Item 1. Description of Business.
(a) Overview
The terms "we", "Company"
and "CAT9" refer to CAT9 Group Inc. , a Delaware corporation, formerly known as ANDES 4 Inc. ("ANDES 4"), its
wholly-owned subsidiary, CAT9 Holdings Ltd, a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, ("CAT9 Cayman");
CAT9 Cayman's wholly-owned subsidiary, CAT9 Investment China Limited, a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong ("CAT9
HK"); and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Chongqing CAT9 Industrial Company Ltd.(“Chongqing CAT9 or “CQC9”),
a company organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China.
(b) Business of Issuer
On December 27, 2016, CAT9 closed a
share exchange transaction pursuant to which CAT9 became the 100% parent of CAT9 Cayman, assumed the operations of CAT9 Cayman
and its subsidiaries, including CAT9 Investment China, and Chongqing CAT9 Industrial Company Ltd.
CAT9 Cayman is a holding company incorporated
in August 20, 2015, under the laws of the Cayman Islands. CAT9 Investment China Limited was incorporated in September 10, 2015,
under the laws of Hong Kong. CAT9 Investment China is a window for the group to handle the business operations outside of China.
Chongqing CAT9 Industrial Company Ltd.,
(“Chongqing CAT9 or “CQC9”),fka Chongqing Field Industrial Company Ltd. is registered in Chongqing Province,
PRC (People’s Republic of China)and was incorporated under the laws of the PRC on June 26, 2014, and operates through strategic
alliance and distribution rights agreements in the PRC, the Company prior to early 2017 was previously engaged in the marketing
and sales of (1) fresh fruits, vegetables meats (including primarily organic and non-organic from both domestically grown and imported
(2) Acquisition of land for the planting of Acer truncatum trees and harvesting of Acer truncatum seeds to produce edible oil,
(3) providing Hi-Tech cooperative farm management services in the PRC and overseas and (4) farm machinery sales.
In
early 2017, management suspended its food and machinery sales business in favor of capitalizing on the growing Acer truncatum industry
within China and decided that it would to direct efforts towards its Acer truncatum plantation operations during 2017.
As of the date of this Form
10-K, the Company employs a staff of 30 people and is located in Chengdu at Room 2001, Dading Century Square, No 387, Tianren Road,
Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China 610000.
Products and Market
Chongqing CAT9 operates Acer
truncatum plantations and operations in China. Acer truncatum is a maple tree known as the “Shangtung
maple” which is native to China that contains an extract from its leaves and seeds called Nervonic acid, or bunge seed oil. The
tree itself typically grows 20-25 feet tall, blooms in the month of April, and is primarily a full sun to part shade tree. It is
the principal extract of the Acer truncatum plant which Acer truncatum oil is derived. Nervonic acid is a rich omega-9 fatty acid
that is known to be beneficial to memory related brain health, anti-aging, blood lipid regulation, and anti-fatigue symptoms. There
are a few alternate sources where nervonic acid can be derived, however at much less yield than from an Acer truncatum plant.
Nervonic Acid content (mg/100g)
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Acer truncatum
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580
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Brassica Oil Seeds
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69-83
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Sesame Seeds
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35
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Macadamia Nuts
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18
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TropaeolumSpeciosum
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10
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Lunaria (Money Plant)
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8
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King Salmon (Chinook)
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140
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Sockeye Salmon
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40
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Nervonic
Acid has been researched and tested to provide improved brain cell activity and studies have shown it to improve and reduce the
risks of Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: Herb Nutritionals
Acer truncatum farm #1 Yunnan Province,
China
Acer truncatum Tree
Factory floor Acer truncatum finished
product ready to ship
Factory floor bottle and assembly line
Suppliers
represented by CAT9
Shandong
Run’an Biotech Co., Ltd.
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Acer
truncatum oil, and sandwich gel candy
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Heze
Zonghoo Jianyuan Biotech Co., Ltd.
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Acer truncatum oil
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CAT9
also seeks to establish five (5) additional planting bases of 350 acres each. These bases will become a CAT9 Group asset over years
which we will seek to manage and develop to include land acquisitions, planting, and maintenance. In addition, we are planning
to contract approximately 17,000 acres of existing forestry with local individuals, organizations and or provincial governments
to insure our supply of raw materials. We are also planning to invest further into our research and development (R&D) to improve
our processing yield of Acer truncatum and nervonic acid. This includes the research and development of planting technology, products,
and process technology. We also plan to increase our spending on our information systems; we will seek to invest in a fully integrated
information system to monitor crop production, fertilization, irrigation, and harvesting yield. We will also add quality control
measures, POS systems, packaging, logistics, and e-commerce systems. A JIT (just in time) system to monitor inventory and critical
path raw material requirements will also be implemented as well as a sourcing and seasonal cost data base of all suppliers for
efficient and cost effective purchasing.
Our funds are kept in both financial
institutions located in Hong Kong (“HK”) and the PRC, the latter does not provide insurance for amounts on deposit.
Moreover, we are subject to the regulations of the PRC, which restrict the transfer of cash from the PRC, except under certain
specific circumstances. Accordingly, such funds may not be readily available to us to satisfy obligations which have been incurred
outside the PRC.
We generally finance our operations through
operating profit and borrowings from our directors. As of the date of this Form 10-K Annual Report, we have not experienced any
difficulties due to a shortage of capital, we have not experienced any difficulty in raising funds through loans from banks, outside
parties and financial institutions, and we have not experienced any liquidity problems in settling our payables in the normal course
of business and repaying our loans when they come due. We are unaware of any trends, demands, commitments events or uncertainties
that will result or be likely to result in material changes in our liquidity.
We believe that the level of financial resources
is a significant factor for our future development and accordingly, we may determine from time to time to raise capital through
private debt or equity financing to strengthen our financial position, to expand our facilities and to provide us with additional
flexibility to take advantage of business opportunities. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in raising such
additional capital on terms acceptable to us.
Our Products
Our
finished product gift box (Edible Vegetable Blending Oil added with Acer truncatum Seed
Oil)
Our
finished product gift box (Edible Vegetable Blending Oil added with Acer truncatum Seed
oil and Sunflower Seed Oil)
Our
finished product gift box (5L Acer truncatum Seed Blending Oil added with Sunflower
Seed Oil)
Our
finished product gift box (5L Rapeseed oil)
Our
finished product Acer truncatum (Acer truncatum Seed Oil In Present Box- 100% Acer
truncatum Seed Oil)
Our
finished product Acer truncatum (Edible Vegetable Blending Oil added with Acer truncatum Seed
Oil with Grape Seed Oil)
Our
finished product Acer truncatum (Acer truncatum Seed Oil Sandwich Gel Candy)
Our
finished product Acer truncatum (Acer truncatum Seed Oil Gel Candy)
Our
finished product Acer truncatum ( Nervonic Acid Candy)
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
We are a relatively new entrant in the Acer
truncatum industry. In early 2017, our management believed that economic opportunities for the Company were favorable in the Acer
truncatum industry and has established a presence with the signing of several plantation agreements. There is considerable risk
in the Acer truncatum industry and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in our endeavor to lease additional land,
or purchase and harvest additional Acer truncatum trees. There is also no assurances that if we are unsuccessful in our Acer truncatum
business that we can pivot our company and re-engage our food distribution and farm equipment sales business.
Acer truncatum is claimed to have nutritional and
health benefits but we cannot assure you that all or any of the claims made by others are accurate.
Acer truncatum’s health benefits
are claimed by studies and users of its extracted oil. These users generally use Acer truncatum products due to word of mouth or
other advertising by manufacturers of the product. Additionally, there are little to no restrictions or health regulations on Acer
truncatum in China at this time. The Chinese Food and Drug Administration or State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of China
has not opined on Acer truncatum at this time. While there are some resources that claim through abstract writings that there are
health benefits that support brain health by way of high levels of nervonic acid found in Acer truncatum oil, the Company cannot
make any assurances that these claims are in any way completely accurate. Claims have been made by various sources that Nervonic
acid can repair damaged brain nerve pathways and promote the regeneration of nerve cells, used to treat schizophrenia, psychosis,
peroxisomal disorders, diabetes, alcoholism and other conditions.
Management has not commissioned any
third party reports to support any basis to these claims; however, it is management’s personal belief that the nature of
these claims made by independent studies is credible.
We are subject to natural disasters.
Acer truncatum trees are generally strong
and adaptable but can be damaged by harsh weather, diseases and crop pests. If our crops are damaged by natural disasters such
as floods, drought, storms, or other farming risks, our business may suffer and our investors may lose their entire investment.
Additionally, there are no known serious insect or disease problems that afflict Acer truncatum trees.
Increased Chinese government regulation of our production
capacity and/or our sales and marketing operations could impact our business.
There are presently no significant Chinese
government regulations of the health claims made by the participants in the Acer truncatum business regarding their products. Additionally,
there are limited government regulations over the conditions under which we manufacture our products. While other countries such
as the United States and the European Union have extensive regulations of nutraceutical and plant-based products, including strict
health-related claims, there are no current regulations in China to the degree of these other countries.
Our business is reliant on retaining and hiring key personnel
that are in high demand in China.
We operate within an intensely competitive
environment for key personnel in such areas as biologists, chemists, technicians, production supervisors, and sales and marketing
personnel. If we are unable to fulfill these roles as we grow as a company, our future success will be severely impaired, and we
will be unable to implement our business plan.
We may have difficulty establishing
adequate management and financial controls in China.
We may have
difficulty in hiring and retaining employees in China who have the experience necessary to implement the kind of management and
financial controls that are expected for a United States public company. Despite our record as a fully-reporting company on Edgar
since February 6, 2015, if we cannot continue to maintain such controls, we may experience difficulty in collecting financial data
and preparing financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that meet U.S. standards.
Our success depends on collaborative
partners, licensees and other third parties over whom we have limited control.
We have made
a number of agreements to lease land to develop plantations for our Acer truncatum trees with third parties. To the extent we enter
into these agreements, we cannot assure you that we will not encounter discourse or problems that may lead to loss of production.
Additionally, due to the nature of the process of developing these plantations, we require arrangements with manufacturing facilities,
marketing and commercialization partners of our products. There are no assurances that we will be able to establish or maintain
collaborations that are important to our business on favorable terms, or at all.
A number of risks
may arise from the Company's dependence on collaborative agreements with third parties. Product development and commercialization
efforts could be adversely affected if any collaborative partner:
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terminates or suspends its agreement with us;
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causes delays;
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fails to timely develop or manufacture in adequate quantities;
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otherwise fails to meet its contractual obligations.
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Our collaborative partners could pursue other technologies or develop alternative products that could compete with the products we are developing.
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We have limited
business insurance coverage.
We do not have
any business liability or disruption insurance coverage for our operations in China. Any business disruption, litigation or natural
disaster may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of our resources.
Price controls may affect both
our revenues and net income.
The laws of the PRC
provide for the government to fix and adjust prices. To the extent that we are subject to price control, our revenue, gross profit,
gross margin and net income will be affected since the revenue we derive from our sales will be limited and, unless there is also
price control on the products that we purchase from our suppliers, we may face no limitation on our costs. Further, if price controls
affect both our revenue and our costs, our ability to be profitable and the extent of our profitability will be effectively subject
to determination by the applicable regulatory authorities in the PRC.
Our operations
may not develop in the same way or at the same rate as might be expected if the PRC economy were similar to the totally market-oriented
economies of member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ("OECD").
The economy of the
PRC has historically been a nationalistic, "planned economy," meaning it functions and produces according to governmental
plans and pre-set targets or quotas. In certain aspects, the PRC's economy has been making a transition to a more market-oriented
economy, although the government imposes price controls on certain products and in certain industries. However, we cannot predict
the future direction of these economic reforms or the effects these measures may have. The economy of the PRC also differs from
the economies of most countries belonging to the OECD, an international group of member countries sharing a commitment to democratic
government and market economy. For instance:
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the level of state-owned enterprises in the PRC, as well as the level of governmental control over the allocation of resources is greater than in most of the countries belonging to the OECD;
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the level of capital reinvestment is lower in the PRC than in other countries that are members of the OECD;
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the government of the PRC has a greater involvement in general in the economy and the economic structure of industries within the PRC than other countries belonging to the OECD;
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the government of the PRC imposes price controls on certain products and our products may become subject to additional price controls; and
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the PRC has various impediments in place that make it difficult for foreign firms to obtain local currency, unlike other countries belonging to the OECD where exchange of currencies is generally free from restriction.
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As a result
of these differences, our business may not develop in the same way or at the same rate as might be expected if the economy of the
PRC were similar to those of the OECD member countries.
Our failure to effectively
manage growth could harm our business.
We have rapidly and significantly expanded
our operations since our inception and will endeavor to further expand our operations in the future. Any additional significant
growth in the market for our services or our entry into new markets may require and expansion of our employee base for managerial,
operational, financial, sales and marketing and other purposes.
During any growth, we may face problems related
to our operational and financial systems and controls, including quality control and service capacities. We would also need to
continue to expand, train and manage our employee base. Continued future growth will impose significant added responsibilities
upon the members of management to identify, recruit, maintain, integrate, and motivate new employees.
Aside from increased difficulties in the management
of human resources, we may also encounter working capital issues, as we will need increased liquidity to hire additional employees.
For effective growth management, we will be required to continue improving our operations, management, and financial systems and
controls. Our failure to manage growth effectively may lead to operational and financial inefficiencies that will have a negative
effect on our profitability. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to timely and effectively meet that demand and maintain
the quality standards required by our existing and potential customers.
We may pursue future growth through strategic acquisitions
and alliances which may not yield anticipated benefits and may adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and
existing business.
We may seek to grow in the future through strategic
acquisitions in order to complement and expand our business. The success of our acquisition strategy will depend on, among other
things:
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the availability of suitable candidates;
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competition from other companies for the purchase of available candidates;
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our ability to value those candidates accurately and negotiate favorable terms for those acquisitions;
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the availability of funds to finance acquisitions;
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the ability to establish new informational, operational and financial systems to meet the needs of our business;
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the ability to achieve anticipated synergies, including with respect to complementary products or services; and
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the availability of management resources to oversee the integration and operation of the acquired businesses.
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If we are not successful in integrating
acquired businesses and completing acquisitions in the future, we may be required to reevaluate our acquisition strategy. We also
may incur substantial expenses and devote significant management time and resources in seeking to complete acquisitions. Acquired
businesses may fail to meet our performance expectations. If we do not achieve the anticipated benefits of an acquisition as rapidly
as expected, or at all, investors or analysts may not perceive the same benefits of the acquisition as we do. If these risks materialize,
our stock price could be materially adversely affected.
We face risks related to natural disasters, terrorist
attacks or other unpredictable events in China which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our business could be materially
and adversely affected by natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other events in China where all of our operations are
located. For example, in early 2008, parts of China suffered a wave of strong snow storms that severely impacted public
transportation systems. In May 2008, Sichuan Province in China suffered a strong earthquake measuring approximately 8.0 on
the Richter scale that caused widespread damage and casualties. The May 2008 Sichuan earthquake has had a material adverse
effect on the general economic conditions in the areas affected by the earthquake. The occurrence of any future disasters
such as earthquakes, fires, floods, wars, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, transportation disasters or other events, or
our information system or communications network breaks down or operates improperly as a result of such events, our
facilities may be seriously damaged, and we may have to stop or delay operations. We may incur expenses relating to such
damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We may adopt an equity incentive plan
under which we may grant securities to compensate employees and other services providers, which would result in increased share-based
compensation expenses and, therefore, reduce net income.
We may adopt an equity incentive plan
under which we may grant shares or options to qualified employees. Under current accounting rules, we would be required to recognize
share-based compensation as compensation expense in our statement of operations, based on the fair value of equity awards on the
date of the grant, and recognize the compensation expense over the period in which the recipient is required to provide service
in exchange for the equity award. We have not made any such grants in the past, and accordingly our results of operations have
not contained any share-based compensation charges. The additional expenses associated with share-based compensation may reduce
the attractiveness of issuing stock options under an equity incentive plan that we may adopt in the future. If we grant equity
compensation to attract and retain key personnel, the expenses associated with share-based compensation may adversely affect our
net income. However, if we do not grant equity compensation, we may not be able to attract and retain key personnel or be forced
to expend cash or other compensation instead. Furthermore, the issuance of equity awards would dilute the shareholders’ ownership
interests in our company.
If we are unable to maintain or expand
our sales and marketing capabilities, and attract and retain skilled personnel, we may not be able to generate anticipated revenues.
Increasing our customer base and penetrating
our target markets will depend to a significant extent on our ability to expand our sales and marketing operations and activities.
We expect to be largely dependent on our sales force to obtain new customers. We also expect to be highly dependent on skilled
computer programmers. Competition for both are intense, and we may not be able to attract, integrate sufficient highly qualified
personnel.
Our failure to obtain capital
may significantly restrict our proposed operations.
We will need to raise more capital to expand
our business. Future sources of capital may not be available to us when we need it or may be available only on unacceptable terms.
We are subject to the risk that certain
key personnel, including key employees named below, on whom we depend, in part, for our operations, will cease to be involved with
us. The loss of any these individuals would adversely affect our financial condition and the results of our operations.
We are dependent on the experience, knowledge,
skill and expertise of our President, CEO, Chairman, Wenfa “Simon” Sun. We are also in large part dependent on Suyun
Cao, our CFO and Secretary. The loss of any of the key personnel listed above could materially and adversely affect our future
business efforts. Our success depends in substantial part upon the services, efforts and abilities of Wenfa “Simon”
Sun, due to his experience, history and knowledge of the agricultural industry and his overall insight into our business direction.
The loss or our failure to retain Mr. Sun, or Mr. Cao, or to attract and retain additional qualified personnel, could adversely
affect our operations. We do not currently carry key-man life insurance on any of our officers and have no present plans
to obtain this insurance. See “Management.”
The lack of public company experience of our management team
may put us at a competitive disadvantage.
As a company with a class of securities
registered under the Exchange Act, we are subject to reporting and other legal, accounting, corporate governance, and
regulatory requirements imposed by the Exchange Act and rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act. Our
President, Chairman and CEO has no public company experience and under the Federal securities laws of the United States and
rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which could impair our ability to comply with these
legal, accounting, and regulatory requirements. Such responsibilities include complying with Federal securities laws
and making required disclosures on a timely basis. Our senior management may not be able to implement and effect
programs and policies in an effective and timely manner that adequately responds to such increased legal and regulatory
compliance and reporting requirements. Our failure to do so could lead to the imposition of fines and penalties and further
result in the deterioration of our business.
If we fail
to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, our ability to provide accurate financial statements and comply with the requirements
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 could be impaired, which could cause our stock price to decrease substantially if we succeed
in becoming a publicly-traded company.
We have committed
limited personnel and resources to the development of the external reporting and compliance obligations that would be required
for a public company. Recently, we have taken measures to address and improve our financial reporting and compliance capabilities
and we are in the process of instituting changes to satisfy our obligations in connection with becoming a publicly-traded company.
We plan to obtain additional financial and accounting resources to support and enhance our ability to meet the requirements of
being a publicly-traded company. We will need to continue to improve our financial and managerial controls, reporting systems and
procedures, and documentation thereof. If our financial and managerial controls, reporting systems or procedures fail, we may not
be able to provide accurate financial statements on a timely basis or comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as it applies
to us. Any failure of our internal controls or our ability to provide accurate financial statements could cause the trading price
of our common stock to decrease substantially upon trading as a publicly-traded company. We have implemented, or plan to implement,
the measures described below under the supervision and guidance of our management to remediate the above control deficiencies and
to strengthen our internal controls over financial reporting. Key elements of the remediation effort include, but are not limited
to, the following initiatives, which have been implemented, or are in the process of implementation, as of the date of filing of
this Annual Report:
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We have increased efforts to enforce internal control procedures. We have also reorganized the structure of our accounting department in China and clarified the responsibilities of each key personnel in order to increase communications and accountability.
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We have recruited and will continue to bring in additional qualified financial personnel for the accounting department to further strengthen our China financial reporting function.
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We continually review and improve our standardization of our monthly and quarterly data collection, analysis, and reconciliation procedures.
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We plan on significantly increasing the level of communication and interaction among our China management, independent auditors, our directors of the Board, and other external advisors.
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We are making progress on engaging qualified internal control consultants to help us comply with internal control obligations, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We also plan to dedicate sufficient resources to implement required internal control procedures.
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If our financial and managerial controls, reporting
systems or procedures fail, we may not be able to provide accurate financial statements on a timely basis or comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 as it applies to us. Any failure of our internal controls or our ability to provide accurate financial statements could
cause the trading price of our common stock to decrease substantially.
Competition
The Acer truncatum industry in China
is highly competitive with competitors from larger enterprises to smaller farmers. The company also competes with various distribution
methods such as online sales through mobile applications and internet websites.
Strategy
The long term strategy of the
company is to build and complete an industry chain of Acer truncatum seed oil for planting, production, research and
developing, and sales by way of being devoted to developing truncatum trees, developing technology of extracting planting
nervonic acid, increasing sales of Acer truncatum
extract, integrating resources of national Acer truncatum planting base, and building our customer health
database.
Risks Related To Us Doing Business in China
As substantially all of our assets are located
in the PRC and all of our revenues are derived from our operations in China, changes in the political and economic policies of
the PRC government could have a significant impact upon the business we may be able to conduct in the PRC and accordingly on the
results of our operations and financial condition.
Our business operations may be adversely affected
by the current and future political environment in the PRC. The Chinese government exerts substantial influence and control over
the manner in which we must conduct our business activities. Our ability to operate in China may be adversely affected by changes
in Chinese laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, raw materials, environmental
regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. Under the current government leadership, the government of the PRC has
been pursuing economic reform policies that encourage private economic activity and greater economic decentralization. There is
no assurance, however, that the government of the PRC will continue to pursue these policies, or that it will not significantly
alter these policies from time to time without notice.
Our operations are subject to PRC laws and
regulations that are sometimes vague and uncertain. Any changes in such PRC laws and regulations, or the interpretations thereof,
may have a material and adverse effect on our business.
The PRC’s legal system is a civil
law system based on written statutes. Decided legal cases do not have so much value as precedent in China as those in the common
law system prevalent in the United States. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of
PRC laws and regulations, including but not limited to, governmental approvals required for conducting business and investments,
laws and regulations governing the advertising industry, as well as commercial, antitrust, patent, product liability, environmental
laws and regulations, consumer protection, and financial and business taxation laws and regulations.
The Chinese government has been
developing a comprehensive system of commercial laws, and considerable progress has been made in introducing laws and regulations
dealing with economic matters. However, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited volume
of published cases and judicial interpretation and their lack of force as precedents, interpretation and enforcement of these laws
and regulations involve significant uncertainties.
Our PRC subsidiaries, CQC9, is considered
a foreign invested enterprise under PRC laws, and as a result is required to comply with PRC laws and regulations, including laws
and regulations specifically governing the activities and conduct of foreign invested enterprises. We cannot predict what effect
the interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or regulations may have on our businesses. If the relevant authorities find us
in violation of PRC laws or regulations, they would have broad discretion in dealing with such a violation, including, without
limitation:
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levying fines;
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revoking our business license, other licenses or authorities;
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requiring that we restructure our ownership or operations; and
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requiring that we discontinue any portion or all of our business.
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Investors may experience difficulties
in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China based upon U.S. laws,
including the federal securities laws or other foreign laws against us or our management.
All of our current operations are
conducted in China. Moreover, all of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of China. All or substantially all
of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States and in the PRC. As a result, it may not be possible to effect
service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside China upon these persons. In addition, uncertainty exists as to
whether the courts of China would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or such officers and/or directors
predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof, or be competent
to hear original actions brought in China against us or such persons predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or
any state thereof.
Contract drafting, interpretation
and enforcement in China involves significant uncertainty.
We have entered into numerous contracts
governed by PRC law, many of which are material to our business. As compared with contracts in the United States, contracts governed
by PRC law tend to contain less detail and are not as comprehensive in defining contracting parties’ rights and obligations.
As a result, contracts in China are more vulnerable to disputes and legal challenges. In addition, contract interpretation and
enforcement in China is not as developed as in the United States, and the result of any contract dispute is subject to significant
uncertainties. Therefore, we cannot assure you that we will not be subject to disputes under our material contracts, and if such
disputes arise, we cannot assure you that we will prevail.
Recent PRC regulations relating
to acquisitions of PRC companies by foreign entities may create regulatory uncertainties that could restrict or limit our ability
to operate. Our failure to obtain the prior approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, for our planned
public offering and the listing and trading of our common stock could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating
results, reputation and trading price of our common stock if and when we become trading.
The PRC State Administration of
Foreign Exchange, or “SAFE,” issued a public notice in November 2005, known as Circular 75, which has become null and
void and has been replaced by Circular (2014) 37, issued on 14 July, 2014, concerning the use of offshore holding companies controlled
by PRC residents in mergers and acquisitions in China. This circular requires that (1) a PRC resident shall register with a local
branch of the SAFE before he or she establishes or controls an overseas special purpose vehicle, or SPV, for the purpose of overseas
equity financing (including convertible debt financing);(2) when a PRC resident contributes the assets of or his or her equity
interests in a domestic enterprise to an SPV, or engages in overseas financing after contributing assets or equity interests to
an SPV, such PRC resident must register his or her interest in the SPV and any changes in such interest with a local branch of
the SAFE; and (3) when the SPV undergoes a material change regarding to PRC resident, such as a change in share capital or merger
or acquisition, the PRC resident shall, register such change with a local branch of the SAFE. In addition, SAFE issued updated
internal implementing rules, or the Implementing Rules in relation to Circular 37. However, there exist uncertainties regarding
the SAFE registration for PRC residents’ interests in overseas companies. If any PRC resident stockholder of a SPV fails
to make the required SAFE registration and amended registration, the onshore PRC subsidiaries of that offshore company may be prohibited
from distributing their profits and the proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to the offshore entity.
Failure to comply with the SAFE registration and amendment requirements described above could result in liability under PRC laws
for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions. Because of uncertainty in how Circular 37 will be interpreted and enforced,
we cannot be sure how it will affect our business operations or future plans. For example, CQFI's ability to conduct foreign exchange
activities, such as the remittance of dividends and foreign currency-denominated borrowings, may be subject to compliance with
Circular 37 by our PRC resident beneficial holders over whom we have no control. In addition, we cannot assure you that such PRC
residents will be able to complete the necessary approval and registration procedures required by the SAFE regulations. Failure
by any PRC resident beneficial holder to register as required with the relevant branch of SAFE could subject these PRC resident
beneficial holders to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit CQFI's ability
to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
On August 8, 2006, the PRC
Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”), joined by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of
the State Council, the State Administration of Taxation, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the China
Securities Regulatory Commission and SAFE, released a substantially amended version of the Provisions for Foreign Investors
to Merge with or Acquire Domestic Enterprises (the “Revised M&A Regulations”), which took effect on September
8, 2006 and was further amended on June 22, 2009. These new rules significantly revised China’s regulatory framework
governing onshore-to -offshore restructurings and foreign acquisitions of domestic enterprises. These new rules signify
greater PRC government attention to cross-border merger, acquisition and other investment activities, by confirming MOFCOM as
a key regulator for issues related to mergers and acquisitions in China and requiring MOFCOM approval of a broad range of
merger, acquisition and investment transactions. Further, the new rules establish reporting requirements for acquisition of
control by foreigners of companies in key industries, and reinforce the ability of the Chinese government to monitor and
prohibit foreign control transactions in key industries.
Among other things, the Revised M&A
Regulations include new provisions that purport to require that an offshore special purpose vehicle, or SPV, formed for listing
purposes and controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals must obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the
listing and trading of such SPV’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published on
its official website procedures specifying documents and materials required to be submitted to it by SPVs seeking CSRC approval
of their overseas listings. However, the application of this PRC regulation remains unclear with no consensus currently existing
among the leading PRC law firms regarding the scope and applicability of the CSRC approval requirement. Our PRC counsel, Hubei
Taoshi Law Firm, believes that it is uncertain whether the transaction is subject to CSRC’s approval, and in reality, many
other similar companies have completed similar transactions like the share exchange and private placement contemplated under the
Exchange Agreement without CSRC’s approval and our PRC legal counsel is not aware of any situation in which the CSRC has
imposed a punishment or penalty in connection with any such transactions. However, if the CSRC or other PRC Government Agencies
subsequently determine that CSRC approval is required for the share exchange and private placement contemplated under the Exchange
Agreement, we may face material regulatory actions or other sanctions from the CSRC or other PRC Government Agencies.
If the CSRC or another PRC regulatory agency
subsequently determines that CSRC approval was required for our restructuring, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions
from the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the
PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our common stock.
According to the Revised M&A Regulations
and other PRC rules regarding foreign exchange, an offshore company’s shares can be used as consideration for the acquisition
of a domestic PRC company’s equity by foreign investors only under very limited circumstances. Prior approval from the MOFCOM
must be obtained before such a share exchange can be done. If relevant PRC government authorities deem a future acquisition of
a domestic PRC company’s equity by us or our offshore subsidiary using our common stock or other types of our securities
as consideration to be a transaction subject to the Revised M&A Regulations, complying with the requirements of this regulation
to complete such transactions could be time- consuming and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the
MOFCOM, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions. Any delay or inability to obtain applicable approvals to
complete acquisitions could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share. However, the application of
the Revised M&A Regulations remains unclear and it is uncertain whether a future acquisition of a domestic PRC company’s
equity by our domestic PRC subsidiaries using our common stock or other types of our securities as consideration will be subject
to such regulations.
Also, if later the CSRC requires that we obtain
its approval, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of the CSRC approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to
obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties and/or negative publicity regarding this CSRC approval requirement could have a material
adverse effect on the trading price of our common stock. It is uncertain that CSRC is or will be curtailing or suspending overseas
listings for Chinese private companies.
It is uncertain how our business operations
or future strategy will be affected by the interpretations and implementation of Circular 37 and the Revised M&A Regulations.
It is anticipated that application of the new rules will be subject to significant administrative interpretation, and we will need
to closely monitor how MOFCOM, SAFE, CSRC and other ministries apply the rules to ensure that our domestic and offshore activities
continue to comply with PRC law. Given the uncertainties regarding interpretation and application of the new rules, we may need
to expend significant time and resources to maintain compliance with such rules.
If the land use rights of our landlord are revoked, we would
be forced to relocate operations.
Under Chinese law, land is owned by the state
or rural collective economic organizations. The state issues to the land users the land use right certificate. Land use rights
can be revoked and the land users could be forced to vacate at any time when redevelopment of the land is in the public interest.
The public interest rationale is interpreted quite broadly and the process of land appropriation may be less than transparent.
We limited land use rights and each of our facilities relies on land use rights of our landlords, and the loss of such rights would
require us to identify and relocate our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial conditions and
results of operations.
We will not be able to complete an acquisition of prospective
acquisition targets in the PRC unless their financial statements can be reconciled to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
in a timely manner.
Companies based in the PRC may not have properly
kept financial books and records that may be reconciled with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. If we attempt to acquire
a significant PRC target company and/or its assets, we would be required to obtain or prepare financial statements of the target
that are prepared in accordance with and reconciled to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Federal securities laws require
that a business combination meeting certain financial significance tests require the public acquirer to prepare and file historical
and/or pro forma financial statement disclosure with the SEC. These financial statements must be prepared in accordance with, or
be reconciled to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and the historical financial statements must be audited in accordance
with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or PCAOB. If a proposed acquisition target
does not have financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with, or that can be reconciled to, U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles and audited in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, we will not be able to acquire that proposed acquisition
target. These financial statement requirements may limit the pool of potential acquisition targets with which we may acquire and
hinder our ability to expand our retail operations. Furthermore, if we consummate an acquisition and are unable to timely file
audited financial statements and/or pro forma financial information required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the “Exchange Act”), such as Item 9.01 of Form 8-K, we will be ineligible to use the SEC’s short-form registration
statement on Form S-3 to raise capital, if we are otherwise eligible to use a Form S-3. If we are ineligible to use a Form S-3,
the process of raising capital may be more expensive and time consuming and the terms of any offering transaction may not be as
favorable as they would have been if we were eligible to use Form S-3.
We face uncertainty from China’s Circular on Strengthening
the Administration of Enterprise Income Tax on Non-Resident Enterprises’ Share Transfer Income (“Circular 698”)
that was released in December 2009 with retroactive effect from January 1, 2008.
The Chinese State Administration of Taxation
(SAT) released a circular (Guoshuihan No. 698 – Circular 698) on December 10, 2009 that addresses the transfer of shares
of Chinese resident companies by nonresident companies. Circular 698, which is effective retroactively to January 1, 2008, may
have a significant impact on many companies that use offshore holding companies to invest in China. While, Circular 698 does not
apply to shareholders who are individuals, the PRC authority has the discretion to determine whether these enterprise shareholders
are treated as a resident enterprise. If such shareholders are recognized as non-resident enterprises, Circular 698 may have been
applicable to the Share Exchange due to the transfer of shares of CAT9 Cayman, which Wenfa "Simon" Sun indirectly via
HK CAT9, directly holds the equity interests of CQFI the Company by such enterprise shareholders. Circular 698 provides that
where a non-resident enterprise investor indirectly transfers the equity of a PRC resident enterprise, if the overseas intermediary
holding company being transferred by the non-resident enterprise is established in a country/region where the effective tax rate
is less than 12.5% or which does not tax the overseas income of its residents, the non-resident enterprise must submit the required
documents to the PRC tax authority in charge of the PRC resident enterprise within 30 days after the equity transfer agreement
is concluded. {This clause has been terminated by Bulletin (2013)72} However, there is uncertainty as to the application of
Circular 698. For example, while the term "indirectly transfer" is not defined, it is understood that the relevant PRC
tax authorities have jurisdiction regarding requests for information over a wide range of foreign entities having no direct contact
with China. Moreover, the relevant authority has not yet promulgated any formal provisions or formally declared or stated how to
calculate the effective tax in the country or jurisdiction and to what extent and the process of the disclosure to the tax authority
in charge of that Chinese resident enterprise. We have not provided any information to the relevant PRC tax authorities regarding
the share exchange transaction.
We have sought the advice, but not an
opinion, of PRC legal counsel regarding the application of and the risks associated with Circular 698. Circular 698, which
provides parties with a short period of time to comply its requirements, indirectly taxes foreign companies on gains derived
from the indirect sale of a Chinese company. It further provides that where a foreign investor indirectly transfers equity
interests in a Chinese resident enterprise through an abuse of form of organization and there are no reasonable commercial
purposes such that the corporate income tax liability is avoided, the PRC tax authority will have the power to re-assess the
nature of the equity transfer in accordance with PRC’s “substance-over-form” principle and deny the
existence of the offshore holding company that is used for tax planning purposes. However, there are no formal declarations
with regard to how to decide “abuse of form of organization” and “reasonable commercial purpose,”
which can be utilized by us to balance if our company complies with the Circular 698.
Due to the short history of the New
EIT law and lack of applicable legal precedents, it remains unclear how the PRC tax authorities will determine the PRC tax resident
treatment of our holding companies, CAT9 Cayman, a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“CAT9 Cayman”)
and CAT9 China Investment Limited, a company organized under the laws of Hong Kong (“CAT9 HK”). If we, CAT9 Cayman
or CAT9 HK is determined to be a PRC resident enterprise by PRC tax authorities, Circular 698 will not be applicable to any direct
or indirect transfer of our shareholdings in CQFI. If we, CAT9 Cayman or CAT9 HK is determined to be a non-resident enterprise
by the PRC tax authorities and the direct or indirect transfer of our shareholdings in CQFI, is recognized by the tax authority
in charge as the transfer of shares of Chinese resident companies by nonresident companies, we may become at risk of being taxed
under Circular 698 and we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Circular 698 or to establish that we should
not be taxed under Circular 698, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Because CAT9 HK, a Hong Kong company owns 100% of CQFI; CAT9 Cayman, a Cayman Islands company owns 100% of CAT9 HK; and the Company,
a Delaware corporation, owns 100% of CAT9 Cayman, it is possible that Circular 698 could apply to any transfer of shares of the
Company, CAT9 Cayman or CAT9 HK, as an indirect transfer of the equity of CQFI, if such transfers are not made through a public
securities market or by individuals. If the PRC tax authority determines that Circular 698 applies to us, we will be obligated
to make tax returns filings with the relevant PRC tax authority in accordance with PRC tax laws and regulations. Failure to do
so will subject us to fines up to RMB10,000 ($1,471). Furthermore, if the PRC tax authority determines that our arrangement which
resulted in the underpayment of taxes was done to evade taxation, in addition to paying all the underpaid taxes, we may be subject
to further penalties including late fees, fines ranging from 50% to 500% of the underpaid taxes, and even criminal liabilities
under grave circumstances.
The foreign currency exchange rate between U.S. Dollars and Renminbi
could adversely affect our financial condition.
Until 1994, the Renminbi experienced a gradual
but significant devaluation against most major currencies, including dollars, and there was a significant devaluation of the Renminbi
on January 1, 1994 in connection with the replacement of the dual exchange rate system with a unified managed floating rate foreign
exchange system. Since 1994, the value of the Renminbi relative to the U.S. dollar has remained stable and has appreciated slightly
against the U.S. Dollar. Countries, including the United States, have argued that the Renminbi is artificially undervalued due
to China’s current monetary policies and have pressured China to allow the Renminbi to float freely in world markets. In
July 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy
the Renminbi is permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of designated foreign currencies. While
the international reaction to the Renminbi revaluation has generally been positive, there remains significant international pressure
on the PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result in further and more significant appreciation
of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.
As we may rely on dividends and other fees
paid to us by our subsidiary and affiliated consolidated entities in China, any significant revaluation of the Renminbi may materially
and adversely affect our cash flows, revenues, earnings and financial position, and the amount of, and any dividends payable on,
our shares in U.S. dollars. To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of
the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we would receive from the conversion.
Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our shares
or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar
amount available to us. In addition, since our functional and reporting currency is the U.S. dollar while the functional currency
of our subsidiary and affiliated consolidated entities in China is Renminbi, appreciation or depreciation in the value of the Renminbi
relative to the U.S. dollar would have a positive or negative effect on our reported financial results, which may not reflect
any underlying change in our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability
to utilize our revenues.
Substantially all of our revenues and expenses
are denominated in Renminbi. Under PRC laws, the Renminbi is currently convertible under a company’s “current account,”
which includes dividends, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not under the company’s “capital
account,” which includes foreign direct investment and loans, without the prior approval of SAFE. SAFE reserves the discretion
to deny the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies for capital account transactions. Currently our PRC subsidiary, CQC9, may
purchase foreign currencies for settlement of current account transactions, including payments of dividends to us, without the
approval of SAFE. Therefore, CQC9may convert the revenues it generates in RMB into other currencies, such as U.S. Dollars, for
settlement of current account transactions without having to obtain approval from SAFE. However, foreign exchange transactions
by CQC9under the capital account continue to be subject to significant foreign exchange controls and require the approval of or
need to register with PRC governmental authorities, including SAFE. Therefore, CQC9 may not convert its sales revenues from RMB
into other currencies for capital account transactions, such as to repay a loan, without first obtaining the approval of SAFE.
If CQC9,borrows foreign currency loans from us or other foreign lenders, these loans must first be registered with the SAFE. If
CQC9, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise, borrows foreign currency, the accumulative amount of its foreign currency loans shall
not exceed the difference between the total investment and the registered capital of CQC9. If we finance CQC9, by means of additional
capital contributions, these capital contributions must be approved by certain government authorities such as the Ministry of Commerce
or its local counterparts. Additionally, the existing and future restrictions on currency exchange may affect the ability of our
PRC subsidiary or affiliated entities to obtain foreign currencies, limit our ability to meet our foreign currency obligations,
or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business.
Inflation in the PRC could negatively affect our profitability
and growth.
While the PRC economy has experienced rapid
growth, such growth has been uneven among various sectors of the economy and in different geographical areas of the country. Rapid
economic growth can lead to growth in the money supply and rising inflation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of
China, the change in China’s Consumer Price Index increased to 8.5% in April 2008. If prices for our products and services
rise at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the rise in the costs of supplies such as raw materials, it may have an adverse
effect on our profitability.
Furthermore, in order to control inflation
in the past, the PRC government has imposed controls on bank credits, limits on loans for fixed assets and restrictions on state
bank lending. In January 2010, the Chinese government took steps to tighten the availability of credit including ordering banks
to increase the amount of reserves they hold and to reduce or limit their lending. The implementation of such policies may impede
economic growth. In October 2004, the People’s Bank of China, the PRC’s central bank, raised interest rates for the
first time in nearly a decade and indicated in a statement that the measure was prompted by inflationary concerns in the Chinese
economy. In April 2006, the People’s Bank of China raised the interest rate again. Repeated rises in interest rates by the
central bank would likely slow economic activity in China which could, in turn, materially increase our costs and also reduce demand
for our products and services.
Our funds are held in banks that provide insurance limited to
500,000 RMB or $76,000 USD per depositor, the failure of any bank in which we deposit our funds could affect our ability to continue
in business.
On May 1, 2015, China introduced the Deposit
Insurance Regulations. China began insuring deposits denominated in RMB and foreign currencies with the maximum payout amount per
depositor at RMB 500,000 or $76,000 USD. A significant portion of our assets are in the form of cash deposited with banks in the
PRC, and in the event of a bank failure, and to the extent we hold more than the maximum amount covered, we will not (1) have access
to our funds on deposit and (2) our bank insurance coverage will not cover more than RMB 500,000 or $76,000 USD and we will realize
a loss. Depending upon the amount of money we maintain in a bank that fails, our inability to have access to our cash and the limited
amount being covered by banks will impair our operations, and, if we are not able to access funds to pay our suppliers, employees
and other creditors, we will be unable to continue in business.
Failure to comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences.
As our ultimate holding company is a Delaware
corporation, we are subject to the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which generally prohibits United States companies
from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business.
Foreign companies, including some that may compete with us, are not subject to these prohibitions. Corruption, extortion, bribery,
pay-offs, theft and other fraudulent practices may occur from time-to-time in the PRC. We can make no assurance, however, that
our employees or other agents will not engage in such conduct for which we might be held responsible. If our employees or other
agents are found to have engaged in such practices, we could suffer severe penalties and other consequences that may have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we make equity compensation grants to
persons who are PRC citizens, they may be required to register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC, or
SAFE. We may also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt an equity compensation plan for our directors
and employees and other parties under PRC law.
On March 28, 2007, SAFE issued the “Operating
Procedures for Administration of Domestic Individuals Participating in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan or Stock Option Plan of
An Overseas Listed Company, also known as “Circular 78.” It is not clear whether Circular 78 covers all forms of equity
compensation plans or only those which provide for the granting of stock options.
Domestic individuals who are granted shares
or share options by companies listed on overseas stock exchanges based on the employee share option or share incentive plan are
required to register with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange or its local counterparts. Pursuant to Circular 78, PRC
individuals participating in the employee stock option plans of the overseas listed companies shall entrust their employers, including
the overseas listed companies and the subsidiaries or branch offices of such offshore listed companies in China, or engage domestic
agents to handle various foreign exchange matters associated with their employee stock options plans. The domestic agents or the
employers shall, on behalf of the domestic individuals who have the right to exercise the employee stock options, apply annually
to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange or its local offices for a quota for the conversion and/or payment of foreign currencies
in connection with the domestic individuals’ exercise of the employee stock options. The foreign exchange proceeds received
by the domestic individuals from sale of shares under the stock option plans granted by the overseas listed companies must be remitted
into the bank accounts in China opened by their employers or PRC agents. If we adopt an equity compensation plan in the future
and make option grants to our officers and directors, most of whom are PRC citizens, Circular 78 may require our officers and directors
who receive option grants and are PRC citizens to register with SAFE.
We will comply with Circular 78 if we adopt
an equity incentive plan. We believe that the registration and approval requirements contemplated in Circular 78 will be burdensome
and time consuming. If it is determined that any of our equity compensation plans are subject to Circular 78, failure to comply
with such provisions may subject our PRC subsidiary when it is deemed a domestic agent as defined under Circular 78 and participants
of our incentive plan who are PRC citizens to fines and legal sanctions and may prevent us from being able to grant equity compensation
to our PRC employees. If we are unable to compensate our PRC employees and directors through equity compensation, our business
operations may be adversely affected.
Under the New EIT Law, we, CAT9 Cayman and CAT9 HK may be classified
as “resident enterprises” of China for tax purposes, which may subject us, CAT9 Cayman and CAT9 HK to PRC income tax
on taxable global income.
Under the new PRC Enterprise Income Tax
Law (the “New EIT Law”) and its implementing rules, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008,
enterprises are classified as resident enterprises and non-resident enterprises. An enterprise established outside of China
with its “de facto management bodies” located within China is considered a “resident enterprise,”
meaning that it can be treated in a manner similar to a Chinese domestic enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. The
implementing rules of the New EIT Law define de facto management body as a managing body that in practice exercises
“substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and
properties” of the enterprise. Due to the short history of the New EIT law and lack of applicable legal precedents, it
remains unclear how the PRC tax authorities will determine the PRC tax resident treatment of a foreign company such as us,
CAT9 Cayman and CAT9 HK. The Company has not sought the advice of PRC tax counsel regarding the risks associated with the New
EIT Law. Because our CAT9 Cayman and CAT9 HK's members of management are located in China, we believe it is likely that we,
CAT9 Cayman and CAT9 HK meet the qualifications of a “resident enterprise” and would be recognized as a Chinese
“resident enterprise,” subject to the ultimate judgment of the PRC tax authority, based on the standard of
“de facto management body”. “Resident enterprise” treatment would not have impacted the
Company’s results since the New EIT Law’s effectiveness, as CAT9 Cayman and CAT9 HK have no taxable income and no
dividends were paid by any of our subsidiaries, including CAT9 Cayman and CAT9 HK, CQC9. If the PRC tax authorities determine
that we, CAT9 Cayman and CAT9 HK are collectively a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes,
a number of PRC tax consequences could follow. First, we may be subject to the enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on our
worldwide taxable income, including interest income on the proceeds from this offering, as well as PRC enterprise income tax
reporting obligations. The failure to pay such taxes will subject us to fines up to RMB10,000 ($1,471), and furthermore, if
the PRC tax authority determines that our arrangement which resulted in the underpayment of taxes was done to evade taxation,
in addition to paying all the underpaid taxes, we may be subject to further penalties including late fees, fines ranging from
50% to 500% of the underpaid taxes, and even criminal liabilities under grave circumstances. Second, the New EIT Law provides
that dividend paid between “qualified resident enterprises” is exempted from enterprise income tax. A recent
circular issued by the State Administration of Taxation on April 22, 2010, regarding the standards used to classify certain
Chinese-invested enterprises controlled by Chinese enterprises or Chinese group enterprises and established outside of China
as “resident enterprises” clarified that dividends and other income paid by such “resident
enterprises” will be considered to be PRC source income, subject to PRC withholding tax, currently at a rate of 10%,
when recognized by non-PRC shareholders. It is unclear whether the dividends that we, CAT9 Cayman and CAT9 HK receive from
CQC9 will constitute dividends between “qualified resident enterprises” and would therefore qualify for tax
exemption, because the definition of qualified resident enterprises is unclear and the relevant PRC government authorities
have not yet issued guidance with respect to the processing of outbound remittances to entities that are treated as resident
enterprises for PRC enterprise income tax purposes. We are actively monitoring the possibility of “resident
enterprise” treatment for the applicable tax years and are evaluating appropriate organizational changes to avoid this
treatment, to the extent possible. As a result of the New EIT Law, our historical operating results will not be indicative of
our operating results for future periods and the value of our common stock may be adversely affected.
Dividends payable by us to our foreign investors and any gain
on the sale of our shares may be subject to taxes under PRC tax laws.
If dividends payable to our stockholders are treated as income derived
from sources within China, then the dividends that stockholders receive from us, and any gain on the sale or transfer of our shares,
may be subject to taxes under PRC tax laws. We have not consulted with PRC tax counsel regarding the taxes that may be associated
with dividends paid by us.
Under the New EIT Law and its implementing
rules, PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 10% is applicable to dividends payable by us to our investors that are non-resident
enterprises so long as such non-resident enterprise investors do not have an establishment or place of business in China or, despite
the existence of such establishment of place of business in China, the relevant income is not effectively connected with such establishment
or place of business in China, to the extent that such dividends have their sources within the PRC. Similarly, any gain realized
on the transfer of our shares by such investors is also subject to a 10% PRC income tax if such gain is regarded as income derived
from sources within China and we are considered as a resident enterprise which is domiciled in China for tax purpose. Additionally,
there is a possibility that the relevant PRC tax authorities may take the view that the purpose of us, CAT9 Cayman and CAT9 HK
is holding CQC9, and the capital gain derived by our overseas shareholders or investors from the share transfer is deemed China-sourced
income, in which case such capital gain may be subject to a PRC withholding tax at the rate of up to 10%. If we are required under
the New EIT Law to withhold PRC income tax on our dividends payable to our foreign shareholders or investors who are non-resident
enterprises, or if you are required to pay PRC income tax on the transfer or our shares under the circumstances mentioned above,
the value of your investment in our shares may be materially and adversely affected.
In January, 2009, the State
Administration of Taxation promulgated the Provisional Measures for the Administration of Withholding of Enterprise Income
Tax for Non-resident Enterprises (“Measures”), pursuant to which, the entities which have the direct obligation
to make the following payment to a non-resident enterprise shall be the relevant tax withholders for such non-resident
enterprise, and such payment includes: incomes from equity investment (including dividends and other return on investment),
interests, rents, royalties, and incomes from assignment of property as well as other incomes subject to enterprise income
tax received by non-resident enterprises in China. Further, the Measures provides that in case of equity transfer between two
non-resident enterprises which occurs outside China, the non-resident enterprise which receives the equity transfer payment
shall, by itself or engage an agent to, file tax declaration with the PRC tax authority located at place of the PRC company
whose equity has been transferred, and the PRC company whose equity has been transferred shall assist the tax authorities to
collect taxes from the relevant non-resident enterprise. However, it is unclear whether the Measures refer to the equity
transfer by a non-resident enterprise which is a direct or an indirect shareholder of the said PRC Company. Given these
Measures, there is a possibility that we may have an obligation to withhold income tax in respect of the dividends paid to
non-resident enterprise investors. If we have such an obligation, our omission or failure to fulfill such obligation may
subject us to similar penalties to those applied to a taxpayer, including fines up to RMB10,000, and in the case of being
recognized as constituting evasion of taxation, other than making up for the underpaid taxes, we may be subject to further
penalties including late fees, fines ranging from 50% to 500% of the underpaid taxes, and even criminal liabilities under
grave circumstances.
SAFE rules and regulations may limit our ability to transfer
the net proceeds from this offering to our PRC subsidiaries, which may adversely affect the business expansion of our PRC subsidiaries,
and we may not be able to convert the net proceeds from this offering into Renminbi to invest in or acquire any other PRC companies.
On August 29, 2008, SAFE promulgated Circular
142, a notice regulating the conversion by a foreign -invested company of foreign currency into Renminbi by restricting how the
converted Renminbi may be used. The notice requires that the registered capital of a foreign-invested company settled in Renminbi
converted from foreign currencies may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable governmental
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 registered capital of a foreign-invested company settled in Renminbi converted from foreign currencies. The use of such
Renminbi capital may not be changed without SAFE’sapproval, and may not in any case be used to repay Renminbi loans if the
proceeds of such loans have not been used. Violations of Circular 142 will result in severe penalties, such as heavy fines.
A recurrence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Avian
Flu, or another widespread public health problem, such as the spread of H1N1 (“Swine”) Flu, or the Coronavirus/COVID-19
in the PRC could adversely affect our operations. (see our disclosure under Special Risk Factor due to the Novel Coronavirus
(COVID-19) below)
A renewed outbreak of SARS, Avian Flu or another widespread
public health problem, such as the spread of H1N1 (“Swine”) Flu, in China, where all of our operations are located
and where all of our sales occur, will have a negative effect on our operations. Such an outbreak will have an impact on our operations
as a result of:
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quarantines or closures of our facilities, which will severely disrupt our operations,
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the sickness or death of our key officers and employees, and
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a general slowdown in the Chinese economy.
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Any of the foregoing events or other unforeseen consequences of public health problems will adversely affect our operations.
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Special Risk Factor due to the Novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
During late 2019, a virus now known as
the Novel Coronavirus or “COVID-19” appeared in Wuhan, China. By March 11, 2020, the WHO (World Health Organization)
labeled COVID-19 as a pandemic and many countries around the world began closing borders and making efforts to either shelter-in-place
or quarantine its population. Our Company and all of our operations are located in China. During the first quarter of 2020, China
had placed a mandatory quarantine on certain areas, specifically in Wuhan located in Hubei Province. During this period, the Company’s
employees and staff worked from home as advised by the government. The negative effect of COVID-19 on our operations are no longer
hypothetical scenarios and during the quarantine period in early 2020, our sales declined as a result.
As of the date of this Form 10-K filing,
China has slowly begun to relax some quarantine measures and allowed some businesses to operate again. We cannot make any assurances
that COVID-19 will not reappear with new infections and to the extent that COVID-19, or another virus appears, we may encounter
prolonged operational lockdown measures which would disrupt our business operations.
Due to the quarantine order, we had difficulties
with coordinating employees and staff for our 2019 annual audit and therefore compelled to file for a special extended 45 day
period to file our 2019 annual report on Form 10-K with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission via Form 8-K on March 23, 2020.
We relied on the Order provided by the Commission's March 4, 2020 Order, Release No. 34-88318, as modified on March 25,
2020, Release No. 34-88465.
The market price and trading volume
of shares of our common stock may be volatile.
When and if a more robust market develops
for our securities, the market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for many reasons, including for reasons
unrelated to our specific performance, such as reports by industry analysts, investor perceptions, or negative announcements by
customers, competitors or suppliers regarding their own performance, as well as general economic and industry conditions. For example,
to the extent that other large companies within our industry experience declines in their share price, our share price may decline
as well. In addition, when the market price of a company’s shares drops significantly, shareholders could institute securities
class action lawsuits against the company. A lawsuit against us could cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the
time and attention of our management and other resources.
Regulations, including those contained in
and issued under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”) and the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank”), increase the cost of doing business and may make it difficult for us to retain or attract
qualified officers and directors, which could adversely affect the management of our business and our ability to obtain or retain
listing of our Common Stock.
We are a public company. The current
regulatory climate for public companies, even small and emerging growth companies such as ours, may make it difficult or prohibitively
expensive to attract and retain qualified officers, directors and members of board committees required to provide for our effective
management in compliance with the rules and regulations which govern publicly-held companies, including, but not limited to, certifications
from executive officers and requirements for financial experts on boards of directors. The perceived increased personal risk associated
with these recent changes may deter qualified individuals from accepting these roles. For example, the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 has resulted in the issuance of a series of new rules and regulations and the strengthening of existing rules and regulations
by the SEC.
Further, recent and proposed regulations
under Dodd-Frank heighten the requirements for board or committee membership, particularly with respect to an individual’s
independence from the corporation and level of experience in finance and accounting matters. We may have difficulty attracting
and retaining directors with the requisite qualifications. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified officers and directors,
the management of our business could be adversely affected.
Our internal controls over financial reporting
may not be effective, and our independent auditors may not be able to certify as to their effectiveness, which could have a significant
and adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to various SEC reporting
and other regulatory requirements. We have incurred and will continue to incur expenses and, to a lesser extent, diversion of
our management’s time in our efforts to comply with SOX Section 404 regarding internal controls over financial reporting.
Our management’s evaluation over our internal controls over financial reporting may determine that material weaknesses
in our internal control exist. If, in the future, management identifies material weaknesses, or our external auditors are
unable to attest that our management’s report is fairly stated or to express an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal
controls, this could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports, have an adverse effect on our stock price,
and subject us to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities.
Limitations on director and officer
liability and our indemnification of our officers and directors may discourage stockholders from bringing suit against a director.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and
By-Laws provide, with certain exceptions as permitted by Delaware corporation law, that a director or officer shall not be personally
liable to us or our stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for acts or omissions which involve intentional
misconduct, fraud or knowing violation of law, or unlawful payments of dividends. These provisions may discourage stockholders
from bringing suit against a director for breach of fiduciary duty and may reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation brought
by stockholders on our behalf against a director. In addition, our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws provide for mandatory
indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by governing state law.
We may incur a variety of costs to
engage in future acquisitions of companies, products or technologies, to grow our business, to expand into new markets, or to provide
new services. As such, the anticipated benefits of those acquisitions may never be realized.
It is management’s intention to
acquire other businesses to grow our customer base, to expand into new markets, and to provide new product lines. We may
make acquisitions of, or significant investments in, complementary companies, products or technologies, although no additional
material acquisitions or investments are currently pending. Acquisitions may be accompanied by risks such as:
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difficulties in assimilating the operations and employees of acquired companies;
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diversion of our management’s attention from ongoing business concerns;
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our potential inability to maximize our financial and strategic position through the successful incorporation of acquired technology and rights into our products and services;
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additional expense associated with amortization of acquired assets;
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additional expense associated with understanding and development of acquired business;
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maintenance and implementation of uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies; and
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impairment of existing relationships with employees, suppliers and customers as a result of the integration of new management employees.
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Our failure to manage growth effectively
could harm our ability to attract and retain key personnel and adversely impact our operating results.
There can be no assurance that we will
be able to manage our expansion through acquisitions effectively. Our current and planned personnel, systems, procedures and controls
may not be adequate to support and effectively manage our future operations, especially as we employ personnel in multiple geographic
locations. We may not be able to hire, train, retain, motivate and manage required personnel, which may limit our growth, damage
our reputation and negatively affect our financial performance and harm our business.
The forecasts of market growth included
in this Offering may prove to be inaccurate, and even if the market in which we compete achieve the forecasted growth, we cannot
assure you our business will grow at similar rates, if at all.
Growth
forecasts are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates, which may not prove to be accurate.
Forecasts relating to the expected growth in the agricultural sector within China, including the forecasts or projections referenced
in this Offering Memorandum, may prove to be inaccurate. Even if these markets experience the forecasted growth, we may not grow
our business at similar rates, or at all. Our growth is subject to many factors, including our success in implementing our business
strategy, which is subject to many risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, the forecasts of market growth included in this prospectus
should not be taken as indicative of our future growth.
We might require additional capital to support
business growth, and this capital might not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.
We intend to continue
to make investments to support our business growth and may require additional funds to respond to business challenges, including
the need to develop new features or enhance our existing products, improve our operating infrastructure or acquire complementary
businesses and technologies. Accordingly, we may need to engage in equity or debt financings to secure funds. If we raise funds
through issuances of equity or convertible debt securities, our existing stockholders could suffer significant dilution, and any
new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to those of holders of our common stock.
Any debt financing secured by us in the future could involve restrictive covenants relating to our future capital raising activities
and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue
business opportunities, including potential acquisitions. In addition, we may not be able to obtain additional financing on terms
favorable to us, if at all. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us, when we require
it, our ability to continue to support our business growth and to respond to business challenges could be significantly impaired.
If we obtain financing,
existing shareholder interests may be diluted.
If we raise additional
funds by issuing equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our shareholders will be diluted. In addition,
any new securities could have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our common stock. Furthermore, we cannot assure
you that additional financing will be available when and to the extent we require or that, if available, it will be on acceptable
terms.
The requirements of being a public company
may strain our resources and distract our management, which could make it difficult to manage our business, particularly after
we are no longer an “emerging growth company.”
We are required to comply with various regulatory
and reporting requirements, including those required by the SEC. Complying with these reporting and other regulatory requirements
are time-consuming and expensive and could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
As a public company, we are subject to the
reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and requirements of SOX. The cost of complying with these requirements may place a
strain on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect
to our business and financial condition. SOX requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal
controls over financial reporting. To maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, we must
commit significant resources, may be required to hire additional staff and need to continue to provide effective management oversight.
We will be implementing additional procedures
and processes for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. Sustaining our growth
also will require us to commit additional management, operational and financial resources to identify new professionals to join
the Company and to maintain appropriate operational and financial systems to adequately support expansion.
These activities may divert management’s
attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results
of operations and cash flows.
As an “emerging growth
company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (“JOBS Act”) enacted on April 5,
2012, we may take advantage of certain temporary exemptions from various reporting requirements including, but not limited
to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of SOX (and rules and regulations
of the SEC thereunder, which we refer to as Section 404) and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation
in our periodic reports and proxy statements.
When these exemptions cease to apply,
we expect to incur additional expenses and devote increased management effort toward ensuring compliance with them. We will remain
an “emerging growth company” for up to five years, although we may cease to be an emerging growth company earlier under
certain circumstances. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –JOBS
Act” for additional information on when we may cease to be deemed to be an emerging growth company. We cannot predict or
estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur as a result of becoming a public company or the timing of such costs.
Our reported financial results may
be adversely affected by changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States are subject to interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the SEC, and various bodies
formed to promulgate and interpret appropriate accounting principles. A change in these principles or interpretations could have
a significant effect on our reported financial results, and could affect the reporting of transactions completed before the announcement
of a change.
Employment
Laws
We
are subject to laws and regulations governing our relationship with our employees, including: wage and hour requirements, working
and safety conditions, and social insurance, housing funds and other welfare that may be applicable. These include local labor
laws and regulations, which may require substantial resources for compliance.
China's
National Labor Law, which became effective on January 1, 1995, and China's National Labor Contract Law, which became effective
on January 1, 2008, permits workers in both state and private enterprises in China to bargain collectively. The National Labor
Law and the National Labor Contract Law provide for collective contracts to be developed through collaboration between the labor
union (or worker representatives in the absence of a union) and management that specify such matters as working conditions, wage
scales, and hours of work. The laws also permit workers and employers in all types of enterprises to sign individual contracts,
which are to be drawn up in accordance with the collective contract. The National Labor Contract Law has enhanced rights for the
nation's workers, including permitting open-ended labor contracts and severance payments. The legislation requires employers to
provide written contracts to their workers, restricts the use of temporary labor and makes it harder for employers to lay off employees.
It also requires that employees with fixed-term contracts be entitled to an indefinite-term contract after a fixed-term contract
is renewed twice or the employee has worked for the employer for a consecutive ten-year period.
Foreign
Currency Exchange
The principal regulations governing
foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations promulgated by the State Council, as amended
on August 5, 2008, or the Foreign Exchange Regulations. Under the Foreign Exchange Regulations, the RMB is freely convertible for
current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions,
but not for capital account items, such as direct investments, loans, repatriation of investments and investments in securities
outside of China, unless prior approval of the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE is obtained and prior registration
with the SAFE is made. Foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell and/or remit foreign currencies at those banks authorized
to conduct foreign exchange business after providing valid commercial documents and, in the case of capital account item transactions,
obtaining approval from the SAFE. Capital investments by foreign-invested enterprises outside of China are also subject to limitations,
which include approvals by the Ministry of Commerce ("MOFCOM"), the SAFE and the State Reform and Development Commission.
Dividend Distributions
Under applicable PRC regulations, foreign-invested
enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting
standards and regulations. In addition, a foreign-invested enterprise in China is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax
profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to its general reserves until the accumulative amount of such reserves reach
50% of its registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The board of directors of a foreign-invested
enterprise has the discretion to allocate a portion
of its after-tax profits to staff welfare and bonus funds, which may not be distributed to equity owners except in the event of
liquidation.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Risk Factors
Any investment in our common stock
involves a high degree of risk. Investors should carefully consider the risk described below and all of the information contained
in this Form 10-K before deciding whether to purchase our common stock. Our business, financial condition or
results of operations could be materially adversely affected by these risks if any of them actually occur. Our shares of common
stock are not currently listed or quoted for trading on any national securities exchange or national quotation system. If and when
our common stock is traded, the trading price could decline due to any of these risks, and an investor may lose all or part of
his or her investment. Some of these factors have affected our financial condition and operating results in the past or are currently
affecting us. This Form 10-K also contains forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Our
actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors,
including the risks described below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
In
early 2017, management suspended its food and machinery sales business in favor of capitalizing on the growing Acer truncatum industry
within China and decided that it would to direct efforts towards its Acer truncatum plantation operations during 2017. Management
believes that Acer truncatum plantation, harvesting, and production of edible oil is a more economically favorable direction for
the company.
As of the date of this Form
10-K, the Company employs a staff of 30 people and is located in Chengdu in Sichuan Province, China at Room 2001, Dading Century
Square, No 387, Tianren Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China 610000.
Products and Market
Chongqing CAT9 operates Acer
truncatum plantations and operations in China. Acer truncatum is a maple tree known as the “Shangtung
maple” which is native to China that contains an extract from its leaves and seeds called Nervonic acid, or bunge seed oil. The
tree itself typically grows 20-25 feet tall, blooms in the month of April, and is primarily a full sun to part shade tree. It is
the principal extract of the Acer truncatum plant which Acer truncatum oil is derived. Nervonic acid is a rich omega-9 fatty acid
that is known to be beneficial to memory related brain health, anti-aging, blood lipid regulation, and anti-fatigue symptoms. There
are a few alternate sources where nervonic acid can be derived, however at much less yield than from an Acer truncatum plant.
As
of early 2017, management directed efforts towards the Acer truncatum industry in China. Acer truncatum is a plant that produces
an extract from its leaves and seeds called Nervonic acid, or bunge seed oil. It is the principal extract of the Acer truncatum
plant which Acer truncatum oil is derived. Nervonic acid is a rich omega-9 fatty acid that is known to be beneficial to memory
related brain health, anti-aging, blood lipid regulation, and anti-fatigue symptoms. There are a few alternate sources where nervonic
acid can be derived, however at much less yield than from an Acer truncatum plant.
Nervonic Acid content (mg/100g)
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Acer truncatum
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580
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Brassica Oil Seeds
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69-83
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Sesame Seeds
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35
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Macadamia Nuts
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18
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TropaeolumSpeciosum
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10
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Lunaria (Money Plant)
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8
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King Salmon (Chinook)
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140
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Sockeye Salmon
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40
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Source: Herb Nutritionals
Nervonic Acid has been
researched and tested to provide improved brain cell activity and studies have shown it has the potential to reduce Alzheimer’s
disease. It is management’s belief that favorable claims regarding nervonic acid from several independent studies around
the world by independent sources are credible; we do to an extent rely on these independent studies for guidance, however, we cannot
verify these claims with certain accuracy. We did not compensate any party for any report or writing on nervonic acid or acer trunactum,
we have no influence or made any requests or demands for any party to produce any report on nervonic acid or acer truncatum.
Suppliers
represented by CAT9
Shandong
Run’an BiotechCo., Ltd
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Acer truncatum oil, and sandwich gel candy
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Heze
Zonghoo Jianyuan Biotech Co., Ltd.
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Acer truncatum oil
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CAT9 also seeks to establish
five (5) additional planting bases of 350 acres each. These bases will become a CAT9 Group asset over years which we will seek
to manage and develop to include land acquisitions, planting, and maintenance. In addition, we are planning to contract approximately
17,000 acres of existing forestry with local individuals, organizations and or provincial governments to insure our supply of raw
materials. We are also planning to invest further into our research and development (R&D) to improve our processing yield of
Acer truncatum and nervonic acid. This includes the research and development of planting technology, products, and process technology.
We also plan to increase our spending on our information systems; we will seek to invest in a fully integrated information system
to monitor crop production, fertilization, irrigation, and harvesting yield. We will also add quality control measures, POS systems,
packaging, logistics, and e-commerce systems. A JIT (just in time) system to monitor inventory and critical path raw material requirements
will also be implemented
Changes in Chinese environmental regulations and enforcement
policies could subject us to additional liability and adversely affect our ability to continue certain operations.
In regards to our farm management and equipment
operations, the Chinese environmental regulations continue to develop and evolve rapidly; therefore, we cannot predict the extent
to which our operations may be affected by future enforcement policies as applied to existing laws, by changes to current environmental
laws and regulations, or by the enactment of new environmental laws and regulations. There are numerous Chinese provincial and
local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and the ultimate impact of complying with such laws and
regulations is not always clearly known or determinable because regulations under some of these laws have not yet been promulgated
or are undergoing revision. Our business and operating results could be materially and adversely affected if we were required to
increase expenditures to comply with any new environmental regulations affecting our operations. We may, in the future, receive
citations or notices from governmental authorities that our operations are not in compliance with our permits or certain applicable
regulations, including various transportation, environmental or land use laws and regulations. Should we receive such citations
or notices, we would generally seek to work with the authorities to resolve the issues raised
by such citations or notices. There can be no assurance, however, that we will always be successful in this regard, and the failure
to resolve a significant issue could result in adverse consequences to us. As a result, we could incur material liabilities resulting
from the costs of complying with environmental laws, environmental permits or any claims concerning noncompliance, or liability
from contamination.
We cannot predict what environmental legislation
or regulations will be enacted in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted or
what environmental conditions may be found to exist at our facilities or at third-party sites for which we are liable. Enactment
of stricter laws or regulations, stricter interpretations of existing laws and regulations or the requirement to undertake the
investigation or remediation of currently unknown environmental contamination at our own or third-party sites may require us to
make additional material expenditures, which would adversely affect our profitability.
We do not carry any business interruption
or liability insurance. As a result, we may incur uninsured losses, increasing the possibility that you would lose
your entire investment in our company.
We could be exposed to liabilities or other
claims for which we would have no insurance protection. We do not currently maintain any business interruption insurance or any
other comprehensive insurance policy. As a result, we may incur uninsured liabilities and losses as a result of the conduct of
our business. Business disruption insurance is available to a limited extent in China, but we have determined that the risks of
disruption, the cost of such insurance and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance make it impractical for us
to have such insurance. Should uninsured losses occur, any purchasers of our common stock could lose their entire investment.
Our business is affected by competition
and substantial technological change.
We currently face competition from many other
companies that offer farm food products that may be lower than the prices we charge. Many of these companies have substantially
greater financial and other resources than us and, therefore, are able to spend more than us in areas such as product development
and marketing. Additionally, if our suppliers increase prices on Acer truncatum oil, or if there is a shortage, or if they refuse
to sell to us, our business may be negatively affected by such actions.
Competitors may develop, use, create alternative
innovative methods to sell, market and distribute farm food products that render our products or proposed products uneconomical
or that may be superior to our products. In addition, farm management and equipment has its own set of risks related to competition
and substantial technological changes. If our suppliers of farm management and equipment fail to deliver or we fail to secure product
at favorable pricing, if our suppliers fail to create innovative products that customers demand, and we are unable to meet our
end customer's demands, all of which would have a material adverse effect on us.
We have applied for a trademark in China
and are considering patents; however, we have yet to be granted a trademark on our application.
We have filed for trademark application in
China and are considering filing patents as well, however as of the date on this filing on Form 10-K, we have not yet been approved
for our trademark.
Our business may be adversely affected by
a global economic downturn, in addition to any uncertainties in the financial markets.
Although we believe that global financial markets
have recovered from an economic downturn, we cannot make any assurances that we will not experience disruptions, or loss due to
the possibility of another negative global event whereby severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer
confidence, declines in economic growth, increases in unemployment rates, and uncertainty about economic stability occurs Any economic
downturn generally or any decrease in consumer spending in the PRC, could cause advertisers to reduce their spending on advertisements,
would have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, financial condition and results of operations. The inability
to obtain adequate financing from debt or capital sources could force us to self-fund strategic initiatives or even forego certain
opportunities, which in turn could potentially harm our performance.
We will need additional capital to successfully
implement our current business strategy, which may not be available to us, and if we raise additional capital, it may dilute your
ownership in us.
Our continued growth is dependent upon our
ability to generate increased revenue from our existing customers, obtain new customers and raise capital from outside sources.
An important element of our growth strategy is our Acer truncatum sales and our development of land leases to grow our own Acer
truncatum plants. We believe that in order to continue to operate additional market share and general additional revenue, we will
have to raise more capital to fund our business.
In the future, we may be unable to obtain the
necessary financing for our capital requirements on a timely basis and on acceptable terms, and our failure to do so may adversely
affect our financial position, competitive position, growth and profitability. Our ability to obtain acceptable financing at any
time may depend on a number of factors, including: our financial condition and results of operations; the condition of the PRC
economy and the Acer truncatum industry, and conditions in relevant financial markets in the United States, PRC and elsewhere in
the world.
Our failure to effectively manage
growth could harm our business.
We have rapidly and significantly expanded
our operations since our inception and will endeavor to further expand our operations in the future. Any additional significant
growth in the market for our services or our entry into new markets may require and expansion of our employee base for managerial,
operational, financial, sales and marketing and other purposes.
During any growth, we may face problems related
to our operational and financial systems and controls, including quality control and service capacities. We would also need to
continue to expand, train and manage our employee base. Continued future growth will impose significant added responsibilities
upon the members of management to identify, recruit, maintain, integrate, and motivate new employees.
Aside from increased difficulties in the management
of human resources, we may also encounter working capital issues, as we will need increased liquidity to hire additional employees.
For effective growth management, we will be required to continue improving our operations, management, and financial systems and
controls. Our failure to manage growth effectively may lead to operational and financial inefficiencies that will have a negative
effect on our profitability. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to timely and effectively meet that demand and maintain
the quality standards required by our existing and potential customers.
We may pursue future growth through strategic
acquisitions and alliances which may not yield anticipated benefits and may adversely affect our operating results, financial condition
and existing business.
We may seek to grow in the future through strategic
acquisitions in order to complement and expand our business. The success of our acquisition strategy will depend on, among other
things:
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the availability of suitable candidates;
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competition from other companies for the purchase of available candidates;
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our ability to value those candidates accurately and negotiate favorable terms for those acquisitions;
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the availability of funds to finance acquisitions;
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the ability to establish new informational, operational and financial systems to meet the needs of our business;
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the ability to achieve anticipated synergies, including with respect to complementary products or services; and
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the availability of management resources to oversee the integration and operation of the acquired businesses.
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If we are not successful in integrating acquired
businesses and completing acquisitions in the future, we may be required to reevaluate our acquisition strategy. We also may incur
substantial expenses and devote significant management time and resources in seeking to complete acquisitions. Acquired businesses
may fail to meet our performance expectations. If we do not achieve the anticipated benefits of an acquisition as rapidly as expected,
or at all, investors or analysts may not perceive
the same benefits of the acquisition as we do. If these risks materialize, our stock price could be materially adversely affected.
We face risks related to natural disasters,
terrorist attacks or other unpredictable events in China which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results
of operations.
Our business could be materially and adversely
affected by natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other events in China where all of our operations are located. For example,
in early 2008, parts of China suffered a wave of strong snow storms that severely impacted public transportation systems. In May
2008, Sichuan Province in China suffered a strong earthquake measuring approximately 8.0 on the Richter scale that caused widespread
damage and casualties. The May 2008 Sichuan earthquake has had a material adverse effect on the general economic conditions in
the areas affected by the earthquake. The occurrence of any future disasters such as earthquakes, fires, floods, wars, terrorist
attacks, computer viruses, transportation disasters or other events, or our information system or communications network breaks
down or operates improperly as a result of such events, our facilities may be seriously damaged, and we may have to stop or delay
operations. We may incur expenses relating to such damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results
of operations.
We may adopt an equity incentive plan under
which we may grant securities to compensate employees and other services providers, which would result in increased share-based
compensation expenses and, therefore, reduce net income
We may adopt an equity incentive plan under
which we may grant shares or options to qualified employees. Under current accounting rules, we would be required to recognize
share-based compensation as compensation expense in our statement of operations, based on the fair value of equity awards on the
date of the grant, and recognize the compensation expense over the period in which the recipient is required to provide service
in exchange for the equity award. We have not made any such grants in the past, and accordingly our results of operations have
not contained any share-based compensation charges. The additional expenses associated with share-based compensation may reduce
the attractiveness of issuing stock options under an equity incentive plan that we may adopt in the future. If we grant equity
compensation to attract and retain key personnel, the expenses associated with share-based compensation may adversely affect our
net income. However, if we do not grant equity compensation, we may not be able to attract and retain key personnel or be forced
to expend cash or other compensation instead. Furthermore, the issuance of equity awards would dilute the shareholders’ ownership
interests in our company.
We have no plans of paying dividends
on our Common Stock.
We have never paid dividends on our
Common Stock and do not presently intend to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. We anticipate that any funds available
for payment of dividends will be re-invested into the Company to further its business strategy.
Special Risk Factor due to the Novel
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
During late 2019, a virus now known as
the Novel Coronavirus or “COVID-19” appeared in Wuhan, China. By March 11, 2020, the WHO (World Health Organization)
labeled COVID-19 as a pandemic and many countries around the world began closing borders and making efforts to either shelter-in-place
or quarantine its population. Our Company and all of our operations are located in China. During the first quarter of 2020, China
had placed a mandatory quarantine on certain areas, specifically in Wuhan located in Hubei Province. During this period, the Company’s
employees and staff worked from home as advised by the government. The negative effect of COVID-19 on our operations are no longer
hypothetical scenarios and during the quarantine period in early 2020, our sales declined as a result.
As of the date of this Form 10-K filing,China
has slowly begun to relax some quarantine measures and allowed some businesses to operate again. We cannot make any assurances
that COVID-19 will not reappear with new infections and to the extent that COVID-19, or another virus appears, we may encounter
prolonged operational lockdown measures which would disrupt our business operations.
Due to the quarantine order, we had
difficulties with coordinating employees and staff for our 2019 annual audit and therefore compelled to file for a special extended
45 day period to file our 2019 annual report on Form 10-K with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission via Form 8-K on March
23, 2020. We relied on the Order provided by the Commission's March 4, 2020 Order, Release No. 34-88318, as modified on
March 25, 2020, Release No. 34-88465.
Authorization of Preferred Stock
Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes
the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock with designations, rights and preferences determined from time to time
by its Board of Directors. Accordingly, our Board of Directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock
with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting, or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of
the holders of the common stock. In the event of issuance, the preferred stock could be utilized, under certain circumstances,
as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company. Although we have no present intention to
issue any shares of its authorized preferred stock, there can be no assurance that we will not do so in the future.
Control by Management
The officers and directors of the Company currently own 78%
of all the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company. Consequently, these individual shave the ability to control the
operations of the Company and will have the ability to control substantially all matters submitted to stockholders for approval,
including:
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Election of the board of directors;
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Removal of any directors;
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Amendment of the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws; and
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Adoption of measures that could delay or prevent a change in control or impede a merger, takeover or other business combination.
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This Report Contains Forward-Looking Statements
And Information Relating To Us, Our Industry And To Other Businesses
These forward-looking statements are
based on the beliefs of our management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our management. When
used in this prospectus, the words “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,”
“intend,” “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements
reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results
to differ materially from those contemplated in our forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly
release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus
or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Risks Related to Our Capital Structure
Our trading symbol is CATN, however, at the
this Form 10-K, there is a limited trading market for our common stock, and there can be no assurances made of an established,
robust public trading market, which if we were unable to accomplish, may adversely affect the ability of our investors to sell
their securities in the public market.
The market price and trading volume of shares
of our common stock may be volatile.
If and when a market develops for our
securities, the market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for many reasons, including for reasons
unrelated to our specific performance, such as reports by industry analysts, investor perceptions, or negative announcements
by customers, competitors or suppliers regarding their own performance, as well as general economic and industry conditions.
For example, to the extent that other large companies within our industry experience declines in their share price, our share
price may decline as well. In addition, when the market price of a company’s shares drops significantly, shareholders
could institute securities class action lawsuits against the company. A lawsuit against
us could cause us to incur substantial costs and could divert the time and attention of our management and other resources.