends
by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise may be reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10%. However, if the relevant tax authorities
determine that our transactions or arrangements are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment, the relevant tax authorities
may adjust the favorable withholding tax in the future. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the reduced 5% withholding rate will apply
to dividends received by our Hong Kong subsidiary from our PRC subsidiaries. This withholding tax will reduce the amount of dividends
we may receive from our PRC subsidiary.
As of the date of this report, neither WFOE, its subsidiary nor any
of our subsidiary in Hong Kong has made any dividends or distributions to the Company, the Company has not made any dividends or distribution
to its investors. We intend to keep any future earnings to re-invest in and finance the expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate
that any cash dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future. Under the Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend
on its shares out of either profit or share premium amount, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result
in the company being unable to pay its debts due in the ordinary course of business. We currently do not have cash management policies
and procedures in place that dictate how funds are transferred through our organization. Rather, the funds can be transferred in
accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
As of the date of this report, no dividends or
distributions have been made between the holding company, its subsidiaries, and consolidated VIE, or to investors including the U.S. investors,
except the VIE Shanghai Juhao made a cash dividend of $1.6 million to its shareholders in July 2019.
The holding company, its subsidiaries, and VIE
do not have any plan to distribute dividend or settle amounts owed under the VIE Agreements in the foreseeable future. The cash transfer
among the holding company, its subsidiaries and VIE is typically transferred through payment for intercompany services or intercompany
borrowing between holding company, subsidiaries and VIE.
Selected Condensed Consolidated Financial Schedule of the Company
and Its Subsidiaries and VIE
Set forth below is selected consolidating statements of income and
cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and selected balance sheet information as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 showing
financial information for the Company (excluding the VIE), the VIE, eliminating entries and consolidated information.
FOR
THE YEAR ENDED DEEMBER 31, 2022
| |
JWEL | | |
HK
subsidiary | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
outside PRC | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
inside PRC | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidated | |
Cash | |
| 169,549 | | |
| 85,116 | | |
| - | | |
| 254,665 | | |
| 94,800 | | |
| 13,368,637 | | |
| - | | |
| 13,463,437 | | |
| - | | |
| 13,718,102 | |
Restricted
cash | |
| - | | |
| 3,000,000 | | |
| - | | |
| 3,000,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 3,000,000 | |
Other
receivable - intercompany | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 5,909,287 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 5,909,287 | | |
| (5,909,287 | )(d2) | |
| - | |
Other
receivable - VIE | |
| 3,155,488 | | |
| | | |
| - | | |
| 3,155,488 | | |
| 32,395,859 | | |
| - | | |
| (32,395,859 | )(b)(d1) | |
| - | | |
| (3,155,488 | )(d3) | |
| - | |
Total
current assets | |
| 3,325,036 | | |
| 3,085,116 | | |
| - | | |
| 6,410,153 | | |
| 38,508,991 | | |
| 56,443,203 | | |
| (32,395,859 | ) | |
| 62,556,335 | | |
| (9,064,775 | ) | |
| 59,901,713 | |
Investment
in subsidiaries and VIE | |
| 40,048,067 | | |
| 23,714,507 | | |
| (25,242,390 | )(a) | |
| 38,520,184 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| | | |
| - | | |
| (38,520,184 | )(c) | |
| - | |
Total
Assets | |
| 43,373,104 | | |
| 26,799,623 | | |
| (25,242,390 | ) | |
| 44,930,337 | | |
| 38,508,991 | | |
| 67,743,976 | | |
| (32,395,859 | ) | |
| 73,857,108 | | |
| (47,584,959 | ) | |
| 71,202,486 | |
Other
payable - intercompany | |
| - | | |
| 1,557,233 | | |
| - | | |
| 1,557,233 | | |
| - | | |
| 39,914,638 | | |
| (38,305,146 | )(d1) | |
| 1,609,492 | | |
| (3,166,725 | )(c)(d3) | |
| - | |
Other
payable - VIE | |
| 5,909,287 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 5,909,287 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| | | |
| - | | |
| (5,909,287 | )(d2) | |
| - | |
Total
current liabilities | |
| 5,940,668 | | |
| 1,557,233 | | |
| - | | |
| 7,497,901 | | |
| 44 | | |
| 71,520,362 | | |
| (38,305,146 | ) | |
| 33,215,260 | | |
| (9,076,012 | ) | |
| 31,637,149 | |
Total
liabilities | |
| 5,940,668 | | |
| 1,557,233 | | |
| - | | |
| 7,497,901 | | |
| 44 | | |
| 73,619,792 | | |
| (38,305,146 | ) | |
| 35,314,690 | | |
| (9,076,012 | ) | |
| 33,736,579 | |
Total
Jowell Global Ltd. Stockholders’ Equity | |
| 37,432,436 | | |
| 25,242,390 | | |
| (25,242,390 | )(a) | |
| 37,432,436 | | |
| 38,508,947 | | |
| (5,909,287 | ) | |
| 5,909,287 | (b) | |
| 38,508,947 | | |
| (38,508,947 | )(c) | |
| 37,432,436 | |
Noncontrolling
interest | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 33,471 | | |
| - | | |
| 33,471 | | |
| - | | |
| 33,471 | |
Total
Equity | |
| 37,432,436 | | |
| 25,242,390 | | |
| (25,242,390 | ) | |
| 37,432,436 | | |
| 38,508,947 | | |
| (5,875,816 | ) | |
| 5,909,287 | | |
| 38,542,418 | | |
| (38,508,947 | ) | |
| 37,465,907 | |
Total
Liabilities and Equity | |
| 43,373,104 | | |
| 32,287,909 | | |
| (30,730,676 | ) | |
| 44,930,337 | | |
| 38,508,991 | | |
| 67,743,976 | | |
| (32,395,859 | ) | |
| 73,857,108 | | |
| (47,584,959 | ) | |
| 71,202,486 | |
(a) | to eliminate holding company’s investment of subsidiaries
outside PRC. |
(b) | to eliminate receivable as result of contractual agreement
between WFOE and VIE. |
(c) | to eliminate holding company’s investment in WFOE. |
(d) | to eliminate intercompany balances: |
Due from | |
Due to | |
Amount | | |
|
(1) WFOE | |
VIE | |
$ | 38,305,146 | | |
intercompany balances as a result of intercompany revenue |
(2) WFOE | |
JWEL and HK Subsidiary | |
$ | 5,909,287 | | |
intercompany balance
|
(2) JWEL and HK Subsidiary | |
VIE | |
$ | 3,155,488 | | |
intercompany balance
|
FOR
THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
| |
JWEL | | |
HK
subsidiary | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
outside PRC | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
inside PRC | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidated | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Total
Net Revenues | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 7,745,951 | | |
$ | 209,981,306 | | |
$ | (7,745,951 | )(d) | |
$ | 209,981,306 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 209,981,306 | |
Operating
Expenses: | |
| (2,926,245 | ) | |
| (102,530 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (3,028,775 | ) | |
| (7,933,962 | ) | |
| (218,805,217 | ) | |
| 7,745,951 | (d) | |
| (218,993,228 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (222,022,003 | ) |
Income
From Operations | |
| (2,926,245 | ) | |
| (102,530 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (3,028,775 | ) | |
| (188,011 | ) | |
| (8,823,911 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (9,011,922 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (12,040,697 | ) |
Other
Income, net | |
| - | | |
| 21,487 | | |
| - | | |
| 21,487 | | |
| 2,219 | | |
| 65,046 | | |
| - | | |
| 67,265 | | |
| - | | |
| 88,752 | |
Benefit
(Provision) for Income Taxes | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 420,164 | | |
| - | | |
| 420,164 | | |
| - | | |
| 420,164 | |
Loss
from VIE | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (8,338,701 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 8,338,701 | (b) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Loss
from subsidiaries | |
| (8,605,535 | ) | |
| (8,524,493 | ) | |
| 8,524,493 | (a) | |
| (8,605,535 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 8,605,535 | (c) | |
| - | |
Net loss | |
| (11,531,781 | ) | |
| (8,605,535 | ) | |
| 8,524,493 | | |
| (11,612,823 | ) | |
| (8,524,493 | ) | |
| (8,338,701 | ) | |
| 8,338,701 | | |
| (8,524,493 | ) | |
| 8,605,535 | | |
| (11,531,781 | ) |
Less:
net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 4,599 | | |
| - | | |
| 4,599 | | |
| - | | |
| 4,599 | |
Net
loss attributable to Ordinary Shareholders of Jowell Global Ltd. | |
$ | (11,531,781 | ) | |
$ | (8,605,535 | ) | |
$ | 8,524,493 | | |
$ | (11,612,823 | ) | |
$ | (8,524,493 | ) | |
$ | (8,343,300 | ) | |
$ | 8,338,701 | | |
$ | (8,529,092 | ) | |
$ | 8,605,535 | | |
$ | (11,536,380 | ) |
(a) | to eliminate net loss by HK subsidiary. |
(b) | to eliminate net loss by WFOE. |
(c) | to eliminate net loss by JWEL. |
(d) | to eliminate revenue and expenses for services provided by
the WFOE to VIE. |
FOR
THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
| |
JWEL | | |
HK
subsidiary | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
outside PRC | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
inside PRC | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidated | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities | |
$ | (974,531 | ) | |
$ | (81,042 | ) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | (1,055,573 | ) | |
$ | 912,258 | | |
$ | (11,849,660 | ) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | (10,937,402 | ) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | (11,992,975 | ) |
Net
cash used in investing activities | |
| (8,780,381 | ) | |
| (9,446,767 | ) | |
| 9,610,000 | (a) | |
| (8,617,148 | ) | |
| (12,578,432 | ) | |
| (1,426,388 | ) | |
| 9,539,564 | (b) | |
| (4,465,256 | ) | |
| 11,744,214 | (c) | |
| (1,338,190 | ) |
Net
cash provided by financing activities | |
| 9,914,622 | | |
| 9,610,000 | | |
| (9,610,000 | )(a) | |
| 9,914,622 | | |
| 11,744,214 | | |
| 9,635,309 | | |
| (9,611,162 | )(b) | |
| 11,768,361 | | |
| (11,744,214 | )(c) | |
| 9,938,769 | |
Effect
of exchange rate changes on cash | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (2,799 | ) | |
| (1,208,028 | ) | |
| 71,598 | (b) | |
| (1,139,229 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (1,139,229 | ) |
Net
increase (decrease) in cash | |
| 159,710 | | |
| 82,191 | | |
| - | | |
| 241,901 | | |
| 75,241 | | |
| (4,848,767 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (4,773,526 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (4,531,625 | ) |
Cash,
beginning of year | |
| 9,838 | | |
| 3,002,925 | | |
| - | | |
| 3,012,763 | | |
| 19,559 | | |
| 18,217,405 | | |
| - | | |
| 18,236,964 | | |
| - | | |
| 21,249,727 | |
Cash,
end of year | |
$ | 169,548 | | |
$ | 3,085,116 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 3,254,664 | | |
$ | 94,800 | | |
$ | 13,368,638 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 13,463,438 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 16,718,102 | |
(a) | to eliminated JWEL investment in HK subsidiary |
(b) | to eliminated intercompany borrowing between WFOE and VIE |
(c) | to eliminated HK subsidiary investment in WFOE |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
| |
JWEL | | |
HK
subsidiary | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
outside PRC | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
inside PRC | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidation | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Cash | |
$ | 9,838 | | |
$ | 2,935 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 12,773 | | |
$ | 19,559 | | |
$ | 18,217,405 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 18,236,964 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 18,249,737 | |
Restricted
cash | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 2,999,990 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 2,999,990 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 2,999,990 | |
Other receivable
- intercompany | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 236,442 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 236,442 | | |
$ | (236,442 | )(d2) | |
$ | - | |
Other receivable
- VIE | |
$ | 4,221,549 | | |
$ | 606,000 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 4,827,549 | | |
$ | 30,319,344 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | (30,319,344 | )(b)(d1) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | (4,827,549 | )(d3) | |
$ | - | |
Total current
assets | |
$ | 4,335,177 | | |
$ | 3,608,925 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 7,944,102 | | |
$ | 31,616,514 | | |
$ | 42,129,500 | | |
$ | (30,319,344 | ) | |
$ | 43,426,670 | | |
$ | (5,063,991 | ) | |
$ | 46,306,781 | |
Investment
in subsidiaries and VIE | |
$ | 35,584,716 | | |
$ | 16,269,799 | | |
$ | (19,878,724 | )(a) | |
$ | 31,975,791 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | (31,975,791 | )(c) | |
$ | 0 | |
Total Assets | |
$ | 39,919,893 | | |
$ | 19,878,724 | | |
$ | (19,878,724 | ) | |
$ | 39,919,893 | | |
$ | 31,616,514 | | |
$ | 54,550,637 | | |
$ | (30,319,344 | ) | |
$ | 55,847,807 | | |
$ | (37,039,782 | ) | |
$ | 58,727,918 | |
Other payable
- intercompany | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 35,166,443 | | |
| $(29,979,619 | )(d1) | |
$ | 5,186,824 | | |
| $(5,186,824 | )(c)(d3) | |
$ | - | |
Other payable
- VIE | |
$ | 236,442 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 236,442 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
| $(236,442 | )(d2) | |
$ | - | |
Total current
liabilities | |
$ | 236,442 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 236,442 | | |
$ | (2 | ) | |
$ | 50,217,271 | | |
$ | (29,979,619 | ) | |
$ | 20,237,650 | | |
$ | (5,423,266 | ) | |
$ | 15,050,826 | |
Total liabilities | |
$ | 236,442 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 236,442 | | |
$ | (2 | ) | |
$ | 54,210,912 | | |
$ | (29,979,619 | ) | |
$ | 24,231,291 | | |
$ | (5,423,266 | ) | |
$ | 19,044,467 | |
Total Stockholders’
Equity | |
$ | 39,683,451 | | |
$ | 19,878,724 | | |
$ | (19,878,724 | )(a) | |
$ | 39,683,451 | | |
$ | 31,616,516 | | |
$ | 339,725 | | |
$ | (339,725 | )(b) | |
$ | 31,616,516 | | |
$ | (31,616,516 | )(c) | |
$ | 39,683,451 | |
Total Liabilities
and Stockholders’ Equity | |
$ | 39,919,893 | | |
$ | 19,878,724 | | |
$ | (19,878,724 | ) | |
$ | 39,919,893 | | |
$ | 31,616,514 | | |
$ | 54,550,637 | | |
$ | (30,319,344 | ) | |
$ | 55,847,807 | | |
$ | (37,039,782 | ) | |
$ | 58,727,918 | |
(a) |
to eliminate holding company’s investments in subsidiary outside PRC. |
(b) |
to eliminate receivables as a result of contractual agreements between WFOE and VIE. |
(c) |
to eliminate holding company’s investment in WFOE. |
(d) |
to eliminate intercompany balances: |
|
Due from |
|
Due to |
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
(1) |
WFOE |
|
VIE |
|
$ |
29,979,619 |
|
|
intercompany balances as a result of intercompany revenue |
(2) |
VIE |
|
JWEL |
|
$ |
236,442 |
|
|
Intercompany balance |
(3) |
JWEL and HK Subsidiary |
|
VIE |
|
$ |
4,827,549 |
|
|
Intercompany balance |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
| |
JWEL | | |
HK
subsidiary | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
outside PRC | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
inside PRC | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidated | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Total
Net Revenues | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 30,992,095 | | |
$ | 170,911,999 | | |
$ | (30,992,095 | )(d) | |
$ | 170,911,999 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 170,911,999 | |
Operating
Expenses: | |
| (1,937,800 | ) | |
| (92,197 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (2,029,997 | ) | |
| (32,502,592 | ) | |
| (174,364,008 | ) | |
| 30,992,095 | (d) | |
| (175,874,505 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (177,904,502 | ) |
Income From Operations | |
| (1,937,800 | ) | |
| (92,197 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (2,029,997 | ) | |
| (1,510,497 | ) | |
| (3,452,009 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (4,962,506 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (6,992,503 | ) |
Other Income, net | |
| - | | |
| 122 | | |
| - | | |
| 122 | | |
| 1,711 | | |
| 411,078 | | |
| - | | |
| 412,789 | | |
| - | | |
| 412,911 | |
Benefit (Provision)
for Income Taxes | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 190,516 | | |
| - | | |
| 190,516 | | |
| - | | |
| 190,516 | |
Loss from VIE | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (2,850,415 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 2,850,415 | (b) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Loss
from subsidiaries | |
| (4,451,276 | ) | |
| (4,359,201 | ) | |
| 4,359,201 | (a) | |
| (4,451,276 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 4,451,276 | (c) | |
| - | |
Net
loss | |
$ | (6,389,076 | ) | |
$ | (4,451,276 | ) | |
$ | 4,359,201 | | |
$ | (6,481,151 | ) | |
$ | (4,359,201 | ) | |
$ | (2,850,415 | ) | |
$ | 2,850,415 | | |
$ | (4,359,201 | ) | |
$ | 4,451,276 | | |
$ | (6,389,076 | ) |
(a) |
to eliminate net loss by HK subsidiary. |
(b) |
to eliminate net loss by WFOE. |
(c) |
to eliminate net loss by JWEL. |
(d) |
to eliminate revenue and expenses for services provided by the WFOE to VIE. |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
| |
JWEL | | |
HK subsidiary | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
outside PRC | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE | | |
Elimination | | |
Total
inside PRC | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidated | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Net cash used in operating
activities | |
$ | (778,390 | ) | |
$ | (92,075 | ) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | (870,465 | ) | |
$ | (2,768,576 | ) | |
$ | (14,394,918 | ) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | (17,163,494 | ) | |
$ | - | | |
$ | (18,033,959 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | |
| (28,323,808 | ) | |
| (21,235,000 | ) | |
| 24,330,000 | (a) | |
| (25,228,808 | ) | |
| (17,860,944 | ) | |
| (1,987,258 | ) | |
| 17,810,602 | (b) | |
| (2,037,600 | ) | |
| 20,629,000 | (c) | |
| (6,637,408 | ) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | |
| 24,509,792 | | |
| 24,330,000 | | |
| (24,330,000 | )(a) | |
| 24,509,792 | | |
| 20,629,000 | | |
| 20,555,262 | | |
| (17,852,916 | )(b) | |
| 23,331,346 | | |
| (20,629,000 | )(c) | |
| 27,212,138 | |
Effect of
exchange rate changes on cash | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 20,079 | | |
| 402,507 | | |
| 42,314 | (b) | |
| 464,900 | | |
| - | | |
| 464,900 | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash | |
| (4,592,405 | ) | |
| 3,002,925 | | |
| - | | |
| (1,589,480 | ) | |
| 19,559 | | |
| 4,575,593 | | |
| - | | |
| 4,595,152 | | |
| - | | |
| 3,005,672 | |
Cash, beginning
of year | |
| 4,602,243 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 4,602,243 | | |
| - | | |
| 13,641,812 | | |
| - | | |
| 13,641,812 | | |
| - | | |
| 18,244,055 | |
Cash, end of
year | |
$ | 9,838 | | |
$ | 3,002,925 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 3,012,763 | | |
$ | 19,559 | | |
$ | 18,217,405 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 18,236,964 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 21,249,727 | |
(a) |
to eliminated JWEL investment in HK subsidiary |
(b) |
to eliminated intercompany borrowing between WFOE and VIE |
(c) |
to eliminated HK subsidiary investment in WFOE |
3.A. [Reserved]
3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not Applicable.
3.C. Reasons For The Offer And Use Of Proceeds
Not Applicable.
3.D. Risk Factors
An investment in our ordinary shares involves
a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all other information contained
in this annual report, including the matters discussed under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects” before you decide to invest in our ordinary shares. We are a holding company with
substantial operations in China and are subject to a legal and regulatory environment that in many respects differs from the United States.
If any of the following risks, or any other risks and uncertainties that are not presently foreseeable to us, actually occur, our business,
financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and our future growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
Summary of Risk Factors
An investment in our ordinary shares involves
significant risks. Below is a summary of material risks we face, organized under relevant headings. These risks are discussed more fully
in Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors.
Risks Related to Our Business
|
● |
We historically have received a substantial part of our supplies from our related party suppliers, which might cause conflict of interest between the Company and such suppliers. |
|
● |
We rely on a limited number of vendors, and the loss of our significant vendor could harm our business, and the loss of any one of such vendors could have a material adverse effect on our business. |
|
● |
If we become subject to additional scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed China-based companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm our business operations and our reputation and could result in a loss of your investment in our Ordinary Shares, especially if such matter cannot be addressed and resolved favorably. |
|
● |
We face fierce competition in the health and nutritional supplements and cosmetic markets in China. We may not be able to keep pace with competition in our industry, which could adversely affect our market share and result in a decrease in our future sales and earnings. |
|
● |
We use third-party logistics and express delivery companies to complete and deliver orders placed on our platform. If these logistics and express companies fail to provide reliable and timely delivery services, our business and reputation, as well as our financial situation and operating results, may be adversely affected. |
|
● |
Internet or network system limitations or failures could harm our business. |
|
● |
If we fail to adopt new technologies or adapt our website, mobile application and systems to changing customer requirements or emerging industry standards, our business may be materially and adversely affected. |
|
● |
If counterfeit products are sold on our internet platform, our reputation and financial results could be materially and adversely affected. |
|
● |
We may be subject to product liability claims if our customers are harmed by the products sold on our internet platform. |
|
● |
We collect, process and use data, some of which contains personal information. Any privacy or data security breach could damage our reputation and brand and substantially harm our business and results of operations. |
|
● |
We face risks related to health epidemics, severe weather conditions and other outbreaks. |
|
● |
The relative lack of public company experience of our management team may put us at a competitive disadvantage. |
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
|
● |
If the PRC government deems that the contractual arrangements in relation to the consolidated variable interest entity do not comply with PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations. |
|
● |
We rely on contractual arrangements with the VIE and the shareholders of the VIE for our business operations, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control. |
|
● |
Any failure by the consolidated VIE or their shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material adverse effect on our business. |
|
● |
The shareholders of the consolidated VIE may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition. |
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
|
● |
Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. |
|
● |
If the Chinese government determines that the contractual arrangements through which we control the VIE do not comply with applicable regulations, our business could be adversely affected |
|
● |
Uncertainties and quick change in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations with little advance notice could result in a material and negative impact our business operations, decrease the value of our securities and limit the legal protections available to you and us. |
|
● |
Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us. |
|
● |
Because we are a Cayman Islands corporation and all of our business is conducted in the PRC, you may be unable to bring an action against us or our officers and directors or to enforce any judgment you may obtain. It may also be difficult for you or overseas regulators to conduct investigations or collect evidence within China. |
Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares
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Our dual-class share structure with different voting rights will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Ordinary Shares may view as beneficial. |
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Our Ordinary Shares may be thinly traded and you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if you need to sell your shares to raise money or otherwise desire to liquidate your shares. |
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We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public companies. |
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Because we are a foreign private issuer and are exempt from certain NASDAQ corporate governance standards applicable to U.S. issuers, you may have less protection than you would have if we were a domestic issuer. |
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Any failure by the consolidated VIE or their shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material adverse effect on our business. |
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The shareholders of the consolidated VIE may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition. |
Risks Related to Our Business
We historically have received a substantial
part of our supplies from our related party suppliers, which might cause conflict of interest between the Company and such suppliers.
Historically, a substantial part of our supplies
came from the Longrich Group, a related party. For the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2022, the Longrich Group accounted for approximately
45% and 14% of the total purchases, respectively. Longrich Group is controlled by Mr. Zhiwei Xu, a major shareholder of the Company.
Although we believe our transactions with the
related parties are negotiated independently on the basis of a fair market value determination, transactions with the entities in which
related parties hold ownership interests present potential for conflicts of interest, as the interests of these entities and their shareholders
may not align with the interests of the Company and our shareholders with respect to the negotiation of, and certain other matters related
to, our purchase products and services from such entities. Conflicts of interest may also arise in connection with the exercise of contractual
remedies under these transactions, such as the treatment of events of default.
Our Board of Directors has authorized the Audit
Committee to review and approve all related party transaction. We rely on the laws of Cayman Islands, which provide that directors owe
a duty of care and a duty of loyalty to our company. Nevertheless, we may have achieved more favorable terms if such transactions had
not been entered into with related parties and these transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may have an adverse effect on our
business and results of operations or may result in government enforcement actions or other litigation.
We rely on a limited number of vendors,
and the loss of our significant vendor could harm our business, and the loss of any one of such vendors could have a material adverse
effect on our business.
We consider our major vendors to be those vendors
that accounted for more than 10% of overall purchases in any given fiscal period. For the year ended December 31, 2022, two major suppliers,
the Longrich Group and a third-party supplier, accounted for approximately 14% and 12% of the total purchases, respectively. For the year
ended December 31, 2021, two major suppliers, the Longrich Group and a third-party supplier, accounted for approximately 45% and 24% of
the total purchases, respectively. We have not entered into long-term contracts with this significant vendor and instead rely on individual
orders with such vendor. Although we believe that we can locate replacement vendors readily on the market for prevailing prices, any difficulty
in replacing a vendor on terms acceptable to us could negatively affect our performance to the extent it results in higher prices or a
slower supply chain. If we lose any or all of them, or any of them increase the prices or change the terms of the business
they do with us, our sales may be adversely affected.
If we become subject to additional scrutiny,
criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed China-based companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate
and resolve the matter which could harm our business operations and our reputation and could result in a loss of your investment in our
Ordinary Shares, especially if such matter cannot be addressed and resolved favorably.
Recently, U.S. public companies that have substantially
all of their operations in China have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators
and regulatory agencies. Much of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity has centered around financial and accounting irregularities,
a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto
and, in some cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity, the publicly traded stock of
many U.S.-listed China-based companies has decreased in value and, in some cases, has become virtually worthless. Many of these companies
have been subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and have conducted internal and external investigations into the
allegations. It is not clear what effect this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity will have on us, our business. If
we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we will have to expend
significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend our company. This situation may be a major distraction to our management.
If such allegations are not proven to be groundless, our business operations will be severely hindered and your investment in our Ordinary
Shares could be rendered worthless.
We face fierce competition in the health
and nutritional supplements and cosmetic markets in China. We may not be able to keep pace with competition in our industry, which could
adversely affect our market share and result in a decrease in our future sales and earnings.
The competition in the national health and nutritional
supplements and cosmetics markets of the China is fierce. We compete primarily on the basis of our technology, comprehensive customer
service and brand recognition. Our competitors may compete with us in the following ways:
| ● | provide
products and services that are similar to ours, or that are more attractive to customers than ours; |
| ● | provide
products and services we do not offer; |
| ● | offer
aggressive rebates to gain market share and to promote their businesses; |
| ● | adapt
at a faster rate to market conditions, new technologies and customer demands; |
| ● | offer
better, faster and more reliable technology; and |
| ● | market,
promote and provide their services more effectively. |
Our main competitors include health and nutritional
supplements and cosmetic retail companies, including traditional offline retail stores, social e-commerce platforms, general business
to consumers, or B2C, platforms and traditional distributors, as well as online platforms specialized in health and nutritional supplements
or cosmetics. These companies may have much more financial, technological, R&D, marketing, distribution, retail and other resources
than we do. They may also have a longer operating history, a larger customer base or a wider and deeper market coverage. In addition,
when we expand to other markets, we will face competition from new domestic or foreign competitors, which may also enter our current market.
Although we do not compete against other platforms,
products and service providers solely based on prices, if our competitors offer their products and services at lower prices, we may be
forced to provide aggressive discounts or rebates to our customers and our revenue may decrease.
In addition, in recent years, with the emergence
of new internet business model and new retail industry, the low-price strategy of e-commerce has led to greater pricing pressure. If this
trend continues, it may lead to further competitive pressure on prices. The new partnership and strategic alliance in the health and nutritional
supplements and cosmetic industries will also change market dynamics, which may adversely affect our business and competitive position.
Technologies adopted by us and our competitors
are developing rapidly, and new developments often lead to price competition, outdated products and changes in market patterns. Any significant
increase in competition could have a significant negative impact on our revenue and profitability, as well as on our business and prospects.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to constantly distinguish our products and services from our competitors, maintain and improve
our relationship with different participants in health and nutritional supplements and cosmetic industries, or increase or even maintain
our existing market share. We may lose market share. If we cannot compete effectively, our financial situation and operating results may
deteriorate seriously.
We use third-party logistics and express
delivery companies to complete and deliver orders placed on our platform. If these logistics and express companies fail to provide reliable
and timely delivery services, our business and reputation, as well as our financial situation and operating results, may be adversely
affected.
We have contractual arrangements with a
number of third-party logistic companies to deliver our products to our customers. We also use them to deliver products from our
fulfillment centers to delivery stations or to deliver bulk commodity products. The interruption or failure of these third-party
delivery services may hinder timely or correct delivery of our products to our consumers. These disruptions may be caused by events
beyond our control or those beyond the control of delivery companies, such as bad weather, natural disasters, pandemic,
transportation disruptions or labor unrest. We may not be able to find replacement delivery companies in a short period of time to
provide timely and reliable delivery services, or we may not find them at all. Our business and reputation may be affected if the
product is not delivered in proper conditions or on time.
In the direct sales business model, we manage
inventory and delivery products with our own integrated processing system. In our market business model, many of third-party sellers who
sell their products on our platform use their own facilities to store products and use their own or third-party delivery systems to deliver
products to distributors and consumers that place orders on our platform, which makes it difficult to ensure that such customers and distributors
get consistent quality products and services for all products sold through our online platform. If any market seller fails to control
the quality of the products it sells on our platform, or if it fails to deliver the products or delays the delivery of the products or
delivers products that are substantially different from the product description, or if it sells counterfeit or unauthorized products through
our platform, or if it does not have the necessary licenses or permits required by relevant laws and regulations, our reputation and brand
name, may be adversely affected. We may also face claims and may be liable for damages related to such claims.
Our sales people may not always receive accurate
information for the background and regulatory checks on the sellers using our platform or control the quality of the products they sell
on our platform, as well as whether they deliver the products they sell on our platform timely and correctly, which may cause a significant
negative impact on our business, financial situation, and operating results.
Internet and network system limitations
or failures could harm our business.
Our businesses depend on the integrity and performance
of the technology, computer and network systems supporting them. If our systems cannot expand to cope with increased demand or otherwise
fail to perform, we could experience unanticipated disruptions in service, slower response times and delays in the introduction of new
products and services. These consequences could result in financial losses and decreased customer service and satisfaction. If transaction
volumes increase unexpectedly or other unanticipated events occur, we may need to expand and upgrade our technology, transaction processing
systems and network infrastructure. We do not know whether we will be able to accurately project the rate, timing or cost of any increases,
or expand and upgrade our systems and infrastructure to accommodate any increases in a timely manner.
If we fail to adopt new technologies or
adapt our website, mobile application and systems to changing customer requirements or emerging industry standards, our business may be
materially and adversely affected.
To remain competitive, we must continue to enhance
and improve the responsiveness, functionality and features of our internet platform. Our competitors are constantly developing innovations
and introducing new products to increase their customer base and enhance user experience. As a result, in order to attract and retain
customers and compete against our competitors, we must continue to invest significant resources in research and development to enhance
our information technology and improve our existing products and services for our customers. The internet and the online retail industry
are characterized by rapid technological evolution, changes in customer requirements and preferences, frequent introductions of new products
and services embodying new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards and practices, any of which could render our existing
technologies and systems obsolete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to identify, develop, acquire or license new technologies
useful in our business, and respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices in a cost-effective and timely
way. The development of website, mobile application and other proprietary technology entails significant technical and business risks.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to use new technologies effectively or adapt our website, mobile application, proprietary
technologies and systems to meet customer requirements or emerging industry standards. If we are unable to adapt in a cost-effective and
timely manner in response to changing market conditions or customer requirements, whether for technical, legal, financial or other reasons,
our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We lack product and business diversification.
Accordingly, our future revenues and earnings are more susceptible to fluctuations than a more diversified company.
Our current primary business activities focus
on the sale of health and nutritional supplements, cosmetics products and household products. Because our focus is limited in this way,
any risk affecting the health and nutritional supplements, cosmetics and household products industries could disproportionately affect
our business. Our lack of product and business diversification could inhibit the opportunities for growth of our business, revenues and
profits.
We may continue to incur net losses in the
future.
We had incurred a net loss of $6.39 million and
a net loss of $11.53 million in fiscal year of 2021 and 2022, respectively. We cannot assure you that we will be able to generate net
income or will have retained earnings in the future. We anticipate that our operating expenses will increase in the foreseeable future
as we seek to continue to develop new high margin business, attract clients and partners and further enhance and develop our services
and other product offerings. These efforts may prove more expensive than we currently anticipate, and we may not succeed in increasing
our revenue sufficiently to offset these higher expenses. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, we may incur additional net
losses in the future and may not be able to maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis.
We may need additional capital, and financing
may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
Although we believe that our current cash and
cash equivalents, anticipated cash flows from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital requirements
and capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business for at least 12 months following this report, we may need additional cash
resources in the future if we experience changes in business conditions or other developments. We may also need additional cash resources
in the future if we find and wish to pursue opportunities for investment, acquisition, capital expenditure or similar actions. If we determine
that our cash requirements exceed the amount of cash and cash equivalents we have on hand at the time, we may seek to issue equity or
debt securities or obtain credit facilities. The issuance and sale of additional equity would result in further dilution to our shareholders.
The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed obligations and could result in operating covenants that would restrict
our operations. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
We may incur substantial debt in the future,
which may adversely affect our financial condition and negatively affect our operations.
We may decide in the future to finance our business
and operation through incurring debt. The incurrence of debt could have a variety of negative effects, including:
| ● | default
and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenue is insufficient to repay debt obligations; |
| ● | acceleration
of obligations to repay the indebtedness (or other outstanding indebtedness), even if we make all principal and interest payments when
due, if we breach any covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation
of that covenant; |
| ● | our
inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing
while the debt security is outstanding; |
| ● | diverting
a substantial portion of cash flow to pay principal and interest on such debt, which would reduce the funds available for expenses, capital
expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes; and |
| ● | creating
potential limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate. |
The occurrence of any of these risks could adversely
affect our operations or financial condition.
Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly
and may not fully reflect the underlying performance of our business.
Our quarterly results of operations, including
the levels of our net revenues, expenses, net (loss)/income and other key metrics, may vary significantly in the future due to a variety
of factors, some of which are outside of our control, and period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful,
especially given our limited operating history. Accordingly, the results for any one quarter are not necessarily an indication of future
performance. Fluctuations in quarterly results may adversely affect the market price of our Ordinary Shares. Factors that may cause fluctuations
in our quarterly financial results include:
| ● | our
ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients; |
| ● | changes
in our mix of products and services and introduction of new products and services; |
| ● | the
amount and timing of operating expenses related to the maintenance and expansion of our business, operations and infrastructure; |
| ● | our
decision to manage client volume growth during the period; |
| ● | the
impact of competitors or competitive products and services; |
| ● | increases
in our costs and expenses that we may incur to grow and expand our operations and to remain competitive; |
| ● | network
outages or security breaches; |
| ● | changes
in the legal or regulatory environment or proceedings, including with respect to security, privacy, or enforcement by government regulators,
including fines, orders or consent decrees; |
| ● | general economic, industry, inflation and market conditions; and |
| ● | the
timing of expenses related to the development or acquisition of technologies or businesses. |
Despite our marketing efforts, we may not
be able to promote and maintain our brand in an effective and cost-efficient way and our business and results of operations may be harmed
accordingly.
We believe that developing and maintaining awareness
of our brand and business effectively is critical to attracting new and retaining existing clients. Successful promotion of our brand
and our ability to attract quality clients depends largely on the effectiveness of our marketing efforts and the success of the channels
we use to promote our services. Despite our marketing efforts, it is likely that our future marketing efforts will require us to incur
significant additional expenses. These efforts may not result in increased revenues in the immediate future or at all and, even if they
do, any increases in revenues may not offset the expenses incurred. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our brand while incurring
substantial expenses, our results of operations and financial condition would be adversely affected, which may impair our ability to grow
our business.
From time-to-time we may evaluate and potentially
consummate strategic investments or acquisitions, which could require significant management attention, disrupt our business and adversely
affect our financial results.
We may evaluate and consider strategic investments,
combinations, acquisitions or alliances to further increase the value of our marketplace and better serve our customers. These transactions
could be material to our financial condition and results of operations if consummated. If we are able to identify an appropriate business
opportunity, we may not be able to successfully consummate the transaction and, even if we do consummate such a transaction, we may be
unable to obtain the benefits or avoid the difficulties and risks of such transaction.
Strategic investments or acquisitions will involve
risks commonly encountered in business relationships, including:
| ● | difficulties
in assimilating and integrating the operations, personnel, systems, data, technologies, products and services of the acquired business; |
| ● | inability
of the acquired technologies, products or businesses to achieve expected levels of revenue, profitability, productivity or other benefits; |
| ● | difficulties
in retaining, training, motivating and integrating key personnel; |
| ● | diversion
of management’s time and resources from our normal daily operations; |
| ● | difficulties
in successfully incorporating licensed or acquired technology and rights into our platform and products; |
| ● | difficulties
in maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies within the combined organizations; |
| ● | difficulties
in retaining relationships with customers, employees and suppliers of the acquired business; |
| ● | risks
of entering markets in which we have limited or no prior experience; |
| ● | regulatory
risks, including remaining in good standing with existing regulatory bodies or receiving any necessary pre-closing or post-closing approvals,
as well as being subject to new regulators with oversight over an acquired business; |
| ● | assumption
of contractual obligations that contain terms that are not beneficial to us, require us to license or waive intellectual property rights
or increase our risk for liability; |
| ● | failure
to successfully further develop the acquired technology; |
| ● | liability
for activities of the acquired business before the acquisition, including intellectual property infringement claims, violations of laws,
commercial disputes, tax liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities; |
| ● | potential
disruptions to our ongoing businesses; and |
| ● | unexpected
costs and unknown risks and liabilities associated with strategic investments or acquisitions. |
We may not make any investments or acquisitions,
or any future investments or acquisitions may not be successful, may not benefit our business strategy, may not generate sufficient revenues
to offset the associated acquisition costs or may not otherwise result in the intended benefits. In addition, we cannot assure you that
any future investment in or acquisition of new businesses or technology will lead to the successful development of new or enhanced our
existing products and services or that any new or enhanced products and services, if developed, will achieve market acceptance or prove
to be profitable.
Our business depends on the continued efforts
of our senior management. If one or more of our key executives were unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, our business
may be severely disrupted.
Our business operations depend on the continued
services of our senior management, particularly the executive officers named in this report. While we have the ability to provide different
incentives to our management, we cannot assure you that we can continue to retain their services. If one or more of our key executives
were unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to replace them easily or at all, our future growth
may be constrained, our business may be severely disrupted and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and
adversely affected, and we may incur additional expenses to recruit, train and retain qualified personnel. In addition, although we have
entered into confidentiality and non-competition agreements with our management, there is no assurance that any member of our management
team will not join our competitors or form a competing business. If any dispute arises between our current or former officers and us,
we may have to incur substantial costs and expenses in order to enforce such agreements in China or we may be unable to enforce them at
all.
If the basic salary of certain employees
fails to meet the local minimum salary standard, we may be faced with labor dispute or compensation.
The remuneration we pay to our employee in general
consists of basic salary, subsidy and performance bonus subject to different department. For marketing staff, a great proportion of their
remuneration is the performance bonus. In accordance with the Labor Contract Law of People’s Republic of China, if the salary
paid by the employer to its employee is below the local minimum salary standard, the labor administrative authorities shall order the
employer to pay the shortfall; where payment is not made within the stipulated period, the employer shall be ordered to pay additional
compensation to the employee based on 50% to 100% of the amount payable. In principle, each province has its own local minimum standard
and the local minimum salary standard is subject to change each year. Our basic salary has been meeting the current local minimum salary
standard. However, we cannot assure you that we can adjust the employees’ basic salary in time to meet the changing minimum standard.
In such case, we may be faced with labor dispute or compensation.
Competition for employees is intense, and
we may not be able to attract and retain the qualified and skilled employees needed to support our business.
We believe our success depends on the efforts
and talent of our employees, including risk management, software engineering, information technology, financial and marketing personnel.
Our future success depends on our continued ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain qualified and skilled employees. Competition
for highly skilled marketing, technical, risk management and financial personnel is extremely intense. We may not be able to hire and
retain these personnel at compensation levels consistent with our existing compensation and salary structure. Some of the companies with
which we compete for experienced employees have greater resources than we have and may be able to offer more attractive terms of employment.
In addition, we invest significant time and expenses
in training our employees, which increases their value to competitors who may seek to recruit them. If we fail to retain our employees,
we could incur significant expenses in hiring and training their replacements, and the quality of our services and our ability to serve
borrowers and lenders could diminish, resulting in a material adverse effect to our business.
We do not have any business insurance coverage.
Insurance companies in China currently do not
offer as extensive an array of insurance products as insurance companies in more developed economies. Currently, the Company does not
carry any business interruption insurance, product liability insurance or any other business insurance policies. We have determined that
the costs of insuring for these risks and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make
it impractical for us to have such insurance. However, as a result the Company may incur uninsured losses, and any uninsured business
disruptions may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of resources, which could have an adverse effect on our results
of operations and financial condition.
We may have exposure to greater than anticipated
tax liabilities.
We are subject to enterprise income tax, value-added
tax, and other taxes in each province and city in China where we have operations. Our tax structure is subject to review by various local
tax authorities. The determination of our provision for income tax and other tax liabilities requires significant judgment. In the ordinary
course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we believe
our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate decisions by the relevant tax authorities may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial
statements and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.
We may be subject to allegations, lawsuits
and negative publicity claiming the sale, distribution, marketing and advertising of counterfeit or substandard products in our retail
and wholesale businesses of health and nutritional supplements and cosmetic products.
We may face charges, litigation and administrative
penalties related to the sale, distribution, marketing and advertising of counterfeit or substandard products in our retail and wholesale
businesses of health and nutritional supplements and cosmetic products, which may damage our brand and reputation and have a significant
adverse impact on us. The impact on our business, financial situation, operating results and business prospects.
Certain products distributed or sold in the retail
and wholesale markets of health and nutritional supplements and cosmetic products in China may be manufactured without appropriate license
or approval, and/or may have fraudulent labelling errors in their content and/or manufacturer. These products are often referred to as
counterfeit or unqualified products.
The current regulatory control and enforcement
system of counterfeit and inferior products in China is not mature enough to completely eliminate the production and sale of counterfeit
products. The selling price of fake and inferior products is usually lower than that of genuine products. In some cases, the appearance
of fake and inferior products is very similar to that of genuine products. Therefore, the existence of counterfeit products may quickly
erode our sales volume and revenue from related products.
In addition, counterfeit or substandard products
may or may not have the same chemical composition as genuine products, which may make them less effective than genuine products, completely
ineffective, or more likely to lead to serious side effects. We may not be able to identify counterfeit or substandard products we purchased
from suppliers. Any unintentional or unknowingly sale of counterfeit or substandard products in our product distribution or retail business,
or illegal use of our brand name by third parties to sell counterfeit or substandard products, may cause negative publicity, fines and
other administrative penalties to us, and even lead to lawsuits related to the sale, marketing and advertising of these products. In addition,
the persistence of counterfeit and inferior products may enhance the overall negative image of distributors and retailers among consumers,
and may seriously damage the reputation and brand of other sellers including us. Similarly, consumers can buy counterfeit and substandard
products that compete directly with those distributed or sold in our retail and wholesale businesses, which may have a significant negative
impact on the sales of related products in our product portfolio and further affect our business, financial situation, operating results
and prospects.
If counterfeit products are sold on our
internet platform, our reputation and financial results could be materially and adversely affected.
Suppliers and third-party merchants on our internet
platform are separately responsible for sourcing the products that are sold on our internet platform. Although we have adopted measures
to verify the authenticity of products sold on our internet platform and to immediately remove any counterfeit products found on our internet
platform, these measures may not always be successful. Potential sanctions under PRC law, if we were to negligently participate or assist
in infringement activities associated with counterfeit goods, include injunctions to cease infringing activities, rectification, compensation,
administrative penalties and even criminal liability, depending on the gravity of such misconduct. Furthermore, counterfeit products may
be defective or inferior in quality as compared to authentic products and may pose safety risks to our customers. If our customers are
injured by counterfeit products sold on our internet platform, we may be subject to lawsuits, severe administrative penalties and criminal
liability. See “— We may be subject to product liability claims if our customers are harmed by the products sold on our
internet platform.” We believe our brand and reputation are extremely important to our success and our competitive position.
The discovery of counterfeit products sold on our internet platform may severally damage our reputation and cause customers to refrain
from making future purchases from us, which would materially and adversely affect our business operations and financial results.
We may be subject to product liability claims
if our customers are harmed by the products sold on our internet platform.
We sell products manufactured by third parties,
some of which may be defectively designed or manufactured, of inferior quality or counterfeit. For example, cosmetic products in general,
regardless of their authenticity or quality, may cause allergic reactions or other illness that may be severe for certain customers. Sales
and distributions of products on our internet platform could expose us to product liability claims relating to personal injury and may
require product recalls or other actions. Third parties that have suffered such injury may bring claims or legal proceedings against us
as the retailer of the products or as the marketplace service provider. Although we would have legal recourse against the manufacturers,
suppliers or third-party merchants of such products under PRC law, attempting to enforce our rights against the manufacturers, suppliers
or third-party merchants may be expensive, time-consuming and ultimately futile. Defective, inferior or counterfeit products or negative
publicity as to personal injury caused by products sold on our platform may adversely affect consumer perceptions of our company or the
products we sell, which could harm our reputation and brand image. In addition, we do not currently maintain any product liability insurance
or third-party liability insurance coverage for the products offered through third-party merchants. As a result, any material product
liability claim or litigation could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Even unsuccessful claims could result in the expenditure of funds and managerial efforts in defending them and could have a negative impact
on our reputation.
We collect, process and use data, some of
which contains personal information. Any privacy or data security breach could damage our reputation and brand and substantially harm
our business and results of operations.
As a technology-based platform, our business generates
and processes a large quantity of personal, transaction, behavioral and demographic data. We face risks inherent in handling and protecting
large volumes of data, including protecting the data hosted in our system, detecting and prohibiting unauthorized data share and transfer,
preventing attacks on our system by outside parties or fraudulent behavior or improper use by our employees, and maintaining and updating
our database. Any system failure, security breach or third parties attacks or attempts to illegally obtain the data that results in any
actual or perceived release of user data could damage our reputation and brand, deter current and potential customers from using our services,
damage our business, and expose us to potential legal liability.
We also have access to a large amount of confidential
information in our day-to-day operations. Each order contains the names, addresses, phone numbers and other contact information of the
sender and recipient of an order placed and delivered through our platforms. The content of the item delivered may also constitute or
reveal confidential information. Although we have data security polices and measures in place, we cannot assure you that the information
will not be misappropriated, as our personnel handle the orders and have access to the relevant confidential information.
We are subject to local laws and regulations relating
to the collection, use, storage, transfer, disclosure and security of personally identifiable information with respect to our customers
and employees including any requests from regulatory and government authorities relating to this data. Further, PRC regulators have been
increasingly focused on regulation in the areas of data security and data protection. We expect that these areas will receive greater
public scrutiny and attention from regulators, which could increase our compliance costs and subject us to heightened risks and challenges.
If we are unable to manage these risks, we could become subject to penalties, fines, suspension of business and revocation of required
licenses, and our reputation and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We may not be able to prevent others from
unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position.
We regard our trademarks, domain names, know-how,
proprietary technologies and similar intellectual property as critical to our success, and we rely on a combination of intellectual property
laws and contractual arrangements, including confidentiality agreements with all our employees and officers as well as non-compete agreements
with our executive officers to protect our proprietary rights. Thus, we cannot assure you that any of our intellectual property rights
would not be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or misappropriated, or that such intellectual property will be sufficient to provide
us with competitive advantages. In addition, because of the rapid pace of technological change in our industry, parts of our business
rely on technologies developed or licensed by third parties, and we may not be able to obtain or continue to obtain licenses and technologies
from these third parties on reasonable terms, or at all and we might have to invest on research and development on our own technologies
in such areas.
It is often difficult to register, maintain and
enforce intellectual property rights in China. Statutory laws and regulations are subject to judicial interpretation and enforcement and
may not be applied consistently due to the lack of clear guidance on statutory interpretation. Confidentiality, invention assignment and
non-compete agreements may be breached by counterparties, and there may not be adequate remedies available to us for any such breach.
Accordingly, we may not be able to effectively protect our intellectual property rights or to enforce our contractual rights in China.
Preventing any unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult and costly and the steps we take may be inadequate to prevent
the misappropriation of our intellectual property. In the event that we resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights,
such litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our managerial and financial resources. We can provide no assurance
that we will prevail in such litigation. In addition, our trade secrets may be leaked or otherwise become available to, or be independently
discovered by, our competitors. To the extent that our employees or consultants use intellectual property owned by others in their work
for us, disputes may arise as to the rights in related know-how and inventions. Any failure in protecting or enforcing our intellectual
property rights could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to intellectual property
infringement claims, which may be expensive to defend and may disrupt our business and operations.
We cannot be certain that our operations or any
aspects of our business do not or will not infringe upon or otherwise violate trademarks, patents, copyrights, know-how or other intellectual
property rights held by third parties. We have in the past and may in the future be subject to legal proceedings and claims relating to
the intellectual property rights of others. For example, in 2018 Shanghai Juhao was sued by an individual for copyright infringement for
the use Shanghai Juhao’s logo. Although the case was dismissed by the court as Shanghai Juhao had already registered its logo/drawing
as its trademark before the plaintiff registered her drawing for copyright, there is no guarantee that there will not be any other similar
lawsuits brought against us in the future. In addition, there may be third-party trademarks, patents, copyrights, know-how or
other intellectual property rights that are infringed by our products, services or other aspects of our business without our awareness.
Holders of such intellectual property rights may seek to enforce such intellectual property rights against us in China, the United States
or other jurisdictions. If any third-party infringement claims are brought against us, we may be forced to divert management’s time
and other resources from our business and operations to defend against these claims, regardless of their merits.
Additionally, the application and interpretation
of China’s intellectual property right laws and the procedures and standards for granting trademarks, patents, copyrights, know-how
or other intellectual property rights in China are still evolving and are uncertain, and we cannot assure you that PRC courts or regulatory
authorities would agree with our analysis. If we were found to have violated the intellectual property rights of others, we may be subject
to liability for our infringement activities or may be prohibited from using such intellectual property, and we may incur licensing fees
or be forced to develop alternatives of our own. As a result, our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We face risks related to health epidemics,
severe weather conditions and other outbreaks.
In recent years, there have been outbreaks of
epidemics in various countries, including China. Beginning in late 2019, there was an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19)
which has spread quickly to many parts in China, the U.S. and globally In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19
a pandemic. The epidemic has resulted in quarantines, travel restrictions, and the temporary closure of office buildings and facilities
in China and in the U.S. Starting from March 2020, businesses in China began to reopen, and the interruptions to businesses were gradually
removed. However, due to the outbreak of Omicron variant in many cities in China, including Xi’an,
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Suzhou, local governments have imposed restrictions and quarantine requirements with travel
restrictions and temporary closure of office buildings and facilities, and the employees at our Shanghai office have been working
from home from March 30, 2022 to June 1, 2022. In early December 2022, Chinese government eased the strict control measure for COVID-19,
which has led to surge in increased infections and caused disruption in our business operations in December 2022 and January 2023.
Substantially all of our revenues and our sales
are concentrated in China. Consequently, our results of operations have been and may continuously be adversely affected to the extent
that the COVID-19 outbreak or any other epidemic harm the Chinese and global economy. Any potential impact to our results will depend
on, to a large extent, future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of the COVID-19 outbreak
and the actions taken by government authorities and other entities to contain the COVID-19 outbreak or treat its impact, almost all of
which are beyond our control. Potential impacts include, but are not limited to, the following:
|
● |
temporary closure of offices, travel restrictions or suspension of shipment of our products to our customers Our suppliers have been negatively affected during the outbreak, and could continue to be negatively affected if there is a resurgence of COVID-19 in China, which could have an effect on their ability to supply and ship products to us; |
| ● | our
customers that are negatively impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 may reduce their budgets to purchase our products, which may materially
adversely impact our revenue; |
| ● | our
customers may require additional time to pay us or fail to pay us at all, which could significantly increase the amount of accounts receivable
and require us to record additional allowances for doubtful accounts. We have provided significant sales incentives to our customers
and distributors during the outbreak and may continue to provide such incentives in the future, which may in turn materially adversely
affect our financial condition and operating results; |
| ● | the
business operations of our authorized physical stores and distributors have been negatively impacted by the outbreak and could continue
to be negatively impacted if there is any resurgence of COVID-19 in China, which may negatively impact their purchase of our products
and our distribution channel, or result in loss of customers and business, which may in turn materially adversely affect our financial
condition and operating results; |
| ● | any
disruption of our supply chain, logistics providers, customers or our marketing activities could adversely impact our business and results
of operations, including causing our suppliers to cease manufacturing products for a period of time or materially delay delivery to us
and customers, which may also lead to loss of customers, as well as reputational, competitive and business harm to us; |
| ● | many
of our customers, authorized store owners, distributors, suppliers and other partners are individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs), which may not have strong cash flows or be well capitalized, and may be vulnerable to an epidemic outbreak and slowing macroeconomic
conditions. If the SMEs that we work with cannot weather the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting economic impact, or cannot resume business
as usual after a prolonged outbreak, our revenues and business operations may be materially and adversely impacted; |
| ● | the
global stock markets have experienced, and may continue to experience, significant decline from the COVID-19 outbreak, which could materially
adversely affect our stock price and ability to seek financing from capital market. |
Because of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19,
the financial impact related to the coronavirus cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, our consolidated results for the year 2023
may be adversely affected.
In general, our business could be adversely affected
by the effects of epidemics, including, but not limited to, COVID-19, avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the influenza
A virus, Ebola virus, severe weather conditions such as a snowstorm, flood or hazardous air pollution, or other outbreaks. In response
to an epidemic, severe weather conditions, or other outbreaks, government and other organizations may adopt regulations and policies that
could lead to severe disruption to our daily operations, including temporary closure of our offices and other facilities. These severe
conditions may cause us and/or our partners to make internal adjustments, including but not limited to, temporarily closing down business,
limiting business hours, and setting restrictions on travel and/or visits with clients and partners for a prolonged period of time. Various
impact arising from a severe condition may cause business disruption, resulting in material, adverse impact to our financial condition
and results of operations.
The relative lack of public company experience
of our management team may put us at a competitive disadvantage.
Our management team lacks public company experience,
which could impair our ability to comply with legal and regulatory requirements such as those imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
(“Sarbanes-Oxley”). Our senior management does not have much experience managing a publicly-traded company. Such responsibilities
include complying with federal securities laws and making required disclosures on a timely basis. Our senior management may be unable
to implement programs and policies in an effective and timely manner or that adequately respond to the increased legal, regulatory and
reporting requirements associated with being a publicly traded company. Our failure to comply with all applicable requirements could lead
to the imposition of fines and penalties, distract our management from attending to the management and growth of our business, result
in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports and have an adverse effect on our business and stock price.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
If the PRC government deems that the contractual
arrangements in relation to the consolidated variable interest entity do not comply with PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment
in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject
to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.
Foreign ownership of internet-based businesses,
including value-added telecommunications services, is subject to restrictions under current PRC laws and regulations. For example, foreign
investors are generally not allowed to own more than 50% of the equity interests in a value-added telecommunication service provider (except
for the e-commerce business) in accordance with the Foreign Investment Entry Clearance Negative List (the 2021 version), promulgated in
2021, or the Negative List, and other applicable laws and regulations. As provided for under the Negative List, “e-commerce business”
is an exception to the above restriction on foreign investment. However, the above Negative List does not define the “e-commerce
business,” and its interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainties, therefore, we cannot assure you that whether
our online retail business and distribution of online information falls into the “e-commerce business” and thus, whether we
are permitted to conduct our value-added telecommunication services in the PRC through our subsidiaries in which foreign investors own
more than 50% of equity interests.
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company with
limited liability and our PRC subsidiary is considered a foreign invested enterprise. To comply with PRC laws and regulations, we conduct
our operations in China through a series of contractual arrangements entered into among WFOE, the VIE and the shareholders of the VIE.
As a result of these contractual arrangements, we exert control over the VIE and consolidate its operating results in our financial statements
under U.S. GAAP. For a detailed description of these contractual arrangements, see “4.C. Organizational Structure - Variable
Interest Entity Arrangements.”
In the opinion of our PRC counsel, Yiyou Tianyuan
Law Firm, our current ownership structure, the ownership structure of our PRC subsidiary and the consolidated VIE, and the contractual
arrangements among WFOE, the VIE and the shareholders of the VIE are common practices for the companies listed on stock exchanges in Hong
Kong or the U.S. engaging in the businesses on Negative List in China and these contractual arrangements are valid and binding in accordance
with their terms and applicable PRC laws and regulations currently in effect. However, Yiyou Tianyuan Law Firm has also advised us that
there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations and there
can be no assurance that the PRC government will ultimately take a view that is consistent with the opinion of our PRC counsel.
If the PRC government finds that our contractual
arrangements do not comply with its restrictions on foreign investment in the value-added telecommunication service business, the relevant
PRC regulatory authorities, including the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), would have broad discretion in dealing with such
violations or failures, including, without limitation:
| ● | discontinuing
or placing restrictions or onerous conditions on our operations; |
|
● |
imposing fines, confiscating the income from the WFOE or the VIE, or imposing other requirements with which we or the VIE may not be able to comply; |
|
● |
requiring us to restructure our ownership structure or operations, including terminating the contractual arrangements with the VIE and deregistering the equity pledges of the VIE, which in turn would affect our ability to consolidate, derive economic interests from, or exert effective control over the VIE; |
| ● | restricting
or prohibiting our use of the proceeds of foreign offerings to finance our business and operations in China; or |
| ● | taking
other regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to our business. |
The imposition of any of these penalties would
result in a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business. In addition, it is unclear what impact the PRC government
actions would have on us and on our ability to consolidate the financial results of the VIE in the consolidated financial statements,
if the PRC government authorities were to find the VIE structure and contractual arrangements to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations.
If the imposition of any of these government actions causes us to lose our right to direct the activities of the VIE or our right to receive
substantially all of the economic benefits and residual returns from the VIE and we are not able to restructure our ownership structure
and operations in a satisfactory manner, we would no longer be able to consolidate the financial results of the VIE in the consolidated
financial statements. Either of these results, or any other significant penalties that might be imposed on us in this event, would have
a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on contractual arrangements with
the VIE and the shareholders of the VIE for our business operations, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational
control.
We have relied and expect to continue to rely
on contractual arrangements with the VIE, Shanghai Juhao, to operate our platform. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective
as direct ownership in providing us with control over the consolidated variable interest entity. For example, the consolidated variable
interest entity and its shareholders could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to conduct their
operations, including maintaining our website and using the domain names and trademarks, in an acceptable manner or taking other actions
that are detrimental to our interests.
If we had direct ownership of the VIE, we would
be able to exercise our rights as a shareholder to effect changes in the board of directors of the VIE, which in turn could implement
changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management and operational level. However, under the current contractual
arrangements, we rely on the performance by the consolidated variable interest entity and their shareholders of their obligations under
the contracts to consolidate the consolidated variable interest entity. The shareholders of the consolidated variable interest entity
may not act in the best interests of our company or may not perform their obligations under these contracts. Such risks exist throughout
the period in which we intend to operate our business through the contractual arrangements with the consolidated variable interest entity.
Although we have the right to replace any shareholder of the consolidated variable interest entity under the contractual arrangement,
if any shareholder of the consolidated variable interest entity is uncooperative or any dispute relating to these contracts remains unresolved,
we will have to enforce our rights under these contracts through the operations of PRC laws and arbitration, litigation and other legal
proceedings and therefore will be subject to uncertainties in the PRC legal system. See “Risk Factors—Any failure by the
consolidated variable interest entity or its shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would
have a material adverse effect on our business.” Therefore, our contractual arrangements with the consolidated variable interest
entity may not be as effective in ensuring our control over the relevant portion of our business operations as direct ownership would
be.
Any failure by the consolidated VIE or their
shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material adverse effect on our business.
If the consolidated VIE or its shareholders fail
to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and expend additional
resources to enforce such arrangements. We may also have to rely on legal remedies under PRC laws, including seeking specific performance
or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure you will be effective under PRC laws. For example, if the shareholders
of the VIE were to refuse to transfer their equity interest in the VIE to us or our designee if we exercise the purchase option pursuant
to these contractual arrangements, or if they were otherwise to act in bad faith toward us, then we may have to take legal action to compel
them to perform their contractual obligations.
All the agreements under our contractual arrangements
are governed by PRC laws and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in China. Accordingly, these contracts would be
interpreted in accordance with PRC laws and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal system in
the PRC is not as well established as in some other jurisdictions, such as in the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC
legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. Some regulations might be unfavorable to VIEs. However,
despite there are very few precedents and little formal guidance as to how contractual arrangements in the context of a consolidated variable
interest entity should be interpreted or enforced under PRC laws and there remain significant uncertainties regarding the ultimate outcome
of such arbitration should legal action become necessary. Currently, most of the Chinese companies listed on overseas stock exchanges
and are in the internet-based business such as e-commerce or online-gaming have adopted a VIE structure. In addition, under PRC laws,
rulings by arbitrators are final and parties cannot appeal arbitration results in court unless such rulings are revoked or determined
unenforceable by a competent court. If the losing parties fail to carry out the arbitration awards within a prescribed time limit, the
prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration awards in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which would
require additional expenses and delay. In the event that we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant
delay or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control over
the consolidated variable interest entity, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected. See “Risk Factors—Risks
Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations could limit
the legal protections available to you and us.”
The shareholders of the consolidated VIE
may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The shareholders of Shanghai Juhao and their interests
in Shanghai Juhao may differ from their interests of our Company as a whole. These shareholders may breach, or cause the consolidated
variable interest entity to breach, the existing contractual arrangements we have with them and the consolidated variable interest entity,
which would have a material adverse effect on our ability to effectively consolidate the financials of the variable interest entity and
receive economic benefits from them. For example, the shareholders may be able to cause our agreements with Shanghai Juhao to be performed
in a manner adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments due under the contractual arrangements to us on a timely basis.
We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these shareholders will act in the best interests of our company
or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor.
Currently, we do not have any arrangements to
address potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and our company, except that we could exercise our purchase option
under the exclusive option agreements with these shareholders to request them to transfer all of their equity interests in Shanghai Juhao
to a PRC entity or individual designated by us, to the extent permitted by PRC laws. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or
dispute between us and the shareholders of Shanghai Juhao, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in the disruption
of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.
If the custodians or authorized users of
our controlling non-tangible assets, including chops and seals of the VIE, fail to fulfill their responsibilities, or misappropriate or
misuse these assets, our business and operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Under PRC law, legal documents for corporate transactions,
including agreements and contracts that our business relies on, are executed using the chop or seal of the signing entity or with the
signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with the relevant local branch of the State Administration
for Market Regulation (“SAMR”), formerly known as the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. We generally execute
legal documents by affixing chops or seals, rather than having the designated legal representatives sign the documents.
We use two major types of chops: corporate chops
and finance chops. Chops are seals or stamps used by a PRC company to legally authorize documents, often in place of a signature. We use
corporate chops generally for documents to be submitted to government agencies, such as applications for changing business scope, directors
or company name, and for legal letters in China. We use finance chops generally for making and collecting payments, including issuing
invoices. Use of corporate chops must be approved by department manager and office of the president, and use of finance chops must be
approved by our finance department. The chops of our subsidiary and consolidated VIE are generally held by the relevant entities so that
documents can be executed locally. Although we usually utilize chops to execute contracts, the registered legal representatives of our
subsidiary and consolidated VIE in China have the apparent authority to enter into contracts on behalf of such entities without chops,
unless such contracts set forth otherwise.
In order to maintain the physical security of
our chops, we generally have them stored in secured locations accessible only to the designated key employees of the office of the president
or finance departments. Our designated legal representatives generally do not have access to the chops. Although we have approval procedures
in place and monitor our key employees, including the designated legal representatives of our subsidiary and consolidated VIE, the procedures
may not be sufficient to prevent all instances of abuse or negligence. There is a risk that our key employees or designated legal representatives
could abuse their authority, for example, by binding our subsidiary and consolidated VIE with contracts against our interests, as we would
be obligated to honor these contracts if the other contracting party acts in good faith in reliance on the apparent authority of our chops
or signatures of our legal representatives. If any designated legal representative obtains control of the chop in an effort to obtain
control over the relevant entity, we would need to have a shareholder or board resolution to designate a new legal representative to take
legal action to seek the return of the chop, apply for a new chop with the relevant authorities, or otherwise seek legal remedies for
the legal representative’s misconduct. If any of the designated legal representatives obtains and misuses or misappropriates our
chops and seals or other controlling intangible assets for whatever reason, we could experience disruption to our normal business operations.
We may have to take corporate or legal action, which could involve significant time and resources to resolve the matter, while distracting
management from our operations, and our business operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Contractual arrangements in relation to
the consolidated variable interest entity may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and they may determine that we or our
PRC consolidated variable interest entity owe additional taxes, which could negatively affect our financial condition and the value of
your investment.
Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements
and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities within ten years after the taxable
year when the transactions are conducted. The PRC enterprise income tax law requires every enterprise in China to submit its annual enterprise
income tax return together with a report on transactions with its related parties to the relevant tax authorities. The tax authorities
may impose reasonable adjustments on taxation if they have identified any related party transactions that are inconsistent with arm’s
length principles. We may face material and adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the contractual arrangements
between WFOE, our wholly-owned subsidiary in China, the consolidated VIE in China, and the shareholders of the VIE were not entered into
on an arm’s length basis in such a way as to result in an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable PRC laws, rules and
regulations, and adjust the VIE’s income in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among
other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions recorded by the VIE for PRC tax purposes, which could in turn increase its tax
liabilities without reducing WFOE’s tax expenses. In addition, if WFOE requests the shareholders of the VIE to transfer their equity
interests in the VIE at nominal or no value pursuant to these contractual arrangements, such transfer could be viewed as a gift and subject
our WFOE and VIE to PRC income tax. Furthermore, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on the VIE for
the adjusted but unpaid taxes according to the applicable regulations. Our financial position could be materially and adversely affected
if the consolidated variable interest entity’ tax liabilities increase or if it is required to pay late payment fees and other penalties.
We may lose the ability to use and enjoy
assets held by the consolidated VIE that are material to the operation of our business if the entity goes bankrupt or become subject to
a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.
The consolidated VIE holds certain assets that
are material to the operation of our business, including domain names, software and equipment for the online platform. Under the contractual
arrangements, the consolidated VIE may not and their shareholders may not cause it to, in any manner, sell, transfer, mortgage or dispose
of its assets or its legal or beneficial interests in the business without our prior consent. However, in the event the shareholders of
the consolidated VIE breach the contractual arrangements and voluntarily liquidate the consolidated VIE or the consolidated VIE declare
bankruptcy and all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, or are otherwise disposed of without
our consent, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations. If the consolidated VIE undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, independent
third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Changes in China’s economic, political
or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The operations of the Company are located in the
PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic,
and legal environments in the PRC, in addition to the general state of the PRC economy. The Company’s results may be adversely affected
by changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC, and by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations,
anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.
The Company’s sales, purchases and expense
transactions are denominated in RMB, and all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are also denominated in RMB. The RMB is not
freely convertible into foreign currencies under the current law. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted
only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the People’s Bank of China, the central bank of China. Remittances
in currencies other than RMB may require certain supporting documentation in order to affect the remittance.
The Chinese economy differs from the economies
of most developed countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control
of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization
of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of improved corporate
governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition,
the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese
government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of
foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant
growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The Chinese government
has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit
the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may
be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese
government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate increases, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures
may cause decreased economic activity in China, and since 2012, China’s economic growth has slowed down. Any prolonged slowdown
in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our products and services and materially and adversely affect our business and results
of operations.
Uncertainties and quick change in the interpretation
and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations with little advance notice could result in a material and negative impact our business
operations, decrease the value of our securities and limit the legal protections available to you and us.
The PRC legal system is based on written statutes,
and prior court decisions have limited value as precedents. Since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system
continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these
laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties. The enforcement of laws and that rules and regulations in China can change quickly
with little advance notice and the risk that the Chinese government may intervene or influence our operations at any time, or may exert
more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China- based issuers, could result in a material change in
our operations and/or the value of our securities.
On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Communist
Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued an announcement to crack down on illegal activities
in the securities market and promote the high-quality development of the capital market, which, among other things, requires the relevant
governmental authorities to strengthen cross-border oversight of law-enforcement and judicial cooperation, to enhance supervision over
China-based companies listed overseas, and to establish and improve the system of extraterritorial application of the PRC securities laws.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the New Overseas Listing Rules with five interpretive guidelines, which took effect on March 31,
2023. The New Overseas Listing Rules require Chinese domestic enterprises to complete filings with relevant governmental authorities and
report related information under certain circumstances, such as: a) an issuer making an application for initial public offering and listing
in an overseas market; b) an issuer making an overseas securities offering after having been listed on an overseas market; c) a domestic
company seeking an overseas direct or indirect listing of its assets through single or multiple acquisition(s), share swap, transfer of
shares or other means. According to the Notice on Arrangements for Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises, published
by the CSRC on February 17, 2023, a company that (i) has already completed overseas listing or (ii) has already obtained the approval
for the offering or listing from overseas securities regulators or exchanges but has not completed such offering or listing before effective
date of the new rules and completes such offering or listing before September 30, 2023 will be considered as an existing listed company
and is not required to make any filing until it conducts a new offering in the future. Furthermore, upon the occurrence of any of the
material events specified below after an issuer has completed its offering and listed its securities on an overseas stock exchange, the
issuer shall submit a report thereof to the CSRC within 3 working days after the occurrence and public disclosure of the event: (i) change
of control; (ii) investigations or sanctions imposed by overseas securities regulatory agencies or other competent authorities; (iii)
change of listing status or transfer of listing segment; or (iv) voluntary or mandatory delisting. Any actions by the Chinese government
to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers could
significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our
securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
On
February 15, 2022, Cybersecurity Review Measures published by Cyberspace Administration of China, National Development and Reform Commission,
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of State Security, Ministry of Finance, Ministry
of Commerce, People’s Bank of China, State Administration of Radio and Television, China Securities Regulatory Commission, State
Secrecy Administration and State Cryptography Administration became effective, which provides that, Critical Information Infrastructure
Operators (“CIIOs”) that intend to purchase internet products and services and Online Platform Operators engaging in data
processing activities that affect or may affect national security shall be subject to the cybersecurity review by the Cybersecurity Review
Office. On November 14, 2021, CAC published the Administration Measures for Cyber Data Security (Draft for Public Comments), or the “Cyber
Data Security Measure (Draft)”, which requires cyberspace operators with personal information of more than 1 million users who want
to list abroad to file a cybersecurity review with the Office of Cybersecurity Review. On April 2, 2022, the CSRC released the Provisions
on Strengthening Confidentiality and Archives Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft
for Comments), which provide that a domestic company that seeks to offer and list its securities in a overseas market shall strictly abide
by applicable PRC laws and regulations, enhance legal awareness of keeping state secrets and strengthening archives administration, institute
a sound confidentiality and archives administration system, and take necessary measures to fulfill confidentiality and archives administration
obligations. On July 7, 2022, CAC promulgated the Measures for the Security Assessment of Data Cross-border Transfer, effective on September
1, 2022, which requires the data processors to apply for data cross-border security assessment coordinated by the CAC under the following
circumstances: (i) any data processor transfers important data to overseas; (ii) any critical information infrastructure operator or data
processor who processes personal information of over 1 million people provides personal information to overseas; (iii) any data processor
who provides personal information to overseas and has already provided personal information of more than 100,000 people or sensitive personal
information of more than 10,000 people to overseas since January 1st of the previous year; and (iv) other circumstances under which
the data cross-border transfer security assessment is required as prescribed by the CAC. As confirmed by our PRC counsel Jiangsu Yiyou
Tianyuan Law Firm, we are currently not subject to cybersecurity review with the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”)
under these new measures, because the data processing
activities by the VIE do not affect national security and we don’t transfer customer personal data out of China. Nevertheless, the
aforementioned measures and any related implementation rules to be enacted may subject us to additional compliance requirement in the
future.
We cannot rule out the possibility that the
PRC government will institute a licensing regime or pre-approval requirement covering our industry at some point in the future. If such
a licensing regime or approval requirement were introduced, we cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain any newly required license
in a timely manner, or at all, which could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative
and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting
and implementing statutory and contractual terms, however, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court
proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy in the PRC legal system than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the
PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published in a timely manner or at
all) that may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after
the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainties over the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual
property) and procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory environment in China could materially and adversely
affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
Increases in inflation and labor costs in
the PRC may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The economy in China has experienced increases
in inflation and labor costs in recent years. As a result, average products we source from third parties and wages in the PRC have increased
and are expected to continue to increase. In addition, we are required by PRC laws and regulations to pay various statutory employee benefits,
including pension, housing fund, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance to designated
government agencies for the benefit of our employees. The relevant government agencies may examine whether an employer has made adequate
payments to the statutory employee benefits, and those employers who fail to make adequate payments may be subject to late payment fees,
fines and/or other penalties. We expect that our cost of revenues and labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, will continue to
increase. Unless we are able to control our costs or pass on these increased costs to our customers by increasing the prices of our products
and services, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Uncertainties in the interpretation and
enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us.
The PRC legal system is based on written statutes
and prior court decisions have limited value as precedents. Since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system
continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws,
regulations and rules involves uncertainties.
In particular, PRC laws and regulations concerning
the valued added telecom service and online retail industry are developing and evolving. Although we have taken measures to comply with
the laws and regulations that are applicable to our business operations, and avoid conducting any activities that may be deemed as illegal
under the current applicable laws and regulations, the PRC government authority may promulgate new laws and regulations regulating the
valued added telecom service and online retail industry in the future. Even though we are at present fully licensed to conduct our business,
we cannot assure you that any new laws or regulations which require new certifications will not be passed in the future and we might not
be able to obtain such new certifications to continuously conduct our business as we currently do. Moreover, developments in valued added
telecom service and online retail may lead to changes in PRC laws, regulations and policies or in the interpretation and application of
existing laws, regulations and policies that may limit or restrict online retail for health and nutritional supplements and cosmetic products
like us, which could materially and adversely affect our business and operations. Furthermore, we cannot rule out the possibility that
the PRC government will institute new licensing regime covering our industry at some point in the future. If such new licensing regime
were introduced, we cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain any newly required license in a timely manner, or at all, which
could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
Because we are a Cayman Islands corporation
and all of our business is conducted in the PRC, you may be unable to bring an action against us or our officers and directors or to enforce
any judgment you may obtain. It may also be difficult for you or overseas regulators to conduct investigations or collect evidence within
China.
We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands and
conduct our operations primarily in China. All of our assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, majority of our directors
and officers reside outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us
or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe we have violated your rights, either under United States
federal or state securities laws or otherwise, or if you have a claim against us. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of
this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of China may not permit you to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our
directors and officers.
It may also be difficult for you or overseas regulators
to conduct investigations or collect evidence within China. For example, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to
obtaining information needed for shareholder investigations or litigation outside China or otherwise with respect to foreign entities.
Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with its counterparts of another country or region
to monitor and oversee cross-border securities activities, such regulatory cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the
Unities States may not be efficient in the absence of practical cooperation mechanism. Furthermore, according to Article 177 of the PRC
Securities Law, or “Article 177,” which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly
conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of the PRC. Article 177 further provides that Chinese entities
and individuals are not allowed to provide documents or materials related to securities business activities to foreign agencies without
prior consent from the securities regulatory authority of the PRC State Council and the competent departments of the PRC State Council.
While detailed interpretation of or implementing rules under Article 177 have yet to be promulgated, the inability for an overseas securities
regulator to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within China may further increase difficulties faced by
you in protecting your interests.
The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable
Act, or the HFCA Act, and the related regulations are evolving quickly. Further implementations and interpretations of or amendments to
the HFCA Act or the related regulations, or a PCOAB’s determination of its lack of sufficient access to inspect our auditor, might
pose regulatory risks to and impose restrictions on us because of our operations in mainland China. A potential consequence is that our
ordinary shares may be delisted by the exchange. The delisting of our ordinary shares, or the threat of our ordinary shares being delisted,
may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct full inspections
of our auditor deprives our investors of the benefits of such inspections.
The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act,
or the HFCA Act, was enacted on December 18, 2020. In accordance with the HFCA Act, trading in securities of any registrant on a
national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States may be prohibited if the PCAOB determines
that it cannot inspect or fully investigate the registrant’s auditor for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, and, as a result,
an exchange may determine to delist the securities of such registrant. On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding
Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which, if enacted, would amend the HFCA Act and require the SEC to prohibit an issuer’s securities
from trading on any U.S. stock exchanges if its auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspections for two consecutive years instead of three,
thus reducing the time period before our securities may be prohibited from trading or delisted if our auditor is unable to meet the PCAOB
inspection requirement. On December 29, 2022, a legislation entitled “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023” (the “Consolidated
Appropriations Act”), was signed into law by President Biden. The Consolidated Appropriations Act contained, among other things,
an identical provision to Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which reduces the number of consecutive non-inspection
years required for triggering the prohibitions under the HFCA Act from three years to two.
On November 5, 2021, the SEC adopted the
PCAOB rule to implement HFCA Act, which provides a framework for the PCAOB to determine whether it is unable to inspect or investigate
completely registered public accounting firms located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by one or more authorities
in that jurisdiction.
On December 2, 2021, SEC adopted amendments to
finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCA Act. The rules apply to registrants the SEC identifies
as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction
and that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate (the “Commission-Identified Issuers”). A Commission-Identified Issuer
will be required to comply with the submission and disclosure requirements in the annual report for each year in which it was identified.
If a registrant is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer based on its annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021,
the registrant will be required to comply with the submission or disclosure requirements in its annual report filing covering the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2022.
On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued its
determinations (the “Determination”) that they are unable to inspect or investigate completely PCAOB-registered public
accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and in Hong Kong. The Determination includes lists of public accounting firms headquartered
in mainland China and Hong Kong that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely.
On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed a Statement
of Protocol with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China governing
inspections and investigations of audit firms based in China and Hong Kong. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB Board determined that
the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China
and Hong Kong and voted to vacate its previous determinations to the contrary. However, should PRC authorities obstruct or otherwise fail
to facilitate the PCAOB’s access in the future, the PCAOB Board will consider the need to issue a new determination.
The enactment of the HFCA Act and related regulations,
proceedings, or new rules resulting from these efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information could cause investors
uncertainty for affected issuers and the market price of our ordinary shares could be adversely affected, and we could be delisted if
we and our auditor are unable to meet the PCAOB inspection requirement.
The lack of access to PCAOB inspections prevents
the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of the auditors based in China and Hong Kong. As a result, investors
may be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China and
Hong Kong makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of these accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures
as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections.
Our former auditor, Friedman, was registered with the PCAOB and had
been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis in the audit period. Our new auditor, Marcum Asia CPAs, LLP, as an auditor of companies
that are traded publicly in the U.S. and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the U.S., pursuant to which the PCAOB
conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Marcum Asia CPAs, LLP is headquartered
in Manhattan, New York, and has been inspected by the PCAOB on a regular basis, with the last inspection in 2022. Neither Friedman nor
Marcum Asia is subject to the determinations announced by the PCAOB on December 16, 2021. However, the recent developments would add uncertainties
to us and we cannot assure you whether Nasdaq or regulatory authorities would apply additional and more stringent criteria to us after
considering the effectiveness of our auditor’s audit procedures and quality control procedures, adequacy of personnel and training,
or sufficiency of resources, geographic reach, or experience as it relates to our audit. If it is later determined that the PCAOB is unable
to inspect or investigate completely our auditor because of a position taken by an authority in a foreign jurisdiction or any other reasons,
the lack of inspection could cause the trading in our securities to be prohibited under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act
and related regulations, and as a result Nasdaq may delist our securities. If our securities are unable to be listed on another securities
exchange, such a delisting would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our securities when you wish to do so, and the
risk and uncertainty associated with a potential delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our ordinary shares. Further,
new laws and regulations or changes in laws and regulations in both the United States and China could affect our ability to list our ordinary
shares on Nasdaq, which could materially impair the market for and market price for our securities.
Substantial uncertainties exist with respect
to the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate
structure, corporate governance and business operations.
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s
Congress, or the NPC, approved the Foreign Investment Law, which has taken effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced the trio of existing
laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative
Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations.
The Foreign Investment Law embodies an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with
prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic
investments. However, since it is relatively new, uncertainties still exist in relation to its interpretation and implementation. For
instance, under the Foreign Investment Law, “foreign investment” refers to the investment activities directly or indirectly
conducted by foreign individuals, enterprises or other entities in China. Though it does not explicitly classify contractual arrangements
as a form of foreign investment, there is no assurance that foreign investment through contractual arrangements would not be interpreted
as a type of indirect foreign investment activity under the definition in the future. In addition, the definition contains a catch-all
provision which includes investments made by foreign investors through means stipulated in laws or administrative regulations or other
methods prescribed by the State Council. Therefore, it still leaves leeway for future laws, administrative regulations or provisions promulgated
by the State Council to provide for contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. In any of these cases, it will be uncertain
whether our contractual arrangements will be deemed to be in violation of the market access requirements for foreign investment under
the PRC laws and regulations. Furthermore, if future laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council mandate
further actions to be taken by companies with respect to existing contractual arrangements, we may face substantial uncertainties as to
whether we can complete such actions in a timely manner, or at all. Failure to take timely and appropriate measures to cope with any of
these or similar regulatory compliance challenges could materially and adversely affect our current corporate structure, corporate governance
and business operations.
We may be adversely affected by the complexity,
uncertainties and changes in PRC regulation of internet-related businesses and companies, and any lack of requisite approvals, licenses
or permits applicable to our business may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The PRC government extensively regulates the internet
industry, including foreign ownership of, and the licensing and permit requirements pertaining to, companies in the internet industry.
These internet-related laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their interpretation and enforcement involve significant
uncertainties. As a result, in certain circumstances it may be difficult to determine what actions or omissions may be deemed to be in
violation of applicable laws and regulations.
We only have contractual control over our website.
We do not directly own the website due to the restriction of foreign investment in businesses providing value-added telecommunication
services (VATS) in China, including internet information provision services. This may significantly disrupt our business, subject us to
sanctions, compromise enforceability of related contractual arrangements, or have other harmful effects on us.
The evolving PRC regulatory system for the internet
industry may lead to the establishment of new regulatory agencies. For example, in May 2011, the State Council announced the establishment
of a new department, the State Internet Information Office (with the involvement of the State Council Information Office, Ministry of
Industry and Information Technology (“MIIT”), and the Ministry of Public Security). The primary role of this new agency is
to facilitate policy-making and legislative development in this field, to direct and coordinate with the relevant departments in connection
with online content administration, and to deal with cross-ministry regulatory matters in relation to the internet industry.
Our online platform, operated by the VIE Shanghai
Juhao, may be deemed to be providing commercial internet content-related services and online data processing and transaction processing
services, which would require Shanghai Juhao to obtain an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) License. Each of EDI License is under the
category of value-added telecommunications business operating licenses, or VATS License. The Circular on Strengthening the Administration
of Foreign Investment in and Operation of Value-added Telecommunications Business, issued by the MIIT in July 2006, prohibits domestic
telecommunications service providers from leasing, transferring or selling telecommunications business operating licenses to any foreign
investor in any form, or providing any resources, sites or facilities to any foreign investor for their illegal operation of a telecommunications
business in China. The circular also requires each license holder to have the necessary facilities, including servers, for its approved
business operations and to maintain such facilities in the regions covered by its license. According to the recent practice in China,
if any commercial internet content-related service or online data processing and transaction processing service is to be carried out via
mobile apps, such mobile apps are required to be registered on the VATS License of the operator of such mobile apps. Our Juhao mobile
app has been registered on the VATS License held by Shanghai Juhao. However, Shanghai Juhao did not apply for a value-added telecommunications
business license until 2017 as its business operations were small and service fees generated by third party stores was immaterial for
the Company. Although our PRC counsel believes that it is unlikely such operation without appropriate license will be considered as a
material violation of the applicable regulation and that the possibility that the Company be penalized is remote due to the immaterial
amount generated from the valued-added telecommunication business, if there is any enforcement action by government agencies due to such
violation which affects our eligibility of existing license or future license application, it may significantly disrupt our business,
subject us to sanctions, enforcement, or have other harmful effects on our operation and financial conditions.
The interpretation and application of existing
PRC laws, regulations and policies and possible new laws, regulations or policies relating to the internet industry have created substantial
uncertainties regarding the legality of existing and future foreign investments in, and the businesses and activities of, internet businesses
in China, including our business. Although we believe that we currently have obtained necessary license to practice our business, we cannot
assure you that we will be always able to meet all of requirements in the future to renew the permits or licenses required for conducting
our business in China or will be able to maintain our existing licenses or obtain new ones.
We rely on dividends and other distributions
on equity paid by our PRC subsidiary to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of our
PRC subsidiary to make payments to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.
We are a holding company, and we rely on dividends
and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiary for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to
pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders and service any debt we may incur. If our PRC subsidiary incurs debt on
its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions
to us. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may require our WFOE to adjust its taxable income under the contractual arrangements it currently
has in place with the consolidated variable interest entity in a manner that would materially and adversely affect its ability to pay
dividends and other distributions to us. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—Contractual arrangements
in relation to the consolidated variable interest entity may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and they may determine
that we or our PRC consolidated variable interest entity owe additional taxes, which could negatively affect our financial condition and
the value of your investment.”
Under PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiary,
as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise in China, may pay dividends only out of its accumulated after-tax profits as determined in accordance
with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of
its accumulated after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund certain statutory reserve funds, until the aggregate amount of such funds
reaches 50% of its registered capital. At its discretion, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits
based on PRC accounting standards to staff welfare and bonus funds. These reserve funds and staff welfare and bonus funds are not distributable
as cash dividends.
Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiary
to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions
that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business. See also “Risk Factors —If
we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences
to us and our non-PRC shareholders.”
PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment
in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds
of our offerings and financings in the U.S. to make loans to or make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary, which could
materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
We are an offshore holding company conducting
our operations in China through our PRC subsidiaries and the VIE. We may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and VIE subject to the approval
from governmental authorities and limitation of amount, or we may make additional capital contributions to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries
in China.
Any loans to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries
in China, which are treated as foreign-invested enterprises under PRC law, are subject to PRC regulations and foreign exchange loan registrations.
For example, loans by us to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits
and must be registered with the local counterpart of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE. In addition, a foreign invested
enterprise shall use its capital pursuant to the principle of authenticity and self-use within its business scope. The capital of a foreign
invested enterprise shall not be used for the following purposes: (i) directly or indirectly used for payment beyond the business
scope of the enterprises or the payment prohibited by relevant laws and regulations; (ii) directly or indirectly used for investment
in securities or investments other than banks’ principal-secured products unless otherwise provided by relevant laws and regulations;
(iii) the granting of loans to non-affiliated enterprises, except where it is expressly permitted in the business license; and (iv) paying
the expenses related to the purchase of real estate that is not for self-use (except for the foreign-invested real estate enterprises).
SAFE promulgated the Notice of the State Administration
of Foreign Exchange on Reforming the Administration of Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or SAFE
Circular 19, effective June 2015, in replacement of the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration
of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, the Notice from the State Administration of
Foreign Exchange on Relevant Issues Concerning Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Exchange Businesses, and the Circular on Further
Clarification and Regulation of the Issues Concerning the Administration of Certain Capital Account Foreign Exchange Businesses. According
to SAFE Circular 19, the flow and use of the RMB capital converted from foreign currency-denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested
company is regulated such that RMB capital may not be used for the issuance of RMB entrusted loans, the repayment of inter-enterprise
loans or the repayment of banks loans that have been transferred to a third party. Although SAFE Circular 19 allows RMB capital converted
from foreign currency-denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise to be used for equity investments within China,
it also reiterates the principle that RMB converted from the foreign currency-denominated capital of a foreign-invested company may not
be directly or indirectly used for purposes beyond its business scope. Thus, it is unclear whether SAFE will permit such capital to be
used for equity investments in China in actual practice. SAFE promulgated the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on
Reforming and Standardizing the Foreign Exchange Settlement Management Policy of Capital Account, or SAFE Circular 16, effective on June 9,
2016, which reiterates some of the rules set forth in SAFE Circular 19, but changes the prohibition against using RMB capital converted
from foreign currency-denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested company to issue RMB entrusted loans to a prohibition against
using such capital to issue loans to non-associated enterprises. Violations of SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 could result in administrative
penalties. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 may significantly limit our ability to transfer any foreign currency we hold to
our PRC subsidiaries, which may adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business in China.
In light of the various requirements imposed by
PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we cannot assure you that we will be
able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with
respect to future loans to our PRC subsidiaries or VIE or future capital contributions by us to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries
in China. As a result, uncertainties exist as to our ability to provide prompt financial support to our PRC subsidiaries or VIE when needed.
If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use the funds that we raise outside of China to capitalize
or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability
to fund and expand our business.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could have
a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
Substantially all of our revenues and expenditures
are denominated in RMB, whereas our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. As a result, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the
U.S. dollar and RMB will affect the relative purchasing power in RMB terms of our U.S. dollar assets and the proceeds from offerings in
the U.S. Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar while the functional currency for our PRC subsidiary and consolidated variable interest
entity is RMB. Gains and losses from the remeasurement of assets and liabilities that are receivable or payable in RMB are included in
our consolidated statements of operations. The remeasurement has caused the U.S. dollar value of our results of operations to vary with
exchange rate fluctuations, and the U.S. dollar value of our results of operations will continue to vary with exchange rate fluctuations.
A fluctuation in the value of RMB relative to the U.S. dollar could reduce our profits from operations and the translated value of our
net assets when reported in U.S. dollars in our financial statements. This could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition
or results of operations as reported in U.S. dollars. If we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments
for dividends on our Ordinary Shares or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative
effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. In addition, fluctuations in currencies relative to the periods in which the earnings
are generated may make it more difficult to perform period-to-period comparisons of our reported results of operations.
There remains significant international pressure
on the PRC government to adopt a flexible currency policy. Any significant appreciation or depreciation of the RMB may materially and
adversely affect our revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our Ordinary Shares in
U.S. dollars. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from offerings in the U.S. into RMB to pay our
operating expenses, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we would receive from
the conversion. Conversely, a significant depreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar may significantly reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent
of our earnings, which in turn could adversely affect the market price of our Ordinary Shares.
Very limited hedging options are available in
China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to
reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability
and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency
exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currency. As
a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on your investment.
Governmental control of currency conversion
may limit our ability to utilize our net revenues effectively and affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility
of the RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our
net revenues in RMB. Under our current corporate structure, our company in the Cayman Islands relies on dividend payments from our PRC
subsidiary to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current
account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies
without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. Therefore, our PRC subsidiary is able to pay dividends
in foreign currencies to us without prior approval from SAFE, subject to the condition that the remittance of such dividends outside of
the PRC complies with certain procedures under PRC foreign exchange regulation, such as the overseas investment registrations by the beneficial
owners of our company who are PRC residents. But approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where
RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated
in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account
transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency
demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders.
Failure to make adequate contributions to
various employee benefit plans as required by PRC regulations may subject us to penalties.
We are required under PRC laws and regulations
to participate in various government sponsored employee benefit plans, including certain social insurance, housing funds and other welfare-oriented
payment obligations, and contribute to the plans in amounts equal to certain percentages of salaries, including bonuses and allowances,
of our employees up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time at locations where we operate our businesses.
The requirement of employee benefit plans has not been implemented consistently by the local governments in China given the different
levels of economic development in different locations. As of the date of this report, we believe that we have made adequate employee benefit
payments. If we fail to make adequate payments in the future, we may be required to make up the contributions for these plans. If we fail
to make or supplement contributions of social security premiums within the stipulated period, the social security premiums collection
agency may enquire into the deposit accounts of the employer with banks and other financial institutions. In an extreme situation, where
we failed to contribute social security premiums in full amount and do not provide guarantee, the social security premiums collection
agency may apply to a Chinese court for seizure, foreclosure or auction of our properties of value equivalent to the amount of social
security premiums payable, and the proceeds from auction shall be used for contribution of social security premiums. If we are subject
to deposit, seizure, foreclosure or auction in relation to the underpaid employee benefits, our financial condition and results of operations
may be adversely affected.
The filing with the China Securities Regulatory
Commission (“CSRC”) is required in connection with any offerings and certain events of the Company under New Overseas Listing
Rules, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to timely make such filing, in which case we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other
PRC regulatory agencies for failure to timely file with the CSRC.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial
Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises (the “New Overseas Listing Rules”)
with five interpretive guidelines, which took effect on March 31, 2023. The New Overseas Listing Rules require Chinese domestic enterprises
to complete filings with relevant governmental authorities and report related information under certain circumstances, such as: a) an
issuer making an application for initial public offering and listing in an overseas market; b) an issuer making a subsequent overseas
securities offering after having been listed on an overseas market; c) a domestic company seeking an overseas direct or indirect listing
of its assets through single or multiple acquisition(s), share swap, transfer of shares or other means. According to the Notice on Arrangements
for Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises, published by the CSRC on February 17, 2023, a company that (i) has
already completed overseas listing or (ii) has already obtained the approval for the offering or listing from overseas securities regulators
or exchanges but has not completed such offering or listing before effective date of the new rules and also completes the offering or
listing before September 30, 2023 will be considered as an existing listed company and is not required to make any filing until it conducts
a new offering in the future. Furthermore, upon the occurrence of any material events specified below after an issuer has completed its
offering and listed its securities on an overseas stock exchange, the issuer shall submit a report to CSRC within 3 working days after
the occurrence and public disclosure of the event: (i) change of control; (ii) investigations or sanctions imposed by overseas securities
regulatory agencies or other competent authorities; (iii) change of listing status or transfer of listing segment; or (iv) voluntary or
mandatory delisting.
Our PRC counsel has advised us based on their understanding of the
current PRC laws, rules and regulations relating to the CSRC’s filing requirements, we will be required to file with CSRC for our
future offering. Given the current PRC regulatory environment, it is uncertain when and whether we and our PRC subsidiaries will be required
to obtain other permissions or approvals from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even if and when such permissions
or approvals are obtained, whether they will be denied or rescinded. If we or any of our PRC subsidiaries do not receive or maintain such
permissions or approvals, inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required, or applicable laws, regulations,
or interpretations change and we or our subsidiaries are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, it could significantly
limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities to investors and cause the value of our securities
to significantly decline or become worthless.
PRC regulations relating to offshore investment
activities by PRC residents may limit our PRC subsidiary’s ability to increase its registered capital or distribute profits to us
or otherwise expose us or our PRC resident beneficial owners to liability and penalties under PRC law.
SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues
Relating to Domestic Resident’s Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular
37, in July 2014 that requires PRC residents or entities to register with SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment
or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas investment or financing. In addition, such PRC residents or entities
must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore special purpose vehicle undergoes material events relating to any change of basic
information (including change of such PRC citizens or residents, name, and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount,
transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions. SAFE Circular 37 is issued to replace the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning
Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents Engaging in Financing and Roundtrip Investments via Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles,
or SAFE Circular 75. SAFE promulgated the Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving the Administration of the Foreign Exchange Concerning
Direct Investment in February 2015, which took effect on June 1, 2015. This notice has amended SAFE Circular 37 requiring PRC residents
or entities to register with qualified banks rather than SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment or control of
an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas investment or financing.
If our shareholders who are PRC residents or entities
do not complete their registration as required, our PRC subsidiary may be prohibited from distributing its profits and proceeds from any
reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may be restricted in our ability to contribute additional capital to
our PRC subsidiary.
Our major shareholders have completed the initial
registrations with the local SAFE branch or qualified banks as required by SAFE Circular 37. To our knowledge, certain of our minority
shareholders of the Company who are also PRC resident individual shareholders have not completed their SAFE Circular 37 registration yet.
Also, we may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents holding direct or indirect interest in our company, and we cannot
provide any assurance that these PRC residents will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable registrations or continuously
comply with all requirements under SAFE Circular 37 or other related rules. The failure or inability of the relevant shareholders to comply
with the registration procedures set forth in these regulations may subject us to fines and legal sanctions, such as restrictions on our
cross-border investment activities, on the ability of our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China to distribute dividends and the proceeds
from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us and limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC
subsidiary. Moreover, failure to comply with the various foreign exchange registration requirements described above could result in liability
under PRC law for circumventing applicable foreign exchange restrictions. As a result, our business operations and our ability to distribute
profits to you could be materially and adversely affected.
Any failure to comply with PRC regulations
regarding the registration requirements for employee stock incentive plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other
legal or administrative sanctions.
In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notices
on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly-Listed
Company, replacing earlier rules promulgated in March 2007. Pursuant to these rules, PRC citizens and non-PRC citizens who reside in China
for a continuous period of not less than one year who participate in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company,
subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which could be the PRC subsidiary
of such overseas listed company, and complete certain other procedures. In addition, an overseas entrusted institution must be retained
to handle matters in connection with the exercise or sale of stock options and the purchase or sale of shares and interests. Our executive
officers, directors and other employees who are PRC citizens or who have resided in the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one
year and have received stock awards from the Company are subject to these regulations. To our knowledge, the officers, directors and employees
of the Company who have received stock award and are also PRC residents have not completed their SAFE registration yet. Failure to complete
the SAFE registrations may subject them to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into
our PRC subsidiary and limit our PRC subsidiary’s ability to distribute dividends to us. We also face regulatory uncertainties that
could restrict our ability to adopt additional incentive plans for our directors, executive officers and employees under PRC law. See
“4.B. Regulation—Regulations on Stock Incentive Plans.”
If we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise
for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its
implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with a “de facto management body” within the PRC is considered
a resident enterprise and will be subject to the enterprise income tax on its global income at the rate of 25%. The implementation rules
define the term “de facto management body” as the body that exercises full and substantial control over and overall management
of the business, productions, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In April 2009, the State Administration of Taxation
issued a circular, known as Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management
body” of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Although this circular only applies to offshore
enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners like us, the
criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the State Administration of Taxation’s general position on how the “de facto
management body” test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of all offshore enterprises. According to Circular
82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax resident
by virtue of having its “de facto management body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global
income only if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the primary location of the day-to-day operational management is in the
PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by
organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals,
and board and shareholder resolutions, are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior
executives habitually reside in the PRC.
We believe none of our entities outside of China
is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. See “10.E. Taxation—People’s Republic of China Taxation.”
However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain
with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” As all of our management members are based in China,
it remains unclear how the tax residency rule will apply to our case. If the PRC tax authorities determine that we or any of our subsidiaries
outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, then we or such subsidiary could be subject to PRC
tax at a rate of 25% on its world-wide income, which could materially reduce our net income. In addition, we will also be subject to PRC
enterprise income tax reporting obligations. Furthermore, if the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a PRC resident enterprise for
enterprise income tax purposes, gains realized on the sale or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares may be subject to PRC tax, at a
rate of 10% in the case of non-PRC enterprises or 20% in the case of non-PRC individuals (in each case, subject to the provisions of any
applicable tax treaty), if such gains are deemed to be from PRC sources. It is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of our company would
be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that we are treated
as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in our Ordinary Shares.
Regulatory bodies of the United States may
be limited in their ability to conduct investigations or inspections of our operations in China.
From time to time, the Company may receive requests
from certain U.S. agencies to investigate or inspect the Company’s operations, or to otherwise provide information. While the Company
will be compliant with these requests from these regulators, there is no guarantee that such requests will be honored by those entities
who provide services to us or with whom we associate, especially as those entities are located in China. Furthermore, an on-site inspection
of our facilities in China by any of these regulators may be limited or entirely prohibited. Such inspections, though permitted by the
Company and its affiliates, are subject to the unpredictability of the Chinese enforcers, and may therefore be impossible to facilitate.
We face uncertainty regarding the PRC tax
reporting obligations and consequences for certain indirect transfers of our operating company’s equity interests. Enhanced scrutiny
over acquisition transactions by the PRC tax authorities may have a negative impact on potential acquisitions we may pursue in the future.
The PRC tax authorities have enhanced their scrutiny
over the direct or indirect transfer of certain taxable assets, including, in particular, equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise,
by a non-resident enterprise by promulgating and implementing SAT Circular 59 and Circular 698, which became effective in January 2008,
and a Circular 7 in replacement of some of the existing rules in Circular 698, which became effective in February 2015.
Under Circular 698, where a non-resident enterprise
conducts an “indirect transfer” by transferring the equity interests of a PRC “resident enterprise” indirectly
by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise, being the transferor, may be subject
to PRC enterprise income tax, if the indirect transfer is considered to be an abusive use of company structure without reasonable commercial
purposes. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of up to 10%. Circular 698 also provides
that, where a non-PRC resident enterprise transfers its equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise to its related parties at a price
lower than the fair market value, the relevant tax authority has the power to make a reasonable adjustment to the taxable income of the
transaction.
In February 2015, the SAT issued Circular 7 to
replace the rules relating to indirect transfers in Circular 698. Circular 7 has introduced a new tax regime that is significantly different
from that under Circular 698. Circular 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to not only indirect transfers set forth under Circular 698 but
also transactions involving transfer of other taxable assets, through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company.
In addition, Circular 7 provides clearer criteria than Circular 698 on how to assess reasonable commercial purposes and has introduced
safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. Circular 7 also
brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of the taxable
assets. Where a non-resident enterprise conducts an “indirect transfer” by transferring the taxable assets indirectly
by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise being the transferor, or the transferee,
or the PRC entity which directly owned the taxable assets may report to the relevant tax authority such indirect transfer. Using a “substance
over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable
commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such
indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer
is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise.
On October 17, 2017, the SAT promulgated the Bulletin
of SAT on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source (“Bulletin 37”), which became
effective on December 1, 2017, and Circular 698 was then replaced effective December 1, 2017. Bulletin 37, among other things, simplified
procedures of withholding and payment of income tax levied on non-resident enterprises.
We face uncertainties on the reporting and consequences
on future private equity financing transactions, share exchange or other transactions involving the transfer of shares in our company
by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises. The PRC tax authorities may pursue such non-resident enterprises with respect
to a filing or the transferees with respect to withholding obligation, and request our PRC subsidiaries to assist in the filing. As a
result, we and non-resident enterprises in such transactions may become at risk of being subject to filing obligations or being taxed,
under Circular 59 or Circular 7 and Bulletin 37, and may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Circular 59, Circular
7 and Bulletin 37 or to establish that we and our non-resident enterprises should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The PRC tax authorities have the discretion under
SAT Circular 59, Circular 7 and Bulletin 37 to make adjustments to the taxable capital gains based on the difference between the fair
value of the taxable assets transferred and the cost of investment. We may pursue acquisitions in China or elsewhere in the world in the
future that may involve complex corporate structures. If we are considered a non-resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax
Law and if the PRC tax authorities make adjustments to the taxable income of the transactions under SAT Circular 59 or Circular 7 and
Bulletin 37, our income tax costs associated with such potential acquisitions will be increased, which may have an adverse effect on our
financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, in accordance with the Individual
Income Tax Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of NPC, later amended on August 31, 2018 and effective on January 1, 2019, where
an individual carries out other arrangements without reasonable business purpose and obtains improper tax gains, the tax authorities shall
have the right to make tax adjustments based on a reasonable method, and levy additional tax and collect interest if there is a need to
levy additional tax after making tax adjustments. As a result, our beneficial owners, who are PRC residents, may be deemed to have carried
out other arrangements without reasonable business purpose and obtained improper tax gains for such indirect transfer, and thus be levied
tax.
Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares
Our dual-class share structure with different
voting rights will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions
that holders of our Ordinary Shares may view as beneficial.
We have adopted a dual-class share structure such
that our shares consist of Ordinary Shares and Preferred Shares. In respect of matters requiring the votes of shareholders, each ordinary
share is entitled to one vote and each Preferred Share is entitled to two (2) votes. The Preferred Shares may be converted into Ordinary
Shares by its holder.
We have authorized 50,000,000 Preferred Shares
and our largest shareholder Mr. Zhiwei Xu, through Jowell Holdings Ltd. also beneficially owns all of the 750,000 issued and outstanding
Preferred Shares.
As a result of this dual-class share structure,
the holder of our Preferred Shares may have concentrated control over the outcome of matters put to a vote of shareholders and have significant
influence over our business, including decisions regarding mergers, consolidations, liquidations and the sale of all or substantially
all of our assets, election of directors and other significant corporate actions. The holder of Preferred Shares may take actions that
are not in the best interest of us or our other shareholders. This concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change
in control of our company, which could have the effect of depriving our other shareholders of the opportunity to receive a premium for
their shares as part of a sale of our company and may reduce the price of the ordinary share. This concentrated control will limit your
ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control
transactions that holders of Ordinary Shares may view as beneficial.
Our Ordinary Shares may be thinly traded
and you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if you need to sell your shares to raise money or otherwise desire to liquidate
your shares.
While our Ordinary Shares are trading on NASDAQ,
our Ordinary Shares may be “thinly-traded”, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our Ordinary Shares
at or near bid prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. This situation may be attributable to a number of factors,
including the fact that we are relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment
community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse
and might be reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares until such time
as we became more seasoned. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal
or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support
continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. A broad or active public trading market for our Ordinary Shares may not develop
or be sustained.
If securities or industry analysts do not
publish research or reports about our business, or if the publish a negative report regarding our Ordinary Shares, the price of our Ordinary
Shares and trading volume could decline.
Any trading market for our Ordinary Shares may
depend in part on the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control
over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade us, the price of our Ordinary Shares would likely decline.
If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in
the financial markets, which could cause the price of our Ordinary Shares and the trading volume to decline.
The market price for our Ordinary Shares
may be volatile.
The trading price of our Ordinary Shares may be
volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of the broad market and industry factors,
like the performance and fluctuation of the market prices of other companies with business operations located mainly in China that have
listed their securities in the United States. A number of Chinese companies have listed or are in the process of listing their securities
on U.S. stock markets. The securities of some of these companies have experienced significant volatility, including price declines after
their initial public offerings. The trading performances of these Chinese companies’ securities after their offerings may affect
the attitudes of investors toward Chinese companies listed in the United States in general and consequently may impact the trading performance
of our Ordinary Shares, regardless of our actual operating performance.
The market price for our Ordinary Shares may be
volatile and subject to wide fluctuations due to factors such as:
| ● | the
perception of U.S. investors and regulators of U.S. listed Chinese companies; |
| ● | actual
or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results; |
| ● | changes
in financial estimates by securities research analysts; |
| ● | negative
publicity, studies or reports; |
| ● | conditions
in Chinese online retail and e-commerce for health and nutritional supplements and cosmetic products markets; |
| ● | our
capability to catch up with the technology innovations in the industry; |
| ● | changes
in the economic performance or market valuations of other online retail and e-commerce for health and nutritional supplements and cosmetic
products companies; |
| ● | announcements
by us or our competitors of acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; |
| ● | addition
or departure of key personnel; |
| ● | fluctuations
of exchange rates between RMB and the U.S. dollar; and |
| ● | general
economic or political conditions in China. |
In addition, the securities market has from time-to-time
experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These
market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our Ordinary Shares.
Volatility in our ordinary share price may
subject us to securities litigation.
The market for our Ordinary Shares may have, when
compared to seasoned issuers, significant price volatility and we expect that our share price may continue to be more volatile than that
of a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. In the past, plaintiffs have often initiated securities class action litigation against
a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may, in the future, be the target of similar litigation.
Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and liabilities and could divert management’s attention and resources.
In order to raise sufficient funds to enhance
operations, we may have to issue additional securities at prices which may result in substantial dilution to our shareholders.
If we raise additional funds through the sale
of equity or convertible debt, our current shareholders’ percentage ownership will be reduced. In addition, these transactions may
dilute the value of Ordinary Shares outstanding. We may have to issue securities that may have rights, preferences and privileges senior
to our Ordinary Shares. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to raise additional funds on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
If future financing is not available or is not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to fund our future needs, which would
have a material adverse effect on our business plans, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
We are not likely to pay cash dividends
in the foreseeable future.
We currently intend to retain any future earnings
for use in the operation and expansion of our business. Accordingly, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future,
but will review this policy as circumstances dictate. Should we determine to pay dividends in the future, our ability to do so will depend
upon the receipt of dividends or other payments from WFOE. WFOE may, from time to time, be subject to restrictions on its ability to make
distributions to us, including restrictions on the conversion of RMB into U.S. dollars or other hard currency, and other regulatory restrictions.
You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your
ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.
We are an exempted company incorporated under
the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act (As
Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against our directors,
actions by our minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed
by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent
in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not
binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands
law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In
particular, the Cayman Islands have a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware,
have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies
may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies
like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records (other than the memorandum and articles of association
and any special resolutions passed by such companies, and the registers of mortgages and charges of such companies) or to obtain copies
of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether or not,
and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our
shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder
motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
Currently, all of our operations are conducted
outside the United States, and substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. A majority of our directors and
officers are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States and a substantial portion of their assets are located
outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for a shareholder to effect service of process within the United States upon
these persons, or to enforce against us or them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil
liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.
As a result of all of the above, our shareholders
may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against us or our officers, directors or major shareholders than
would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States.
We are a foreign private issuer within the
meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public
companies.
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning
of the rules under the Exchange Act. As such, we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public companies.
For example:
| ● | we
are not required to provide as many Exchange Act reports, or as frequently, as a domestic public company; |
| ● | for
interim reporting, we are permitted to comply solely with our home country requirements, which are less rigorous than the rules that
apply to domestic public companies; |
| ● | we
are not required to provide the same level of disclosure on certain issues, such as executive compensation; |
| ● | we
are exempt from provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information; |
| ● | we
are not required to comply with the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in
respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; and |
| ● | we
are not required to comply with Section 16 of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their share ownership and
trading activities and establishing insider liability for profits realized from any “short-swing” trading transaction. |
We are required to file an annual report on Form
20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be
furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive
and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the
same protections or information that would be made available to you were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.
Our ordinary shares
may be delisted from the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”).
On December 29, 2022, the Company received a letter
from the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, because the closing bid price for the Company’s
ordinary shares listed on Nasdaq was below $1.00 for 30 consecutive trading days, the Company no longer meets the minimum bid price requirement
for continued listing on Nasdaq under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2), which requires a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share
(the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”).
The notification has no immediate effect on the
listing of the Company’s ordinary shares. In accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has a period of
180 calendar days from the date of notification, until June 26, 2023 (the “Compliance Period”), to regain compliance with
the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. If at any time before the expiration of the Compliance Period the bid price of
the Company’s ordinary shares closes at or above $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide
written notification that the Company has achieved compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. If the Company does not
regain compliance by the end of the Compliance Period, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar day period to regain
compliance. To qualify, the Company will be required to meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares
and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of the bid price requirement, and will need
to provide written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split,
if necessary. However, if it appears to Nasdaq that the Company will not be able to cure the deficiency, or if the Company is otherwise
not eligible, Nasdaq will provide notice that the Company’s securities will be subject to delisting.
Because we are a foreign private issuer
and are exempt from certain NASDAQ corporate governance standards applicable to U.S. issuers, you may have less protection than you would
have if we were a domestic issuer.
The Nasdaq Listing Rules require listed companies
to comply with NASDAQ corporate governance standards. As a foreign private issuer, however, we are permitted to follow home country practice
in lieu of certain of such requirements. On January 20, 2023, the Company has notified Nasdaq that it will follow its home country practice
in lieu of the provisions under Rule 5620(a), Rule 5635(a), Rule 5635(c) and Rule 5635(d) of the NASDAQ Stock Market Marketplace Rules
(the “Rules”) by relying on the exemption provided for foreign private issuers under Marketplace Rule 5615(a)(3). Rule 5620(a)
of the Rules requires that the Company to hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later than one year after the end of the Company’s
fiscal year-end; Rule 5635(a) of the Rules requires shareholder approval for the issuance of securities in connection with the acquisition
of the stock or assets of another company; Rule 5635(c) of the Rules requires shareholder approval for share incentive plans; and Rule
5635(d) of the Rules requires shareholder approval for the issuance of securities, other than in a public offering, equal to 20% or more
of the voting power outstanding before the issuance for less than the greater of book or market value of the stock. The corporate governance
practice in our home country, the Cayman Islands, does not require the Company to follow or comply with the requirements of Rule 5620(a),
Rule 5635(a), Rule 5635(c) and Rule 5635(d). We will continue to comply with other corporate governance requirements of the Nasdaq Listing
Rules. However, we may consider following home country practice in lieu of additional requirements under the Nasdaq Listing Rules with
respect to certain corporate governance standards in the future which may afford less protection to investors.
We are an “emerging growth company”
within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging
growth companies, this could make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.
We are an “emerging growth company”
within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth
companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that
have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange
Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to
opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an
election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard
is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt
the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial
statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out
of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accountant standards used.
As an “emerging growth company”
under applicable law, we will be subject to lessened disclosure requirements. Such reduced disclosure may make our Ordinary Shares less
attractive to investors.
For as long as we remain an “emerging growth
company”, as defined in the JOBS Act, we will elect to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements
that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies”, including, but not limited to, not
being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations
regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding
advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Because
of these lessened regulatory requirements, our shareholders would be left without information or rights available to shareholders of more
mature companies. If some investors find our Ordinary Shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for
our Ordinary Shares and our share price may be more volatile.
If we are classified as a passive foreign
investment company, United States taxpayers who own our ordinary shares may have adverse United States federal income tax consequences.
We will be a “passive foreign investment
company,” or “PFIC,” if, in any particular taxable year, either (a) 75% or more of our gross income for such year
consists of certain types of “passive” income or (b) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of our assets (as determined
on the basis of fair market value) during such year produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”).
Although the law in this regard is unclear, we intend to treat the VIE (including its subsidiaries) as being owned by us for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, not only because we exercise effective control over the operation of such entity but also because we are entitled
to substantially all of its economic benefits, and, as a result, we consolidate its results of operations in our consolidated financial
statements. Assuming that we are the owner of the VIE (including its subsidiaries) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and based upon
our current and expected income and assets, including goodwill, and the value of our ordinary shares, we do not believe that we were a
PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2022 and we do not expect to be a PFIC for the foreseeable future. However, there can
be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will not be a
PFIC for any future taxable year. PFIC status is a factual determination that must be tested each taxable year and will depend on the
composition of our assets and income in each such taxable year.
We will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable
year if either (i) at least 75% of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value
of our assets (based on a quarterly value of the assets during the taxable year) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for
the production of passive income. In determining the average percentage value of our gross assets, the aggregate value of our assets will
generally be deemed to be equal to our market capitalization (determined by the sum of the aggregate values of our outstanding equity)
plus our liabilities. Accordingly, we could become a PFIC if our market capitalization were to decrease significantly while we hold substantial
cash, cash equivalents or other assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. In addition, because there are uncertainties
in the application of the relevant PFIC rules, it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, may challenge our classification
of certain income and assets as non-passive or our valuation of our tangible and intangible assets, which could result in a determination
that we were a PFIC for the current or subsequent taxable years.
If we were classified as a PFIC in any taxable
year in which a U.S. Holder (as defined in “Item 10. Additional Information—10.E. Taxation—United States Federal
Income Taxation”) holds the ordinary shares, the U.S. Holder would generally be subject to additional taxes and interest charges
on certain “excess” distributions we make and on the gain, if any, recognized on the disposition or deemed disposition of
such U.S. Holder’s ordinary shares, even if we are no longer a PFIC in the year of distribution or disposition. Moreover, such U.S.
Holder would also be subject to special U.S. tax reporting requirements. For more information on the U.S. tax consequences to U.S. Holders
that would result from our classification as a PFIC, see “Item 10. Additional Information—10.E. Taxation—United States
federal income taxation—Passive foreign investment company.”
Our memorandum and articles of association,
as amended, contain anti-takeover provisions that could have a material adverse effect on the rights of holders of our Ordinary Shares.
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association, as amended, contain certain provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company or cause us to
engage in change-of-control transactions, including a provision that grants authority to our board of directors to establish and issue
from time to time one or more series of preferred shares without action by our shareholders and to determine, with respect to any series
of preferred shares without action by our shareholders, the terms and rights of that series. These provisions could have the effect of
depriving our shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over the prevailing market price by discouraging third parties from seeking
to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transactions.
Our board of directors may refuse or delay
the registration of the transfer of Ordinary Shares in certain circumstances.
Except in connection with the settlement of trades
or transactions entered into through the facilities of a stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our Ordinary Shares are
listed or traded from time to time, our board of directors may resolve to refuse or delay the registration of the transfer of our Ordinary
Shares. Where our directors do so, they must specify the reason(s) for this refusal or delay in a resolution of the board of directors.
Our directors may also refuse or delay the registration of any transfer of Ordinary Shares if the transferor has failed to pay an amount
due in respect to those Ordinary Shares. If our directors refuse to register a transfer, they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable,
send the transferor and the transferee a notice of the refusal or delay in the approved form.
This, however, will not affect market transactions
of the Ordinary Shares purchased by investors. Where the Ordinary Shares are listed on a stock exchange, the Ordinary Shares may be transferred
without the need for a written instrument of transfer, if the transfer is carried out in accordance with the rules of the stock exchange
and other requirements applicable to the Ordinary Shares listed on the stock exchange.
We will incur increased costs as a result
of being a public company, particularly after we cease to qualify as an “emerging growth company.”
As a public company, we incur significant legal,
accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently
implemented by the SEC and NASDAQ Capital Market, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act and will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier
of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering, (b) in which
we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means
the market value of our Ordinary Shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th, and (2) the date
on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. An emerging growth company
may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies.
These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 in the assessment of the emerging growth
company’s internal control over financial reporting and permission to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such
time as those standards apply to private companies.
Compliance with these rules and regulations increases
our legal and financial compliance costs and makes some corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. After we are no longer an
“emerging growth company,” or until five years following the completion of our initial public offering, whichever is earlier,
we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404
and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as a public company, we have been required to increase the number of independent
directors and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. We have incurred additional costs in
obtaining director and officer liability insurance. In addition, we incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting
requirements. It may also be more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers.
We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules and regulations, and we cannot predict or estimate
with any degree of certainty the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.
We are obligated to develop and maintain
proper and effective internal control over financial reporting. We may not complete our analysis of our internal control over financial
reporting in a timely manner, or these internal controls may not be determined to be effective, which may adversely affect investor confidence
in our company and, as a result, the value of our Ordinary Shares.
We are required, pursuant to Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting for the year ending December 31, 2022, the first fiscal year beginning after our initial public offering. This assessment needs
to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting and, after
we cease to be an “emerging growth company,” our independent registered public accounting firm should issue
an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting.
We are in the early stages of the costly and challenging
process of compiling the system and processing documentation necessary to perform the evaluation needed to comply with Section 404. We
may not be able to complete our evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. During the evaluation and testing
process, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert
that our internal controls are effective.
If we are unable to assert that our internal control
over financial reporting is effective, or if, when required, our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an
opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial
reports, which would cause the price of our Ordinary Shares to decline, and we may be subject to investigation or sanctions by the SEC.
To comply with the requirements of being a public
company, we may need to undertake various actions, such as implementing new internal controls and procedures and hiring accounting or
internal audit staff.
At such time that our independent registered public
accounting firm is required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, it may issue a report
that is adverse in the event it is not satisfied with the level at which our controls are documented, designed or operating. Our remediation
efforts may not enable us to avoid a material weakness in the future.
Our largest shareholder will have substantial
influence over our company and his interests may not be aligned with the interests of our other shareholders.
Mr.
Zhiwei Xu, our largest shareholder currently owns 5,450,465 outstanding Ordinary Shares and 750,000 Preferred Shares (each such
Preferred Shares entitles the holder thereof to the rights to votes equal to two (2) Ordinary Shares) of the Company. As a result of
his significant shareholding, Mr. Xu has, and will continue to have, substantial influence over our business, including decisions
regarding mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of directors and other
significant corporate actions. He may take actions that are not in the best interests of us or our other shareholders. This
concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders
of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and might reduce the market price of our
Ordinary Shares. These actions may be taken even if they are opposed by our other shareholders. For more information regarding our
principal shareholders and their affiliated entities, see “Item 6.E., “Share Ownership”.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A.
History and Development of the Company
Jowell Global Ltd. (“Jowell Global”
or the “Company”) is an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability on August 16, 2019 as a
holding company. The Company, through its consolidated variable interest entity (“VIE”), engages primarily in the sale of
cosmetic products, nutritional supplements, and household products sourced from third party manufacturers and distributors, and also offers
an online marketplace that enables third-party sellers to sell their products to the Company’s online consumers.
A reorganization of the Company’s legal
structure (“Reorganization”) was completed on November 1, 2019. The Reorganization involved the incorporation of Jowell Global,
a Cayman Islands holding company, Jowell Technology Limited (“Jowell Tech”), a Hong Kong holding company on June 24, 2019,
and Shanghai Jowell Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Jowell”), a new wholly foreign-owned entity (“WFOE”) by Jowell
Tech under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”) on October 15, 2019.
On October 31, 2019 and November 1, 2019, Shanghai Jowell entered into
a series of contractual arrangements with Shanghai Juhao Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Juhao”) and the shareholders
of Shanghai Juhao, as amended on October 10, 2020. These agreements include: 1) an Exclusive Business Cooperation and Management Agreement;
2) an Equity Interest Pledge Agreement; 3) an Exclusive Option Agreements 4) Powers of Attorney and 5) Spousal Consent Letters. Pursuant
to these agreements, Shanghai Jowell has the exclusive rights to provide consulting services to Shanghai Juhao related to the business
operation and management of Shanghai Juhao. For such services, Shanghai Juhao agrees to pay service fees determined based on all of its
net profit after tax payments to Shanghai Jowell or Shanghai Jowell has obligation to absorb all of Shanghai Juhao’s losses. The
agreements remain in effect until and unless all parties agree to its termination, except the Exclusive Option Agreement that the effective
term of 10 years and can be renewed for an additional 10 years. Until such termination, Shanghai Juhao may not enter into another agreement
for the provision of management consulting services without the prior consent of Shanghai Jowell. Also, pursuant to the equity interest
pledge agreement between the shareholders of Shanghai Juhao and Shanghai Jowell, such shareholders pledged all of their equity interests
in Shanghai Juhao to Shanghai Jowell, to guarantee Shanghai Juhao’s performance of its obligations under the Exclusive Business
Cooperation and Management Agreement. Without Shanghai Jowell’s prior written consent, the shareholders of Shanghai Juhao shall
not transfer or assign the pledged equity interests, or incur or allow any encumbrance that would jeopardize Shanghai Jowell’s interests.
If Shanghai Juhao breaches its contractual obligations under the aforesaid agreement, Shanghai Jowell, as the pledgee, will be entitled
to certain rights and entitlements, including priority in receiving payments by the evaluation or proceeds from the auction or sale of
all or part of the pledged equity interests of Shanghai Juhao, in accordance with legal procedures. In essence, Shanghai Jowell has been
able to consolidate the financials of Shanghai Juhao. Therefore, Shanghai Juhao is considered a VIE under the Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 “Consolidation”, because the
equity investments in Shanghai Juhao no longer have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, and the Company, through
Shanghai Jowell, is the primary beneficiary of Shanghai Juhao.
On November 6, 2020, the Company effected a reverse
stock split of its Ordinary Shares at a ratio of 1-for-3 pursuant to which all existing shareholders of record on that date surrendered
an aggregate of 42,298,849 Ordinary Shares, or 66.67% of the then outstanding Ordinary Shares to the Company for no consideration. The
shares surrendered were subsequently cancelled (“Reverse Split”).
On May 20, 2022, Shanghai Juhao incorporated Quanzhou Mingzhanda
Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Quanzhou Mingzhanda”) with a third party in Quanzhou City and Shanghai Juhao owns 51% equity
interest of Quanzhou Mingzhanda.
On December 20, 2022, Shanghai Juhao incorporated Juhao Yuan
Brand Management (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. (“Juhao Yuan”) with a third party in Hangzhou City and Shanghai Juhao owns 55% equity
interest of Juhao Yuan.
On April 13, 2023, Shanghai Jowell incorporated
a wholly owned subsidiary Shanghai Lianfu in Shanghai city.
We have adopted a dual-class share structure
such that our shares consist of Ordinary Shares and Preferred Shares. In respect of matters requiring the votes of shareholders,
each Ordinary Share is entitled to one (1) vote and each Preferred Share is entitled to two (2) votes. The Preferred Shares may be
converted into Ordinary Shares by its holder at any time at the option of the holder. We have authorized 50,000,000 Preferred Shares
and our largest shareholder Mr. Zhiwei Xu, directly and indirectly through Jowell Holdings Ltd., beneficially owns all 750,000
issued and outstanding Preferred Shares and 5,450,465 Ordinary Shares and therefore will have substantial influence over our
business, including decisions regarding mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of
directors and other significant corporate actions.
The Company has subsidiaries in countries and
jurisdictions including PRC and Hong Kong. Details of the subsidiaries and VIE of the Company are set out below:
Name of Entity | |
Date of Incorporation | |
Place of Incorporation | |
% of Ownership | | |
Principal Activities |
Jowell Tech | |
June 24, 2019 | |
Hong Kong | |
| 100 | | |
Holding Company |
Shanghai Jowell | |
October 15, 2019 | |
Shanghai, China | |
| 100 | | |
Holding Company |
Shanghai Juhao* | |
July 31, 2012 | |
Shanghai, China | |
| 0 (VIE) | | |
Online Retails |
Quanzhou Mingzhanda | |
May 20, 2022 | |
Quanzhou, China | |
| 0 (subsidiary of VIE) | | |
Online Retail |
Juhao Yuan | |
December 20, 2022 | |
Hangzhou, China | |
| 0 (subsidiary of VIE) | | |
Brand Management
|
Shanghai Lianfu | |
April 13, 2023 | |
Shanghai, China | |
| 100% | | |
Live Stream Ecommerce |
* | Shanghai
Juhao has six wholly owned Juhao Best Choice Stores, located in the cities of Suzhou, Changshu and Wuhu, and twenty-eight wholly owned
subsidiaries engaging online promotion of Shanghai Juhao’s products and services located in the cities of Changshu, Nantong, Shanghai and Guangzhou. |
On March 19, 2021, the Company closed its initial
public offering (“IPO”) of 3,714,286 ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, priced at $7.00 per share. On March
23, 2021, the underwriter exercised its over-allotment option to purchase an additional 557,143 ordinary shares at a price of $7.00 per
share. The net proceeds of the Company’s IPO, including the proceeds from the sale of the over-allotment shares, totaled approximately
$25.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. The Ordinary Shares have been listed on the Nasdaq Capital
Market and trading under the ticker symbol “JWEL” since March 17, 2021.
On July 27, 2021, Shanghai Juhao entered into
a Capital Increase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Suzhou Industrial Park Hongrun Rural Small Amount Loan Co., Ltd. (“Hongrun”)
and its shareholders identified on the signature pages thereto (the “Existing Shareholders”). Mr. Zhiwei Xu, the Chairman
of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hongrun. Jiangsu
Longrich Group Co., Ltd., the largest shareholder of Hongrun is also a related party of the Company. Pursuant to the Agreement, Shanghai
Juhao contributed RMB 30 million (approximately $4.6 million) to Hongrun (the “Investment”) for 18.96% equity interest of
Hongrun. Hongrun and Existing Shareholders agree the Investment will only be used for making loans to the owners of
Juhao Best Choice Stores for their business development and expansion. Juhao Best Choice Stores are the
community group-buying franchise stores launched by Shanghai Juhao in April 2021.
On June 13, 2022, the Company entered into securities
purchase agreements with six investors (“Investors”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to the Investors in private
placements of 5,230,000 ordinary shares of the Company at a purchase price of $1.20 per share for an aggregate offering price of $6,276,000.
On October 11, 2022, the Company entered into
a securities purchase agreement with five purchasers, who are the product distributors and business partners of the Company in China.
Pursuant to the agreement, the Company sold to them in a registered direct offering, an aggregate of 2,576,600 ordinary shares of
the Company at a purchase price of $1.40 per share, for aggregate proceeds to the Company of $3,607,240. The shares were offered and sold
by the Company pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form F-3, which declared effective on August 31, 2022 (File No.
333-264109).
Our principal executive offices are located at
2nd Floor, No. 285 Jiangpu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China 200082. Our telephone number at this address is +86-21-5521-01874. Our
registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at P.O. Box 31119 Grand Pavilion, Hibiscus Way, 802 West Bay Road, Grand Cayman, KY1-1205,
Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Cogency Global Inc. located at 122 East 42nd Street, 18th Floor,
New York, NY 10168. Investors should contact us for any inquiries through the address and telephone number of our principal executive
offices.
The SEC maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that
contains reports and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC using its EDGAR system.
See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects — B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Capital Expenditures” for a discussion of our capital expenditures.
B.
Business Overview
We are one of the leading cosmetics, health and
nutritional supplements and household products e-commerce platforms in China. We offer our own brand products to customers and also sell
and distribute health and nutritional supplements, cosmetic products and certain household products from other companies on our platform.
In addition, we allow third parties to open their own stores on our platform for a service fee based upon their sale revenues generated
from their online stores and we provide them with our unique and valuable information about market needs, enabling them to better manage
their sales effort, as well as an effective platform to promote their brands. We currently operate under four sales channels: Online Direct
Sales, Authorized Retail Store Distribution, Third-party Merchants and Live streaming marketing.
Shanghai Juhao started its operation in 2012 and is among the first
group of membership-based online-to-offline cosmetics, health and nutritional supplements and household products e-commerce platforms
in China. Today, we offer an online platform LHH Mall through Shanghai Juhao which holds an EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) certification
approved by the Shanghai Communication Administration pursuant to the requirement of MIIT dated February 1, 2019 valid for 5 years, selling
our own brand products manufactured by third parties as well as international and domestic branded products from 200+ manufacturers. As
of December 31, 2022, our platform had 2,440,745 VIP members who have registered on our platform, 266 merchants who have opened their
own stores on our platform, and 66.3% of products sold on our platform were cosmetics and health and nutritional supplements. We also
sell household products, such as pots and pans, smartphones, functional shoes, paper towels, cups, vacuum cleaners, massagers and towels
on our platform, and those products account for 33.6% of the products sold on our platform for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Since August 2017, we have been also selling our products in our authorized
retail stores all across China. Operating under our brand name of “Love Home Store” or “LHH Store”, the authorized
retailers may operate as independent stores or store-in-shop (an integrated store), selling products that they purchased through our online
platform LHH Mall under their special retailer accounts with us which provide them with major discounts. As of December 31, 2022, we had
authorized 26,414 Love Home Stores in 31 provinces of China, providing offline retail of our products.
On April 28, 2021, the Company announced it has
officially launched its “Juhao Best Choice” community group-buying store initiative to continue growing its offline retail
market presence. The community group-buying offline stores will sell fresh produce, foods and daily household consumer products in addition
to the cosmetics and health and nutritional supplements currently sold in the Company’s franchised LHH Stores. The community group-buying
stores aim to provide a more convenient shopping experience and high-quality produce and foods for consumers from local communities, towns
and villages across China. Juhao Best Choice stores will consolidate online and offline resources for store design and logistics services
and provide guidance and trainings for store owners with a unified system for store management, design, service criteria, SKU management
and product delivery. The Company will also provide the store owners with live-streaming marketing skill training and upgrade and expand
certain existing LHH Stores to Juhao Best Choice stores. As of December 31, 2022, Shanghai Juhao has opened 6 self-operated Juhao Best
Choice community group buying stores in various cities in China as the experimental and demonstration stores for this development.
We have relationships with leading cosmetics and
health and nutritional supplements manufacturers and distributors in China, which not only to provide us with high-quality products, but
also supply chain services to our platform. By connecting these suppliers/distributors with our online sales and offline authorized stores,
we have created a closed-circle to brings tremendous convenience and cost savings to our customers.
Through our website at www.1juhao.com and mobile
app, we engage primarily in the sales of cosmetic products, health and nutritional supplements and household products sourced from manufacturers
and distributors in China. Currently, we have three types of revenue streams deriving from our three major product categories: cosmetic
products, health and nutritional supplements and household products. Other than revenue from product sales, we also earn service fees
charged to third-party merchants for using our platform, which was immaterial.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022,
approximately $99.3 million or 47.3% of our revenue were generated from the sales of cosmetic products, approximately $39.9 million or
19% of our revenue were generated from the sales of health and nutritional supplements and $70.6 million or 33.6% of our revenue were
generated from the sales of household products.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, approximately
$78.8 million or 46.13% of our revenue were generated from the sales of cosmetic products, approximately $56.1 million or 32.83% of our
revenue were generated from the sales of health and nutritional supplements and $35.9 million or 21.03% of our revenue were generated
from the sales of household products.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, approximately
$18.7 million or 19.30% of our revenue were generated from the sales of cosmetic products, approximately $52.4 million or 54.06% of our
revenue were generated from the sales of health and nutritional supplements and $25.7 million or 26.56% of our revenue were generated
from the sales of household products.
Our Sales Channels
We currently utilize four sales formats: Online
Direct Sales, Authorized Retail Store Distribution, Third-party Merchants and Live Streaming Marketing.
Online Direct Sales. The Online
Direct Sales model is mainly selling the products under our own brands or third-party products on our online shopping mall directly. We
purchase these third-party products directly from manufacturers and suppliers and deliver them to our customers. This model generates
the highest profit-margin among all our sales models.
Authorized Retail Store Distribution.
Authorized Retail Store Distribution refers to our authorized physical retail stores that distributed products all over the country and
they purchase their products from us and distribute them to consumers. Those stores may also use a small program developed by us which
can be used on WeChat to promote products to their WeChat contacts who can place orders to purchase products either from those authorized
stores or from our platform which we provide sale discounts for such orders placed on our platform but directed from our authorized stores. The
material terms of the Love Home Health Franchise Store Contract with such store owners/franchisees include: (i) Shanghai Juhao will provide
training to franchisee, which should pass the examination of Shanghai Juhao to be qualified as an authorized store; (ii) the franchisee
shall obtain the business license, tax registration certificate and other relevant certificates required for operation according to law
at its own costs; (iii) the franchisee shall abide by the rules and policies issued by Shanghai Juhao; (iv) during the term of the agreement,
the franchisee may use Shanghai Juhao’s trademark and service mark and Shanghai Juhao authorizes the franchisee to sell the products
or services of Shanghai Juhao; (v) Shanghai Juhao may inspect the operation of the franchisee from time to time; (vi) during the term
of the agreement, the franchisee’s store structure, internal and external decoration shall comply with the standards set by Shanghai
Juhao; (vii) the franchisee shall purchase the products from Shanghai Juhao for at least RMB 4,000 every two months; (viii) the franchisee
shall sell the products (or provide services) at the price specified by Shanghai Juhao; (ix) the franchisee shall not transfer the operation
right without authorization of Shanghai Juhao, and shall not conduct business beyond its authorized territory (the area within 1.5 km
radius of the address of the franchisee); (x) the franchisee will receive a 20% discount of the retail price of the products sold directly
on the LHH mall members; and (xi) the term of the agreement is usually one year subject to renewal.
Third-party Merchants. We hold an
EDI certificate approved by Shanghai Bureau of Communication Management pursuant to the requirement of the Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology of the People’s Republic of China (“MIIT”), which allows our online shopping mall to accept third-party platforms
and companies to open their stores on our platform and to enrich the product categories of our shopping mall, and give consumers more
choices. The material terms of the Juhao Mall Marketplace and Service Agreement for third party stores in Juhao Mall with such store owners
include: (i) the third party store/merchant is responsible for stores set-up, sales, inventory management, logistics and after-sales services
and Shanghai Juhao will provide assistance and charge relevant service fees; (ii) the merchant is responsible for the sales of its products
on its online store, and the sales price shall be determined by the merchant, but shall not be lower than the minimum price agreed by
the parties; (iii) if the merchant’s customers make payment through Shanghai Juhao’s online platform, Shanghai Juhao is obliged
to pay the received payment to the merchant every month according to the payment method agreed in the agreement; (iv) if the customer
finds that the product has shortage, defective or damage, or the variety, model, specification, color, quantity, shelf life and quality
of the products is inconsistent with the order, he/she may reject the product and the merchant shall timely reissue or replace the product;
(v) the merchant guarantees that the quality of the products it sells has met the national or international standards and met the general
performance and use requirements of such product; (vi) the merchant guarantees to Shanghai Juhao that there is no dispute with any third
party on intellectual property rights and other rights of the products sold on Juhao’s platform; (vii) the merchant shall provide
after-sale service and support for the products that it sold; (viii) Shanghai Juhao charges a fix service fee equals to 5% of the merchant’s
store revenue and will also charge a performance fee between 0-5% based upon the monthly performance of the merchant store, i.e. the higher
the sales reaches, the lower performance fee will apply and it will be no performance fee if the sales reaches RMB 100,000 in such month;
and (ix) the term of the agreement is usually one year subject to renewal.
Live streaming marketing. We have
started to use the most popular online sales model, Live Streaming/Broadcasting Marketing. We train our authorized retail store owners
to become live streamers participating in the live online broadcasting to market and sell products. In addition, we constantly look for
professional multi-channel network (MCN) agencies to work with their Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to promote our products through live streaming
on popular channels such as TikTok live, Kuaishou live and Taobao live. We have also provided free live streaming marketing classes to
LLH Store owners, potential Juhao Best Choice store owners and anyone who is interested in livestreaming which help students and young
people obtain related employment and help us identify online selling and marketing talents for our marketing department. In April 2023,
Shanghai Jowell established a new subsidiary Shanghai Lianfu Information Technology Co., Ltd. which will develop on marketing and sales
of agricultural and fishing products on Tencent Short Video and other social media platforms.
Sales of Products
We have adopted three complementary sales formats
on our internet platform for health and nutritional supplements, household products and cosmetics, which are the main products sold in
our mall: curated sales, series sales and flash sales, pursuant to which we either sell products directly to customers as a principal
or act as a service provider for third-party merchants who sell products on our internet platform. We provide our customers with the same
shopping experience regardless of whether the products are sold by us or by third-party merchants.
Curated sales. We believe the curated
sales format embraces value, quality and convenience for our customers and enhances our trendsetting image. We curate and recommend a
carefully selected collection of branded products for a limited period of time at attractive prices. We carefully select popular cosmetic
products that primarily appeal to females. We select and update the products for curated sales every day.
Series sales. In addition to the
curated sales, we also use our internet platform to produce series sales models that conform to the trend, festivals and hot topics. We
have selected multi category products in line with the theme in the series of topics, where consumers can compare and purchase through
brand, price, scope of application and other parameters. We create topics and shopping scenes, so as to guide consumers to buy the products
here. We collaborate with an extensive range of international and domestic suppliers and third-party merchants, who offer diversified
and branded beauty and health and nutritional supplements.
Flash Sales. Our flash sales format
features virtual stores of selected third-party merchants. Our flash sales products are selected from products sold under our own brand
or third-party merchant products. At least four products are sold with large discount and limited quantity every day. Through the flash
sales, we can increase the attention and stickiness of potential and existing consumers to our platform, and can also promote the products
and reduce the backlog risk for those high inventory products. The third-party merchants need to register and reserve the spots for the
flash sales with us in advance and we will arrange the products to be sold by flash sales according to the recent sales data for various
products and their categories on the platform, so that the selected products can achieve best sales and recognition by the customers.
Products Offerings
Product Categories
We offer high quality and affordable products.
The following table illustrates the categories of products we sell on our platform:
Product Category |
|
Product Description |
Health and nutritional supplements and foods |
|
Products that regulate immune system, bone health products, beauty and beauty supplements |
Cosmetics |
|
Lipstick, foundation, cream, eyebrow pencil, makeup remover, lip enamel, eye shadow, mascara, eye liner |
Skin care |
|
Eye cream, eye mask, sunscreen cream, skin cream, moisturizing water, lotion, hand cream, cleansing cream, face cream, essence, facial mask |
Body Care |
|
Body wash, shampoo, hair conditioner, hand sanitizer, essential oil, toothpaste, mouthwash, essential oil soap, styling gel |
For baby and children |
|
Lip balm, baby massage oil, moisture cream, shower gel, shampoo, hand sanitizer, baby toothpaste, diaper, baby soap |
Washing items |
|
Detergent, washing powder, washing tablet, washing liquid, kitchen cleaner, soap, pipe dredger |
Fragrances |
|
Traditional herbal lotion, perfume for men and women, fragrant ball, air purifying box |
Food |
|
Fruits, vegetables, snacks, roasted sunflower seeds and nuts, biscuits and pastries, health foods, beverages, wines, prepared products, kitchen seasoning, dry grain and oil |
Electronics |
|
Large electronic appliances, home appliances, kitchen appliances, cosmetic electronic appliances |
Apparel |
|
Men’s and women’s clothes, men’s and women’s shoes, men’s and women’s bags, suitcases and accessories |
Household Products |
|
Home textile, home decoration, maternal and infant products, kitchenware, daily life necessities, cosmetic products |
We also sell the following products under our
own brands:
Product Category |
|
Product Description |
Skin care |
|
Facial mask |
Body Care |
|
Body wash, shampoo, hair conditioner |
For baby and children |
|
Lip balm, baby massage oil, moisture cream, shower gel, shampoo, hand sanitizer, baby toothpaste, diaper, baby soap |
Food |
|
Roasted seeds and nuts, beverages, prepared products |
Electronics |
|
Home appliances |
Apparel |
|
Suitcases and accessories |
Household Products |
|
Daily life necessities |
Exclusive Products
To enhance consumers’ attraction to our
product offerings and online shopping mall, we enter into exclusive arrangements from time to time with certain manufacturers and suppliers
to offer exclusive products, including products under our owns brand names on our platform. In addition, through exclusive arrangements
with suppliers, we are able to offer selected SKUs and sets of cosmetic products under popular brands exclusively on our platform, such
as selected SKUs and sets of cosmetic products under the FRUITY brand of Longrich Group Co., Ltd, a related party and Zoflora disinfectants
from the leading European pharmaceutical company STADA. We do not substantially depend on any of our exclusive products suppliers.
Customers
Our large, engaged and loyal customer base is
the key to our success. The loyalty of our customer base is demonstrated by the repeat purchase rates. In the past three years, the number
of our repeat customers has grown greatly every year. In 2022, there were 184,079 customer-placed orders on our platform, of which 62,936
or 34.19% are repeat customers. In 2021, there were 195,880 customer-placed orders on our platform, of which 68,088 or 34.76% are repeat
customers. In 2020, there were 90,773 customer-placed orders on our platform, of which 41,439 or 45.65% are repeat customers. In 2022,
the number of repeat customers decreased by 6.02% compared with 2021. In 2021, the number of repeat customers increased by 64.31% compared
with 2020. In 2020, the number of repeat customers increased by 40.98% compared with 2019. If a customer returns to our platform and purchase
from us within 30 days from his/her previous purchase, it is considered as a repeat customer.
Marketing
We believe that the most efficient form of marketing
for our business is to continuously roll out creative and cost-efficient marketing campaigns to establish our brand image as a trendsetter
for safe and healthy products. These marketing campaigns promote word-of-mouth referrals and enhance repeat customer visits to our internet
platform. We also use live streaming marketing, social media and self-media platform marketing such as our WeChat public information release
account to communicate with our customers and issue promotions and products information and live streaming promotion of our products through
TikTok Live, Kuaishou live and Taobao live. As a result, we have been able to build a large, engaged and loyal customer base with relatively
low customer acquisition cost. Our cost-effective marketing campaigns have allowed us to have relatively low marketing expenses.
As part of our viral marketing strategy, we offer
various incentives to our existing customers in order to increase their spending and loyalty. Our customers can earn cash coupons for
eligible purchases and become VIP members by registered their information with us on our platform, which status offers them additional
benefits such as cash coupon rewards, exclusive products and free samples. We offer gifts and lucky draw promotions on our internet platform.
Our customers can also earn cash coupons for successful referrals of new members and customers. In addition, we conduct online advertising
via search engines, portals, advertising networks, video sharing websites, and social networking and microblogging sites, we encourage
our customers to share their shopping experiences with us through social media and networking websites in China.
Our Internet Platforms
Our 1juhao.com website
Integrating convenience, aesthetics and functionality,
our website aims to actively drive consumer spending by strategically featuring a carefully selected catalog of popular items. We focus
on creating a superior online shopping experience for our customers providing detailed product descriptions, thoughtful peer reviews and
multi-angle picture illustrations designed to assist our customers in making purchase decisions. Our website interface is fully integrated
with our warehouse management system, enabling us to track order and delivery status on a real-time basis.
Our Mobile Platform
We believe consumers will increasingly shop online
through mobile app. Therefore, we have invested substantial resources to build a mobile application platform dedicated to providing
a superior mobile shopping experience. We use different sales channels to market and sell the products on our online shopping mall, except
for the products purchased and taken by walk-in customers at our authorized stores. For the products sold through our online shopping
mall which represent the majority of our sales, these are either purchased on our online portal/platform or through our mobile app. In
2022, we generated approximately 8.76% of Gross Merchandise Volume (“GMV”) from our mobile app and the remaining 91.24% was generated
on our online portal/platform. In 2021, we generated approximately 20.83% of GMV from our mobile app and the remaining 79.17% was generated
on our online portal/platform. In 2020, we generated approximately 24.09% of GMV from our mobile app and the remaining 75.91% was generated
on our online portal/platform.
Our Android- and iOS-based mobile applications
allow customers to quickly and efficiently view, search, select and purchase products offered on our platform. The layout of products
offered on our mobile applications is intuitive and easy to use. Customers can browse our recommended product selections, in particular
our curated sales which are immediately accessible as soon as our mobile applications are activated on their mobile devices, and make
quick purchases at any time and regardless of their locations. In addition, customers can conveniently browse and search for products
based on brand, category, product functionality, and can sort product listings by popularity, price and discount level. Users may also
subscribe to future curated sales notifications from our mobile applications.
The unique product offerings and functions on
our mobile platform further enhance mobile user experience and engagement. Certain selected products and sales events are offered exclusively
on our mobile applications to increase their popularity. We also seek to provide customers with a customized shopping experience through
analyzing and understanding their transaction histories and browsing patterns on our mobile application and develop targeted sales events
to increase customer stickiness and enhance cross-selling opportunities. A direct dial feature on our mobile platform allows users to
call our customer service with a single click. We periodically send product promotional information to our mobile application users through
text messages and mobile push notifications. We also continuously work on developing additional features to better utilize mobile device
functionalities to enhance user experience.
Authorized Physical Stores
Since August 2017, we have been also selling our
products in our authorized retail stores, namely LHH (Love Home) Stores. All products sold in these stores must be purchased on our online
LHH shopping platform though such retailers’ accounts with us so they can receive discounts on their orders, which are not available
for regular online customers. When an authorized store places orders on our platform, we can deliver products to the specific store or
directly to its end customers; all orders go through the retailer account number for each store for a major discount and we can track
sales for each store. We will review, evaluate and qualify potential physical stores before they can become authorized stores, including
business qualification and decoration requirements. As an important part of our strategy to better serve consumers, we had 26,414 offline
authorized stores spread out in 31 provinces in China as of December 31, 2022, providing both online and offline retail and wholesale
services to our customers. By connecting upstream suppliers, distributors and offline authorized store services, we have created a closed-loop
platform, which we believe brings convenience and cost savings to our consumers. We plan to develop additional authorized physical stores
to establish our presence in major cities in China and worldwide, to expand our market, build greater trust with our customers and to
further broaden our brand awareness.
Our Suppliers and Third-Party Merchants
Since our inception, we have attracted a broad group of suppliers for
health and nutritional supplements, household products and cosmetic products and third-party merchants for beauty, apparel and other lifestyle
products. Our suppliers and third-party merchants include brand owners, brand distributors, resellers and exclusive product suppliers.
In 2020 and 2021, we worked with approximately 122 and 228 suppliers and 178 and 238 third-party merchants, respectively. As of December
31, 2022, we had approximately 281 suppliers and 266 third-party merchants. We charge a service fee to third party merchants that open
stores on our platform based upon their sales volume generated from their online stores ranging from 5% - 10% of their revenues. The higher
the sale volume is, the lower service fee percentage will apply. We do not provide delivery service for third party merchants and they
purchase their own products and use their own delivery services. We believe our reputation as a brand incubator and our ability to assist
suppliers and third-party merchants in effectively selling their inventory and fulfilling their demand for marketing will help us attract
new suppliers and third-party merchants and build stronger ties with our existing ones.
Supplier and Third-party Merchant Selection.
We have implemented a strict and systematic selection
process for suppliers and third-party merchants. Our merchandizing team is responsible for identifying potential suppliers and third-party
merchants globally based on our selection guidelines. Our key supplier and third-party merchant selection criteria include company size,
reputation, sales records in offline and online channels and product offerings. We generally choose to work with reputable suppliers and
third-party merchants with reliable track records and high-quality product offerings. Once a potential supplier or third-party merchant
is identified, we conduct due diligence reviews based on our selection criteria including qualifications, background, product quality,
pricing, payment terms and services. For our exclusive products, we typically identify suppliers from trade shows and on-site visits based
on our selection criteria, including the relevant qualifications and governmental permits. We also conduct detailed factory auditing on
the supplier’s manufacturing capability and production process to control product quality.
Supply Arrangements.
We generally enter into framework supply agreements
with suppliers and third-party merchants annually based on our standard form. We constantly communicate with our suppliers and third-party
merchants to keep them informed of any changes to the inventory levels of their products in order for them to timely respond to our sales
demands. Before hosting a major sales event, we provide advance notice to our suppliers and third-party merchants so that they can prepare
ample stock to meet potential surge in demand and increased purchases.
Product Selection.
Our merchandizing team members possess insightful
knowledge and understanding of existing and potential customers’ needs and preferences. Before selecting each product, we consider
and analyze historical sales data, fashion trends, seasonality and customer feedbacks to project how many items of a particular product
we should offer for curated sales, in our online shopping mall or for flash sales. To maximize the outcome of our curated sales, we carefully
plan our product mix to achieve a balanced and complementary product offering across different product categories.
Quality Control.
In addition to our product selection process,
we believe we have one of the most stringent quality assurance and control procedures in the e-commerce industry for products delivered
through our logistics network in China. We are currently collaborating with a leading institution in China to conduct periodic laboratory
tests on randomly selected samples of products provided by our suppliers and third-party merchants. The tests are designed to analyze
the chemical composition of sample products to ensure their authenticity and quality. Any non-compliant products identified will subject
the supplier or third-party merchant to fines as well as permanent termination of business relationship with such supplier or third-party
merchant. We commit to the high-quality standards of products offerings sold through our internet platform.
Furthermore, we diligently examine the product
sourcing channel and qualification of our suppliers, carefully inspect all products delivered to our logistics centers, and reject or
return products that do not meet our quality standards or the purchase order specifications. We also reject any products with broken or
otherwise compromised packaging. In addition, we check all products before shipment from our warehouse shipping center to our customers
to ensure there is no apparent damage, and conduct random periodic quality checks on our inventory. For non-compliant products, we immediately
take them off from our internet platform. Furthermore, we typically require suppliers and third-party merchants to pay deposits or provide
advance payment guarantees. For products that are not processed by our logistics centers, we carefully scrutinize the product sourcing
channels of third-party merchants and impose penalties, typically in amounts equal to several times the value of the relevant products.
Advance Payment to Suppliers.
We make periodic advances to our suppliers for product purchases in
the normal course of business.
Our largest supplier is Longrich Group including
its subsidiaries, a related party of the Company. Since its establishment in 1986, Longrich Group grew to five manufacturing factories
and ten R & D bases in the world. Longrich Group has built a large-scale, flexible and intelligent production line and manufacturing
process around its core business of cosmetics products.
Payment and Fulfillment
Payment
We provide our customers with a number of payment
options including cash on delivery (for selected cities), bank transfers, online payments with credit cards and debit cards issued by
major banks in China, and payment through major third-party online payment platforms, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.
As part of our marketing efforts, we distribute
cash coupons that can be used by our members to offset the purchase price of our products. Furthermore, our customers can use the account
balances on our platform accumulated from prior product refunds to make future purchases.
Fulfillment
We have established a logistics and delivery network
with nationwide coverage. We have adopted a flexible logistics model supported by our robust and advanced warehouse management system.
We use third-party nationwide and regional delivery companies to ensure reliable and timely delivery.
Our logistics center is strategically located
in Changshu city in Eastern China.
Our warehouse management system enables us to
closely monitor each step of the fulfillment process from the time a purchase order is confirmed and the product stocked in our logistics
centers, up to when the product is packaged and picked up by delivery service providers for delivery to a customer. We closely monitor
the speed and service quality of the third-party merchants that open stores on our platform through customer surveys and feedbacks from
our customers to ensure customer satisfaction.
Delivery Services
We deliver orders placed on our internet platform
to all areas in China through reputable third-party delivery companies with nationwide coverage, and regional delivery companies. For
delivery to remote regions of China, we use China Post. We generally include the delivery cost in the fulfillment costs, except in rare
instance of bulk orders where we require the purchaser to pay for shipping expenses.
We leverage our large-scale operations and reputation
to obtain favorable contractual terms from third-party delivery companies. In order to reduce the cost of third-party logistics as much
as possible, we usually only sign a year-round agreement with express companies to receive better rate. We regularly monitor and review
the delivery companies’ performance and their compliance with our contractual terms. We typically negotiate and enter into logistics
agreements on an annual basis.
Customer Service
We believe our emphasis on customer service enhances
our brand image and customer loyalty. Customers can access our sales and after-sales service hotlines and online representatives 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
Our customer service center is located in our
branch company in Changshu city. We train our customer service representatives to answer customer inquiries and proactively educate potential
customers about our products and promptly resolve customer complaints. Each representative is required to complete mandatory training,
conducted by experienced managers on product knowledge, complaint handling and communication skills.
We believe we have one of the most customer-friendly
return policies in the online retail markets in China. For most of the products in our online mall, we and our third-party merchants generally
offer a 7-day product return policy, as long as the product is not used, damaged, is returned in its original state and can be resold.
Once a customer submits a return application request
online, our customer service representatives will review and process the request or contact the customer by e-mail or by phone if there
are any questions relating to the request. Upon receipt of the returned product, we credit the customer’s Juhao member or payment
account with the purchase price. We fully cover the return shipment costs for our products. We believe our hassle-free return policies
help build customer trust and increase customer loyalty and our sales.
Technology
Our technology systems are designed to enhance
efficiency and scalability, and play an important role in the success of our business. We rely on our copyright protected APP software
and other internally developed proprietary technologies to improve our website and management systems in order to optimize every aspect
of our operations for the benefit of our customers, suppliers and third-party merchants.
We have adopted a service-oriented architecture
supported by data processing technologies which consists of front-end, mid-end and back-end modules. Our network infrastructure is built
upon self-owned servers located in data centers operated by third-party internet data center providers. We are implementing enhanced cloud
architecture and infrastructure for our core data processing system to augment our existing virtual private network as we continue to
expand our operations, enabling us to achieve significant internal efficiency through a virtual and centralized network platform.
Our front-end modules facilitate the online shopping
processes of our customers. Our front-end modules are supported by our content distribution network, dynamic and distributed cluster and
a core database, providing our customers with quicker access to the product display they are interested in, and facilitating faster processing
of their purchases. We have designed our systems to cope with our maximum peak concurrent visitors at all times. As a result of such foresight,
we are able to provide our customers constantly smooth online shopping experience. Our mid-end modules support our daily administrative
and business operations and our back-end modules support our supply chain and greatly enhance the efficiency of our operations.
Our business intelligence systems enable us
to effectively gather, analyze and make use of internally-generated customer behavior and transaction data as permitted under laws
and regulations. We regularly use this information in planning our marketing initiatives for upcoming curated sales and
merchandizing for our online shopping mall. We have developed most of the key business modules in-house. We also acquired software
use rights from reputable third-party providers, and work closely with these third-party providers to customize the software for our
operations. We have implemented a number of measures to prevent data failure and loss. We have developed a disaster tolerant system
for our key business modules which includes real-time data mirroring, real-time data back-up and redundancy and load balancing. We
believe our module-based systems are highly scalable, which enable us to quickly expand system capacity and add new features and
functionality to our systems in response to our business needs and evolving customers’ demands without affecting the operation
of existing modules. In addition, we have also adopted rigorous security policies and measures to protect our proprietary data and
customer information.
Intellectual Property
We regard our trademarks, software copyrights,
service marks, domain names, trade secrets, proprietary technologies and similar intellectual property as critical to our success, and
we rely on trademark, copyright and trade secret protection laws in the PRC, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions
with our employees, service providers, suppliers, third-party merchants and others to protect our proprietary rights. We believe that
more and more consumers will shop online through mobile internet.
Competition
The retail markets of health and nutritional supplements,
cosmetics and household products in China are fragmented and highly competitive. We face competition from traditional health and nutritional
supplements and cosmetic products retailers, such as traditional Chinese medicine stores, health and nutritional supplements stores and
department stores, and online cosmetic products retailers, such as Jumei, Lefeng, as well as general e-commerce platforms, such as Suning.com
Co., Ltd., which operates Suning.com, Alibaba Group, which operates Taobao.com and Tmall.com, Amazon China which
operates Amazon.cn, JD.com, Inc., which operates JD.com, Vipshop Holdings Ltd., which operates VIP.com, and E-Commerce
China Dangdang Inc., which operates Dangdang.com.
1. Competitive advantages of Juhao’s
online and offline new retail model
We have been using big data and artificial intelligence
technologies to collect and analyze consumers’ activities on our platform and their shopping patterns as permitted under laws and
regulations, such as the time each customer spends on our platform, the web pages such customer visits, how long the customer spends on
each web page, how often such customer visits our site, average spending amount that such customer spends each order and products she/he
purchase, the location of such customer, whether she/he is a repeat customer, from which search engine or portal such customer is directed
to our site and whether she/he use computer or mobile-app, etc. We also use big data and artificial intelligence to analyze our suppliers’
products, qualifications, production capacity, technology, management and credibility. Relying on the Internet, through the use of big
data, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies, we continuously upgrade our product offering and service processes to improve
our business model so that it deeply integrates online service, offline experience and modern logistics.
Ecosystem
Our business platform includes an online shopping
platform, mobile app, physical stores, warehouse and shipping center and marketing channels which are embedded to improve our capability
to better meet our consumers’ requirements for convenient and comfortable shopping experience, which ultimately increase user stickiness.
Boundless
Through the efficient integration of online platform
and offline stores, consumers can enjoy shopping at any time and any place, through a series of diversified channels such as physical
stores, online shopping malls, live streaming shopping, self-media platform such as our WeChat public information release account. Our
customers can interact with companies or other consumers, including discussion of product experience, product consultation and purchase
of products and services.
Intelligent Business Model
The important foundation for the existence and
development of our business model is the improvement of personalization, instantaneity, convenience, interaction, accuracy and fragmentation
in the shopping experience of our customers. In 2021, Shanghai Juhao started to use Zhonglun intelligent cashier cloud-based platform,
which is aimed to realize its online and offline interaction and launch a self-checking out system with self-service cashier equipment
in certain of its offline stores. In 2021, our Juhao Best Choice Stores has launched Qiyun Choice community group purchase business, combined
with 5G telecom, to further develop Juhao online and offline connection, aiming to the transformation to unmanned logistics for the last
kilometer of the delivery to destinations with our community stores. Also, Shanghai Juhao has established cooperation relationship with
ZTO Express in smart logistics and new community retail, which allows Shanghai Juhao to connect to ZTO’s cloud-based warehousing
system, and to transform to intelligent logistics relying on ZTO’s cloud warehouse system. We plan to continue to develop our “intelligent”
shopping method which will consist of the comprehensive application of 5G telecommunication, intelligent virtual clothes fitting room,
3D remote touch sensing, photo search, voice shopping, VR shopping, and virtual assistant.
Shopping Experience
With the continuous growth of per capita disposable
personal income of Chinese urban residents and the great enrichment of consumption goods, we believe that consumption will gradually change
from price based to value- based shopping, and the quality of shopping experience will increasingly become the key factor for consumers.
In real life, people’s recognition and understanding of a brand often come from brick and mortar store, and our experiential business
mode is to embed products into all kinds of real life scenarios created by using off-line stores, which gives consumers a direct opportunity
to comprehensively and deeply understand goods and services, thus triggering consumers’ perception of the comprehensive feedback
including the sense of hearing, taste and other aspects, this can not only enhance people’s sense of participation and acceptance,
but also further discover the value of offline stores.
2. Advantages of our Juhao e-commerce platform
We have obtained an EDI license certificate issued
by the Shanghai Communications Administration. In China, only a few major e-commerce platforms have obtained this certificate, such as
Taobao.com (an Alibaba Group company). This certificate not only allows us to sell products sourced from third parties on our online shopping
mall, but also allows us to have third-party merchants, enterprises or individuals open stores on our e-commerce platform to sell their
own products. We believe such distinctive advantage brings more consumers to our Juhao platform and contributes to the growth of our business.
We believe we can compete effectively against
our competitors. However, some of our current and potential competitors may have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, better
brand recognition, stronger platform management and fulfillment capabilities and greater financial, technical and marketing resources
than we do. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—We face fierce competition in the health and nutritional
supplements and cosmetic markets in China. We may not be able to keep pace with competition in our industry, which could adversely affect
our market share and result in a decrease in our future sales and earnings.”
Regulations
This section sets forth a summary of the most
significant rules and regulations that affect our business activities in China.
The relevant regulations promulgated by such government
authorities are described below.
Regulations of operation and service of
e-commerce and authorized retail store
We operate under a license for value–added
telecom businesses of the People’s Republic of China (EDI), authorized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of
the People’s Republic of China, or MIIT, which has approved the Shanghai Juhao platform for operating online data processing and
transaction processing services. Our license was approved on February 1, 2019 and is valid for 5 years. Shanghai Juhao was at its early
development stage between 2012 and 2017 and it did not apply for a value-added telecommunications business license until 2017. At its
early business development stage, the Company’s business operation was small and revenue from service fees generated by third party
stores was immaterial in the overall business and total revenue of the Company. Our PRC counsel believes, due to the immaterial amount
from valued-added telecommunication business from 2012 until we received the approval in 2019, that it is unlikely that such operation
without appropriate license will be considered as a material violation of the regulation by the regulator and that the possibility that
the Company be penalized is remote. In addition, Mr. Zhiwei Xu, a major shareholder of Shanghai Juhao, has provided
an indemnification letter to the Company and agreed that he will indemnify Shanghai Juhao and Company for any losses and penalties imposed
by government agencies due to the lack of a value-added telecommunication business license prior to February 1, 2019.
Under the Telecommunications Regulations of the
People’s Republic of China and Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services, a telecommunications service provider is
required to procure operating licenses from the MIIT or its provincial counterparts, prior to the commencement of its operations, otherwise
such operator might be subject to sanctions including corrective orders and warnings from the competent administration authority, fines
and confiscation of illegal gains. In case of serious violations, the operator’s websites may be ordered to be closed. If there
is illegal income, the illegal income shall be confiscated. A fine ranging from three to five times the amount of the illegal income;
if there is no illegal income or the illegal income is less than RMB 50,000, a fine ranging from RMB 100,000 to RMB1,000,000 shall be
imposed; if the circumstances are serious, and the website shall be closed. If such operations disrupt the order of the telecommunications
market and constitute a criminal offence, criminal liability shall be pursued in accordance with the law. In addition to the requirement
to be approved as an EDI, in 2017 the MIIT published Order No. 321, which requires an EDI to submit annual report starting in 2021. The
Company has submitted and passed current annual report for 2023.
E-Commerce Law of the PRC
On January 26, 2014, the State Administration
for Industry and Commerce, or the SAIC (which is the predecessor of the State Administration for Market Regulation) promulgated the Administrative
Measures for Online Trading, or the Online Trading Measures, which became effective on March 15, 2014, to regulate all operating
activities for product sales and services provision via the internet (including mobile internet). It stipulates the obligations of online
products operators and services providers and certain special requirements applicable to third-party platform operators, and was replaced
on May 1, 2021 by the Regulatory and Administrative Measures for Online Trading, as promulgated by the SAMR on March 15, 2021.
Furthermore, MOFCOM promulgated the Provisions on the Procedures for Formulating Transaction Rules of Third-Party Online Retail Platforms
(Trial) on December 24, 2014, which became effective on April 1, 2015, to guide and regulate the formulation, revision and
enforcement of transaction rules by online retail third-party platforms operators. These measures impose more stringent requirements and
obligations on third-party platform operators. For example, third-party platform operators are obligated to make their transaction rules
publicly available and file them with MOFCOM or their respective provincial counterparts, examine and register the legal status of each
third-party merchant selling products or services on their platforms and display on a prominent location of the merchant’s webpage
the information stated in the merchant’s business license or a link to its business license. Where third-party platform operators
also conduct self-operation of products or services on the platform, these third-party platform operators must make a clear distinction
between their online direct sales and sales of products by third-party merchants on their third-party platforms to avoid misleading the
consumers.
On August 31, 2018, the Standing Committee
of the National People’s Congress of China (“SCNPC”) promulgated the E-Commerce Law of the PRC, or the E-Commerce
Law, which became effective on January 1, 2019. The promulgation of the E-Commerce Law established the basic legal framework for
the development of China’s e-commerce business and clarified the obligations of the operators of e-commerce platforms and the possible
legal consequences if operators of e-commerce platforms are found to be in violation of legal obligations. For example, pursuant to the
E-Commerce Law, an operator of an e-commerce platform shall give appropriate reminders to and facilitate the business operators on its
platform who have not completed the formalities for the registration of market entities to complete such formalities. Also, an operator
of an e-commerce platform is legally obligated to verify and register the information of the business operators on its platform, prepare
emergency plans in response to possible cyber security incidents, keep the transaction information for no less than three years from the
date on which the transaction has been completed, establish rules on the protection of intellectual property rights and conform to the
principle of openness, fairness and justice. Violation of the provisions of the E-Commerce Law may result in being ordered to make corrections
within a prescribed period of time, confiscation of illegally obtained gains, fines, suspension of business, inclusion of such violations
in the credit records and possible civil liabilities.
The Company’s business operation is online
retail business which includes online data processing and transaction processing services, therefore, the-above E-Commerce laws and regulations
apply to the Company. We have set up all necessary formalities and requirements in accordance with applicable E-Commerce laws and regulations
for our customers and vendors who are using our E-Commerce platform and taken necessary measures and steps to keep us, our business partners
and customers in compliance with these laws and regulations.
Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment
The PRC Foreign Investment Law
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s
Congress approved the Foreign Investment Law, which has taken effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced three existing laws on foreign
investments in China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise
Law and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The Foreign
Investment Law embodies a regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international
practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic invested enterprises in China.
The Foreign Investment Law establishes the basic framework for the access to, and the promotion, protection and administration
of foreign investments in view of investment protection and fair competition.
According to the Foreign Investment Law,
“foreign investment” refers to investment activities directly or indirectly conducted by one or more natural persons, business
entities, or otherwise organizations of a foreign country (collectively referred to as “foreign investor”) within China, and
the investment activities include the following situations: (i) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other investors,
establishes a foreign-invested enterprise within China; (ii) a foreign investor acquires stock shares, equity shares, shares in assets,
or other like rights and interests of an enterprise within China; (iii) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other
investors, invests in a new project within China; and (iv) investments in other means as provided by laws, administrative regulations,
or the State Council.
According to the Foreign Investment Law,
the State Council will publish or approve to publish a catalogue for special administrative measures, or the “negative list.”
The Foreign Investment Law grants national treatment to foreign invested entities, except for those foreign invested entities
that operate in industries deemed to be either “restricted” or “prohibited” in the “negative list”.
Because the “negative list” has yet to be published by the State Council, it is unclear whether it will differ from the current Special
Administrative Measures for Market Access of Foreign Investment (Negative List) promulgated by the NDRC and the MOFCOM. The Foreign
Investment Law provides that foreign invested entities operating in foreign restricted or prohibited industries will require market
entry clearance and other approvals from relevant PRC governmental authorities.
Furthermore, the Foreign Investment Law provides
that foreign invested enterprises established according to the existing laws regulating foreign investment may maintain their structure
and corporate governance within five years after the implementing of the Foreign Investment Law.
In addition, the Foreign Investment Law also
provides several protective rules and principles for foreign investors and their investments in the PRC, including, among others, that
local governments shall abide by their commitments to the foreign investors; foreign-invested enterprises are allowed to issue stocks
and corporate bonds; except for special circumstances, in which case statutory procedures shall be followed and fair and reasonable compensation
shall be made in a timely manner, expropriation or requisition of the investment of foreign investors is prohibited; mandatory technology
transfer is prohibited; and the capital contributions, profits, capital gains, proceeds out of asset disposal, licensing fees of intellectual
property rights, indemnity or compensation legally obtained, or proceeds received upon settlement by foreign investors within China, may
be freely remitted inward and outward in RMB or a foreign currency. Also, foreign investors or the foreign investment enterprise should
be imposed legal liabilities for failing to report investment information in accordance with the requirements.
This new Foreign Investment Law has provided a
more transparent foreign investment environment in China. Particularly, this new law has changed the regulatory procedure from a pre-approval
requirement to the negative list system, which means the foreign invested company may engage in any business activities that are not in
the negative list and pre-approval is not required anymore.
Negative List Relating to Foreign Investment
Investment activities in the PRC by foreign investors
are principally governed by the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Admission of Foreign Investment and the Catalog of
Industries Encouraging Foreign Investment promulgated and as amended from time to time by MOFCOM and National Development and Reform Commission
(the “NDRC”). In June, 2020, the MOFCOM and the NDRC promulgated the Special Administrative
Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access (2020 Version), or the Negative List, which was further replaced by the Special
Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access (2021 Version), as promulgated by the MOFCOM and the NDRC in December
2021 and became effective on January 1, 2022. Industries listed in the Negative List are divided into two categories: restricted and prohibited.
Industries not listed in the Negative List are generally deemed as constituting a third “permitted” category. Establishment
of wholly foreign-owned enterprises is generally allowed in permitted industries. Some restricted industries are limited to equity or
contractual joint ventures, while in some cases Chinese partners are required to hold the majority interests in such joint ventures. In
addition, restricted category projects are subject to higher-level government approvals. Foreign investors are not allowed to invest in
industries in the prohibited category. Industries not listed in the Negative List are generally open to foreign investment unless specifically
restricted by other PRC regulations.
To comply with PRC laws and regulations, we rely
on contractual arrangements with the VIE to operate our e-commerce business in China. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to
Our Corporate Structure—We rely on contractual arrangements with the VIE and the shareholders of the VIE for our business operations,
which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control.”
Shanghai Juhao, the VIE, engages in e-commerce
retail and related services, including online data processing and transaction processing service, which are within the category in which
foreign investment is classified into License Category pursuant to the most recently published Negative List 2021 version. In addition,
we intend to centralize our management and operation in the PRC to avoid being restricted from conducting certain business activities
which are important for our current or future business but are currently restricted or might be restricted in the future. As such, we
believe the contractual arrangements between the WFOE and the VIE are necessary and essential for our business operations. These contractual
arrangements with the VIE and its shareholders enable us to exercise effective control over the variable interest entity and hence consolidate
its financial results.
Regulations Relating to Internet Information
Security and Privacy Protection
The PRC Constitution states that the PRC laws
protect the freedom and privacy of communications of citizens and prohibit infringement on such rights. PRC government authorities have
enacted laws and regulations with respect to internet information security and protection of personal information from any abuse or unauthorized
disclosure, which include the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Internet Security Protection
enacted and amended by the SCNPC on December 28, 2000 and August 27, 2009, respectively, the Provisions on the Technical
Measures for Internet Security Protection issued by the Ministry of Public Security on January 13, 2006 and took effect on March 1,
2006, the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Strengthening Network Information Protection
promulgated by the SCNPC on December 28, 2012, the Several Provisions on Regulating the Market Order of Internet Information Services
promulgated by the MIIT on December 29, 2011, and the Provisions on Protection of Personal Information of Telecommunication
and Internet Users released by the MIIT on July 16, 2013. Internet information in China is regulated from a national security
standpoint.
The Provisions on Protection of Personal Information
of Telecommunication and Internet Users regulate the collection and use of users’ personal information in the provision of telecommunications
services and internet information services in the PRC. Telecommunication business operators and internet service providers are required
to formulate and disclose their own rules for the collection and use of users’ information. Telecommunication business operators
and internet service providers must specify the purposes, manners and scopes of information collection and uses, obtain consent from the
relevant citizens, and keep the collected personal information confidential. Telecommunication business operators and internet service
providers are prohibited from disclosing, tampering with, damaging, selling or illegally providing others with, collected personal information.
Telecommunication business operators and internet service providers are required to take technical and other measures to prevent the collected
personal information from any unauthorized disclosure, damage or loss. Once users terminate the use of telecommunications services or
internet information services, telecommunications business operators and internet information service providers shall stop the collection
and use of the personal information of users and provide the users with services for deregistering their account numbers.
The Provisions on Protecting Personal Information
of Telecommunication and Internet Users further define the personal information of user to include user name, birth date, identification
number, address, phone number, account number, passcode, and other information that may be used to identify the user independently or
in combination with other information and the timing, places, etc. of the use of services by the users. Furthermore, according to the
Interpretations on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Handling of Criminal Cases Involving Infringement on Citizens’
Personal Information, or the Interpretations issued by the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate
on May 8, 2017 and took effect on June 1, 2017, personal information means various information recorded electronically or through
other manners, which may be used to identify individuals or activities of individuals, including, but not limited to, the name, identification
number, contact information, address, user account number and passcode, property ownership and whereabouts.
The Company is legally obligated to protect the
information of its customers and vendors, especially for the personal data of its consumers, such as identity, consuming pattern, and
other personal information.
On November 1, 2015, the Ninth Amendment
to the Criminal Law of the PRC issued by the SCNPC became effective, pursuant to which, any internet service provider that fails
to comply with obligations related to internet information security administration as required by applicable laws and refuses to rectify
upon order is subject to criminal penalty for (i) any large-scale dissemination of illegal information; (ii) any severe consequences
due to the leakage of the user information; (iii) any serious loss of criminal evidence; or (iv) other severe circumstances.
Furthermore, any individual or entity that (i) sells or distributes personal information in a manner which violates relevant regulations,
or (ii) steals or illegally obtain any personal information is subject to criminal penalty under severe circumstances.
On June 1, 2017, the Cyber Security Law
of the PRC, or the Cyber Security Law, promulgated by SCNPC took effect, which is formulated to maintain the network security, safeguard
the cyberspace sovereignty, national security and public interests, protect the lawful rights and interests of citizens, legal persons
and other organizations, and requires that a network operator, which includes, among others, internet information services providers,
take technical measures and other necessary measures to safeguard the safe and stable operation of the networks, effectively respond to
the network security incidents, prevent illegal and criminal activities, and maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability
of network data. The Cyber Security Law reaffirms the basic principles and requirements set forth in other existing laws and regulations
on personal information protections and strengthens the obligations and requirements of internet service providers, which include but
are not limited to: (i) keeping all user information collected strictly confidential and setting up a comprehensive user information
protection system; (ii) abiding by the principles of legality, rationality and necessity in the collection and use of user information
and disclosure of the rules, purposes, methods and scopes of collection and use of user information; and (iii) protecting users’
personal information from being leaked, tampered with, destroyed or provided to third parties. Any violation of the provisions and requirements
under the Cyber Security Law and other related regulations and rules may result in administrative liabilities such as warnings, fines,
confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses, suspension of business, and shutting down of websites, or, in severe cases, criminal
liabilities. After the release of the Cyber Security Law, on May 2, 2017, Cyberspace Administration of China issued the Measures
for Security Reviews of Network Products and Services (Trial), or the Review Measures, which become effective on June 1, 2017.
The Review Measures establish the basic framework and principle for national security reviews of network products and services.
The recommended national standard, Information
Security Technology Personal Information Security Specification, puts forward specific refinement requirements on the collection,
preservation, use and commission processing, sharing, transfer, public disclosure, etc. Although it is not mandatory, in the absence of
clear implementation rules and standards for the law on cyber security and other personal information protection, it will be used as the
basis for judging and making determinations. On November 28, 2019, The Notice of Identification Method of Application Illegal Collection
and Use of Personal Information was issued, which provides a reference for the identification of App illegal collection and use of personal
information, and provides guidance for App operators’ self-inspection and self-correction and netizens’ social supervision.
As an online retail platform operator and service
provider, we are subject to these laws and regulations relating to the collection, use, storage, transfer, disclosure and security of
personally identifiable information with respect to our customers, vendors and employees including any requests from regulatory and government
authorities relating to this data. Further, PRC regulators have been increasingly focused on regulation in the areas of data security
and data protection. We expect that these areas will receive greater public scrutiny and attention from regulators, which could increase
our compliance costs and subject us to heightened risks and challenges. If we are unable to manage these risks, we could become subject
to penalties, fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, and our reputation and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected.
Measures for the Security Assessment of Data
Cross-border Transfer
On July 7, 2022, CAC promulgated the Measures
for the Security Assessment of Data Cross-border Transfer, effective on September 1, 2022, which requires the data processors to apply
for data cross-border security assessment coordinated by the CAC under the following circumstances: (i) any data processor transfers important
data to overseas; (ii) any critical information infrastructure operator or data processor who processes personal information of over 1
million people provides personal information to overseas; (iii) any data processor who provides personal information to overseas and has
already provided personal information of more than 100,000 people or sensitive personal information of more than 10,000 people to overseas
since January 1st of the previous year and; and (iv) other circumstances under which the data cross-border transfer security assessment
is required as prescribed by the CAC.
Personal Information Protection Law of the PRC
On August 20, 2021, the SCNPC promulgated the
Personal Information Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China (the “Personal Information Protection Law”), effective
from November 1, 2021. The Personal Information Protection Law requires, among others, that (i) the processing of personal information
should have a clear and reasonable purpose which should be directly related to the processing purpose, in a method that has the least
impact on personal rights and interests, and (ii) the collection of personal information should be limited to the minimum scope necessary
to achieve the processing purpose to avoid the excessive collection of personal information. Different types of personal information and
personal information processing will be subject to various rules on consent, transfer, and security. Entities handling personal information
bear responsibilities for their personal information handling activities, and shall adopt necessary measures to safeguard the security
of the personal information they handle. Otherwise, the entities handling personal information could be ordered to correct, or suspend
or terminate the provision of services, and face confiscation of illegal income, fines or other penalties.
Regulations Relating to Food Trade
General Administration of Food Marketing
The Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic
of China has been implemented since June 2009, revised by the Chinese People’s Congress in April 2015, December 29, 2018 and April
29, 2021. The Regulations for the Implementation of the Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China took effect in July 2009,
and was revised in February 2016 and October 2019. The State Council standardized food safety in 2016, established a food safety supervision
monitoring and evaluation system, and adopted food safety standards. The State Council implements a food production and operation licensing
system. Engaged in food production, sales, catering services, and obtained business licenses in accordance with the law. The State Council
implements strict supervision and management of special foods such as health foods, medical formulas, and infant formulas.
The “Food Management License Management
Measures” promulgated by the State Food Product Supervision and Administration Bureau in August 2015 and revised in 2017 regulates
food business licensing activities, strengthens the supervision and management of food business, and guarantees food safety. Food business
operators engaged in food business activities shall receive a Food Business License at a business location. The food business license
is valid for five years.
Shanghai Juhao holds a food business license issued
on May 12, 2016, which was renewed on April 22, 2021 with an expiration date of April 21, 2026. This license is renewable every 5 years
and the Company shall submit a renewal application with the authority 30 days before its expiration date. In addition, under the requirements
of other relevant provisions of the “Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China” and “Regulations on the
Administration of Production and Marketing of Alcoholic Products in Shanghai”, we have also obtained the renewable “Retail
License for Alcoholic Products” for alcohol related products on our platform on September 4, 2020 which is valid for four years
and we will apply for renewal before its expiration date on September 4, 2024.
Regulations on product quality and customer
protection
According to the “Product Quality Law of
the People’s Republic of China” which came into effect in September 1993 and the “Product Quality Law of the People’s
Republic of China” revised by the Chinese People’s Congress in 2000, 2009, and 2018 respectively, the products sold must comply
with relevant safety standards, and the seller should take measures to maintain quality of products. The seller shall not make adulterated
product. The qualified products shall not be impersonated as unqualified products. For the seller, any violation of national or industry
health and safety standards or other requirements may result in civil liability and administrative penalties, such as compensation for
damages, fines, confiscation of illegally sold products and sales proceeds, and even cancellation of business licenses, except for criminal
responsibility according to law.
The Law of the People’s Republic of China
on the Protection of Consumer Rights and the Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights and Interests came into effect in January 1994 and
were revised by the Chinese People’s Congress in 2009 and 2013 respectively. The operators should ensure that the services provided
by the products are in line with the personal, property security requirements, and provide consumers with real information about the quality,
function, use and expiration date of the product or service. Consumers who claim damages to products or services purchased or accepted
on the Internet trading platform may claim damages from the seller or service provider. The operator of the online trading platform cannot
provide the real name, address and effective contact information of the seller or service provider, and the consumer can also claim damages
from the provider of the online trading platform. The operator of the online trading platform knows or should know that the seller or
service provider uses its platform to infringe the legitimate rights and interests of the consumer. If the supplier fails to take necessary
measures, it shall bear joint and several liability with the seller or the service provider. In addition, if the operator deceives the
consumer or sells a product that is known to be unqualified or defective, it shall not only compensate the consumer for the loss, but
also pay the additional damages in accordance with the price of the goods or services three times.
In January 2017, the State Administration for
Industry and Commerce issued the “Interim Measures for the Reimbursement of Online Purchase Products within 7 Days”, which
was implemented since March 2017 and revised in October 2020, further clarifying the scope of rights for consumers to return without reason,
including exceptions and return procedures. And online trading; platform operators are responsible for formulating seven-day unreasonable
return rules and related consumer protection systems, and supervising merchants to comply with these rules.
Because we sell food products on our online shopping
mall platform, these food safety laws and regulations are applicable to us.
Regulations Relating to Online Advertising
Internet advertising management
In April 2015, the National People’s Congress
enacted the “Advertising Law of the People’s Republic of China” or the “Advertising Law”, which was implemented
in September 2015 and revised in October 2018 and April 2021. The Advertising Law regulates the commercial advertising activities of the
People’s Republic of China and stipulates the obligations of advertisers, advertising operators, advertising publishers and advertising
spokespersons. It prohibits any advertisements from obscenity, pornography, gambling, superstition, obscenity, obscenity, etc. Content
or violence related content.
If the advertiser violates the provisions of the
advertising content, he shall order it to stop publishing and impose a fine of not less than RMB 200,000; if the circumstances are serious,
the business license may be revoked and may be banned by the relevant departments. The advertisement review approval document can be revoked
and the advertiser’s application will not be accepted within one year. In addition, the advertising operators and advertising publishers
who violate the regulations shall be fined between RMB 200,000 and RMB 2 million to collect advertising fees; if the circumstances are
serious, the “Advertising Operator Business License” or “Advertising Business Permit” shall be revoked. Authorized
publishers may be revoked.
In July 2016, the State Administration for Industry
and Commerce passed the Interim Measures for the Administration of Internet Advertising or the Measures for the Administration of Internet
Advertising, which came into effect in September 2016. According to the “Internet Advertising Management Measures”, Internet
advertisers are responsible for the authenticity of advertising content, and all online advertisements must be marked with “advertising”
so that viewers can easily identify them.
As an online retail platform operator and service
provider, the Company places advertisements of its products and also provides spaces for vendors to publish their advertisements on our
platform. Therefore, the Company is treated as an advertising publisher or advertiser, and the on-line advertising laws and regulations
apply to us.
Regulations Relating to Intellectual Property
Rights
The PRC has adopted comprehensive legislation
governing intellectual property rights, including copyrights, patents, trademarks and domain names.
Copyright. The Copyright Law was adopted in 1990 and amended in 2001, 2010 and
2020. The amended version in 2020 came into effect on June 1, 2021. The amended Copyright Law extends copyright protection to internet
activities, products disseminated over the internet and software products. In addition, there is a voluntary registration system administered
by the China Copyright Protection Center. The amended Copyright Law also requires registration of a copyright pledge. According to the
Copyright Law, an infringer will be subject to various civil liabilities, which include stopping the infringement, eliminating the damages,
apologizing to the copyright owners and compensating the losses of copyright owners. The Copyright Law further provides that the infringer
must compensate the actual loss suffered by the copyright owner. If the actual loss of the copyright owner is difficult to calculate,
the illegal income received by the infringer as a result of the infringement will be deemed as the actual loss or if such illegal income
is also difficult to calculate, the court can decide the amount of the actual loss up to RMB5,000,000. Under the Copyright Law, the term
of protection for copyrighted software of legal persons is 50 years and ends on December 31 of the 50th year from the date of first publishing
of the software.
Patent. The Patent Law of the PRC
promulgated in December 2008, which was revised by the SCNPC on October 17, 2020 and became effective on June 1, 2021, provides for patentable inventions, utility models and designs. An invention or utility
model for which patents may be granted shall have novelty, creativity and practical applicability. The State Intellectual Property Office
under the State Council is responsible for examining and approving patent applications. The protection period is 20 years for inventions
and 10 years for utility models and designs, all of which commence from the date of application of patent rights under the current Patent
Law of the PRC. The protection period has been slightly amended in recent amendment which became effective on June 1, 2021. The terms
of protection for invention and utility patents are still 20 years and 10 years, respectively, in general. The term of protection
for a design patent has been extended from 10 years to 15 years. In addition, for invention patents, in situations where a patent is only
granted after 4 years or more from its filing date or 3 years or more after a request for substantive examination date, the applicant
can request for an extension of protection term for any unreasonable delay.
Trademark. The Trademark Law of the PRC
promulgated in August 2013 which took effect in May 2014 (the “Trademark Law”), and revised in 2019, and its implementation
rules protect registered trademarks. The Trademark Office of National Intellectual Property Administration, PRC, formerly the PRC Trademark
Office of the State Administration of Market Regulation is responsible for the registration and administration of trademarks throughout
the PRC. The Trademark Law has adopted a “first-to-file” principle with respect to trademark registration.
Domain Name. Domain names are protected
under the Administrative Measures for the Internet Domain Names of the PRC promulgated by the Ministry of Information and Industry of
the PRC effective on December 20, 2004 and the Administrative Measures for Internet Domain Names promulgated by MIIT, effective on November
1, 2017 (the “Domain Name Measures”). MIIT is the major regulatory body responsible for the administration of the PRC internet
domain names. The Domain Names Measures has adopted a “first-to-file” principle with respect to the registration of domain
names.
The Company has registered its trademarks, copyrights
and domain names with competent regulatory agencies in China. We may be from time to time in the future subject to legal proceedings and
claims relating to the intellectual property rights of others. See “Risk Factors: Risks Related to Our Business: We may be subject
to intellectual property infringement claims, which may be expensive to defend and may disrupt our business and operations.”
Regulations Relating to Dividend Withholding
Tax
Pursuant to the Enterprise Income Tax Law and
its implementation rules, if a non-resident enterprise has not set up an organization or establishment in the PRC, or has set up an organization
or establishment but the income derived has no actual connection with such organization or establishment, it will be subject to a withholding
tax on its PRC-sourced income at a rate of 10%. Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, the withholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends
by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise is reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly
holds at least 25% of the PRC enterprise. Pursuant to the Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on the Issues concerning the
Application of the Dividend Clauses of Tax Agreements, or Circular 81, a Hong Kong resident enterprise must meet the following conditions,
among others, in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax: (i) it must directly own the required percentage of equity interests
and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (ii) it must have directly owned such percentage in the PRC resident enterprise
throughout the 12 months prior to receiving the dividends. There are also other conditions for enjoying the reduced withholding tax
rate according to other relevant tax rules and regulations. We believe our corporate structure has made us eligible for such reduced rate
once we become a resident enterprise in Hong Kong. The qualification of HK resident enterprise focuses on de facto management. As of the
date of this report, we do not have a management team in Hong Kong and would most likely not be considered a HK resident enterprise and
therefore would not be eligible for the reduced 5% withholding tax rate.
Regulations on Enterprise Income Tax
PRC enterprise income tax is calculated based
on taxable income, which is determined under (i) the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, promulgated by the NPC and implemented
in January 2008 and amended in March 2017 and December 2018, respectively, and (ii) the implementation rules to the EIT Law promulgated
by the State Council and most recently revised in April 2019. The EIT Law imposes a uniform enterprise income tax rate of 25% on all resident
enterprises in the PRC, including foreign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises, unless they qualify for certain exceptions.
In addition, according to the EIT Law and its
implementation rules, enterprises registered in countries or regions outside the PRC with “de facto management bodies” located
within China may be considered to be PRC resident enterprises and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on their
worldwide income. The implementation rules of the EIT Law define “de facto management bodies” as establishments that exercise
full and substantial control over and overall management of the business, productions, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise.
The only detailed guidance currently available for the definition of “de facto management body” as well as the determination
and administration of tax residency status of offshore-incorporated enterprises are set forth in the Notice Regarding the Determination
of Chinese-Controlled Overseas Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprises on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies issued
by the SAT in April 2009, or Circular 82, and the Administrative Measures for Enterprise Income Tax of Chinese-Controlled Overseas Incorporated
Resident Enterprises (Trial Version) issued by the SAT in July 2011, or Bulletin No. 45, which provides guidance on the administration
as well as the determination of the tax residency status of a Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise, defined as an enterprise
that is incorporated under the law of a foreign country or territory and that has a PRC company or PRC corporate group as its primary
controlling shareholder.
According to Circular 82, a Chinese-controlled
offshore-incorporated enterprise will be regarded as a PRC resident enterprise by virtue of having its “de facto management body”
in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global income only if all of the following conditions are met:
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the primary location of the day-to-day operational management and the places where they perform their duties are in the PRC; |
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decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval of organizations or personnel in the PRC; |
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the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals and board and shareholder resolutions are located or maintained in the PRC; and |
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50% or more of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC. |
Bulletin No. 45 further clarifies certain issues
related to the determination of tax resident status and competent tax authorities. It also specifies that when provided with a copy of
Recognition of Residential Status from a resident Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated enterprise, a payer does not need to withhold
income tax when paying certain PRC-sourced income such as dividends, interest and royalties to such Chinese-controlled offshore-incorporated
enterprise.
We believe that we are not a PRC resident enterprise
for PRC tax purposes. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties
remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” If the PRC tax authorities determine that
we or any of our subsidiaries outside of China is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, then we or such subsidiary
could be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 25% on its world-wide income, which could materially reduce our net income. In addition, we will
also be subject to PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. Furthermore, if the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a PRC
resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, gains realized on the sale or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares may be
subject to PRC tax, at a rate of 10% in the case of non-PRC enterprises or 20% in the case of non-PRC individuals (in each case, subject
to the provisions of any applicable tax treaty), if such gains are deemed to be from PRC sources. It is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders
of our company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event
that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise.
Regulations on Income Tax for Share Transfers
According to the Announcement of the SAT on Several
Issues Concerning the Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Property Transfer by Non-Resident Enterprises, or Circular 7, promulgated by the
SAT in February 2015, if a non-resident enterprise, such as the Company, transfers the equity interests of a PRC resident enterprise indirectly
through transfer of the equity interests of an offshore holding company (other than a purchase and sale of shares issued by a PRC resident
enterprise through or in a public securities market) without a reasonable commercial purpose, the PRC tax authorities have the power to
reassess the nature of the transaction and treat the indirect equity transfer as a direct transfer. As a result, the gain derived from
such transfer, which means the equity transfer price less the cost of equity, will be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to
10%. Under the terms of Circular 7, the transfer which meets all of the following circumstances shall be directly deemed as having no
reasonable commercial purposes: (i) over 75% of the value of the equity interests of the offshore holding company are directly or indirectly
derived from PRC taxable properties; (ii) at any time during the year before the indirect transfer, over 90% of the total properties of
the offshore holding company are investments within PRC territory, or in the year before the indirect transfer, over 90% of the offshore
holding company’s revenue is directly or indirectly derived from PRC territory; (iii) the function performed and risks assumed by
the offshore holding company are insufficient to substantiate its corporate existence; and (iv) the foreign income tax imposed on the
indirect transfer is lower than the PRC tax imposed on the direct transfer of the PRC taxable properties. In October, 2017, the SAT issued
the Bulletin of SAT on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or Bulletin 37, which, among
others, repeals certain rules stipulated in Circular 7. Bulletin 37 further details and clarifies the tax withholding methods in respect
of income of non-resident enterprises.
Regulations on PRC Value-Added Tax and Business
Tax
Pursuant to applicable PRC tax regulations, any
entity or individual conducting business in the service industry is generally required to pay a business tax at the rate of 5% on the
revenues generated from providing such services. However, if the services provided are related to technology development and transfer,
such business tax may be exempted subject to approval by the relevant tax authorities. Pursuant to the Provisional Regulations on Value-Added
Tax of the PRC and its implementation regulations, unless otherwise specified by relevant laws and regulations, any entity or individual
engaged in the sales of goods, provision of processing, repairs and replacement services and importation of goods into China is generally
required to pay a value-added tax, or VAT, for revenues generated from sales of products, while qualified input VAT paid on taxable purchase
can be offset against such output VAT.
In November 2011, the Ministry of Finance and
the State Administration of Taxation promulgated the Pilot Plan for Imposition of Value-Added Tax to Replace Business Tax. In March 2016,
the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation further promulgated the Notice on Fully Promoting the Pilot Plan for
Replacing Business Tax by Value-Added Tax, which became effective on May 1, 2016. Pursuant to the pilot plan and relevant notices,
VAT is generally imposed in lieu of business tax in the modern service industries, including the VATS, on a nationwide basis. VAT of a
rate of 6% applies to revenue derived from the provision of some modern services. Certain small taxpayers under PRC law are subject to
reduced value-added tax at a rate of 3%. Unlike business tax, a taxpayer is allowed to offset the qualified input VAT paid on taxable
purchases against the output VAT chargeable on the modern services provided.
On April 4, 2018, the Ministry of Finance
and the State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice on Adjustment of VAT Rates, which came into effect on May 1, 2018. According
to the abovementioned notice, the taxable goods previously subject to VAT rates of 17% and 11% respectively become subject to lower VAT
rates of 16% and 10% respectively starting from May 1, 2018. Furthermore, according to the Announcement on Relevant Policies for
Deepening Value-added Tax Reform jointly promulgated by the Ministry of Finance, the State Administration of Taxation and the General
Administration of Customs, which became effective on April 1, 2019, the taxable goods previously subject to VAT rates of 16% and
10% respectively become subject to lower VAT rates of 13% and 9% respectively starting from April 1, 2019. Shanghai Juhao currently
pays VAT at a rate of 13%.
Regulations on Foreign Currency Exchange
The principal regulations governing foreign currency
exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, which were most recently amended in August 2008. Under the Foreign
Exchange Administration Regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions, interest payments and trade and
service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain
procedural requirements. By contrast, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to
be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital account items, such as direct investments, repayment of foreign
currency-denominated loans, repatriation of investments and investments in securities outside of China.
In August 2008, SAFE issued the Circular on the
Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of
Foreign-Invested Enterprises (“SAFE Circular 142”), regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign
currency-registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB may be used. SAFE Circular 142, provides that the RMB capital
converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business
scope approved by the applicable government authority and may not be used for equity investments within the PRC.
In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of
the flow and use of the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of such
RMB capital may not be changed without SAFE’s approval, and such RMB capital may not, in any case, be used to repay RMB loans if
the proceeds of such loans have not been used. Any violation of Circular 142 may result in severe penalties, including substantial fines.
In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular
of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment, which substantially amends and
simplifies the current foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange
accounts, such as pre-establishment expense accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts and guarantee accounts, the reinvestment of RMB
proceeds derived by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and dividends by a foreign-invested enterprise
to its foreign shareholders, no longer require approval or verification from SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may
be opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously.
In addition, SAFE promulgated another circular
in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the
PRC must be conducted by way of registration, and banks must process foreign exchange business relating to direct investment in the PRC
based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.
In July 2014, SAFE further reformed the foreign
exchange administration system in order to satisfy and facilitate the business and capital operations of Foreign-Invested Enterprises
and issued the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on the Pilot Reform of the Administrative Approach Regarding the
Settlement of the Foreign Exchange Capitals of Foreign-Invested Enterprises in Certain Areas (“Circular 36”), in July 2014.
This circular suspends the application of Circular 142 in certain areas and allows a Foreign-Invested Enterprise registered in such areas
to use the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital for equity investments within the PRC.
On February 13, 2015, SAFE promulgated the Notice
on Further Simplifying and Improving the Administration of the Foreign Exchange Concerning Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which
became effective on June 1, 2015. Pursuant to SAFE Notice 13, instead of applying for approvals regarding foreign exchange registrations
of foreign direct investment and overseas direct investment from SAFE, entities and individuals will be required to apply for such foreign
exchange registrations from qualified banks. The qualified banks, under the supervision of SAFE, will directly examine applications and
manage registrations.
On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated SAFE Circular
19, to expand the reform nationwide. SAFE Circular 19 came into force and replaced both Circular 142 and Circular 36 on June 1, 2015.
SAFE Circular 19 allows foreign-invested enterprises to make equity investments by using RMB funds converted from foreign exchange capital.
However, Circular 19 continues to prohibit foreign-invested enterprises from, among other things, using RMB funds converted from foreign
exchange capital for expenditure beyond the enterprise’s business scope, providing entrusted loans, or repaying loans between non-financial
enterprises.
On June 9, 2016, SAFE issued SAFE Circular 16,
which took effect on the same day. Compared to SAFE Circular 19, SAFE Circular 16 provides that, in addition to foreign exchange capital,
foreign debt funds and proceeds remitted from foreign listings should also be subject to the discretional foreign exchange settlement.
In addition, it also lifted the restriction that foreign exchange capital under the capital accounts and the corresponding RMB capital
obtained from foreign exchange settlement should not be used for repaying the inter-enterprise borrowings (including advances by a third
party) or repaying bank loans in RMB that had been sub-lent to the third party.
In January 2017, SAFE promulgated the Circular
on Further Improving Reform of Foreign Exchange Administration and Optimizing Genuineness and Compliance Verification, or Circular 3,
which stipulates several capital control measures with respect to the outbound remittance of profit from domestic entities to offshore
entities, including (i) under the principle of genuine transaction, banks shall check board resolutions regarding profit distribution,
the original version of tax filing records and audited financial statements; and (ii) domestic entities shall hold income to account for
previous years’ losses before remitting profits. Moreover, pursuant to Circular 3, domestic entities shall make detailed explanations
of the sources of capital and utilization arrangements, and provide board resolutions, contracts and other proof when completing the registration
procedures in connection with an outbound investment.
Based on the forgoing, if we intend to provide
funding to our wholly foreign owned subsidiaries through capital injection at or after their establishment, we should file with the State
Administration for Market Regulation or its local counterparts, via the foreign investment comprehensive administrative system and register
such funding with local banks for foreign exchange related matters.
In October 2019, SAFE promulgated the Circular
28 to further promote facilitation of cross-border trade and investment and relaxed certain restriction on foreign exchange settlement.
Regulations on Foreign Exchange Registration
of Overseas Investment by PRC Residents
SAFE issued SAFE Circular on Relevant Issues Relating
to Domestic Resident’s Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37,
that became effective in July 2014, replacing the previous SAFE Circular 75. SAFE Circular 37 regulates foreign exchange matters
in relation to the use of special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, by PRC residents or entities to seek offshore investment and financing or
conduct round trip investment in China. Under SAFE Circular 37, a SPV refers to an offshore entity established or controlled, directly
or indirectly, by PRC residents or entities for the purpose of seeking offshore financing or making offshore investments, using legitimate
onshore or offshore assets or interests, while “round trip investment” refers to direct investment in China by PRC residents
or entities through SPVs, namely, establishing foreign-invested enterprises to hold the ownership, control rights and management rights.
SAFE Circular 37 provides that, before making contribution into an SPV, PRC residents or entities are required to complete foreign exchange
registration with SAFE or its local branch. SAFE promulgated the Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving the Administration of the
Foreign Exchange Concerning Direct Investment in February 2015, which took effect on June 1, 2015. This notice has amended SAFE Circular
37 requiring PRC residents or entities to register with qualified banks rather than SAFE or its local branch in connection with their
establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas investment or financing.
PRC residents or entities who had contributed
legitimate onshore or offshore interests or assets to SPVs but had not obtained registration as required before the implementation of
SAFE Circular 37 must register their ownership interests or control in the SPVs with qualified banks. An amendment to the registration
is required if there is a material change with respect to the SPV registered, such as any change of basic information (including change
of the PRC residents, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, and mergers
or divisions. Failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in SAFE Circular 37 and the subsequent notice, or making misrepresentations
about or failure to disclose controllers of the foreign-invested enterprise that is established through round-trip investment, may result
in restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant foreign-invested enterprise, including payment of dividends
and other distributions, such as proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation, to its offshore parent or affiliate,
and the capital inflow from the offshore parent, and may also subject relevant PRC residents or entities to penalties under PRC foreign
exchange administration regulations.
The major shareholders of the Company have completed
the initial registrations with the local SAFE branch or qualified banks as required by SAFE Circular 37. To our knowledge, certain of
our minority shareholders of the Company who are also PRC resident individual shareholders have not completed their SAFE Circular 37 registration
yet. Failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in the Circular 37 may result in restrictions being imposed on the foreign
exchange activities of the relevant onshore company, including the payment of dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent
or affiliate, the capital inflow from the offshore entities and settlement of foreign exchange capital, and may also subject relevant
onshore company or PRC residents to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations.
Regulations on Stock Incentive Plans
SAFE promulgated the Stock Option Rules in February 2012,
replacing the previous rules issued by SAFE in March 2007. Under the Stock Option Rules and other relevant rules and regulations,
PRC residents who participate in stock incentive plans in an overseas publicly-listed company are required to register with SAFE or its
local branches and complete certain other procedures. Participants of a stock incentive plan who are PRC residents must retain a qualified
PRC agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of the overseas publicly listed company or another qualified institution selected by the PRC
subsidiary, to conduct the SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the stock incentive plan on behalf of the participants.
In addition, the PRC agent is required to amend the SAFE registration with respect to the stock incentive plan if there is any material
change to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agent or other material changes. The PRC agent must, on behalf of the PRC residents who have
the right to exercise the employee share options, apply to SAFE or its local branches for an annual quota for the payment of foreign currencies
in connection with the PRC residents’ exercise of the employee share options. The foreign exchange proceeds received by the PRC
residents from the sale of shares under the stock incentive plans granted and dividends distributed by the overseas listed companies must
be remitted into the bank accounts in the PRC opened by the PRC agents before distribution to such PRC residents.
The Board of Directors of the Company approved
and adopted Jowell Global Ltd. 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan (the “Equity Plan”) on August 2, 2021, which was approved at the stockholders’
meeting on September 10, 2021. The total aggregate ordinary shares of the Company authorized for issuance during the term of the Equity
Plan is limited to 4,000,000 shares. Our executive officers, director and other employees who are PRC citizens or who have resided in
the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year and have received stock awards from the Company have not completed their SAFE
registration yet.
Regulations on Dividend Distribution
Under our current corporate structure, we may
rely on dividend payments from WFOE, which is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise incorporated in China, to fund any cash and financing
requirements we may have. The principal regulations governing distribution of dividends of foreign-invested enterprises include the newly
enacted Foreign-Investment Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2020, and its implementation rules. Under these laws and regulations,
wholly foreign-owned enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated after-tax profits, if any, determined in accordance
with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, wholly foreign-owned enterprises in China are required to allocate at least
10% of their respective accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds until these reserves have reached 50% of
the registered capital of the enterprises. Wholly foreign-owned companies may, at their discretion, allocate a portion of their after-tax
profits based on PRC accounting standards to staff welfare and bonus funds. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends.
Regulations on Overseas Listings
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial
Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises (the “New Overseas Listing Rules”)
with five interpretive guidelines, which took effect on March 31, 2023. The New Overseas Listing Rules require Chinese domestic enterprises
to complete filings with relevant governmental authorities and report related information under certain circumstances, such as: a) an
issuer making an application for initial public offering and listing in an overseas market; b) an issuer making an overseas securities
offering after having been listed on an overseas market; c) a domestic company seeking an overseas direct or indirect listing of its assets
through single or multiple acquisition(s), share swap, transfer of shares or other means. According to the Notice on Arrangements for
Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises, published by the CSRC on February 17, 2023, a company that (i) has already
completed overseas listing or (ii) has already obtained the approval for the offering or listing from overseas securities regulators or
exchanges but has not completed such offering or listing before effective date of the new rules and completes such offering or listing
before September 30, 2023 will be considered as an existing listed company and is not required to make any filing until it conducts a
new offering in the future. Furthermore, upon the occurrence of any of the material events specified below after an issuer has completed
its offering and listed its securities on an overseas stock exchange, the issuer shall submit a report thereof to the CSRC within 3 working
days after the occurrence and public disclosure of the event: (i) change of control; (ii) investigations or sanctions imposed by overseas
securities regulatory agencies or other competent authorities; (iii) change of listing status or transfer of listing segment; or (iv)
voluntary or mandatory delisting.
Regulations Relating to Employment
Pursuant to the Labor Law of PRC, promulgated
by the NPC in July 1994 and revised in August 2009 and December 2018 (the “Labor Law”), and the Labor Contract Law of PRC,
promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC in June 2007 and amended in December 2012 (the “Labor Contract Law”), employers
must execute written employment contracts with full-time employees. If an employer fails to enter into a written employment contract with
an employee within one year from the date on which the employment relationship is established, the employer must rectify the situation
by entering into a written employment contract with the employee and pay the employee twice the employee’s salary for the period
from the day following the lapse of one month from the date of establishment of the employment relationship to the day prior to the execution
of the written employment contract. All employers must compensate their employees with wages equal to at least the local minimum wage
standards. Violations of the PRC Labor Law and the Labor Contract Law may result in the imposition of fines and other administrative sanctions,
and serious violations may result in criminal liabilities.
Enterprises in China are required by PRC laws
and regulations to participate in certain employee benefit plans, including social insurance funds, namely a pension plan, a medical insurance
plan, an unemployment insurance plan, a work-related injury insurance plan and a maternity insurance plan, and a housing provident fund,
and contribute to the plans or funds based on local annual minimum salary standard or certain percentage of the local annual average compensations
to works (“Social Insurance Payment Base”). We participate in employee benefit plans and have made contributions to such plans
required by current PRC laws and regulations. If enterprises are required to contribute to the plans or funds based on a higher Social
Insurance Payment Base under the new regulations or policies in the future, we may have to make more contributions to such plans for our
employees.
We intend to comply with the new regulations and
policies applicable to employee benefit plans set forth through time. As of the date of this report, we have signed written employment
contracts with all of our employees and paid all the benefits package as required by law. In addition, the PRC Individual Income Tax Law
requires companies operating in China to withhold individual income tax on employees’ salaries based on the actual salary of each
employee upon payment.
C.
Organizational structure
Below is the Company’s corporate structure
chart as of the date of this report.
Variable Interest Entity Arrangements
In establishing our business, we have used a VIE
structure. In the PRC, investment activities by foreign investors are principally governed by the Guidance Catalog of Industries for Foreign
Investment, which was promulgated and is amended from time to time by the PRC Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, and the PRC National Development
and Reform Commission, or NDRC. In June 2020, the MOFCOM and the NDRC promulgated
the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access (2020 Version), or the Negative List, which became effective
on July 23, 2020. In December 2021, MOFCOM and NDRC promulgated the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment
Access (2021 Version), or the Negative List, which became effective on January 1, 2022. Industries not listed in the Negative List are
generally open to foreign investment unless specifically restricted by other PRC regulations. Our Company and WFOE are considered as foreign
investors or foreign invested enterprises under PRC law.
The business we conduct through the VIE is within
the category for which foreign investment is currently restricted under the Negative List or other PRC Laws. In addition, we intend to
centralize our management and operation in the PRC without being restricted to conducting certain business activities which are important
for our current or future business but are restricted or might be restricted in the future. As such, we believe the agreements between
the WFOE and the VIE are necessary and essential to our business operations. These contractual arrangements with the VIE and its shareholders
enable us to consolidate financial results of the VIE.
WFOE effectively assumed management of the business
activities of the VIE through a series of agreements which are referred to as the VIE Agreements. The VIE Agreements are comprised of
a series of agreements, including an Exclusive Business Cooperation and Management Agreement, an Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, an
Exclusive Option Agreement, Powers of Attorney and Spousal Consent Letters. Through the VIE Agreements, WFOE has the right to advise,
consult, manage and operate the VIE for an annual consulting service fee in an amount equal to all of the VIE’s net profit after
tax. The shareholders of the VIE have pledged all of their right, title and equity interests in the VIE as security for WFOE to collect
consulting services fees provided to the VIE through the Equity Interest Pledge Agreement. In order to further reinforce WFOE’s
rights to control and operate the variable interest entity, the VIE’s shareholders have granted WFOE an exclusive right and option
to acquire all of their equity interests in the VIE through the Exclusive Option Agreement.
On October 31, 2019 and November 1, 2019, Shanghai
Jowell entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Shanghai Juhao Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Juhao”)
and the shareholders of Shanghai Juhao, as amended on October 10, 2020. These agreements include: 1) an Exclusive Business Cooperation
and Management Agreement; 2) an Equity Interest Pledge Agreement; 3) an Exclusive Option Agreements 4) Powers of Attorney and 5) Spousal
Consent Letters. Pursuant to these agreements, Shanghai Jowell has the exclusive rights to provide consulting services to Shanghai Juhao
related to the business operation and management of Shanghai Juhao. For such services, Shanghai Juhao agrees to pay service fees determined
based on all of its net profit after tax payments to Shanghai Jowell or Shanghai Jowell has obligation to absorb all of Shanghai Juhao’s
losses. The agreements remain in effect until and unless all parties agree to its termination, except the Exclusive Option Agreement that
the effective term of 10 years and can be renewed for an additional 10 years. Until such termination, Shanghai Juhao may not enter into
another agreement for the provision of management consulting services without the prior consent of Shanghai Jowell. Also, pursuant to
the equity interest pledge agreement between the shareholders of Shanghai Juhao and Shanghai Jowell, such shareholders pledged all of
their equity interests in Shanghai Juhao to Shanghai Jowell, to guarantee Shanghai Juhao’s performance of its obligations under
the Exclusive Business Cooperation and Management Agreement. Without Shanghai Jowell’s prior written consent, the shareholders of
Shanghai Juhao shall not transfer or assign the pledged equity interests, or incur or allow any encumbrance that would jeopardize Shanghai
Jowell’s interests. If Shanghai Juhao breaches its contractual obligations under the aforesaid agreement, Shanghai Jowell, as the
pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights and entitlements, including priority in receiving payments by the evaluation or proceeds from
the auction or sale of all or part of the pledged equity interests of Shanghai Juhao, in accordance with legal procedures. In essence,
Shanghai Jowell has gained effective control over Shanghai Juhao. Therefore, Shanghai Juhao is considered a VIE under the Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 “Consolidation”,
because the equity investments in Shanghai Juhao no longer have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, and the Company,
through Shanghai Jowell, is the primary beneficiary of Shanghai Juhao.
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
Our principal executive office is located in
Shanghai, China, where we lease approximately 700 square meters of office space. We also have other material leases of four office
spaces for approximately 7,073 square meters, two warehouse space for approximately 6,440 square meters, one live broadcasting room
space for approximately 1,146 square meters and one Juhao Best Choice Store space for approximately 3,956 square meters in Chuangshu
City, Jiangsu Province. Our leases can be renewed upon mutual agreement with our lessors. Our leased premises are leased from
unrelated third parties and related parties who either have valid titles to the relevant properties or proper authorization from the
title holders to sublease the property, save as disclosed in the following table:
Currently, we mainly lease the following properties
to conduct our business:
Property Address |
|
Lessor |
|
Annual Rent |
|
Lease
Expiration
Date |
|
Purposes/Use |
2nd Floor, No. 285 Jiangpu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China |
|
Shanghai Longrich Industrial Co. Ltd. |
|
RMB 661,500 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
Office |
No. 46-5 Xinzhuang Avenue, Xinzhuang County, Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, China |
|
Colori, Inc. |
|
RMB 1,803,200 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
Warehouse |
No.
26 Longrich Blvd., Longrich Industrial Park, Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, China |
|
Jiangsu Longrich Bioscience Co. Ltd. |
|
RMB 2,740,915 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
Office |
No. 38 Xinzhuang Avenue, Changnan Village, Xinzhuang County, Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, China |
|
Jiangsu Longrich Bioscience Co. Ltd. |
|
RMB503,128 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
Office |
Hanjia Building, Room 3201 Jianggan District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China |
|
Meizhu Hu |
|
RMB 1,340,865 |
|
May 19, 2031 |
|
Office |
Chuangke, Longrich Industrial Park, Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, China |
|
Jiangsu Longrich Bioscience Co. Ltd. |
|
RMB 525,600 |
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
Live Broadcasting Room |
227 Provincial Rd, Xinzhuang County, Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, China |
|
Colori, Inc. |
|
RMB 1,028,560 |
|
August 31, 2024 |
|
Juhao Best Choice Store |
309 Dongping St. Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China |
|
Suzhou Tiangong Zhongchuang Enterprise Management Co., Ltd. |
|
RMB 711,522 |
|
November 30, 2023 |
|
Office |
Changshu Tonggang Road Changkelong Logistics Center |
|
Suzhou Zhongtong Lianshang Supply Chain Management Co. LTD |
|
RMB1,188,000 |
|
June 30, 2023 |
|
Warehouse |
We believe that we will be able to obtain adequate
facilities, principally through leasing, to accommodate our future expansion plans.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not Applicable
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
You should read the following discussion and
analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related
notes included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements based upon
current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking
statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors”
or in other parts of this annual report on Form 20-F.
5A. Operating Results
Overview
Jowell Global Ltd. (“Jowell Global”
or “we”) is an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability on August 16, 2019, as a holding
company. We, through the consolidated variable interest entity (“VIE”), focuses on providing consumers with convenient and
high-quality online retail experience through our retail platforms, www.1juhao.com, and mobile app, as well as authorized retail stores.
We also offer programs that enable third-party sellers to distribute their products through our platforms. In an effort to differentiate
our services, we focus on and specialize in the online retail and sales through our distribution network of cosmetic products, health
and nutritional supplements and household products.
We completed a reorganization of our legal structure
on November 1, 2019. The reorganization involved the incorporation of Jowell Global, Jowell Technology Limited (“Jowell Tech”),
a Hong Kong holding company; the incorporation of Shanghai Jowell Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Jowell”), a wholly foreign-owned
entity (“WFOE”) formed by Jowell Tech under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”).
As part of the reorganization, on October 31,
2019 and November 1, 2019, Shanghai Jowell entered into a series of agreements with Shanghai Juhao Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai
Juhao”) and its shareholders, as amended on October 10, 2020. These agreements include: 1) an Exclusive Business Cooperation and
Management Agreement (“EBCMA”); 2) an Equity Interest Pledge Agreement (“EIPA”); 3) an Exclusive Option Agreement
(“EOA”); 4) Powers of Attorney (“POA”) and 5) Spousal Consent Letters. Through these agreements, Shanghai Jowell
has established the exclusive rights to receive the profits and obligation to absorb losses from Shanghai Juhao. The agreements remain
in effect unless all parties agree to its termination, except the EOA which has an effective term of 10 years and can be renewed for an
additional 10 years upon the end of the initial term. Until such termination, Shanghai Juhao may not enter into another agreement for
the similar provision without obtaining consent from Shanghai Jowell. Shanghai Jowell has gained control over Shanghai Juhao and Shanghai
Juhao is considered a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810 “Consolidation”.
Jowell Global, Jowell Tech, and Shanghai Jowell
are holding companies with no material operations of their own and do not hold any material assets. We conduct our operations primarily
through the VIE in China. We established the VIE structure through aforementioned VIE agreements. These VIE agreements are subject to
restrictions under current PRC laws and regulations. In the opinion of our PRC counsel, Yiyou Tianyuan Law Firm, our current ownership
structure, the ownership structure of our PRC subsidiary and the consolidated VIE, and the contractual arrangements among WFOE, the VIE
and the shareholders of the VIE are common practices for the companies listed on stock exchange in Hong Kong or the U.S. engaging in the
businesses on Negative List in China and these contractual arrangements are valid and binding in accordance with their terms and applicable
PRC laws and regulations currently in effect. However, Yiyou Tianyuan Law Firm has also advised us that there are substantial uncertainties
regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations and there can be no assurance that the PRC
government will ultimately take a view that is consistent with the opinion of our PRC counsel. If the PRC government finds that our contractual
arrangements do not comply with its restrictions on foreign investment in the online data processing and transaction processing services
business, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities, including the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), would have broad discretion
in dealing with such violations or failures, including, without limitation: requiring us to restructure our ownership structure or operations,
including terminating the contractual arrangements with the VIE and deregistering the equity pledges of the VIE, which in turn would affect
our ability to consolidate, derive economic interests from, or exert control over the VIE. For more detail, see “Risk Factors
– Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure - If the PRC government deems that the contractual arrangements in relation to the consolidated
variable interest entities do not comply with PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these
regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to
relinquish our interests in those operations.”
In 2012, Shanghai Juhao started its operation,
which was among the first membership -based e-commerce platforms for online-to-offline sales of cosmetics, health and nutritional
supplements and household products in China. Today, we offer an online platform Juhao Mall which holds an EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
certification approved by the Shanghai Communication Administration pursuant to the requirement of Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology of China, selling our own brand products manufactured by third parties as well as international and domestic branded products
from 200+ other manufacturers. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our platform had 2,440,745 and 2,237,358 VIP members who have registered
on our platform, respectively, 266 and 238 merchants who have opened their own stores on our platform, respectively. In the years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021, 66.3% and 79.0% of the products sold on our platform were cosmetics and health and nutritional supplements,
respectively. We also sell household products, such as pots and pans, paper towels, cups, vacuum cleaners, massagers, towels on our platform,
and those products account for 33.6% and 21.0% of the products sold on our platform in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
We believe that we are industry forerunners in
turning data insight into valuable business intelligence in China. We continue to innovate and develop new solutions for our e-commerce
platform, which is supported by a strong IT infrastructure. We currently offer innovative service modules on our platforms such as data
analysis, CRM (customer relationship management), classification management, supply chain management, online shopping consultation, price
intelligence system, and precision marketing. Aimed at operational excellence, our service modules are designed and built to satisfy the
needs of participants for integrated and easy-to-use software systems. Our technology and data solutions for our authorized Love Home
Store enable users to monitor sales volume and pricing of products through our smart supply chain. With service location-specific data,
users are able to understand the needs of specific products in real time and gain valuable market insight. We can use this information
to recommend purchasing and inventory strategies to Love Home Store users in order to fundamentally improve their procurement processes.
Since August 2017, we have been also selling our
products in authorized retail stores all across China. Operating under the brand name “Love Home Store” or “LHH Store”,
the authorized retailers may operate as independent stores or store-in-shop (an integrated store), selling our products that they purchased
through our online platform under their special retailer accounts with us which provide them with major discounts. As of December 31,
2022 and 2021, we authorized 26,414 and 26,043 Love Home stores in 31 provinces of China, respectively, providing offline retail and wholesale
of our products.
On April 28, 2021, the Company announced it has
officially launched its “Juhao Best Choice” community group-buying store initiative to continue growing its offline retail
market presence. The community group-buying offline stores will sell fresh produce, foods and daily household consumer products in addition
to the cosmetics and health and nutritional supplements currently sold in the Company’s franchised LHH Stores. The community group-buying
stores aim to provide a more convenient shopping experience and high-quality produce and foods for consumers from local communities, towns
and villages across China. Juhao Best Choice stores will consolidate online and offline resources for store design and logistics services
and provide guidance and trainings for store owners with a unified system for store management, design, service criteria, SKU management
and product delivery. The Company will also provide the store owners with live-streaming marketing skill training and upgrade and expand
certain existing LHH Stores to Juhao Best Choice stores.
On March 19, 2021, the Company closed its initial
public offering (“IPO”) of 3,714,286 ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, priced at $7.00 per share. On March
23, 2021, the underwriter exercised its over-allotment option to purchase an additional 557,143 ordinary shares at a price of $7.00 per
share. The net proceeds of the Company’s IPO, including the proceeds from the sale of the over-allotment shares, totaled approximately
$25.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. The Ordinary Shares have been listed on the Nasdaq Capital
Market and trading under the ticker symbol “JWEL” since March 17, 2021. In connection with the IPO, the Company issued to
the underwriter and its affiliates warrants to purchase ordinary shares of the Company that equals to 10% of the aggregate number of ordinary
shares sold by the underwriter in the IPO (the “Warrants”). In November 2021, the warrants holders have cashless exercised the Warrants for an aggregate of 137,111 ordinary shares of the Company. As of December 31,
2022, there was no warrants outstanding.
On July 27, 2021, Shanghai Juhao entered into
a Capital Increase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Suzhou Industrial Park Hongrun Rural Small Amount Loan Co., Ltd. (“Hongrun”)
and its shareholders identified on the signature pages thereto (the “Existing Shareholders”). Mr. Zhiwei Xu, the Chairman
of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hongrun. Jiangsu
Longrich Group Co., Ltd., the largest shareholder of Hongrun is also a related party of the Company. Pursuant to the Agreement, Shanghai
Juhao contributed RMB 30 million (approximately $4.6 million) to Hongrun (the “Investment”) for 18.96% equity interest of
Hongrun. Hongrun and Existing Shareholders agree the Investment will only be used for making loans to the owners of
Juhao Best Choice Stores for their business development and expansion. Juhao Best Choice Stores are the
community group-buying franchise stores launched by Shanghai Juhao in April 2021.
On April 13, 2023, Shanghai Jowell established
a new wholly owned subsidiary Shanghai Lianfu Information Technology Co., Ltd. which will develop on marketing and sales of agricultural
and fishing products on Tencent Short Video and other social media platforms.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results
Our business and results of operations are affected
by general factors affecting the online retail markets for health and nutritional supplements and cosmetics in China, including China’s
overall economic growth, the increase in per capita disposable income, the growth in consumer spending and the retail industry and the
expansion of internet penetration. Unfavorable changes in any of these general factors could affect the demand for the products we sell
and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
While our business is influenced by general factors
affecting China’s online retail industry, our operating results are more directly affected by certain company specific factors,
including:
| ● | our
ability to attract and retain customers at reasonable cost; |
| ● | our
ability to establish and maintain relationships with suppliers, third-party merchants and other service providers; |
| ● | our
ability to invest in growth and new technologies while improving operating efficiency; |
| ● | our
ability to control marketing expenses, while promoting our brand and internet platform cost-effectively; |
| ● | our
ability to source new products to meet customer demands; and |
| ● | our
ability to establish Juhao Best Choice Stores and continue to expand offline LHH Stores and increase the interactions between our online
platform and offline stores. |
| ● | our
ability to compete effectively and to execute our strategies successfully. |
Impact of COVID-19
Beginning in late 2019, there was an outbreak
of COVID-19 (coronavirus) which has spread quickly across many parts in China, the U.S. and worldwide. In March 2020, the World Health
Organization declared the COVID-19 a pandemic. With an aim to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, the Chinese government has imposed various
strictive measures across the country including, but not limited to, travel restrictions, mandatory quarantine requirements, and postponed
resumption of business operations until after the 2020 Chinese New Year holiday. Starting from March 2020, businesses in China began to
reopen and interruptions to businesses were gradually removed. However, due to the outbreak of Omicron variant in 2022 in China, many
cities in China have imposed new restrictions, quarantine and testing requirements and office closures, including Shanghai, where our
headquarters are located. Employees of the VIE in Shanghai office worked from home from March 30, 2022 to June 1, 2022. In early December 2022, Chinese government eased the strict control measure for COVID-19, which has led to surge
in increased infections and caused disruption in our business operations in December 2022 and January 2023.
As an online retailer and retail platform,
the Company’s operations in 2022 were not significantly negatively impacted by the pandemic. As the date of this report, the
Chinese government has loosened its policy and there is no control measures due to COVID-19. However, the situation remains highly
uncertain for any further outbreak or resurgence of the COVID-19 and new variants. It is therefore difficult for the Company to
estimate the impact on our business or operating results that might be adversely affected by any further outbreak or resurgence of
COVID-19 and new variants. We will continue to closely
monitor the situation throughout 2023 and beyond.
Results of Operations
Certain tables within this section may not reflect
the exact amount or percentage due to rounding.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
The following table summarized the results of
our operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and provides information regarding the dollar and percentage
fluctuations during such periods.
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, | | |
| |
| |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
Variance | |
| |
$ Amount | | |
% of Revenue | | |
$ Amount | | |
% of Revenue | | |
$ Amount | | |
% of Revenue | |
| |
(in thousands, except for percentages) | |
Revenue | |
$ | 209,981 | | |
| 100.0 | % | |
$ | 170,912 | | |
| 100.0 | % | |
$ | 39,069 | | |
| 22.9 | % |
Operating Expenses: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Cost of Revenues | |
| 203,738 | | |
| 97.0 | % | |
| 159,259 | | |
| 93.2 | % | |
| 44,479 | | |
| 27.9 | % |
Fulfilment | |
| 3,700 | | |
| 1.8 | % | |
| 3,758 | | |
| 2.2 | % | |
| (58 | ) | |
| (1.6 | )% |
Marketing | |
| 8,795 | | |
| 4.2 | % | |
| 9,380 | | |
| 5.5 | % | |
| (585 | ) | |
| (6.2 | )% |
General and Administrative | |
| 5,789 | | |
| 2.8 | % | |
| 5,507 | | |
| 3.2 | % | |
| 282 | | |
| 5.1 | % |
Total Operating Expenses | |
| 222,022 | | |
| 105.8 | % | |
| 177,905 | | |
| 104.1 | % | |
| 44,117 | | |
| 24.8 | % |
Income (loss) from Operations | |
| (12,041 | ) | |
| (5.7 | )% | |
| (6,993 | ) | |
| (4.1 | )% | |
| (5,048 | ) | |
| 72.2 | % |
Other Income | |
| 89 | | |
| 0.0 | % | |
| 413 | | |
| 0.2 | % | |
| (324 | ) | |
| (78.5 | )% |
Loss before Income Taxes | |
| (11,952 | ) | |
| (5.7 | )% | |
| (6,580 | ) | |
| (3.8 | )% | |
| (5,372 | ) | |
| 81.7 | % |
Benefit for Income Taxes | |
| (420 | ) | |
| (0.2 | )% | |
| (191 | ) | |
| (0.1 | )% | |
| (230 | ) | |
| 120.5 | % |
Net Income (loss) | |
| (11,532 | ) | |
| (5.5 | )% | |
| (6,389 | ) | |
| (3.7 | )% | |
| (5,143 | ) | |
| 80.5 | % |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax | |
| (2,447 | ) | |
| (1.2 | )% | |
| 671 | | |
| 0.4 | % | |
| (3,118 | ) | |
| (464.5 | )% |
Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |
$ | (13,978 | ) | |
| (6.7 | )% | |
$ | (5,718 | ) | |
| (3.3 | )% | |
$ | (8,261 | ) | |
| 144.5 | % |
Revenue
Through our website at www.1juhao.com and mobile
app, we engage primarily in the sales of cosmetic products, health and nutritional supplements and household products sourced from manufacturers
and distributors in China. Currently, we have three types of revenue streams deriving from our three major product categories: cosmetic
products, health and nutritional supplements and household products. Other than revenue from product sales, we also earn service fees
charged to third-party merchants for using our platform, which was immaterial and is grouped in “Others” presented below.
The following sets forth the breakdown of our revenue by stream for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, | | |
Variance | |
| |
2022 | | |
% | | |
2021 | | |
% | | |
Amount | | |
% | |
(in thousands, except for percentages) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Cosmetic products | |
$ | 99,282 | | |
| 47.3 | % | |
$ | 78,841 | | |
| 46.2 | % | |
$ | 20,442 | | |
| 25.9 | % |
Health and Nutritional Supplements | |
| 39,949 | | |
| 19.0 | % | |
| 56,104 | | |
| 32.8 | % | |
| (16,156 | ) | |
| (28.8 | )% |
Household Products | |
| 70,627 | | |
| 33.6 | % | |
| 35,943 | | |
| 21.0 | % | |
| 34,684 | | |
| 96.5 | % |
Other | |
| 123 | | |
| 0.1 | % | |
| 24 | | |
| - | % | |
| 99 | | |
| 418.1 | % |
Total | |
$ | 209,981 | | |
| 100.0 | % | |
$ | 170,912 | | |
| 100.0 | % | |
$ | 39,069 | | |
| 22.9 | % |
Total revenue for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2022 increased by about $39.1 million, or 22.9%, to $210.0 million from $170.9 million for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2021.
Compared to the year ended December 31,
2021, sales of cosmetic products increased by about $20.4 million or 25.9% in the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in
revenue of cosmetic products is mainly due to the significant increase in weighted average unit price for products sold, and was
partially offset by the decrease in units sold. Comparing to the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold approximately 6.7 million or
22.4% less units in 2022, while our weighted average unit price for cosmetic products sold increased by $1.63 or 62.3%. The increase
in weighted average unit price and decrease in units sold comparing 2022 with 2021 were mainly because we continued to focus on
promoting and sales of premium brand products with higher average selling prices. Starting from 2021, we entered into distributing
agreements and have been authorized to distribute cosmetic products from Adidas, SK-II, Johnson & Johnson, Mentholatum,
L’Oréal, Shiseido, etc. through our platform to customers and distributors in China.
Compared to the year ended December 31,
2021, sales of health and nutritional supplements products decreased by about $16.2 million or 28.8%. The decrease in health and
nutritional supplements revenue is mainly due to the decrease in units sold. Comparing to the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold
approximately 1.3 million or 31.1% less units in 2022, while our weighted average unit price for health and nutritional supplements
products sold increased by $0.45 or 3.3%. The decrease in quantity of products sold is mainly attributable to extremely fierce
competition on the daily supplements market, one major customer for our nutritional supplement products has significantly reduced
its purchase from us in fiscal year 2022 when compared with 2021. The increase in the weighted average selling price was mainly due
to inflation.
Our household products revenue increased by about
$34.7 million or 96.5% comparing 2022 to 2021. The increase in household products revenue is mainly due to the increase in both weighted
average unit price and quantity for products sold. Comparing to the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold approximately 2.7 million or
25.7% more units in 2022. The unit price also increased by approximately $1.96 or 56.3%. The significant increase in weighted average
unit price for products sold is mainly due to the addition of premium brands to our brands portfolio, such as Philips, Apple, Gree Electric,
Midea, etc. The significant increase in units sold is because we have enhanced our sales force in major cities in China, expanded our
distributors networks and managed to acquire more new large corporate customers to place wholesale orders.
The average exchange rate for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, was RMB1 to $0.1489 and RMB 1 to $0.1550, respectively, representing a 3.9% unfavorable impact when
exchange rates were used in converting RMB to USD, which was included in the above analysis.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses primarily consist of cost of
revenues, fulfilment expenses, marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses.
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, | | |
| |
| |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
Variance | |
| |
$ Amount | | |
% of Revenue | | |
$ Amount | | |
% of Revenue | | |
$ Amount | | |
% | |
| |
(in thousands, except for percentages) | |
Operating Expenses: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Cost of Revenues | |
$ | 203,738 | | |
| 97.0 | % | |
$ | 159,259 | | |
| 93.2 | % | |
$ | 44,479 | | |
| 27.9 | % |
Fulfilment | |
| 3,700 | | |
| 1.8 | % | |
| 3,758 | | |
| 2.2 | % | |
| (58 | ) | |
| (1.6 | )% |
Marketing | |
| 8,795 | | |
| 4.2 | % | |
| 9,380 | | |
| 5.5 | % | |
| (585 | ) | |
| (6.2 | )% |
General and Administrative Expenses | |
| 5,789 | | |
| 2.8 | % | |
| 5,507 | | |
| 3.2 | % | |
| 282 | | |
| 5.1 | % |
Total Operating Expenses | |
$ | 222,022 | | |
| 105.8 | % | |
$ | 177,905 | | |
| 104.1 | % | |
$ | 44,118 | | |
| 24.8 | % |
Our total operating expenses increased by about
$44.1 million or 24.8% from $177.9 million in 2021 to $222.0 million in 2022. All categories of our operating expenses slightly decreased
in 2022 compared to 2021, except cost of revenues increased by about $44.5 million or 27.9% and general and administrative expenses increased
by about $0.3 million or 5.1% in 2022.
Cost of revenues
Cost of revenues primarily consists of the purchase price of merchandise
that we sell directly on our platform and inbound shipping costs.
Cost of revenues of cosmetic products increased
by about $23.0 million or 30.5% from $75.5 million in 2021 to about $98.5 million in 2022. The increase is attributable to an increase
in the weighted average unit cost of $1.71 or 68.2% and partially offset by a decrease in units sold of 6.7 million or 22.4% in 2022
comparing to 2021. In 2022, we added more leading brands to our cosmetic brands portfolio which has led to significant increase in the
weighted average unit cost sold in 2022 comparing to 2021.
Cost of revenues of health and nutritional supplements
decreased by about $13.8 million or 26.8% from $51.6 million in 2021 to $37.8 million in 2022. The decrease in cost of revenues of health and nutritional supplements is mainly
due to decrease in sales volume of our health and nutritional supplements.
Cost of revenues of household products increased
by about $35.2 million or 109.4% from $32.2 million in 2021 to about $67.5 million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to a 66.5%
increase in weighted average unit cost and a 25.7% increase in units sold. The increase in weighted average unit costs of products sold
of our household products is mainly because we sold more higher unit price products in 2022 than 2021.
Fulfillment Expenses
Our fulfillment expenses primarily consist of
costs related to order fulfillment, including charges we paid for order preparation, packaging, outbound freight, and physical storage.
Fulfillment expenses decreased slightly by $58,301 or 1.6% in 2022 compared to 2021. The fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total
revenues were 1.8% in 2022, down from 2.2% in 2021. The decrease was mainly due to more large customers elected to self-pickup products
purchased from our facilities which led to decrease in outbound freight costs as a percentage of the revenues.
Marketing Expenses
Marketing expenses decreased by $585,061 or 6.2% in 2022 compared
to 2021. Marketing expenses constituted of 4.2% and 5.5% of our total revenue in 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decrease was primarily
due to the decreased marketing and promotion activities. In the second half of 2021, we have spent decent amounts of advertising fees
in preparing sales festivals to boost customer orders. However, in 2022, as more Covid-19 related restrictions and lock-downs imposed
by Chinese local governments, we cancelled some promotional events and marketing activities, which also led to a slowdown of our increase
in sales orders.
General and Administrative Expenses
Compared to 2021, our general and administrative expenses increased
by $282,338 or 5.1% in 2022. The increase was primarily due to $0.9 million increase in share-based compensation of services provided
by employees offset by $0.4 million decrease in payroll because decreased headcount in general and administrative personnel, and
a $0.2 million decreased expenditure in directors and officers insurance.
Income from Operations
| |
For the Year Ended December 31, | |
| |
2022 | | |
2021 | |
| |
Amount | | |
% of revenue | | |
Amount | | |
% of revenue | |
| |
(in thousands, except for percentage) | |
Income (Loss) from Operations | |
$ | (12,041 | ) | |
| (5.7 | )% | |
$ | (6,993 | ) | |
| (4.1 | )% |
Loss from operations in 2022 was approximately $12.0 million compared
to loss from operations of about $7.0 million in 2021. The increase in loss from operations is mainly due to implementation of our business
plan in increase of premium products and brands, increased cost of units purchased from our suppliers and enhanced GMV quality, which
has significantly increased its cost of revenues.
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
Loss before income taxes is about $12.0 million
in 2022 as compared to loss before income taxes of about $6.6 million in 2021. The increase in loss before income taxes is primarily
due to the implementation of our business plan, which has significantly increased our cost of revenues.
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
Our benefit for income taxes was approximately
$420,000 in 2022 as compared to benefit for income taxes of about $191,000 in 2021. The effective income tax rate was 3.5% and 2.9% in
2022 and 2021, respectively. The significant increase in effective income tax rate is mainly due to an increase in the realizable deferred
tax assets in 2022.
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation adjustments amounted to a loss of $2.4
million for 2022 when compared to a gain of approximately $671,000 in 2021, respectively. The balance sheet amounts with the exception
of equity as of December 31, 2022 were translated at 1.00 RMB to 0.1450 US$ as compared to 1.00 RMB to 0.1572 US$ as of December 31, 2021.
The equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to the income statements accounts for
2022 and 2021 were 1.00 RMB to 0.1489 US$ and 1.00 RMB to 0.1550 US$, respectively. The change in the value of the RMB relative to the
U.S. dollar may affect our financial results reported in U.S dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business
or results of operation.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
The following table summarizes the results of
our operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and provides information regarding the dollar and percentage
increase during such periods.
| |
For the Year Ended | | |
For the Year Ended | | |
| | |
| |
| |
December 31, 2021 | | |
December 31, 2020 | | |
Variance | |
| |
$ Amount | | |
% of Revenue | | |
$ Amount | | |
% of Revenue | | |
$ Amount | | |
% | |
| |
(in thousands, except for percentages) | |
Revenue | |
$ | 170,912 | | |
| 100.0 | % | |
$ | 96,879 | | |
| 100.0 | % | |
$ | 74,033 | | |
| 76.4 | % |
Operating Expenses: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Cost of Revenues | |
| 159,259 | | |
| 93.2 | % | |
| 86,405 | | |
| 89.2 | % | |
| 72,854 | | |
| 84.3 | % |
Fulfilment | |
| 3,758 | | |
| 2.2 | % | |
| 2,270 | | |
| 2.3 | % | |
| 1,488 | | |
| 65.6 | % |
Marketing | |
| 9,380 | | |
| 5.5 | % | |
| 1,028 | | |
| 1.1 | % | |
| 8,352 | | |
| 812.5 | % |
General and Administrative | |
| 5,507 | | |
| 3.2 | % | |
| 2,064 | | |
| 2.1 | % | |
| 3,443 | | |
| 166.8 | % |
Total Operating Expenses | |
| 177,905 | | |
| 104.1 | % | |
| 91,766 | | |
| 94.7 | % | |
| 86,139 | | |
| 93.9 | % |
Income (loss) from Operations | |
| (6,993 | ) | |
| (4.1 | )% | |
| 5,113 | | |
| 5.3 | % | |
| (12,106 | ) | |
| (236.8 | )% |
Other Income (Expenses) | |
| 413 | | |
| 0.2 | % | |
| 6 | | |
| -% | | |
| 407 | | |
| (6,783.3 | )% |
Income (loss) before Income Taxes | |
| (6,580 | ) | |
| (3.8 | )% | |
| 5,119 | | |
| 5.3 | % | |
| (11,699 | ) | |
| (228.5 | )% |
Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes | |
| (191 | ) | |
| (0.1 | )% | |
| 1,532 | | |
| 1.6 | % | |
| (1,723 | ) | |
| (112.5 | )% |
Net Income (loss) | |
| (6,389 | ) | |
| (3.7 | )% | |
| 3,587 | | |
| 3.7 | % | |
| (9,976 | ) | |
| (278.1 | )% |
Revenue
Through our website at www.1juhao.com and mobile
app, we engage primarily in the sales of cosmetic products, health and nutritional supplements and household products sourced from manufacturers
and distributors in China. Currently, we have three types of revenue streams deriving from our three major product categories: cosmetic
products, health and nutritional supplements and household products. Other than revenue from product sales, we also earn service fees
charged to third-party merchants for using our platform, which was immaterial and is grouped in “Others” presented below.
The following sets forth the breakdown of our revenue by revenue stream for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
| |
For the Years Ended December 31, | | |
Variance | |
| |
2021 | | |
% | | |
2020 | | |
% | | |
Amount | | |
% | |
(in thousands, except for percentages) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Cosmetic products | |
$ | 78,841 | | |
| 46.2 | % | |
$ | 18,701 | | |
| 19.2 | % | |
$ | 60,140 | | |
| 321.6 | % |
Health and Nutritional Supplements | |
| 56,104 | | |
| 32.8 | % | |
| 52,372 | | |
| 54.1 | % | |
| 3,732 | | |
| 7.1 | % |
Household Products | |
| 35,943 | | |
| 21.0 | % | |
| 25,733 | | |
| 26.6 | % | |
| 10,210 | | |
| 39.7 | % |
Other | |
| 24 | | |
| - | % | |
| 73 | | |
| 0.1 | % | |
| (49 | ) | |
| (67.1 | )% |
Total | |
$ | 170,912 | | |
| 100.0 | % | |
$ | 96,879 | | |
| 100.0 | % | |
$ | 74,033 | | |
| 76.4 | % |
Compared to the year ended December 31,
2020, sales of cosmetic products increased by about $60.1 million or 321.6% in the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in
revenue of cosmetic products is mainly due to the increase in units sold and the increase in weighted average unit price for
products sold. Comparing to the year ended December 31, 2020, we sold approximately 18.9 million or 170.0% more units in 2021 and an
increase in the weighted average unit price of $0.94 or 56.2%. The increase in units sold comparing 2021 with 2020 is mainly due to
the expansion of our sales and distribution network. In 2021, we sold products to 351 distributors compared to 12 distributors in
2020 and sales to these distributors represent approximately 71% of our consolidated revenue for cosmetic products in 2021 compared
to 40% in 2020. The increase in weighted average unit price of cosmetic products sold is mainly due to increased sales of premium
brand products. Starting from 2021, we entered into distributing agreements and have been authorized to distribute cosmetic products
from Adidas, SK-II, Johnson & Johnson, Mentholatum, L’Oréal, Shiseido, etc. through our platform to customers
and distributors in China.
Compared to the year ended December 31,
2020, sales of health and nutritional supplements products increased by about $3.7 million or 7.1%. The increase in health and
nutritional supplements revenue is mainly due to the increase in units sold. Comparing to the year ended December 31, 2020, we sold
approximately 0.9 million or 28.3% more units in 2021. The increase is partially offset by slight decrease in unit price of
approximately $2.71 or 16.5%. The increase in quantity of products sold is mainly attributable to increased health related awareness
due to continual COVID-19 related concerns and our continual expansion of our customer base in China and our efforts in actively
seeking additional collaborations with retailers and distributors.
Our household products revenue increased by
about $10.2 million or 39.7% comparing 2021 to 2020. The increase in household products revenue is mainly due to the 41.1% increase
in weighted average unit price for products sold and is partially offset by the 1.0% decrease in quantity sold. The significant
increase in weighted average unit price for products sold is mainly due to the addition of premium brands to our brands portfolio,
such as Philips, Apple, Gree Electric, Midea, etc.
The average exchange rate for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, was RMB1 to $0.1550 and RMB1 to $0.1450, respectively, representing a 6.9% favorable impact when exchange
rates were used in converting RMB to USD, which was included in the above analysis.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses primarily consist of cost of
revenues, fulfilment expenses, marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses.
| |
For the Year Ended | | |
For the Year Ended | | |
| | |
| |
| |
December 31, 2021 | | |
December 31, 2020 | | |
Variance | |
| |
$ Amount | | |
% of Revenue | | |
$ Amount | | |
% of Revenue | | |
$ Amount | | |
% | |
| |
(in thousands, except for percentages) | |
Operating Expenses: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Cost of Revenues | |
$ | 159,259 | | |
| 93.2 | % | |
$ | 86,405 | | |
| 89.2 | % | |
$ | 72,854 | | |
| 84.3 | % |
Fulfilment expenses | |
| 3,758 | | |
| 2.2 | % | |
| 2,270 | | |
| 2.3 | % | |
| 1,488 | | |
| 65.6 | % |
Marketing expenses | |
| 9,380 | | |
| 5.5 | % | |
| 1,028 | | |
| 1.1 | % | |
| 8,352 | | |
| 812.5 | % |
General and Administrative Expenses | |
| 5,507 | | |
| 3.2 | % | |
| 2,064 | | |
| 2.1 | % | |
| 3,443 | | |
| 166.8 | % |
Total Operating Expenses | |
$ | 177,905 | | |
| 104.1 | % | |
$ | 91,766 | | |
| 94.7 | % | |
$ | 86,139 | | |
| 93.9 | % |
Our total operating expenses increased by about
$86.1 million or 93.9% from $91.8 million in 2020 to $177.9 million in 2021. All categories of our operating expenses increased in 2021
compared to 2020. The increase is mainly attributable to: 1) the increase in sales and related to the expansion of our operations; and
2) the appreciation of RMB against USD in fiscal year 2021. The average exchange rate for the fiscal
years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, was RMB1 to $0.1550 and RMB1 to $0.1450, respectively, representing an increase of 6.9% when exchange
rates were used in converting RMB to USD.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues primarily consists of the purchase
price of merchandise that we sell directly on our platform and inbound shipping costs. The cost of revenues for all of our three revenue
streams increased in 2021 comparing to 2020.
Cost of revenues of cosmetic products increased by
about $57.5 million or 320.7% from $17.9 million in 2020 to about $75.5 million in 2021. The increase is attributable to 18.9 million
more units were sold and an increase in the weighted average unit cost of $0.9 or 55.8% in 2021 comparing to 2020. In 2021, we expanded
our distribution networks and sold products to significantly more local distributors and wholesalers. Furthermore, adding more leading
brands to our cosmetic brands portfolio also led to significant increase in the weighted average unit cost and quantity of products sold
in 2021 comparing to 2020.
Cost of revenues of health and nutritional supplements
increased by about $4.8 million or 10.2% from $46.8 million in 2020 to $51.6 million in 2021. The increase in cost of revenues of health and nutritional supplements is mainly
due to increase in sales volume of our health and nutritional supplements in 2021.
Cost of revenues of household products
increased by about $10.6 million or 48.8% from $21.6 million in 2020 to about $32.2 million in 2021. The increase was primarily due
to a 50.3% increase in weighted average unit cost. The increase in weighted average unit costs of products sold of our household
products is mainly because we sold more higher unit price products in 2021 than 2020.
Fulfillment Expenses
Our fulfillment expenses primarily consist of
costs related to order fulfillment, including charges we paid for order preparing, packaging, outbound freight, and physical storage.
Fulfillment expenses increased by about $1.5 million or 65.6% in 2021 compared to 2020. The increase in our fulfillment expenses is primarily
attributable to the increase in warehouse rent which is mainly because we rented more spaces in 2021 to store more products. The fulfillment
expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 2.2% in 2021, down from 2.3% in 2020. The decrease was mainly due to more larger customers
elected to self-pickup products purchased from the Company’s facilities which led to decrease in outbound freight costs as a percentage
of the revenues.
Marketing Expenses
Marketing expenses increased by about $8.4 million
or 812.6% in 2021 compared to 2020. Marketing expenses constitute of 5.5% and 1.1% of our total revenue in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The increase was primarily due to the increased marketing and promotion activities and the increased expenditure for further enhancing
brand awareness in strategic geographic areas. Specifically, compared to 2020, in 2021, we incurred about $3.1 million more advertisement
cost, $1.6 million more costs of marketing and promotion activities, and $3.1 million more payroll costs.
General and Administrative Expenses
Compared to 2020, our general and
administrative expenses increased by about $3.4 million or 166.8% in 2021. The increase was primarily due to an $1.5 million
increase in payroll expenses as a result of increased headcount in general and administrative personnel, an $1.0 million increase in
share-based compensation of services provided, and $0.4 million increased expenditure as being a public company.
Income from Operations
| |
For the Year Ended | | |
For the Year Ended | |
| |
December 31, 2021 | | |
December 31, 2020 | |
| |
$ Amount | | |
% of
Revenue | | |
$ Amount | | |
% of
Revenue | |
(in thousands, except for percentages) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Income from Operations | |
$ | (6,993 | ) | |
| (4.1 | )% | |
$ | 5,113 | | |
| 5.3 | % |
Loss from operations in 2021 was approximately
$7.0 million compared to income from operations of about $5.1 million in 2020. The decrease in income from operations is mainly attributable
to the implementation of our business expansion with significant increase in our marketing expenses and general and administration expenses
and cost of revenues.
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
Loss before income taxes is about $6.6 million
in 2021 as compared to income before income taxes of about $5.1 million in 2020. The decrease in income before income taxes is primarily
due to our continual implementation of business expansion with significant increase in our general and administration expenses, marketing
expenses and cost of revenues.
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
Our benefit for income taxes was approximately
$191,000 in 2021 as compared to provision for income taxes of about $1.5 million in 2020. The effective income tax rate was 2.9% and 29.9%
in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The significant decrease in effective income tax rate is mainly due to: 1) we had a net operating income
in 2020, but incurred a net operating loss in 2021; 2) valuation allowances provided to certain entities which we expect to continually
generate operating losses in the foreseeable future; and 3) a higher loss generated by non-PRC entities
not subject to PRC tax impact
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustments amounted
to a gain of $671,000 and $783,000 in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The balance sheet amounts with the exception of equity as of December
31, 2021 were translated at 1.00 RMB to 0.1572 US$ as compared to 1.00 RMB to 0.1531 US$ as of December 31, 2020. The equity accounts
were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to the income statements accounts for 2021 and 2020 were 1.00
RMB to 0.1550 US$ and 1.00 RMB to 0.1450 US$, respectively. The change in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar may affect
our financial results reported in U.S dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business or results of operation.
Cash flows from operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities in 2022
was $12.0 million. The principal items accounting for the difference between our net cash used in operating activities and our net loss
including increase in accounts receivable of about $1.5 million, increase in inventories of about $3.1 million, increase in advance to
suppliers of about $18.0 million and offset by increase in accounts payables of about $1.6 million and deferred revenue of about $16.9
million. The increase in accounts receivables is mainly due to increase in sales to local distributors and wholesalers which we provided
certain credit terms based on our evaluation of their creditworthiness. The increase in advance to suppliers and inventories is mainly
due to our expansion of our operation and increase in sales. The increase in accounts payables is mainly due to extended credit term provided
by our third-party vendors.
Net cash used in operating activities in 2021
was $18 million. The principal items accounting for the difference between our net cash used in operating activities and our net loss
including increase in accounts receivable of about $4.7 million, increase in inventories of about $5.0 million, increase in advance
to suppliers of about $3.3 million and offset by increase in accounts payables – related parties of about $2.2 million. The increase
in accounts receivables is mainly due to significant increase in sales to local distributors and wholesalers which we provided certain
credit terms based on our evaluation of their creditworthiness. The increase in advance to suppliers and inventories is mainly due to
our expansion of our operation and significant increase in sales. The increase in accounts payables – related parties is mainly
due to extended credit term provided by our related party, Longrich Group for purchases made by us.
Net cash provided by operating activities in
2020 was $6.9 million. The principal items accounting for the difference between our net cash provided by operating activities and our
net income in 2020 including increase in inventories of about $4.5 million and decrease in advance to suppliers – related parties
of about $7.6 million. The increase in inventories is mainly due to expansion of our operation and increased the sales. The decrease
in advance to suppliers – related parties is mainly due to significant advances made to our related parties in 2019 was utilized
in 2020.
Cash flows from investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was approximately
$1.3 million, $6.6 million and $117,000 in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash used in investing activities in 2022 were used to purchase
fixed assets and software. In July 2021, we invested about $4.6 million (RMB 30 million) to Suzhou Industrial Park Hongrun Rural Small
Amount Loan Co., Ltd. (“Hongrun”) to acquire 18.96% equity interest of Hong Run. The investment will be only used for making
loans to the owners of Juhao Best Choice Stores for their business development and expansion. Juhao Best Choice Stores are our new community
group-buying stores launched in Shanghai since April 2021. We expect Juhao Best Choice Stores will expand our footprint and brand awareness
in offline group-buying stores in China and will ultimately become an important piece of our Juhao retail platform. Besides of the $4.6
million investment made to Hongrun, we also paid an aggregate of about $2.0 million for acquisition of fixed assets and software in 2021.
Cash used in investing activities in 2020 were used to purchase fixed assets and software.
Cash flows from financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2022
was about $9.9 million, including about $9.9 million proceeds from issuance of Ordinary Shares and $56,000 from the proceeds from related
party loans.
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2021
was about $27 million, including about $25.7 million received from our IPO as discussed above and $2.6 million from the proceeds from
short-term bank loans. The cash provided by financing activities in 2021 was partially offset by $1.1 million repayment of related party
loans.
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2020
was about $10.8 million, including $10 million received from private placement consummated on October 21, 2020 and $1.2 million proceeds
received from related party loans. The cash provided by financing activities in 2020 was partially offset by the payment of deferred offering
costs of $0.4 million related to our IPO in 2021.
Cash Transfer within the Company and Restrictions
on Dividends Distribution
The Company’s sales, purchases and expense
transactions are denominated in RMB, and all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are also denominated in RMB. The RMB is not
freely convertible into foreign currencies under the current law. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted
only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the People’s Bank of China, the central bank of China. Remittances
in currencies other than RMB may require certain supporting documentation in order to affect the remittance. Currently, our subsidiary
in the PRC may purchase currencies to transfer cash within the Company among subsidiaries in and out of the PRC for, among other things,
payment of cash dividends to us, if any, by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, the relevant PRC governmental authorities
may limit or eliminate our ability to purchase foreign currencies in the future and therefore limit our ability to transfer cash within
the Company among subsidiaries in and out of the PRC. The limitation over cash transfer within the Company does not raise additional liquidity
risk as all of our liabilities are also denominated in RMB and we conduct our business primarily through the consolidated VIE in China.
We rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our
PRC subsidiary to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiary may pay dividends
only out of its accumulated after-tax profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition,
our subsidiary in the PRC is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve
until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. Each of such entity in the PRC is also required to further set aside a portion
of its after-tax profits to fund the employee welfare fund, although the amount to be set aside, if any, is determined at the discretion
of its board of directors. Although the statutory reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate
future losses in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except
in the event of liquidation. Therefore, these statutory reserves, along with the registered capital of the PRC entities are considered
as restricted. Amounts restricted that include paid in capital and statutory reserve funds, as determined pursuant to PRC GAAP, are $42,106,851
and $41,224,415 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In 2022, $9.9 million proceeds received from issuing
of ordinary shares have been transferred to the VIE through intercompany loans, which were fully eliminated on our consolidated financial
statements.
Off-balance Sheet Commitments and Arrangements
We have not entered into any derivative contracts
that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholder’s equity or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit,
liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing,
liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
Assets Held By and the Operations of Entities
Apart From the Consolidated VIE
The Company and its subsidiaries are all holding
companies, except for the consolidated VIE. The only assets held by the Company and its subsidiaries are the cash in their bank accounts.
The uncertainties in the PRC legal system could cause the relevant regulatory authorities to find our current VIE Agreements with VIE
to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations and could limit the Company’s ability to enforce its rights
under these contractual arrangements. Furthermore, the nominee shareholders of the VIE may have interests that are different from those
of the Company, which could potentially increase the risk that they would seek to act contrary to the terms of the VIE Agreements with
the VIE. In addition, if the nominee shareholders will not remain the shareholders of the VIE, breach, or cause the VIE to breach, or
refuse to renew the existing contractual arrangements the Company has with them and the VIE, the Company may not be able to effectively
control the VIE and receive economic benefits from them, which may result in deconsolidation of the VIE.
JOBS Act
On April 5, 2012, the JOBS Act was
signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for qualifying
public companies. We are qualified as an “emerging growth company” and under the JOBS Act we will be allowed to comply
with new or revised accounting pronouncements based on the effective date for private (not publicly traded) companies. We are
electing to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we may not comply with new or revised
accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. As a
result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of
public company effective dates.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risks
Liquidity risk
We are exposed to liquidity risk, which is the
risk that we will be unable to provide sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs. Liquidity
risk is controlled by the application of financial position analysis and monitoring procedures. When necessary, we will turn to other
financial institutions to obtain short-term funding to meet the liquidity shortage.
Inflation risk
Inflationary factors, such as increases in personnel
and overhead costs, could impair our operating results. Although we do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our financial
position or results of operations to date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain
current levels of gross margin and operating expenses as a percentage of sales revenue if the revenues from our products do not increase
with such increased costs.
Interest rate risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates
to the interest rate that our deposited cash can earn, on the other hand, interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate
risk. We have not been exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates. An increase, however, may raise the cost of any debt
we incur in the future.
Foreign currency translation and transaction
Our operating transactions and assets and liabilities
are mainly denominated in RMB. RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies for capital account transactions. The value of RMB
against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic
conditions and China’s foreign exchange policies. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce
our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has evaluated pronouncements recently issued but not yet
adopted. The adoption of these pronouncements is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman
Islands. We conduct our operations primarily through the consolidated VIE and its subsidiaries in China. As a result, our ability to pay
dividends depends upon service fee paid by Shanghai Juhao. If Shanghai Juhao incurs debt on its behalf in the future, the instruments
governing its debt may restrict its ability to pay service fee to us. In addition, Shanghai Juhao is permitted to pay service fee to us
only out of its retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC law, Shanghai
Juhao is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund certain statutory reserve funds until
such reserve funds reach 50% of its registered capital. Additionally, Shanghai Juhao may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based
on PRC accounting standards to its enterprise expansion fund and staff bonus and welfare funds, at its discretion. Shanghai Juhao may
also allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to a discretionary surplus fund at its discretion.
The statutory reserve funds and the discretionary funds are not distributable as cash dividends.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, we reported
a net loss of $11.5 million and negative operating cash flows of $12.0 million, which were primarily due to our vigorously implementing
our business strategy to increase leading brands on our platform to drive more traffic to our online platform and attract more users and
distributors.
On June 13, 2022 and October 11, 2022, the Company
received proceeds of approximately $9.9 million from issuing ordinary shares. The Company used part of the proceeds to expand its business
and execute its growth strategy by increasing enriching product selections and increasing cooperation with leading brands at home and
abroad, which has brought more traffic to the online platform and attracted more users and distributors. As a result, the Company’s
revenue increased by approximately $39.1 million in 2022 from 2021, cost of revenues increased by approximately $44.5 million in
2022 from 2021. The growth in business also resulted in an increase of $3.1 million in inventory and an increase of $18.0 million
in prepayment for products purchased by the end of 2022, as well as an increase of $1.5 million in outstanding balance of accounts
receivable, which was mainly due to significant increase in sales to local distributors and wholesalers which were provided with certain
credit terms based on management’s assessment on their creditworthiness. All these were the main reasons for the net loss and cash
outflow of the Company in 2022.
Presently, the Company’s principal sources of liquidity are proceeds
from its public offering and private placements. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had cash and restricted cash of approximately $16.7 million
and working capital of $28.3 million. $13.5 million of the cash were held by the VIE with banks and financial institutions inside
China as the Company conducted its operations primarily through the consolidated VIE in China. With the uncertainty of the current market,
the management believes it is necessary to enhance the collection of the outstanding balance of accounts receivable and other receivables,
and to be cautious on operational decisions and project selections. As of March 31, 2023, approximately $4.4 million, or 66%,
of its accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2022 were collected, and approximately $18.5 million or 82% of its advances
to supplier balance as of December 31, 2022 were utilized.
Based on our current operating plan, we believe
that the above-mentioned measures, including cash and restricted cash on hand of approximately $16.7 million and bank borrowing, will
collectively provide sufficient liquidity for the Company to meet its future liquidity and capital requirements for at least next twelve
months from the date the Company’s consolidated financial statements are issued.
The following table sets forth summary of our
cash flows for 2022, 2021 and 2020:
| |
For the Years | |
| |
Ended December 31, | |
| |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
2020 | |
| |
(in thousands) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | |
$ | (11,993 | ) | |
$ | (18,034 | ) | |
$ | 6,889 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | |
| (1,338 | ) | |
| (6,637 | ) | |
| (117 | ) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | |
| 9,938 | | |
| 27,212 | | |
| 10,795 | |
Effect of exchange rate change on cash | |
| (1,139 | ) | |
| 465 | | |
| 665 | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | |
| (4,532 | ) | |
| 3,006 | | |
| 18,233 | |
Cash, beginning of the year | |
| 21,250 | | |
| 18,244 | | |
| 12 | |
Cash, end of the year | |
| 16,718 | | |
| 21,250 | | |
| 18,244 | |
5C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B.
Business Overview --“Intellectual Property.”
D. Trend Information
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual
report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31,
2022 that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources,
or that would cause the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.
E. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our consolidated
financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the
reported amounts of our assets and liabilities; (ii) the disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at the end of each reporting
period; and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each reporting period. We continually evaluate these judgments,
estimates and assumptions based on our own historical experience, knowledge and assessment of current business and other conditions and
our expectations regarding the future based on available information, which together form our basis for making judgments about matters
that are not readily apparent from other sources. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process,
our actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require a higher degree of judgment than others
in their application.
When reading our consolidated
financial statements, you should consider our selection of critical accounting policies, the judgment and other uncertainties affecting
the application of such policies and the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions. Our critical accounting
policies and practices include the following: (i) revenue recognition; (ii) operating leases; (iii) income taxes; and (iv) consolidation
of Variable Interest Entity and its subsidiaries. See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial
statements for the disclosure of these accounting policies. We believe the following accounting estimates involve the most significant
judgments used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Allowance for credit losses
We maintain an allowance
for credit losses by estimating the expected credit and collectability trend of our customers. Accounts receivable is considered past
due based on its contractual terms. In estimating the allowance for credit losses, we consider various factors, including historical experience,
credit-worthiness of customers, current and reasonable forecasted future economic conditions, aging of the accounts receivable balances,
payment patterns, and the forecasted information in pooling basis upon the use of the Current Expected Credit Loss Model (“CECL
Model”) in accordance with ASC topic 326––Financial Instruments––Credit Losses. We also consider to provide
specific allowance for credit losses for those accounts receivable balances when facts and circumstances have emerged to indicate that
these receivables are unlikely to be collected. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the quantity of credit
losses. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable was $84,400 and $103,805, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories consist of goods in transit and finished
goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of inventories is calculated using the weighted average basis.
Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business less any costs to sell products. We periodically
evaluate inventories for their net realizable value adjustments, and reduces the carrying value of those inventories that are obsolete
or in excess of the forecasted usage to their estimated net realizable value based on various factors including aging and expiration dates,
as applicable, taking into consideration historical and expected future product sales. For the years
ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, write down of $1,102,119, $329,639 and $24,172, respectively were recorded in cost of
revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
6.A. Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information regarding
our executive officers and directors as of the date of this report.
Directors and Executive Officers |
|
Age |
|
Position/Title |
Haiting Li |
|
52 |
|
Chief Executive Officer, Director, Chairman of the Board |
Lu Qian |
|
38 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Dan (Jessie) Zhao |
|
50 |
|
Director and Vice President |
Haitao Wang(1)(2)(3) |
|
54 |
|
Independent Director |
Y. Tristan Kuo(1)(2)(3) |
|
68 |
|
Independent Director |
William Morris(1)(2)(3) |
|
69 |
|
Independent Director |
(1) |
Member of audit committee. |
(2) |
Member of compensation committee. |
(3) |
Member of corporate governance and nominating committee. |
Biography
Haiting Li. Mr. Li was appointed as Chairman
and director of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company on March 1, 2023. Mr. Li served as the Chairman of Beijing LianFu
Network Technology Co., Ltd. from October 2019 to February 2023. From May 2008 to September 2019, Mr. Li was the Chairman and general
manager of Jinan Lingzhi Zhongcheng Marketing Co., Ltd. From January 1998 to May 2008, Mr. Li was the general manager of Jinan Lingzhiren
Marketing Co., Ltd. From May 1994 to December 1997, Mr. Li was the Manager of Zibo Lingzhi Marketing Co., Ltd. Mr. Li received his bachelor
degree of engineering in Industrial Electrical Automation major from Shandong Institute of Civil Engineering in July 1992.
Lu Qian. Mr. Qian was appointed as the
Chief Financial Officer of the Company on December 15, 2022. Mr. Qian has served as the financial controller of Shanghai Juhao Information
Technology Co., Ltd., the operating variable interest entity of the Company from November 16, 2020 to December 14, 2022. Mr. Qian was
the Chief Financial Officer of the Company from July 1, 2020 to November 15, 2020. From February 2018 to June 2020, Mr. Qian was the financial
controller of Financial Management Department of Jiangsu Longrich Bioscience Co. Ltd. From June 2012 to February 2018, Mr. Qian was the
director of the accounting team of Financial Management Department of Jiangsu Longrich Bioscience Co. Ltd. Mr. Qian received his bachelor’s
degree in from Jiangsu University in June 2006 with a major in accounting.
Dan (Jessie) Zhao. Ms. Zhao was appointed
as a member of the Board on December 15, 2019 and vice president of finance of the Company on September 17, 2020. Since May 2019, Ms.
Zhao has served as secretary of the board of directors of Shanghai Juhao Information Technology Co., Ltd. Since April 2019, Ms. Zhao has
served as supervisor of Nantong Zhuama Bioscience Co., Ltd. From April 1996 to May 2019, Ms. Zhao
served in various positions at Jiangsu Longrich Group Co., Ltd. including head of investment department, general manager of its subsidiary
company, director of customer service department and director of planning and information department. Ms. Zhao received her bachelor degree
in Economics from Nanjing Audit University in June 2007. Ms. Zhao received her Senior Customer Service Manager certificate from the American
Certification Institute in August 2010. Ms. Zhao passed the fund practitioner test of the Asset Management Association of China in April
2017.
Haitao Wang. Mr. Haitao Wang was appointed
as a member of the Board on December 15, 2019. Since August 2016, Mr. Wang has served as the vice president of Qichen (Shenzhen) Fund
Management Co. Ltd. and supervisor of Shanghai Xiandai Industrial Co., Ltd. From September 2010 to July 2016, Mr. Wang served as vice
president of Beijing Hongtianxia Agriculture Development Joint-Stock Company. Mr. Wang graduated from Heilongjiang Finance School in 1990
with a major in in planning and statistics.
Y. Tristan Kuo. Mr. Kuo was appointed
as a member of our board of directors on December 23, 2020. Since September 2022, Mr. Kuo has served as a board member,
chairman of the audit committee and a member of compensation committee and corporate governance and nominating committee of Cine Top
Culture Holdings Limited. Since August 29, 2022, Mr. Kuo has served as a consultant and was
the chief financial officer of Aerkomm Inc. (EuroNext-Paris: AKOM, OTCQX: AKOM) from April 10, 2017 to August 28, 2022. From
November 1, 2019 to December 16, 2021, Mr. Kuo has served as a board member, chairman of the audit committee and a member of
compensation committee and corporate governance and nominating committee of Oriental Culture Holding LTD. (Nasdaq: OCG). From April
2016 to February 2020, Mr. Kuo served as vice president of investor relations and board secretary of Nutrastar International, Inc.
From August 2015 to April 2017, Mr. Kuo served as chief financial officer of Success Holding Group International, Inc. From December
2014 to August 2015, Mr. Kuo served as engagement partner of Tatum. From August 2014 to May 2015, Mr. Kuo served as a member of
board of directors and chairman of the audit committee of KBS Fashion Group Limited (NASDAQ: KBSF). From June 2012 to November 2013,
Mr. Kuo served as chief financial officer of Crown Bioscience, Inc. Mr. Kuo was the chief financial officer of China Biologic
Products (NASDAQ: CBPO) from June 2008 to May 2012 and was the vice president-finance of China Biologic Products September 2007 to
May 2008. Mr. Kuo received Master of Arts in Accounting from The Ohio State University in February 1982 and his Bachelor of Arts in
Economics from Soochow University in Taiwan in May 1977. We believe that Mr. Kuo’s expertise and knowledge of accounting and
management will benefit the Company’s operations and make him a valuable member of the board of directors and its
committees.
William Morris. Mr. William Morris was
appointed as a member of the Board on July 1, 2020. Since December 2018, Mr. Morris has served as the trading advisor for WJM Trading
Strategies, LLC. From December 2015 to February 2018, Mr. Morris was the Chief Investment Officer of Dividend Trade Fund LLC. From October
2010 to July 2012, Mr. Morris served as Options Market Maker for VTrader Pro. Mr. Morris received his bachelor of art degree in Psychology
from the University of Dayton in April 1975.
6.B. Compensation
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, we
paid an aggregate of approximately $221,132 in cash to our directors and executive officers. For
share incentive grants to our officers and directors, see “—Share Incentive Plans.” We have not set aside or
accrued any amount to provide pension, retirement or other similar benefits to our executive officers and directors.
Our PRC subsidiaries and our variable interest
entity are required by law to make contributions equal to certain percentages of each employee’s salary for his or her pension insurance,
medical insurance, unemployment insurance and other statutory benefits and a housing provident fund.
Employment Agreements, Director Agreements
and Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with
each of our executive officers. Pursuant to these agreements, each of our executive officers is employed for an initial term of one year,
renewable upon mutual agreement of the Company and the executive officer.
The executive officers are entitled to a fixed
salary and to participate in our equity incentive plans, if any and other company benefits, each as determined by the Board or a committee
designated by the Board from time to time.
We may terminate the executive officer’s
employment for cause, at any time, without notice or remuneration, for certain acts, such as conviction or plea of guilty to a felony
or grossly negligent or dishonest acts to our detriment, or material breach of any term of any employment or other services, confidentiality,
intellectual property or non-competition agreements with the Company. In such case, the executive officer will solely be entitled to accrued
and unpaid salary through the effective date of such termination, and his/her right to all other benefits will terminate, except as required
by any applicable law. The executive officer is not entitled to severance payments upon any termination.
The executive officer may voluntarily terminate
his/her employment for any reason and such termination shall take effect 30 days after the receipt by Company of the notice of termination.
Upon the effective date of such termination, the executive officer shall be entitled to (a) accrued and unpaid salary and vacation through
such termination date; and (b) all other compensation and benefits that were vested through such termination date. In the event the executive
officer is terminated without notice, it shall be deemed a termination by the Company for cause.
Each of our executive officers has agreed not
to use for his/her personal purposes nor divulge, furnish, or make accessible to anyone or use in any way (other than in the ordinary
course of the business of the Company) any confidential or secret information or knowledge of the Company, whether developed by him/herself
or by others.
In addition, each executive officer has agreed
to be bound by non-competition restrictions during the term of his or her employment and for six months following the last date of employment.
Each executive officer also has agreed not to
(i) solicit or induce, on his/her own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity, any employee of the Company or any of its
affiliates to leave the employ of the Company or any of its affiliates; or (ii) solicit or induce, on his/her own behalf or on behalf
of any other person or entity, any customer or prospective customer of the Company or any of their respective affiliates to reduce its
business with the Company or any of its affiliates.
We have entered into director agreements with
each of our independent directors which agreements set forth the terms and provisions of their engagement.
In addition, we have entered into indemnification
agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that provide such persons with additional indemnification beyond that provided
in our current memorandum and articles of association.
Share Incentive Plans
The Board of Directors of the Company approved
and adopted Jowell Global Ltd. 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan (the “Equity Plan”) on August 2, 2021, which was approved at the stockholders’
meeting on September 10, 2021. The total aggregate ordinary shares of the Company authorized for issuance during the term of the Equity
Plan is limited to 4,000,000 shares.
As
of May 14, 2023, 709,500 shares were granted and outstanding under the Equity Plan. The following paragraphs summarize the terms of
the Equity Plan:
Administration. The Equity Plan
requires that a committee of non-employee directors to administer the Equity Plan. Currently, our Compensation Committee, which we refer
to hereto as the Committee, administers the Equity Plan.
Shares Subject to the Equity Plan.
The shares issuable under the Equity Plan are our ordinary shares that are authorized but unissued or reacquired ordinary shares, including
shares repurchased by the Company as treasury shares. The total aggregate ordinary shares of the Company authorized for issuance during
the term of the Equity Plan is limited to 4,000,000 shares.
Types of Awards and Eligibility.
The Equity Plan provides for five types of awards and they are: Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights (“SAR”), Unrestricted
Stock, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The Eligible Persons under the Equity Plan include Employees, Outside Directors, Consultants
and New Hires of the Company or its subsidiaries, as selected by our Board or the designated committee thereof.
Vesting and Forfeiture. The
Committee determines the time and conditions under which the award will vest or the period of time after which the restriction shall lapse
as part of making an award. Vesting or the lapse of the period of restriction may, in the Committee’s discretion, be based solely
upon continued employment or service for a specified period of time, or may be based upon the achievement of specific performance goals
(individual, corporation or other basis), or both. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, when a participant terminates employment
or service with us, all unexercised or unvested awards are forfeited, and if the termination is without cause, all outstanding vested
options and SARs will continue to be exercisable until the earlier of the expiration term or the date that is three months after such
termination date.
Prohibition on Repricing. Except
as required or permitted pursuant to a corporate transaction (including, without limitation, any recapitalization or reorganization),
in no event will an option or SAR be amended to reduce the exercise or base price or be canceled in exchange for cash, other awards or
options or SARs with an exercise price or base price less than the exercise price of the original option or base price of the original
SAR without shareholder approval.
Limits on Transfers of Awards/Beneficiary
Designation. All awards are exercisable only by the participant during the participant’s lifetime, and are transferable
only by will or by the laws of descent and distribution; provided, however, that the Committee may permit a transfer of an award, other
than an inventive stock option, to a family member of an individual, subject to such restrictions as the Committee may provide.
Term. The Equity Plan is effective
immediately upon the adoption by our Board of Directors, subject to shareholder approval, and will terminate on the earliest to occur
of (i) the 10th anniversary of the Equity Plan’s effective date, or (ii) the date on which all shares available for issuance
under the Equity Plan shall have been issued as fully-vested shares. Options may be granted at any time on or after the date the Board
of Directors adopt the Equity Plan, however, until the stockholders approve the Equity Plan, no options or SARs may be exercised, no restricted
stock may be issued, and no award may be settled in stock. If shareholder approval is not obtained within 12 months after the adoption
by our Board of Directors, all awards will be null and void.
On November 26,
2021, the Compensation Committee of the Board of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”) granted Ms. Mei Cai, the
then Chief Financial Officer of the Company, 80,000 Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) under the Company’s 2021
Omnibus Equity Plan. Each RSU represents the right to receive one ordinary share of the Company. The restricted period for the
RSUs shall lapse as to twenty-five percent (25%) of the RSUs on each of the grant date, March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022 and September
30, 2022, respectively, subject to Ms. Cai remaining in the continuous service of the Company or its affiliates on each applicable
date. Ms. Cai also entered into a Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement with the Company on November 26, 2021. As of December
31, 2022, 80,000 shares have been issued to Ms. Cai.
On April 11, 2022, (the
“Grant Date”), the Compensation Committee granted stock
awards of 500,500 ordinary shares of the Company (the “Shares”), pursuant to the Company’s 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan,
to sixteen officers, directors and employees of the Company and its controlled variable interest entity (the “Grantees”),
including: 120,000 shares to Zhiwei Xu, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company; 35,000 shares to Dan Zhao, Vice
President and a director of the Board of the Company; 3,500 shares to William Morris, a director of the Board of the Company, 3,500 shares
to Tristan Kuo, a director of the Board of the Company, and 3,500 shares to Haitao Wang, a director of the Board of the Company (collectively,
the “Grants”). The Grants vested immediately on the Grant Date and each of the Grantees also entered into an Unrestricted
Stock Award Agreement with the Company on April 11, 2022. As of May 14, 2023, the Shares have been issued to the Grantees, expect
for one grantee with 35,000 shares.
On June 30, 2022,
the Compensation Committee approved the grant of Restricted Stock Units (“RSU”) of 120,000 ordinary shares to Mr. Zhiwei Xu,
the Company’s then Chief Executive Officer and 39,000 ordinary shares to the Company’s Vice President under the 2021
Omnibus Equity Plan for service period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. The RSUs granted to the then Chief Executive Officer and Vice
President have a graded vesting schedule with 25% vested on June 30, 2022, 25% vested on October 1, 2022, 25% vested on January 1, 2023,
and the remaining 25% vested on April 1, 2023. The last tranche of 30,000 RSUs granted to the then Chief Executive Officer was forfeited
due to his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer effective on March 1, 2023. As of May 14, 2023, the vested shares have been issued
to the Grantees.
6.C. Board Practices
Terms of Directors and Officers
Our directors may be elected by a resolution of
our board of directors, or by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. Our directors are not subject to a term of office and hold office
until such time as they are removed from office by ordinary resolution of our shareholders. A director will cease to be a director if,
among other things, the director (a) gives notice in writing to the Company that he resigns the office of Director; (b) without special
leave of absence from the Board, is absent from meetings of the Board for three consecutive meetings and the Board resolves that his office
be vacated; (c) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; or (d) dies or is found to be or becomes
of unsound mind.
Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion
of the board of directors.
Our board of directors currently consists of 5
directors. We have established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a corporate governance and nominating committee. Each
of the committees of the board of directors has the composition and responsibilities described below.
Board
Diversity Matrix
The following table sets forth
Board level diversity statistics based on self-identification of members of our Board as of May 12, 2023.
Board Diversity Matrix (As of May 12, 2023) |
Country of Principal Executive Offices: |
P.R. China |
Foreign Private Issuer: |
Yes |
Disclosure Prohibited Under Home Country Law: |
No |
Total Number of Directors |
5 |
|
Female |
Male |
Non-Binary |
Did Not Disclose Gender |
Part I: Gender Identity |
Directors |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
Part II: Demographic Background |
|
|
|
|
Underrepresented Individual in Home Country Jurisdiction |
|
|
1 |
|
LGBTQ+ |
|
|
0 |
|
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background |
|
|
0 |
|
Audit Committee
William Morris, Haitao Wang, and Y. Tristan Kuo
are members of our Audit Committee; Mr. Kuo serves as the chairman of the Audit Committee. All members of our Audit Committee satisfy
the independence standards promulgated by the SEC and by NASDAQ as such standards apply specifically to members of audit committees.
We have adopted and approved a charter for the
Audit Committee. In accordance with our Audit Committee Charter, our Audit Committee shall:
|
● |
evaluate the independence and performance of, and assess the qualifications of, our independent auditor, and engage such independent auditor; |
|
|
|
|
● |
approve the plan and fees for the annual audit, quarterly reviews, tax and other audit-related services, and approve in advance any non-audit service to be provided by the independent auditor; |
|
● |
monitor the independence of the independent auditor and the rotation of partners of the independent auditor on our engagement team as required by law; |
|
● |
review the financial statements to be included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F and Current Reports on Form 6-K and review with management and the independent auditors the results of the annual audit and reviews of our quarterly financial statements; |
|
● |
oversee all aspects our systems of internal accounting control and corporate governance functions on behalf of the board; |
|
|
|
|
● |
review and approve in advance any proposed related-party transactions and report to the full Board on any approved transactions; and |
|
|
|
|
● |
provide oversight assistance in connection with legal, ethical and risk management compliance programs established by management and the Board, including Sarbanes-Oxley Act implementation, and make recommendations to the Board regarding corporate governance issues and policy decisions. |
We have determined that Y. Tristan Kuo possesses
accounting or related financial management experience that qualifies him as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined
by the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Compensation Committee
William Morris, Haitao Wang, and Y. Tristan Kuo
are members of our Compensation Committee; Mr. Morris serves as the chairman of the Compensation Committee. All members of our Compensation
Committee are qualified as independent under the current definition promulgated by NASDAQ. We have adopted a charter for the Compensation
Committee.
In accordance with the Compensation Committee’s
Charter, the Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing and making recommendations to the board of directors regarding the salaries
and other compensation of our executive officers and general employees and providing assistance and recommendations with respect to our compensation
policies and practices. The Compensation Committee shall:
|
● |
approve compensation principles that apply generally to Company employees; |
|
|
|
|
● |
make recommendations to the board of directors with respect to incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans taking into account the results of the most recent rules to provide the shareholders with an advisory vote on executive compensation, generally known as “Say on Pay Votes” (Section 951 in The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act), if any; |
|
|
|
|
● |
administer and otherwise exercise the various authorities prescribed for the Compensation Committee by the Company’s incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans; |
|
|
|
|
● |
select a peer group of companies against which to benchmark/compare the Company’s compensation systems for principal officers elected by the board of directors; |
|
|
|
|
● |
annually review the Company’s compensation policies and practices and assess whether such policies and practices are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company; and |
|
|
|
|
● |
determine and oversee stock ownership guidelines and stock option holding requirements, including periodic review of compliance by principal officers and members of the board of directors. |
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
William Morris, Haitao Wang, and Y. Tristan Kuo
are members of our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee; Mr. Wang serves as the chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee. All members of our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are qualified as independent under the current definition
promulgated by NASDAQ. We have adopted a charter for the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.
In accordance with its charter, the Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and proposing new potential director nominees to the board of directors
for consideration and reviewing our corporate governance policies. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee shall:
|
● |
Identify and screen
individuals qualified to become Board members consistent with the criteria approved by the board of directors, and recommend
director nominees to the board of directors for election at the next annual or special meeting of shareholders at
which directors are to be elected or to fill any vacancies or newly created directorships that may occur between such
meetings; |
|
|
|
|
● |
Recommend directors for appointment to Board committees; |
|
|
|
|
● |
Make recommendations to the board of directors as to determinations of director independence; |
|
|
|
|
● |
Oversee the evaluation of the board of directors; |
|
|
|
|
● |
Make recommendations to the board of directors as to compensation for the Company’s directors; and |
|
|
|
|
● |
Review and recommend to the board of directors the Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for the Company. |
Director Independence
Our Board reviewed the materiality of any relationship
that each of our directors has with us, either directly or indirectly, and the Company has determined that William Morris, Haitao Wang,
Y. Tristan Kuo are “independent directors” as defined by NASDAQ.
6.D. Employees
As of December 31, 2022, we had a total of 218
employees. We had a total of 242 employees as of December 31, 2021. The following table sets forth the breakdown of our employees as of
December 31, 2022 by function:
Category | |
Number of Employees | | |
Percentage of workforce | |
Management | |
| 35 | | |
| 16.06 | % |
Fulfillment Center | |
| 102 | | |
| 46.79 | % |
IT | |
| 10 | | |
| 4.59 | % |
Finance and Accounting | |
| 22 | | |
| 10.09 | % |
Investment | |
| 2 | | |
| 0.92 | % |
Quality Control | |
| 5 | | |
| 2.29 | % |
Customer Service | |
| 16 | | |
| 7.34 | % |
Product Development | |
| 5 | | |
| 2.29 | % |
Design | |
| 7 | | |
| 3.21 | % |
HR | |
| 8 | | |
| 3.67 | % |
Benefits | |
| 6 | | |
| 2.75 | % |
Total | |
| 218 | | |
| 100 | % |
As of December 31, 2022, 14 of our employees were
based in Shanghai, where our principal executive offices are located, and 166 employees were located in Changshu City, 38 employees were
in other field offices in China.
We understand that our success depends on our
ability to attract, train and retain our employees. Therefore, as part of our human resources strategy, we offer employees competitive
salaries, stock awards, performance-based cash bonuses and promotions, engagement activities, various welfare as well as other incentives.
We design and provide training to our employees regularly in order to enhance their professional skills and foster their career development.
We also recognize the importance of keeping our employees safe. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented changes that we determined
were in the best interest of our employees and have followed local government orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As required by PRC regulations, we participate
in various government statutory employee benefit plans, including social insurance funds, namely a pension contribution plan, a medical
insurance plan, an unemployment insurance plan, a work-related injury insurance plan and a maternity insurance plan, and a housing provident
fund. We are required under PRC law to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses
and certain allowances of our employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time. As of the date of
this report, we have made adequate employee benefit payments. However, if we were found by the relevant authorities that we failed to
make adequate payment, we may be required to make up the contributions for these plans as well as to pay late fees and fines. See “Risk
Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Failure to make adequate contributions to various employee benefit plans
as required by PRC regulations may subject us to penalties.”
We enter into standard labor and confidentiality
agreements with our employees. We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees, and we have not experienced
any major labor disputes.
6.E. Share Ownership
The following table sets forth information with
respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of May 12, 2023 for:
|
● |
each beneficial owner of 5% or more of our outstanding ordinary shares; |
|
|
|
|
● |
each of our directors and executive officers; and |
|
|
|
|
● |
all of our directors and executive officers as a group. |
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance
with the rules of the SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting
power or investment power with respect to those securities and include ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are
immediately exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date hereof.
Except as otherwise indicated, all of the shares
reflected in the table are ordinary shares and all persons listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares
beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws. The information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial
ownership for any other purpose.
The calculations in the table below are based
on 34,174,065 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of the date of May 12, 2023.
Except as otherwise indicated in the table below,
addresses of our directors, executive officers and named beneficial owners are in care of Jowell Global Ltd., 2nd Floor, No. 285 Jiangpu
Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China 200082. Our telephone number at this address +86-21-5521-01874.
| |
Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned | |
Name of Beneficial Owners | |
Number | | |
% | |
Directors and Executive Officers: | |
| | |
| |
Haiting Li | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Lu Qian | |
| - | | |
| * | |
Dan (Jessie) Zhao | |
| 19,600 | | |
| * | |
Y. Tristan Kuo | |
| 3,500 | | |
| * | |
William Morris | |
| 3,500 | | |
| * | |
Haitao Wang | |
| 3,500 | | |
| * | |
All directors and executive officers as a group (six individuals): | |
| 30,100 | | |
| * | |
5% or Greater Shareholders: | |
| | | |
| | |
Jowell Holdings Ltd. (1) | |
| 5,341,380 | | |
| 15.6 | |
Zhiwei Xu (1) | |
| 5,450,465 | | |
| 15.9 | |
(1) |
Including 109,085 shares owned by Zhiwei
Xu directly and 5,341,380 shares owned by Jowell Holdings Ltd. Mr. Zhiwei Xu was the Chairman of our Board and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company until March 1, 2023 and he is the sole shareholder of Jowell Holdings Ltd. a British Virgin Islands company. The registered
address of Jowell Holdings Ltd. is Vistra Corporate Services Centre, Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110, British Virgin Islands.
Mr. Zhiwei Xu also owns all 750,000 of the Company’s outstanding preferred shares, and each holder of one preferred share has the
right to 2 votes at a meeting of the shareholders of the Company and his address is 30 Xinzhuang Section, Jiangsu Provincial Road 227,
Changshu, Suzhou, China. |
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
7.A. Major Shareholders
See Item 6.E., “Share Ownership” for
a description of our major shareholders.
7.B. Related Party Transactions
Variable Interest Entity Arrangements
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—C.
Organizational Structure.”
Employment Agreements, Director Agreements
and Indemnification Agreements
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management
and Employees—B. Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers—Employment Agreements, Director Agreements and Indemnification
Agreements.”
Share Incentives
See “Item 6.
Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers —Share Incentive Plans.”
Other Transactions with Related Parties
The relationship and the nature of related party
transactions are summarized as follow:
Name of Related Party | |
Relationship to the Company | |
Nature of Transactions |
| |
| |
|
Longrich Group and its subsidiaries | |
Controlled by Mr. Zhiwei Xu, a major shareholder of the Company | |
Purchase and operating leases |
Longliqi International (NIG) Limited | |
Controlled by Mr. Zhiwei Xu | |
Sales |
Longrich Goalbridge Company Limited | |
Controlled by Mr. Zhiwei Xu | |
Sales |
Longrich America Int’l, Inc. | |
Controlled by Mr. Zhiwei Xu | |
Sales |
Longrich Bioscience (M) Berhad | |
Controlled by Mr. Zhiwei Xu | |
Sales |
Due to related parties:
The balance in due to related parties account
amounted to $178,816 and $134,381 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These dues to related parties, subsidiaries of Longrich
Group, are typically short-term in nature, interest-free and due upon demand.
Related party lease:
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had four leases from its related
party, subsidiaries of Longrich Group, and one lease from its related party, Suzhou Colori Cosmetics, both related parties are controlled
by Mr. Zhiwei Xu, a major shareholder of the Company. The Company is obligated to pay quarterly based rents under these lease agreements.
See Note 14 for further discussion.
Related party purchases:
The Company periodically purchases merchandise
from Longrich Group and its subsidiaries during the ordinary course of business. The purchases made from Longrich Group were $44,886,549,
$73,876,430 and $82,551,615 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Related party sales:
The Company made sales to related parties controlled by Mr. Zhiwei
Xu, a major shareholder of the Company, in the amount of $160,055, $1,521,566 and $1,522,546 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021
and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had accounts receivable of $285,530 and $480,111 related to
these sales.
7.C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial
Information
The financial statements required by this item
may be found at the end of this Annual Report on 20-F, beginning on page F-1.
Legal Proceedings
We are currently not involved in any material
legal or administrative proceedings. From time to time, we may be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising
in the ordinary course of business. Such legal or administrative claims and proceedings, even if without merit, could result in the expenditure
of financial and management resources and potentially result in civil liability for damages.
Dividends
We have not declared or paid cash dividends since
the Company was incorporated in August 2019 in Cayman Island and we have no plan to declare or pay any dividends in the near future on
our ordinary shares. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand
our business.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman
Islands. We rely principally on dividends from our PRC subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including any payment of dividends to our
shareholders. PRC regulations may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. See “Item 4.B. Business
Overview—Regulations —Regulations on Dividend Distribution.”
Our board of directors has discretion as to whether
to distribute dividends, subject to applicable laws. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and
amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual
restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant. Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid
in U.S. dollars.
No Significant Changes
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, no
other significant changes to our financial condition have occurred since the date of the annual financial statements contained herein.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
9.A. Offer and Listing Details
Our ordinary shares are listed for trading on
the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “JWEL” The shares began trading on March 17, 2021 on the NASDAQ Capital Market.
9.B. Plan of Distribution
Not Applicable.
9.C. Markets
Our ordinary shares have been listed on the Nasdaq
Capital Market since March 17, 2021 under the symbol “JWEL”.
9.D. Selling Shareholders
Not Applicable.
9.E. Dilution
Not Applicable.
9.F. Expenses of the Issuer
Not Applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
10.A. Share Capital
Not Applicable.
10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company limited
by shares and our affairs are governed by our current memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Act (As Revised) of the
Cayman Islands, which we refer to as the “Companies Act” below, and the common law of the Cayman Islands.
Our authorized share capital consists of: (i)
450,000,000 Ordinary Shares, par value $0.0001 per share and (ii) 50,000,000 Preferred Shares, par value $0.0001 per share. As of May
12, 2023, 34,174,065 Ordinary Shares and 750,000 Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding.
Our shareholders adopted our current amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association by way of a special resolution on July 1, 2020.
Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is
located at P. O. Box 31119, Grand Pavilion, Hibiscus Way, 802 West Bay Road, Grand Cayman, KY1 - 1205 Cayman Islands.
According to clause 3 of our current amended and
restated memorandum of association, the objects for which the Company is established are unrestricted and the Company shall have full
power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the Companies Act or any other Law of the Cayman Islands.
Board of Directors
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management
and Employees.”
Ordinary Shares
Dividends. Subject to any rights and
restrictions of any other class or series of shares, our Board may, from time to time, declare dividends on the shares issued and authorize
payment of the dividends out of our lawfully available funds. No dividends shall be declared by the board out of our company except the
following:
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profits; or |
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“share premium account,” which represents the excess of the price paid to our company on issue of its shares over the par or “nominal” value of those shares, which is similar to the U.S. concept of additional paid in capital. |
However, no dividend shall bear interest against
the Company.
Voting Rights. Each Ordinary Share shall
be entitled to one vote on all matters subject to vote at general and special meetings of our company and each Preferred Share shall be
entitled to two (2) votes on all matters subject to vote at general and special meetings of our company. Voting at any meeting of shareholders
is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by the chairman of such meeting or any one or more shareholders
who together hold not less than 10% of the nominal value of the total issued voting shares of our company present in person or by proxy.
An ordinary resolution to be passed at a meeting by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching
to the Ordinary Shares cast at a meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes
cast attaching to the outstanding Ordinary Shares at a meeting. A special resolution will be required for important matters such as making
changes to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.
There are no limitations on non-residents or foreign
shareholders in the memorandum and articles to hold or exercise voting rights on the Ordinary Shares imposed by foreign law or by the
charter or other constituent document of our company. However, no person will be entitled to vote at any general meeting or at any separate
meeting of the holders of the Ordinary Shares unless the person is registered as of the record date for such meeting and unless all calls
or other sums presently payable by the person in respect of Ordinary Shares in the Company have been paid.
Winding Up; Liquidation. Upon the winding
up of our company, after the full amount that holders of any issued shares ranking senior to the Ordinary Shares as to distribution on
liquidation or winding up are entitled to receive has been paid or set aside for payment, the holders of our Ordinary Shares are entitled
to receive any remaining assets of the Company available for distribution as determined by the liquidator. The assets received by the
holders of our Ordinary Shares in a liquidation may consist in whole or in part of property, which is not required to be of the same kind
for all shareholders.
Calls on Ordinary Shares and Forfeiture of
Ordinary Shares. Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their Ordinary
Shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 days prior to the specified time and place of payment. Any Ordinary Shares
that have been called upon and remain unpaid are subject to forfeiture.
Redemption of Ordinary Shares. We may issue
shares that are, or at its option or at the option of the holders are, subject to redemption on such terms and in such manner as it may,
before the issue of the shares, determine. Under the Companies Act, shares of a Cayman Islands exempted company may be redeemed or repurchased
out of profits of the company, out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for that purpose or out of capital, provided the memorandum
and articles authorize this and it has the ability to pay its debts as they come due in the ordinary course of business.
No Preemptive Rights. Holders of Ordinary
Shares will have no preemptive or preferential right to purchase any securities of our company.
Variation of Rights Attaching to Shares.
All or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, be materially adversely
varied with the written consent of the holders of all of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of an ordinary resolution
passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class
issued shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the
creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with such existing class of shares.
Anti-Takeover Provisions. Some provisions
of our current memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management
that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that authorize our board of directors to issue preferred shares in one
or more series and to designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preferred shares without any further
vote or action by our shareholders.
Transfer of Ordinary Shares. Subject to
the restrictions contained in our current articles of association, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her ordinary
shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.
Our board of directors may, in its absolute discretion,
decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on which we have a lien. Our board of directors may
also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless:
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the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the ordinary shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer; |
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the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares; |
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the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required; |
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in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the share is to be transferred does not exceed four; and |
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a fee of such maximum sum as the Nasdaq Capital Market may determine to be payable or such lesser sum as our directors may from time to time require is paid to us in respect thereof. |
If our directors refuse to register a transfer,
they shall, within three months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to each of the transferor and the
transferee notice of such refusal.
The registration of transfers may, on ten calendar
days’ notice being given by advertisement in such one or more newspapers, by electronic means or by any other means in accordance
with the Nasdaq Rules, be suspended and the register closed at such times and for such periods as our board of directors may, in their
absolute discretion, from time to time determine, provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended nor the
register closed for more than 30 calendar days in any calendar year.
Inspection of Books and Records
Holders of our shares have no general right under
Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records (other than the memorandum and articles
of association, the register of mortgages and charges, and copies of any special resolutions passed by our shareholders). However, we
will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements.
General Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholders’
meetings may be convened by a majority of our board of directors or our chairman. Advance notice of at least seven (7) calendar days
is required for the convening of our annual general shareholders’ meeting and any other general meeting of our shareholders. A quorum
required for and throughout a meeting of shareholders consists of at least one shareholder entitled to vote and present in person or by
proxy or (in the case of a shareholder being a corporation) by its duly authorized representative representing not less than one-third of all
voting power of our share capital in issue.
Exempted Company. We are an exempted company
with limited liability under the Companies Act. The Companies Act distinguishes between ordinary resident companies and exempted companies.
Any company that is registered in the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands may apply to be registered
as an exempted company. The requirements for an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary company except that an exempted
company:
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does not have to file an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies; |
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is not required to open its register of members for inspection; |
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does not have to hold an annual general meeting; |
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may issue shares with no par value; |
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may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first instance); |
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may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands; |
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may register as a limited duration company; and |
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may register as a segregated portfolio company. |
“Limited liability” means that the
liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on the shares of the company (except in exceptional circumstances,
such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in which
a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).
Preferred Shares
Conversion. Each Preferred Share is convertible
into one (1) ordinary share at any time at the option of the holder thereof. In no event shall Ordinary Shares be convertible into Preferred
Shares.
Voting Rights. Each share of Preferred
Shares shall have the voting rights equal to two (2) Ordinary Shares.
Dividends. Except for voting rights and
conversion rights as set out hereof, the Ordinary Shares and the Preferred Shares shall rank pari passu with one another and shall
have the same rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions.
Assignment and Transfer. The holders of
Preferred Shares shall have the right to transfer each share of the Preferred Shares to any third party at any time in such holder’s
sole and absolute discretion, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws. Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition
of any Preferred Share by a shareholder to any person who is not an affiliate of such shareholder, or upon a change of control of any
Preferred Share to any person who is not an affiliate of the registered shareholder of such share, such Preferred Share shall be automatically
and immediately converted into one (1) ordinary share.
10.C. Material Contracts
We have not entered into any material contracts
other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in this annual report.
10.D. Exchange Controls
Cayman Islands
Currently there is no exchange control regulations
in the Cayman Islands applicable to us and shareholders.
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B.
Business Overview—Regulation—PRC Laws and Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange” for exchange controls in China.
10.E. Taxation
The following summary of the material Cayman Islands,
PRC and U.S. tax consequences of an investment in our ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect
as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary is not intended to be, nor should
it be construed as, legal or tax advice and is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations. This summary also does not deal with
all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under state, local, or under
the tax laws of jurisdictions other than the Cayman Islands, PRC and the United States. Investors should consult their own tax advisors
with respect to the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares.
Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on
individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax
or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties
which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or, after execution, brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman
Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control
regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Payments of dividends and capital in respect of
our Ordinary Shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend
or capital to any holder of our Ordinary Shares, nor will gains derived from the disposal of our Ordinary Shares be subject to Cayman
Islands income or corporation tax.
No stamp duty is payable in respect of the issue
of the shares or on an instrument of transfer in respect of a share.
People’s Republic of China Taxation
Under the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside
the PRC with a “de facto management body” within the PRC is considered a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income
tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income as well as tax reporting obligations.
Under the Implementation Rules, a “de facto management body” is defined as a body that has material and overall management
and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and properties of an enterprise. In
addition, SAT Circular 82 issued in April 2009 specifies that certain offshore-incorporated enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises
or PRC enterprise groups will be classified as PRC resident enterprises if all of the following conditions are met: (a) senior management
personnel and core management departments in charge of the daily operations of the enterprises have their presence mainly in the PRC;
(b) their financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies in the PRC; (c) major
assets, accounting books and company seals of the enterprises, and minutes and files of their board’s and shareholders’ meetings
are located or kept in the PRC; and (d) half or more of the enterprises’ directors or senior management personnel with voting
rights habitually reside in the PRC. Further to SAT Circular 82, the SAT issued SAT Bulletin 45, which took effect in September 2011,
to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82. SAT Bulletin 45 provides for procedures and administration details
of determination on PRC resident enterprise status and administration on post-determination matters. If the PRC tax authorities determine
that the Company is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could
follow. For example, Shanghai Juhao may be subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% with respect to its worldwide taxable income.
Also, a 10% withholding tax would be imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC enterprise shareholders and with respect to gains derived
by our non-PRC enterprise shareholders from transferring our shares or Ordinary Shares and potentially a 20% of withholding tax would
be imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC individual shareholders and with respect to gains derived by our non-PRC individual shareholders
from transferring our shares or Ordinary Shares.
It is unclear whether, if we are considered a
PRC resident enterprise, holders of our shares or Ordinary Shares would be able to claim the benefit of income tax treaties or agreements
entered into between China and other countries or areas. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—If
we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences
to us and our non-PRC shareholders”.
The SAT issued SAT Circular 59 together with the
Ministry of Finance in April 2009 and SAT Circular 698 in December 2009. Both SAT Circular 59 and SAT Circular 698 became effective retroactively
as of January 1, 2008, and Circular 7, in replacement of some of the existing rules in Circular 698, became effective in February 2015.
On October 17, 2017, the SAT promulgated Bulletin 37, and Circular 698 was replaced effective December 1, 2017. Under Circular 7,
where a non-resident enterprise conducts an “indirect transfer” by transferring taxable assets, including, in particular,
equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise, indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident
enterprise, being the transferor, or the transferee or the PRC entity which directly owned such taxable assets, may report such indirect
transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence
of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding
or deferring PRC tax. We and non-resident enterprises in such transactions may become at risk of being subject to filing obligations or
being taxed, under Circular 59 or Circular 7 and Bulletin 37, and may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Circular
59, Circular 7 and Bulletin 37 or to establish that we and our non-resident enterprises should not be taxed under these circulars. In
addition, in accordance with the Individual Income Tax Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of NPC, later amended on August 31, 2018,
and effective January 1, 2019, where an individual carries out other arrangements without reasonable business purpose and obtains improper
tax gains, the tax authorities shall have the right to make tax adjustments based on a reasonable method, and levy additional tax and
collect interest if there is a need to levy additional tax after making tax adjustments. As a result, our beneficial owners, who are PRC
residents, may be deemed to have carried out other arrangements without reasonable business purpose and obtained improper tax gains for
such indirect transfer, and thus be levied tax. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—We face
uncertainty regarding the PRC tax reporting obligations and consequences for certain indirect transfers of our operating company’s
equity interests. Enhanced scrutiny over acquisition transactions by the PRC tax authorities may have a negative impact on potential acquisitions
we may pursue in the future.”
Pursuant to the Arrangement between the Mainland
China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, or the Tax Arrangement,
where a Hong Kong resident enterprise which is considered a non-PRC tax resident enterprise directly holds at least 25% of a PRC enterprise,
the withholding tax rate in respect of the payment of dividends by such PRC enterprise to such Hong Kong resident enterprise is reduced
to 5% from a standard rate of 10%, subject to approval of the PRC local tax authority. Pursuant to the Notice of the State Administration
of Taxation on the Issues concerning the Application of the Dividend Clauses of Tax Agreements, or Circular 81, a resident enterprise
of the counter-party to such Tax Arrangement should meet the following conditions, among others, in order to enjoy the reduced withholding
tax under the Tax Arrangement: (i) it must directly own the required percentage of equity interests and voting rights in such PRC
resident enterprise; and (ii) it should directly own such percentage in the PRC resident enterprise anytime in the 12 months prior
to receiving the dividends. Furthermore, the Administrative Measures for Non-Resident Enterprises to Enjoy Treatments under Tax Treaties
(for Trial Implementation), or the Administrative Measures, which became effective in October 2009, requires that the non-resident
enterprises must obtain the approval from the relevant tax authority in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax rate under the tax
treaties. There are also other conditions for enjoying such reduced withholding tax rate according to other relevant tax rules and
regulations. Accordingly, Shanghai Juhao may be able to enjoy the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends it receives from the WFOE,
if it satisfies the conditions prescribed under Circular 81 and other relevant tax rules and regulations, and obtains the approvals
as required under the Administrative Measures. However, according to Circular 81, if the relevant tax authorities consider the transactions
or arrangements are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment, the relevant tax authorities may adjust the favorable
withholding tax in the future.
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a discussion of United States
federal income tax considerations relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of our ordinary shares by a U.S. Holder, as
defined below, that acquires our ordinary shares and holds our ordinary shares as “capital assets” (generally, property held
for investment) under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). This discussion is based upon
existing United States federal income tax law, which is subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect.
No ruling has been sought from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) with respect to any United States federal income tax
consequences described below, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position. This discussion
does not address all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be important to particular investors in light of their
individual circumstances, including investors subject to special tax rules (such as, for example, certain financial institutions, insurance
companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, broker-dealers, traders in securities that elect mark-to-market
treatment, partnerships and their partners, tax-exempt organizations (including private foundations)), investors who are not U.S. Holders,
investors that own (directly, indirectly, or constructively) 10% or more of our voting stock, investors that hold their ordinary shares
as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction), or investors that have a functional currency
other than the U.S. dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below. In addition,
this discussion does not address any tax laws other than the United States federal income tax laws, including any state, local, alternative
minimum tax or non-United States tax considerations, or the Medicare tax. Each potential investor is urged to consult its tax advisor
regarding the United States federal, state, local and non-United States income and other tax considerations of an investment in our ordinary
shares.
General
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S.
Holder” is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares that is, for United States federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual who
is a citizen or treated as a tax resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United
States federal income tax purposes) created in, or organized under the laws of, the United States or any state thereof or the District
of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless
of its source, or (iv) a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and which
has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has otherwise
elected to be treated as a United States person under the Code.
If a partnership (or other entity treated as a
partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner
in the partnership will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships and partners of a partnership
holding our ordinary shares are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding an investment in our ordinary shares.
The discussion set forth below is addressed only
to U.S. Holders that purchase ordinary shares. Prospective purchasers are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the application
of the U.S. federal income tax rules to their particular circumstances as well as the state, local, foreign and other tax consequences
to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares.
Taxation of Dividends and Other Distributions
on our Ordinary Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company
rules discussed below, the gross amount of distributions made by us to you with respect to the ordinary shares (including the amount of
any taxes withheld therefrom) will generally be includable in your gross income as dividend income on the date of receipt by you, but
only to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal
income tax principles). With respect to corporate U.S. Holders, the dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction
allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations.
With respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders, including
individual U.S. Holders, dividends will be taxed at the lower capital gains rate applicable to qualified dividend income, provided that
(1) the ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, or we are eligible for the benefits
of an approved qualifying income tax treaty with the United States that includes an exchange of information program, (2) we are not a
passive foreign investment company (as discussed below) for either our taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable
year, and (3) certain holding period requirements are met. Because there is no income tax treaty between the United States and the Cayman
Islands, clause (1) above can be satisfied only if the ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the
United States. Under U.S. Internal Revenue Service authority, ordinary shares are considered for purpose of clause (1) above to be readily
tradable on an established securities market in the United States if they are listed on certain exchanges, which presently include the
Nasdaq. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with respect to our
ordinary shares, including the effects of any change in law after the date of this report.
To the extent that the amount of the distribution
exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles), it will be treated
first as a tax-free return of your tax basis in your ordinary shares, and to the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds your tax
basis, the excess will be taxed as capital gain. We do not intend to calculate our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax
principles. Therefore, a U.S. Holder should expect that a distribution will be treated as a dividend even if that distribution would otherwise
be treated as a non-taxable return of capital or as capital gain under the rules described above.
Taxation of Dispositions of Ordinary Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company
rules discussed below, you will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a share equal to
the difference between the amount realized (in U.S. dollars) for the share and your tax basis (in U.S. dollars) in the ordinary shares.
The gain or loss will be capital gain or loss. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual U.S. Holder, who has held
the ordinary shares for more than one year, you may be eligible for reduced tax rates on any such capital gains. The deductibility of
capital losses is subject to limitations.
Passive Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”)
A non-U.S. corporation is considered a PFIC for
any taxable year if either:
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Passive income generally includes dividends, interest,
rents and royalties (other than rents or royalties derived from the active conduct of a trade or business) and gains from the disposition
of passive assets. We will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets and earning our proportionate share of the income
of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, at least 25% (by value) of the stock. In determining the value and composition
of our assets for purposes of the PFIC asset test, (1) the cash we hold will generally be considered to be held for the production of
passive income and (2) the value of our assets must be determined based on the market value of our ordinary shares from time to time,
which could cause the value of our non-passive assets to be less than 50% of the value of all of our assets (including the cash raised
in any offering) on any particular quarterly testing date for purposes of the asset test.
We must make a separate determination each year
as to whether we are a PFIC. Depending on the amount of cash we hold, together with any other assets held for the production of passive
income, it is possible that, for our current taxable year or for any subsequent taxable year, at least 50% of our assets may be assets
held for the production of passive income. We will make this determination following the end of any particular tax year. Although the
law in this regard is unclear, we treat the consolidated variable interest entity, as being owned by us for United States federal income
tax purposes, not only because we exercise effective control over the operation of such entity but also because we are entitled to substantially
all of their economic benefits, and, as a result, we consolidate their operating results in our consolidated financial statements. In
particular, because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test will generally be determined based on the market price of our
ordinary shares and because cash is generally considered to be an asset held for the production of passive income, our PFIC status will
depend in large part on the market price of our ordinary shares and the amount of cash we hold. Accordingly, fluctuations in the market
price of the ordinary shares may cause us to become a PFIC. In addition, the application of the PFIC rules is subject to uncertainty in
several respects. We are under no obligation to take steps to reduce the risk of our being classified as a PFIC, and as stated above,
the determination of the value of our assets will depend upon material facts (including the market price of our ordinary shares from time
to time that may not be within our control). If we are a PFIC for any year during which you hold ordinary shares, the shares will continue
to be treated as stock in a PFIC for all succeeding years during which you hold ordinary shares. However, if we cease to be a PFIC and
you did not previously make a timely “mark-to-market” election as described below, you may avoid some of the adverse effects
of the PFIC regime by making a “purging election” (as described below) with respect to the ordinary shares.
If we are a PFIC for your taxable year(s) during
which you hold ordinary shares, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any “excess distribution” that you
receive and any gain you realize from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of the ordinary shares, unless you make a “mark-to-market”
election as discussed below. Distributions you receive in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions
you received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the ordinary shares will be treated as
an excess distribution. Under these special tax rules:
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the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the ordinary shares; |
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the amount allocated to your current taxable year, and any amount allocated to any of your taxable year(s) prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and |
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the amount allocated to each of your other taxable year(s) will be subject to the highest tax rate in effect for that year and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year. |
The tax liability for amounts allocated to years
prior to the year of disposition or “excess distribution” cannot be offset by any net operating losses for such years, and
gains (but not losses) realized on the sale of the ordinary shares cannot be treated as capital, even if you hold the ordinary shares
as capital assets.
A U.S. Holder of “marketable stock”
(as defined below) in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election for such stock to elect out of the tax treatment discussed above. If you
make a mark-to-market election for first taxable year which you hold (or are deemed to hold) ordinary shares and for which we are determined
to be a PFIC, you will include in your income each year an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the ordinary
shares as of the close of such taxable year over your adjusted basis in such ordinary shares, which excess will be treated as ordinary
income and not capital gain. You are allowed an ordinary loss for the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the ordinary shares over
their fair market value as of the close of the taxable year. However, such ordinary loss is allowable only to the extent of any net mark-to-market
gains on the ordinary shares included in your income for prior taxable years. Amounts included in your income under a mark-to-market election,
as well as gain on the actual sale or other disposition of the ordinary shares, are treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment
also applies to any loss realized on the actual sale or disposition of the ordinary shares, to the extent that the amount of such loss
does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included for such ordinary shares. Your basis in the ordinary shares will be adjusted
to reflect any such income or loss amounts. If you make a valid mark-to-market election, the tax rules that apply to distributions by
corporations which are not PFICs would apply to distributions by us, except that the lower applicable capital gains rate for qualified
dividend income discussed above under “— Taxation of Dividends and Other Distributions on our ordinary shares” generally
would not apply.
The mark-to-market election is available only
for “marketable stock”, which is stock that is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each
calendar quarter (“regularly traded”) on a qualified exchange or other market (as defined in applicable U.S. Treasury regulations),
including Nasdaq. If the ordinary shares are regularly traded on Nasdaq and if you are a holder of ordinary shares, the mark-to-market
election would be available to you were we to be or become a PFIC.
Alternatively, a U.S. Holder of stock in a PFIC
may make a “qualified electing fund” election with respect to such PFIC to elect out of the tax treatment discussed above.
A U.S. Holder who makes a valid qualified electing fund election with respect to a PFIC will generally include in gross income for a taxable
year such holder’s pro rata share of the corporation’s earnings and profits for the taxable year. However, the qualified electing
fund election is available only if such PFIC provides such U.S. Holder with certain information regarding its earnings and profits as
required under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations.
We do not currently intend to prepare or provide
the information that would enable you to make a qualified electing fund election. If you hold ordinary shares in any taxable year in which
we are a PFIC, you will be required to file U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 8621 in each such year and provide certain annual information
regarding such ordinary shares, including regarding distributions received on the ordinary shares and any gain realized on the disposition
of the ordinary shares.
If you do not make a timely “mark-to-market”
election (as described above), and if we were a PFIC at any time during the period you hold our ordinary shares, then such ordinary shares
will continue to be treated as stock of a PFIC with respect to you even if we cease to be a PFIC in a future year, unless you make a “purging
election” for the year we cease to be a PFIC. A “purging election” creates a deemed sale of such ordinary shares at
their fair market value on the last day of the last year in which we are treated as a PFIC. The gain recognized by the purging election
will be subject to the special tax and interest charge rules treating the gain as an excess distribution, as described above. As a result
of the purging election, you will have a new basis (equal to the fair market value of the ordinary shares on the last day of the last
year in which we are treated as a PFIC) and holding period (which new holding period will begin the day after such last day) in your ordinary
shares for tax purposes.
You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding
the application of the PFIC rules to your investment in our ordinary shares and the elections discussed above.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that
are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related intermediaries may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding,
unless (i) the U.S. Holder is a corporation or other “exempt recipient” or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, the U.S.
Holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding
is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the
U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle it to a refund, provided that the required information is timely
furnished to the IRS.
Information with respect to foreign financial assets
Certain U.S. Holders who are individuals (and, under proposed regulations,
certain entities) may be required to report information relating to an interest in our ordinary shares, subject to certain exceptions
(including an exception for ordinary shares held in accounts maintained by certain U.S. financial institutions). U.S. Holders should consult
their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this legislation on their ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares.
10.F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not Applicable.
10.G. Statement by Experts
Not Applicable.
10.H. Documents on Display
We are subject to periodic reporting and other
informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we are required to file reports,
including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. All information filed with the SEC can be obtained over
the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC
at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information regarding the Washington, D.C. Public Reference Room
by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports and other information regarding
registrants that make electronic filings with the SEC using its EDGAR system. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules
under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and officers, directors and principal
shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
You may also visit us on the world wide web at http://www.1juhao.com. However, information contained on our website does not constitute
a part of this annual report.
10.I. Subsidiary Information
Not Applicable.
10.J. Annual Report to Security Holders
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Liquidity risk
We are exposed to liquidity risk, which is the
risk that we will be unable to provide sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs. Liquidity
risk is controlled by the application of financial position analysis and monitoring procedures. When necessary, we will turn to other
financial institutions to obtain short-term funding to meet the liquidity shortage.
Inflation risk
Inflationary factors, such as increases in personnel
and overhead costs, could impair our operating results. Although we do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our financial
position or results of operations to date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain
current levels of gross margin and operating expenses as a percentage of sales revenue if the revenues from our products do not increase
with such increased costs.
Interest rate risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates
to the interest rate that our deposited cash can earn, on the other hand, interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate
risk. We have not been exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates. An increase, however, may raise the cost of any debt
we incur in the future.
Foreign currency translation and transaction
Our operating transactions and assets and liabilities
are mainly denominated in RMB. RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies for capital account transactions. The value of RMB
against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic
conditions and China’s foreign exchange policies. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce
our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
A. Debt Securities
Not applicable.
B. Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
C. Other Securities
Not applicable.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
Jowell Global Ltd. (“Jowell Global”
or the “Company”) is a limited liability company established under the laws of the Cayman Islands on August 16, 2019 as a
holding company. The Company, through the consolidated Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”), sells and distributes health and
nutritional supplements, cosmetic products and certain household products sourced from manufacturers and distributors on its e-commerce
platform and mobile applications, and offers an online marketplace that also enables third-party sellers to sell their products to the
Company’s online consumers.
A reorganization of the Company’s legal
structure (“Reorganization”) was completed on November 1, 2019. The Reorganization involved the incorporation of Jowell Global,
a Cayman Islands holding company, the incorporation of Jowell Technology Limited (“Jowell Tech”), a Hong Kong holding company;
the incorporation of Shanghai Jowell Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Jowell”), a wholly foreign-owned entity (“WFOE”)
of Jowell Tech under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”).
On October 31, 2019 and November 1, 2019,
Shanghai Jowell entered into a series of VIE Agreements with the shareholders of Shanghai Juhao Information Technology Co., Ltd.
(“Shanghai Juhao”) and its shareholders, as amended on October 10, 2020. These agreements include: 1) an Exclusive
Business Cooperation and Management Agreement; 2) an Equity Interest Pledge Agreement, 3) an Exclusive Option Agreement; 4) Powers
of Attorney and 5) Spousal Consent Letters. Pursuant to these agreements, Shanghai Jowell has the exclusive rights to provide
consulting services to Shanghai Juhao related to the business operation and management of Shanghai Juhao. For such services,
Shanghai Juhao agrees to pay service fees equal to all of its net profit after tax payments to Shanghai Jowell. At the same time
Shanghai Jowell has obligation to absorb all of the Shanghai Juhao’s losses. Such contractual arrangements are designed so
that the operations of Shanghai Juhao are solely for the benefit of Shanghai Jowell and ultimately, the Company. The agreements
remain in effect until and unless all parties agree to its termination, except the Exclusive Option Agreement that the effective
term of 10 years and can be renewed for an additional 10 years. Until such termination, Shanghai Juhao may not enter into another
agreement for the provision of management consulting services without the prior consent of Shanghai Jowell. In essence, Shanghai
Jowell is able to consolidate the financials of Shanghai Juhao. Therefore, Shanghai Juhao is considered a Variable Interest Entity
under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification
(“ASC”) 810 “Consolidation”, because the equity investments in Shanghai Juhao no longer have the
characteristics of a controlling financial interest, and the Company, through Shanghai Jowell, is the primary beneficiary of
Shanghai Juhao. Accordingly, Shanghai Juhao has been consolidated (See Note 2 – Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entity).
Since Jowell Global and its subsidiaries are effectively
controlled by the same controlling shareholders before and after the Reorganization, they are considered under common control. The above-mentioned
transactions were accounted for as a recapitalization. The consolidation of the Company and its subsidiaries has been accounted for at
historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned transactions had become effective as of the beginning of the first
period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Upon the reorganization, the Company has subsidiaries
in countries and jurisdictions including PRC, Hong Kong and Cayman Islands. Details of the subsidiaries of the Company are set out below:
Shanghai Juhao has six wholly owned Juhao Best
Choice Stores, located in the cities of Suzhou, Changshu and Wuhu, and twenty-eight wholly owned subsidiaries engaging online promotion
of Shanghai Juhao’s products and services located in the cities of Changshu, Nantong, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements
have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”)
and have been consistently applied. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries, the VIE
and the VIE’s subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances between the Company, its subsidiaries and the VIE are eliminated
upon consolidation.
A VIE is an entity that either has a total equity
investment that is insufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or whose equity investors
lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, such as through voting rights, right to receive the expected residual returns
of the entity. The variable interest holder, if any, that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is deemed to be the primary beneficiary
of, and must consolidate, the VIE.
Shanghai Jowell is deemed to have a controlling
financial interest through a series of contracture agreements and be the primary beneficiary of Shanghai Juhao because it has both of
the following characteristics:
Pursuant to the contractual arrangements with
Shanghai Juhao, Shanghai Juhao shall pay service fees equal to all of its net profit after tax payments to Shanghai Jowell. Such contractual
arrangements are designed so that the Shanghai Juhao would operate for the benefit of Shanghai Jowell and ultimately, the Company.
Accordingly, the accounts of the Shanghai Juhao
are consolidated into the Company’s financial statements pursuant to ASC 810-10, “Consolidation”. In addition, their
financial positions and results of operations are included in the Company’s financial statements. The carrying amount of this VIE’s
assets and liabilities before elimination of intercompany balances and transactions between the parent company, non-VIE subsidiaries,
VIE and VIE’s subsidiaries are as follows:
The Company believes that the contractual arrangements
with the VIE and the shareholders of the VIE are in compliance with PRC laws and regulations and are legally enforceable. However, uncertainties
in the PRC legal system could limit the Company’s ability to enforce the contractual arrangements. If the legal structure and contractual
arrangements were found to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations, the PRC government could:
The Company’s ability to conduct its business
may be negatively affected if the PRC government were to carry out of any of the aforementioned actions. As a result, the Company may
not be able to consolidate the VIE in the consolidated financial statements as it may lose the ability to exert control over the VIE and
its shareholders and it may lose the ability to receive economic benefits from the VIE. The Company, however, does not believe such actions
would result in the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, its PRC subsidiary and the VIE. The Company, Jowell Tech, and Shanghai
Jowell are essentially holding companies and do not have active operations as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company, its subsidiaries,
and VIE do not have any plan to distribute dividend or settle amounts owed under the VIE Agreements in the foreseeable future. The cash
transfer among the holding company, its subsidiaries and VIE is typically transferred through payment for intercompany services or intercompany
borrowing between holding company, subsidiaries and VIE.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with
U.S. GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent
assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting years. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but not limited to, allowance for doubtful
accounts and advance to suppliers, valuation of inventories, and impairment of long-lived assets. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
For purposes of the statements of cash flows,
the Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less and money market accounts
to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no cash equivalents.
Restricted cash represents required cash deposit
as a part of collateral for the bank loan (see Note 10). The Company earns interest at a variable rate per month on this deposit. As of
December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had restricted cash of $3,000,000 and $2,999,990, respectively.
The Company maintains an allowance for credit
losses and records the allowance for credit losses as an offset to accounts receivable. The estimated credit losses charged to the allowance
is classified as “General and administrative” in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company assesses collectability
by reviewing accounts receivable on a collective basis where similar characteristics exist, primarily based on similar business line,
service or product offerings and on an individual basis when the Company identifies specific customers with known disputes or collectability
issues. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, the Company considers historical collectability based on past due
status, the age of the accounts receivable balances, credit quality of the Company’s customers based on ongoing credit evaluations,
current economic conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, and other factors that may affect the
Company’s ability to collect from customers. Accounts receivable are written off after all collection efforts have ceased. Accounts
receivable represents amounts invoiced and revenue recognized prior to invoicing when the Company has satisfied its performance obligation
and has the unconditional right to payment. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable
was $84,400 and $103,805, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the recognized credit losses (reversed in
collection) of ($11,631), $102,356 and $nil, respectively.
Inventories consist of goods in transit and finished
goods and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of inventories is calculated using the weighted average basis.
Adjustments are recorded to write down the cost of inventory to the estimated net realizable value due to slow-moving merchandise and
damaged goods, which is dependent upon factors such as historical and forecasted consumer demand, and promotional environment. The Company
takes ownership, risks and rewards of the products purchased, and has sole discretion in establishing prices for the goods to be sold.
Write downs are recorded in cost of revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Write down of $1,102,119, $329,639 and
$24,172 were recorded in cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021
and 2020, respectively.
Property and equipment are stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation. The cost of an asset comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing the asset
to its present working condition and location for its intended use.
Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis
over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment are as follows:
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs, which
do not materially extend the useful lives of the assets, are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments
which substantially extend the useful life of assets are capitalized.
The cost and related accumulated depreciation
of assets sold or otherwise retired are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations
and comprehensive income (loss).
Intangible assets consist primarily of customized
software systems purchased from third party vendors, used for accounting and business operation. Intangible assets are stated at cost
less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful economic life
of 3 years to 10 years.
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated cash
flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are below the asset’s carrying value, then the asset is deemed to be
impaired and written down to its fair value. There were no indicators of impairments of these assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Equity investments without readily determinable
fair values are measured and recorded using a measurement alternative that measures the securities at cost minus impairment, if any, plus
or minus changes resulting from qualifying observable price changes in accordance with ASC Topic 321, Investments – Equity Securities.
For an investee company over which the Company
has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have a controlling interest, the Company accounted for those using the
equity method. Significant influence is generally considered to exist when the Company has an ownership interest in the voting stock of
the investee between 20% and 50%.
Under the equity method, the Company’s share
of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the equity investment is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss;
and the Company’s share of post-acquisition movements in equity is recognized in equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized
gains on transactions between the Company and an entity in which it has recorded an equity investment are eliminated to the extent of
the Company’s interest in the entity. To the extent of the Company’s interest in the investment, unrealized losses are eliminated
unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. When the Company’s share of losses in an entity
in which it has recorded an equity investment equals or exceeds the Company’s interest in the entity, it does not recognize further
losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the equity investee.
The Company evaluates the equity method investments
for impairment. An impairment loss on the equity method investments is recognized in earnings when the decline in value is determined
to be other-than-temporary.
ASC 820 requires certain disclosures regarding
the fair value of financial instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer
a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation
techniques, which is based on whether the inputs into the valuation technique are observable or unobservable. The hierarchy is as follows:
Unless otherwise disclosed, the fair value of
the Company’s financial instruments including cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable, advances to suppliers, short-term loan,
due to related parties, accounts payable, trade notes payable, deferred revenue, taxes payable, and accrued expenses and other current
liabilities approximate their recorded values due to their short-term maturities.
The Company follows the
provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” which share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date
based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period for the entire award.
On January 1, 2020, the Company
adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (as amended by ASU 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, 2018-20, and 2019-01,
collectively “ASC 842”). For all leases that were entered into prior to the effective date of ASC 842, the Company has elected
to utilize the package of practical expedients at the time of adoption, which allows the Company to (1) not reassess whether any expired
or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) not reassess the lease classification of any expired or existing leases, and (3) not
reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company also has elected to utilize the short-term lease recognition exemption
and, for those leases that qualified, the Company did not recognize operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets or operating
lease liabilities. The Company elected not to record assets and liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet for new or existing lease
arrangements with terms of 12 months or less.
The Company through its websites mainly www.1juhao.com
and mobile applications, engages primarily in online sale of personal care products, nutritional supplements and general merchandise products
sourced from manufacturers and distributors in China, and also offers an online marketplace that enables third-party sellers to sell their
products to the Company’s consumers. Customers place their orders for products or services online primarily through the Company’s
websites and mobile applications. Payment for the purchased products or services is generally made either before delivery or upon delivery.
Consistent with the criteria of ASC 606, the Company
recognizes revenues when the Company satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised goods or services to a customer. Goods
or services is transferred when the customer obtains control of it, which generally occurs upon the delivery of the products to customers.
In accordance with ASC 606, the Company evaluates
whether it is appropriate to record the gross amount of product sales and related costs or the net amount earned as commissions. When
the Company is a principal, that the Company obtains control of the specified goods or services before they are transferred to the customers,
the revenues should be recognized in the gross amount of consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for the specified
goods or services transferred. When the Company is an agent and its obligation is to facilitate third parties in fulfilling their performance
obligation for specified goods or services, revenues should be recognized in the net amount for the amount of commission which the Company
earns in exchange for arranging for the specified goods or services to be provided by other parties. Revenue is recorded net of value-added
taxes.
The Company recognizes revenue net of discounts
and return allowances when the products are delivered and title passes to customers. Significant judgement is required to estimate return
allowances. For online direct sales business with return conditions, the Company reasonably estimate the possibility of return based on
the historical experience, changes in judgments on these assumptions and estimates could materially impact the amount of net revenues
recognized. The Company generally grants customers 7 days of free return upon receiving goods according to PRC law regarding online purchased
products. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, no return allowances were recorded.
The Company primarily sells cosmetic products, nutritional supplements
and household products through online direct sales. The Company recognizes product revenues from the online direct sales on a gross basis
as the Company is a principal because it controls the promised good or service before transferring it to a customer. This control is determined
by the following indicators 1) The Company is the primary obligor in the sales transaction and responsible for fulfilling the promise
to provide the product and service. 2) The Company bears the inventory risk. The Company will first indemnify customers for product damages
and then request reimbursements from suppliers if the suppliers are determined to be responsible for the damages. 3) The Company has discretion
in establishing the prices and control over the entire transaction. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, approximately
$nil, $nil and $21.3 million cost of products were purchased, packed and delivered by the Company at the warehouse of a subsidiary of
Jiangsu Longrich Group Co., Ltd (“Longrich Group”), a supplier controlled by the then CEO of the Company, which generated
approximately $nil, $nil and $23.4 million revenues, respectively.
Other than revenue from online direct sales, the
Company also earns service fees charged to third-party sellers for participating in the Company’s online marketplace, where the
Company generally is acting as an agent and its performance obligation is to arrange for the provision of the specified goods or services
by those third-party sellers. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, revenue from service fees were $123,208, $23,782,
and $72,664, respectively.
Unearned revenue consists of payments received
or awards to customers related to unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of the period, included in deferred revenue in the Company’s
Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had total deferred revenue of $18,469,332 and $2,154,042,
respectively, which mainly represent the proceeds received for orders placed at end of each period, while the deliveries were accomplished
at the beginning of the next periods, when they were recognized as revenue.
Revenue is recognized at a point in time when
the goods are transferred to customers, and no remaining performance obligation in future periods. The Company applies a practical expedient
to expense costs as incurred for costs to obtain a contract with a customer when the amortization period would have been one year or less.
The Company has no material incremental costs of obtaining contracts with customers that the Company expects the benefit of those costs
to be longer than one year which need to be recognized as assets.
Cost of revenue consists primarily of purchase
price of products, inbound shipping charges and write-downs of inventory. Shipping charges to receive products from the suppliers are
included in the inventories and recognized as cost of revenues upon sale of the products to the customers.
Fulfillment expenses consist primarily of expenses
charged by third-party couriers for dispatching and delivering the Company’s products and rental expenses of leased warehouses.
Shipping cost included in fulfillment costs amounted to $2,074,452, $2,404,268 and $2,201,457 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021
and 2020, respectively.
Marketing costs primarily consist of targeted
online advertising, payroll and related expenses for personnel engaged in marketing and selling activities. We also participate in cooperative
advertising arrangements with certain of our vendors, and other third parties.
Advertising costs, which consist primarily of
online advertising and outdoor advertising, are expensed as incurred, Advertising cost included in marketing expense amounted to $2,142,803,
$3,285,558 and $131,419 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company’s subsidiaries in China and
Hong Kong are subject to the income tax laws of the PRC and Hong Kong. No taxable income was generated outside the PRC for the years ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. ASC 740 requires
an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes and allows recognition and measurement of deferred
tax assets based upon the likelihood of realization of tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred
taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more
likely than not these items will either expire before the Company is able to realize their benefits, or future deductibility is uncertain.
The Company doesn’t believe that there was any uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
ASC 740-10-25 prescribes a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial
statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken (or expected to be taken) in a tax return. It also provides guidance on
the recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions,
years open for tax examination, accounting for income taxes in interim periods and income tax disclosures. There were no material uncertain
tax positions as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company will recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax
benefits on the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties will
be included on the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2022, the tax years ended December
31, 2018 through December 31, 2022 for the Company’s PRC subsidiaries remain open for statutory examination by PRC tax authorities.
Sales revenue represents the invoiced value of
goods, net of VAT. The applicable VAT rate was 13% or 9% (depending on the type of goods involved) for products sold in the PRC. The VAT
may be offset by VAT paid by the Company on acquiring its inventories or receiving services from suppliers. The Company recorded a VAT
payable or recoverable net of payments in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. All of the VAT returns filed by the Company’s
subsidiaries and VIE in China, have been and remain subject to examination by the tax authorities for five years from the date of filing.
The Company computes earnings (loss) per share
(“EPS”) in accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings per Share” (“ASC 260”). ASC 260 requires companies with
complex capital structures to present basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is measured as net income divided by the weighted average common
shares outstanding for the period. Diluted presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares (e.g., convertible
securities, options and warrants) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later.
Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are
excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company had no potential common
shares outstanding that could potentially dilute EPS in the future.
In accordance with ASC 230, “Statement of
Cash Flows,” cash flows from the Company’s operations are formulated based upon the local currencies, and then translated
at average translation rates for the periods. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of
cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, one customer
accounted for approximately 15.9% of the Company’s total sales. For the year ended December 31, 2021, one customer accounted for
approximately 15.8% of the Company’s total sales. For the year ended December 31, 2020, two customers accounted for approximately
18.6% and 10.6% of the Company’s total sales.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, two major
suppliers, accounted for approximately 14% and 12% of the total purchases. For the year ended December 31, 2021, two major suppliers,
accounted for approximately 45% and 24% of the total purchases. For the year ended December 31, 2020, one major supplier, a related party,
accounted for approximately 87% of the total purchases. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information
on related parities transactions.
The operations of the Company are located in the
PRC. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic,
and legal environments in the PRC, in addition to the general state of the PRC economy. The Company’s results may be adversely affected
by changes in the political and social conditions in the PRC, and by changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations,
anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation, among other things.
The Company’s sales, purchases and expense
transactions are denominated in RMB, and all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are also denominated in RMB. The RMB is not
freely convertible into foreign currencies under the current law. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted
only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the People’s Bank of China, the central bank of China. Remittances
in currencies other than RMB may require certain supporting documentation in order to effect the remittance.
As of December 31, 2022
and 2021, $13,526,957 and $18,237,655 of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were on deposit at financial institutions
in the PRC. In PRC, a company’s deposits at one bank are insured for a maximum of RMB500,000 in the event of bank failure. In Hong
Kong and Cayman Islands, deposits are not insured by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance or other insurance.
The Company does not carry any business interruption
insurance, product liability insurance or any other insurance policy except for a limited property insurance policy. As a result, the
Company may incur uninsured losses, increasing the possibility that investors would lose their entire investment in the Company.
Beginning in late 2019, there was an outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus)
which has spread quickly to many parts in China, the U.S. and globally. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19
a pandemic. With an aim to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, the Chinese government has imposed various strictive measures across the country
including, but not limited to, travel restrictions, mandatory quarantine requirements, and postponed resumption of business operations
until after the Chinese New Year holiday in 2020. Starting from March 2020, businesses in China began to reopen, and the interruptions
to businesses were gradually removed. However, due to the outbreak of Omicron variant in many cities in China, including Xi’an,
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Suzhou, local governments imposed new restrictions and quarantine requirements with travel restrictions
and temporary closure of office buildings and facilities, and the employees at our Shanghai office worked from home from March 30, 2022
to June 1, 2022. In early December 2022, Chinese government eased the strict control measure for COVID-19, which has led to surge in increased
infections and caused disruption in our business operations in December 2022 and January 2023.
As an online retailer and retail platform,
the Company’s operations in 2022 were not significantly negatively impacted by the pandemic. As the date of this report, the
Chinese government has loosened its policy and there is no control measures due to COVID-19. However, the situation remains highly
uncertain for any further outbreak or resurgence of the COVID-19 and new variants. It is therefore difficult for the Company to
estimate the impact on our business or operating results that might be adversely affected by any further outbreak or resurgence of
COVID-19 and new variants. We will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout 2023 and beyond.
Because of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19
outbreak, the business disruption and the financial impact related to the outbreak of and response to the coronavirus cannot be reasonably
estimated at this time.
The Company’s financial information is presented
in U.S. dollars (“USD”). The functional currency of the Company is the Chinese Yuan, Renminbi (“RMB”), the currency
of the PRC. Any transactions which are denominated in currencies other than RMB are translated into RMB at the exchange rate quoted by
the People’s Bank of China prevailing at the dates of the transactions, and exchange gains and losses are included in the statements
of operations as foreign currency transaction gain or loss. The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been translated
into U.S. dollars in accordance with ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”. The financial information is first prepared in RMB
and then is translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates for revenue
and expenses. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transactions occurred. The effects of
foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholder’s
equity. Cash flows from the Company’s operations are calculated based upon the local currencies using the average translation rate.
As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statements of cash flows will not necessarily agree with changes
in the corresponding balances on the balance sheets.
The exchange rates in effect as of December 31,
2022 and 2021 were RMB1 for $0.1450 and $0.1572, respectively. The average exchange rates for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021
and 2020 were RMB1 for $0.1489, $0.1550 and $0.1450, respectively.
The Company has evaluated pronouncements recently issued but not yet
adopted. The adoption of these pronouncements is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company reported
a net loss of approximately $11.5 million, negative operating cash flows of approximately $12.0 million, and accumulated deficit
of approximately $14.6 million.
In assessing its liquidity, management monitors and analyzes the Company’s
cash on-hand, its ability to generate sufficient revenue sources and ability to obtain additional financial support in the future, and
its operating and capital expenditure commitments.
Presently, the Company’s principal sources
of liquidity are proceeds from its public offering, private placement, registered direct offering. As of December 31, 2022, the Company
had cash and restricted cash of approximately $16.7 million and working capital of $28.3 million. $13.5 million of the
cash were held by the VIE with banks and financial institutions inside China as the Company conducted its operations primarily through
the consolidated VIE in China. With the uncertainty of the current market, management believes it is necessary to enhance the collection
of the outstanding balance of accounts receivable and other receivables, and to be cautious on operational decisions and project selections.
As of March 31, 2023, approximately $4.4 million, or 66%, of its accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2022 were collected,
and approximately $18.5 million or 82% of its advances to supplier balance as of December 31, 2022 were utilized. In addition,
the Company’s Form F-3 registration was declared effective on August 31, 2022 (File No. 333-264109) and the Company may also seek
equity financing from outside investors if necessary.
For the company’s operational strategy, in fiscal 2022, the Company
continued focus on implementation of the Company’s business expansion plan in increase of its customer and distributor bases, products
and brands promotions, and enhanced GMV quality. The management plans to take measures to reduce costs and gradually turn the company
from the current loss into profit in next 1 to 2 years, such as reducing promotional expenses to increase gross profit, and reducing marketing
expenses etc.
Based on its current operating plan, management believes that the above-mentioned
measures, including cash and restricted cash on hand of approximately $16.7 million, bank borrowing and equity financing, will collectively
provide sufficient liquidity for the Company to meet its future liquidity and capital requirements for at least next twelve months from
the date the Company’s consolidated financial statements are issued.
Approximately 66% of the accounts receivable balances as of December
31, 2022 have been subsequently collected by March 31, 2023.
Approximately 82% of the advance to suppliers
balance as of December 31, 2022 have been subsequently utilized by March 31, 2023. The remaining balance is expected to be collected or
utilized by the end of June 2023.
Depreciation expense was $109,900, $104,858 and
$4,687 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Amortization expense was $253,748, $80,626 and
$21,239 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The estimated amortization expenses for each of
the five succeeding years is as follows:
On July 27, 2021, Shanghai Juhao, a variable interest
entity of Jowell Global entered into a Capital Increase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Suzhou Industrial Park Hongrun Rural
Small Amount Loan Co., Ltd. (“Hongrun”) and its then existing shareholders. Pursuant to the Agreement, Shanghai Juhao contributed
RMB 30 million (approximately $4.6 million) to Hongrun (the “Investment”) for 18.96% equity interest of Hongrun. After the
investment, Hongrun had 9 shareholders, including Jiangsu Longrich Group Co., Ltd., the largest shareholder with 29.17% equity interest
of Hongrun, is also a related party of the Company. Other 7 shareholders are unrelated parties accounting for 51.87% equity interest in
Hongrun. Mr. Zhiwei Xu, then Chairman of the Board of Directors and then Chief Executive Officer of the Company is also the Chairman of
the Board of Directors of Hongrun. According to the Article of Association of Hongrun, the Board of Directors of Hongrun has 5 members,
among whom Mr. Zhiwei Xu and another Director is from Longrich Group, accounting for 40% voting rights of the Board. Accordingly, Longrich
Group and the Company in aggregate cannot exercise control but has significant influence over Hongrun. Accordingly, Shanghai Juhao has
been accounting for the investment under equity method. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company generated $29,203 investment
loss from Hongrun and did not recognize any impairment losses for the long-term investments.
On March 21, 2022, Shanghai Juhao entered into
a loan agreement with Shanghai Bank to borrow RMB 17 million (approximately $2.46 million) for working capital needs. Interest of the
loan is 4.6% per annum. The loan is guaranteed by Jowell Tech, who signed a maximum pledge agreement with Shanghai Bank and agreed to
pledge its deposit of $3.0 million as collaterals to safeguard RMB 17 million loans that the Shanghai Juhao may borrow from Shanghai Bank
during the period of March 21, 2022 to March 21, 2023. As of December 31, 2022, the outstanding balance was RMB 17,000,000 (equivalent
of $2,464,375 as of December 31, 2022). In March 2023, Shanghai Juhao repaid this loan upon maturity.
Jowell Global is established under the laws of
the Cayman Islands on August 16, 2019 with 450,000,000 authorized Ordinary Shares and 50,000,000 authorized Preferred Shares. The Company
initially had a total of 60,000,000 of its Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding. On October 21, 2020, the Company issued 3,448,274 Ordinary
Shares to three investors in a private placement transaction for aggregated proceeds of $10,000,000. On November 6, 2020, the Company
effected a reverse stock split of its Ordinary Shares at a ratio of 1-for-3 pursuant to which all existing shareholders of record on that
date surrendered an aggregate of 42,298,849 Ordinary Shares, or 66.67% of the then outstanding Ordinary Shares to the Company for no consideration.
The shares surrendered were subsequently cancelled (“Reverse Split”). The Company believes it is appropriate to reflect the
reverse split of its Ordinary Shares on a retroactive basis pursuant to ASC 260. All shares and per share data for all the periods presented
have been retroactively restated.
On March 19, 2021, the Company closed its initial
public offering (“IPO”) of 3,714,286 ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, priced at $7.00 per share. On March
23, 2021, the underwriter exercised its over-allotment option to purchase an additional 557,143 ordinary shares at a price of $7.00 per
share. The net proceeds of the Company’s IPO, including the proceeds from the sale of the over-allotment shares, totaled approximately
$25.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and other related expenses. The Ordinary Shares have been listed on the Nasdaq Capital
Market and trading under the ticker symbol “JWEL” since March 17, 2021.
On June 13, 2022, the Company entered into securities
purchase agreements with six investors (“Investors”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to the Investors in private
placements of 5,230,000 ordinary shares of the Company at a purchase price of $1.20 per share for an aggregate offering price of $6,276,000.
On October 11, 2022, the Company entered into a securities purchase
agreement with five purchasers, who are the product distributors and business partners of the Company in China. Pursuant to the agreement,
the Company sold to them in a registered direct offering, an aggregate of 2,576,600 ordinary shares of the Company at a purchase price
of $1.40 per share, for aggregate proceeds to the Company of $3,607,240. The shares were offered and sold by the Company pursuant to an
effective shelf registration statement on Form F-3, which declared effective on August 31, 2022 (File No. 333-264109).
In connection with the March 19, 2021 offering,
the Company agreed to grant to the Underwriters Warrants (“UW Warrants”) covering a number of Ordinary Shares equal to 10%
of the aggregate number of the Ordinary Shares sold in the offering including any shares sold upon exercise of the over-allotment option,
totaling 427,143 warrants. The warrants carry a term of 5 years and the exercise price is $9.10. The UW Warrants were not exercisable
for a period of 180 days after the effective date of the offering. On November 25, 2021, the warrants holders provided the Company with
the notice of exercise and elected the cashless exercise of the UW Warrants, which resulted in an aggregate of 137,111 Ordinary Shares
issued based on the 5 days average market price of $13.402 per share. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, no warrants were outstanding.
The Company initially had 50,000,000 authorized
Preferred Shares and a total of 750,000 of its Preferred shares issued and outstanding, with a par value of US$0.0001. Each Preferred
Share has voting rights equal to two Ordinary Shares of the Company and each Preferred Share is convertible into one Ordinary Share at
any time. Except for voting rights and conversion rights, the Ordinary Shares and the Preferred Shares shall rank pari passu with one
another and shall have the same rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions.
On April 21, 2021, the Company granted 100,000 ordinary
shares to a third-party consultant in exchange for services in connection with the Company’s internal control and management, budget
management, accounting, procurement, assets and contract management, mergers and acquisitions strategy and due diligence, etc. with service
period from April 21, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The fair value of $770,000 was based on the Company’s closing stock price
$7.70 on April 21, 2021, which cost was amortized over the service period.
On September 21, 2021, the Company filed Form
S-8 with SEC to register 4,000,000 ordinary shares under the Company’s 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan which was approved by
the Board of the Company on August 2, 2021 and by the shareholders of the Company at annual shareholders meeting on September 10, 2021.
On November 26, 2021, the Company authorized the grant of Restricted Stock Units (“RSU”) of 80,000 ordinary shares
to the Company’s then Chief Financial Officer under the Company’s 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan for service period from November
16, 2021 to November 15, 2022, which were valued based on the closing stock price of $10.06 at November 26, 2021, the grant date.
The RSUs granted to the then Chief Financial Officer had a graded vesting schedule with 25% or 20,000 RSUs vested on November 26, 2021,
25% or 20,000 RSUs vested on March 31, 2022, 25% or 20,000 RSUs vested on June 30, 2022, and the remaining 25% or 20,000 RSUs vested on
September 30, 2022. The Company follows ASC 718-10-35-8 Stock compensation – awards with graded vesting features to recognize compensation
cost on a straight-line basis. The RSUs granted to the then Chief Financial Officer resulted in $201,200 compensation cost for the year
ended December 31, 2021 and $603,600 compensation cost for the year ended December 31, 2022, which were charged to general and administrative
expenses.
On June 30, 2022, the Company authorized the grant
of Restricted Stock Units (“RSU”) of 120,000 ordinary shares to the Company’s then Chief Executive Officer and
39,000 ordinary shares to the Company’s Vice President under the Company’s 2021 Omnibus Equity Plan for service period from
July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, which were valued based on the closing stock price of $2.62 at June 30, 2022, the grant date. The
RSUs granted to the then Chief Executive Officer and Vice President have a graded vesting schedule with 25% or 39,750 RSUs vested on June
30, 2022, 25% or 39,750 RSUs vested on October 1, 2022, 25% or 39,750 RSUs vested on January 1, 2023, and the remaining 25% or 39,750
RSUs vested on April 1, 2023. The Company follows ASC 718-10-35-8 Stock compensation – awards with graded vesting features to recognize
compensation cost on a straight-line basis. The last tranche of 30,000 RSUs granted to the then Chief Executive Officer was forfeited
due to his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer effective on March 1, 2023. The RSUs granted to the then Chief Executive Officer
and Vice President resulted in $208,290 compensation cost for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $129,690 compensation cost for the
year ended December 31, 2023, which were charged to general and administrative expenses.
In aggregate, share-based compensation expense
amounted to $1,847,926, $971,200 and $nil for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company is required to make appropriations
to certain reserve funds, comprising the statutory surplus reserve and the discretionary surplus reserve, based on after-tax net income
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the PRC (“PRC GAAP”). Appropriations to the statutory
surplus reserve are required to be at least 10% of the after-tax net income determined in accordance with PRC GAAP until the reserve is
equal to 50% of the entity’s registered capital, which is RMB 14 million (approx. $2 million) as of December 31, 2022. Appropriations
to the surplus reserve are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the balance of statutory
reserve was both $394,541.
The Company’s ability to pay dividends is
primarily dependent on the Company receiving distributions of funds from its subsidiaries. Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations
permit payments of dividends by the VIE only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards
and regulations.
As aforementioned in Note 12, Statutory Reserve,
under PRC law, the Company’s subsidiary and VIE located in the PRC (collectively referred as the “PRC entities”) are
required to provide for certain statutory reserves. Appropriations to certain statutory reserves are made at the discretion of the Board
of Directors. However, these reserves can only be used for specific purposes and are not transferable to the Company in the form of loans,
advances or cash dividends. Therefore, these statutory reserves, along with the registered capital of the PRC entities are considered
as restricted.
The restricted net assets that include paid in capital and statutory
reserve funds amounted to $42,106,851 and $41,224,415 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The balance in due to related parties account
amounted to $178,816 and $134,381 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These dues to related parties, subsidiaries of Longrich
Group, are typically short-term in nature, interest-free and due upon demand.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had four leases from its related
party, subsidiaries of Longrich Group, and one lease from its related party, Suzhou Colori Cosmetics, both related parties are controlled
by a major shareholder of the Company. The Company is obligated to pay a quarter base rent under these lease agreements. See Note 14 for
further discussion.
The Company periodically purchases
merchandise from Longrich Group and its subsidiaries during the ordinary course of business. The purchases made from Longrich Group
were $44,886,549, $73,876,430 and $82,551,615 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31,
2022 and 2021, the Company had accounts payable of $1,806,352 and $2,333,455 related to these purchases.
The Company made sales to related parties controlled by a major shareholder
of the Company, in the amount of $160,055, $1,521,566 and $1,522,546 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As
of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had accounts receivable of $285,530 and $480,111 related to these sales.
In April 2021, the Company entered into a one-year
operating lease agreement with a subsidiary of Longrich Group to rent a space with 136 square meters to open Jowell Best Choice Store
at Longrich Industrial District. The lease term is from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022. The Company renewed and extended this
lease with new maturity date on December 31, 2023. The rental payments related to this lease were $12,208 and $8,473 for the year ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In April, 2021, the Company entered into another
one-year operating lease agreement with a subsidiary of Longrich Group to rent a space with 1,146 square meters for live stream base at
Longrich Industrial District. The lease term is from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022. The Company renewed and extended this lease
with new maturity date on December 31, 2023. The rental payments related to this lease were $78,250 and $54,312 for the year ended December
31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In August, 2021, the Company signed a three-year
operating lease agreement with a subsidiary of Longrich Group to rent an office space with 3,956 square meters for Jowell Best Choice
Store opening in Changshu City, Jiangsu Province. The lease term is from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2024. The rental payments related
to this lease were $153,130 and $53,144 for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In August, 2021, the Company entered into a one-year
operating lease agreement with a subsidiary of Longrich Group to rent an office space with 350 square meters in Chengdu City, Sichuan
Province. The lease term is from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022. The rental payments related to this lease were $11,910
and $6,200 for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The Company also entered into following five lease agreements with
its related parties controlled by a major shareholder of the Company, to lease warehouse and office spaces. The Company intend to continue
these leases for the next two years.
On January 1, 2022, December 31, 2020 and January
1 2020, the Company entered into a one-year lease agreement with a subsidiary of Longrich Group to rent an office space of 700 square
meters at Yangpu District, Shanghai, respectively. The rental payments related to these leases were $98,483, $115,681 and $95,913 for
the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The lease was renewed on December 31, 2022 for another one-year term.
On January 1, 2020, the Company entered into the
second one-year operating lease agreement with a subsidiary of Longrich Group to rent a warehouse space with 500 square meters at Jiangsu
Diye Industrial District. On January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2020, the Company renewed this lease agreement for another one-year term,
respectively and the leased space is increased to 6,440 square meters. The rental payments related to these leases were $268,457, $324,296
and $20,299 for the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The lease was renewed on January 1, 2023 for another one-year
term.
On January 1, 2022, December 31, 2020 and January
1, 2020, the Company entered into the third one-year operating lease agreement with a subsidiary of Longrich Group to rent another office
space with 1,097 square meters at Longrich Industrial District, respectively. The rental payments related to this lease were $74,905,
$90,242 and $83,505 for the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The lease was renewed on January 1, 2023 for another
one-year term.
On January 1, 2020, the Company entered into the
fourth one-year operating lease agreement with a subsidiary of Longrich Group to rent another office space with 404 square meters in Changshu
City, Jiangsu Province. On January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2020, the Company renewed this lease agreement for another one-year term,
respectively and the leased space is increased to 5,976 square meters. The rental payments related to this lease were $408,062, $492,939
and $32,261 for the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The lease was renewed on January 1, 2023 for another one-year
term.
In March 2021, the Company signed a ten-year operating
lease agreement with an individual to lease an office space with 738.70 square meters in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The lease term
is from May 20, 2021 to May 19, 2031. The rental payments related to this lease were $199,626 and $127,945 for the year ended December
31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
On June 15, 2021, the Company signed a three-year
operating lease agreement with a third party to lease an office space with 395 square meters in Urumchi City, Xinjiang Province. The lease
term is from June 15, 2021 to June 14, 2024. The rental payments related to this lease were $43,793 and $24,824 for the year ended December
31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
On May 28, 2021, the Company signed a two-years
operating lease agreement with a third party to lease 273.59 square meters for office space in Tianjin City. The lease term is from August
1, 2021 to July 31, 2023. The rental payments related to this lease were $32,707 and $14,189 for the year ended December 31, 2022 and
2021, respectively.
On June 20, 2021, the Company signed a three-year
operating lease agreement with a third party to lease 169 square meters for Jowell Best Choice Store opening in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province.
The lease term from July 20, 2021 to July 20, 2024. The rental payments related to this lease were $23,047 and $10,772 for the year ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In June, 2021, the Company signed a two-years
operating lease agreement with a third party to lease 264.89 square meters for office space in Wuhan City, Hubei Province. The lease term
is from June 20, 2021 to June 19, 2023. The rental payments related to this lease were $24,513 and $13,541 for the year ended December
31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
On November 20, 2021, the Company signed a two-years
operating lease agreement with a third party to lease 230 square meters for office space in Guangzhou City. The lease term is from December
1, 2021 to November 30, 2023. The rental payments related to this lease were $42,118 and $3,654 for the year ended December 31, 2022 and
2021, respectively.
On December 20, 2021, the Company signed a two-years
operating lease agreement with a third party to lease 170.40 square meters for office space in Changchun City, Jilin Province. The lease
term is from December 23, 2021 to December 22, 2023. The rental payments related to this lease were $17,676 and $445 for the year ended
December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In March 2022, the Company signed a two-years
operating lease agreement with a third party to lease 210.23 square meters for office space in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. The lease
term is from March 8, 2022 to March 7, 2024. The rental payment related to this lease was $16,395 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
In April 2022, the Company signed a two-years
operating lease agreement with a third party to lease 268 square meters for office space in Wuhan City, Hubei Province. The lease term
is from April 26, 2022 to April 25, 2024. The rental payment related to this lease was $21,784 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The weighted-average remaining lease term and the weighted-average
discount rate of leases are as follows:
The following table summarizes the maturity of operating lease liabilities
as of December 31, 2022:
The Company is subject to income taxes on an entity
basis on income derived from the location in which each entity is domiciled.
Jowell Global is incorporated in the Cayman Islands
as an offshore holding company and is not subject to tax on income or capital gain under the laws of the Cayman Islands.
Jowell Tech is incorporated in Hong Kong as a
holding company with no activities. Under Hong Kong’s two-tier tax rates regime, the first 2 million Hong Kong Dollar (“HKD”)
of profits will be taxed at 8.25%, and the profits above HKD 2 million will be taxed at 16.5%. Jowell Tech is not subject to income tax
for 2022, 2021 and 2020 because it had no activities within the three years.
Under the Enterprise Income Tax
(“EIT”) Law of PRC, domestic enterprises and Foreign Investment Enterprises (the “FIE”) are usually subject
to a unified 25% enterprise income tax rate while preferential tax rates, tax holidays and even tax exemption may be granted on
case-by-case basis. All of its PRC entities are subject to income tax at unified rate of 25%.
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
is attributable to the following geographic locations:
The following table reconciles the statutory rate
to the Company’s effective tax rate:
The Company’s
PRC subsidiaries had cumulative net operating losses of approximately $10.5 million and $3.5 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021,
respectively. $3.5 million and $7.0 million may be available for reducing future taxable income before December 31, 2026 and 2027, respectively.
On December 31, 2022, the Company has
provided full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets for net operating loss that the Company estimated unrealizable in the
foreseeable future due to expected future operating loss in certain entities. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the valuation
allowance was $2,554,639 and $890,517, respectively. The Company’s management reviews this valuation allowance periodically
and makes adjustments as necessary.
ASC 280, “Segment Reporting”, establishes standards for
reporting information about operating segments on a basis consistent with the Company’s internal organizational structure as well
as information about geographical areas, business segments and major customers in financial statements for details on the Company’s
business segments. The Company uses the “management approach” in determining reportable operating segments. The management
approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker, i.e., the Chief
Executive Officer, for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source for determining the Company’s reportable
segments. Management, including the chief operating decision maker, reviews operation results by the revenue of different products or
services. Based on management’s assessment, the Company has determined that it has only one operating segment.
The following table presents revenue by major
merchandise categories for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively:
All of the Company’s long-lived assets are
located in PRC. Majority of the Company’s merchandises are sold in PRC.
On January 1, 2023 and on April 1, 2023, the Company
issued ordinary shares of 39,750 and 9,750, respectively, to the Company’s directors for the RSU vested as discussed in Note 12.
The fair value of these ordinary shares was $129,690 based on the closing stock price $2.62 on the grant date.
On February 28, 2023, the Board of Directors (the “Board”)
of the Company received a resignation letter from Mr. Zhiwei Xu to resign from his positions as the Chairman and director of the Board
and the CEO of the Company, effective on March 1, 2023. Mr. Xu indicated that his resignation is not because of any disagreement
with the Company, its management or its directors. On March 1, 2023, the Company appointed Mr. Haiting Li as Chairman and director of
the Board and the CEO of the Company.
On April 13, 2023, Shanghai Jowell established
a new wholly owned subsidiary Shanghai Lianfu Information Technology Co., Ltd. which will develop on marketing and sales of agricultural
and fishing products on Tencent Short Video and other social media.
Pursuant to the requirements of Rule 12-04(a),
5-04(c) and 4-08(e)(3) of Regulation S-X, the condensed financial information of the parent company shall be filed when the restricted
net assets of consolidated subsidiaries exceed 25% of consolidated net assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year.
The Company performed a test on the restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries in accordance with such requirement and concluded
that it was applicable to the Company as the restricted net assets of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries exceeded 25% of the consolidated
net assets of the Company. Therefore, the condensed financial statements of the parent company are included herein.
For purposes of the above test, restricted net
assets of consolidated subsidiaries shall mean that amount of the Company’s proportionate share of net assets of consolidated subsidiaries
(after intercompany eliminations) which as of the end of the most recent fiscal year may not be transferred to the parent company by subsidiaries
in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends without the consent of a third party.
The condensed financial information of the parent
company has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in the Company’s consolidated financial statement except
that the parent company used the equity method to account for investments in its subsidiaries, VIE and VIE’s subsidiaries. The parent
company and its subsidiaries, and VIE were included in the consolidated financial statements where inter-company balances and transactions
were eliminated upon consolidation. For purpose of the parent company’s stand-alone financial statements, its investments in subsidiaries
and VIE were reported using the equity method of accounting. The parent company’s share of income from its subsidiaries and VIE
were reported as share of income of subsidiaries and VIE subsidiary in the accompanying parent company financial statements.
The footnote disclosures contain supplemental
information relating to the operations of the Company and, as such, these statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the
consolidated financial statements of the Company. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements
prepared in accordance with U.S GAAP have been condensed or omitted.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no
material contingencies, significant provisions for long-term obligations, or guarantees of the Company, except for those separately disclosed
in the consolidated financial statements, if any.