Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual
report: 794,003,193 ordinary shares, par value US$0.00002 per share.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined
in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
If this report is an annual
or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
(1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and
(2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required
to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation
S-T
(§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post
such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a
large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated
filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer,accelerated filer, and
emerging growth company in Rule
12b-2
of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if
the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
The term new or revised financial accounting standard refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its
Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
If Other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check
mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17 ☐ Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2
of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN
BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed
by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes ☐ No ☐
PART I
ITEM 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2. Offer
Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3. Key Information
A.
Selected Financial Data
The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial information. You should read the following information in conjunction with Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. The selected consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of
December 31, 2016 and 2017 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with those statements, which are included in this annual report beginning on page
F-1.
The selected consolidated statement of comprehensive loss data for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013, 2014 and
2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this annual report.
Prior to December 31, 2016,
our management had been authorized to approve and commit to a plan to sell Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing and the real estate portfolio under its name, therefore the major current assets, other assets, current liabilities, and noncurrent
liabilities relevant to the disposal are reported as components of total assets and liabilities separate from those balances of the continuing operations. At the same time, the results of all discontinued operations, less applicable income taxes
(benefit), are reported as components of net income separate from the net income of continuing operations in accordance with ASC
205-20-45.
As this part of our real
estate business has been presented as discontinued operations, our historical financial statements are restated to present discontinued operations separately.
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
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2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, except number of shares and per share data)
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Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Data
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
$
|
120,194
|
|
|
$
|
98,300
|
|
|
$
|
63,668
|
|
|
$
|
60,958
|
|
|
$
|
46,806
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
$
|
17,249
|
|
|
$
|
8,998
|
|
|
$
|
5,844
|
|
|
$
|
12,452
|
|
|
$
|
9,763
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
$
|
(21,306
|
)
|
|
$
|
(25,953
|
)
|
|
$
|
(17,518
|
)
|
|
$
|
(15,875
|
)
|
|
$
|
(15,623
|
)
|
Government subsidy income
|
|
$
|
357
|
|
|
$
|
761
|
|
|
$
|
162
|
|
|
$
|
20
|
|
|
$
|
209
|
|
Other operating income (loss)
|
|
$
|
960
|
|
|
$
|
24
|
|
|
$
|
(132
|
)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Other operating
income-net
gain from sale of real
estate
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
14,939
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
(Loss) Income from operations
|
|
$
|
(2,740
|
)
|
|
$
|
(16,170
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)
|
|
$
|
(11,644
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)
|
|
$
|
11,536
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|
|
$
|
(5,651
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)
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Net (loss) income from continuing operations
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|
$
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(3,017
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)
|
|
$
|
(15,635
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)
|
|
$
|
(13,693
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)
|
|
$
|
9,778
|
|
|
$
|
(14,055
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)
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Net income from discontinued
operations
(1)
|
|
$
|
46
|
|
|
$
|
567
|
|
|
$
|
596
|
|
|
$
|
381
|
|
|
$
|
3,837
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
$
|
(2,971
|
)
|
|
$
|
(15,068
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)
|
|
$
|
(13,097
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)
|
|
$
|
10,159
|
|
|
$
|
(10,218
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)
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Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest
|
|
$
|
(501
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,637
|
)
|
|
$
|
(292
|
)
|
|
$
|
27
|
|
|
$
|
(886
|
)
|
Net (loss) income attributable to Techfaith
|
|
$
|
(2,470
|
)
|
|
$
|
(13,431
|
)
|
|
$
|
(12,805
|
)
|
|
$
|
10,132
|
|
|
$
|
(9,332
|
)
|
Earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Techfaith from continuing operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.01
|
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.01
|
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
Net income per share attributable to Techfaith from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.00
|
|
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Techfaith
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.01
|
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
Diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.00
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.01
|
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
Shares used in per share computation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
2
(1)
|
In April 2017, we entered into an agreement with Beijing HongKungu Investment Company, or Hongkungu, to sell all our beneficial ownership in Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing for a consideration of RMB
1 billion (approximately US$144 million). A net gain of $3.9 million was recognized as the net income from discontinued operation in 2017.
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, except number of shares and per share data)
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
414,628
|
|
|
$
|
417,500
|
|
|
$
|
389,846
|
|
|
$
|
383,530
|
|
|
$
|
349,467
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
$
|
66,362
|
|
|
$
|
84,937
|
|
|
$
|
95,452
|
|
|
$
|
88,568
|
|
|
$
|
48,134
|
|
Total
non-current
liabilities
|
|
$
|
290
|
|
|
$
|
4,319
|
|
|
$
|
1,062
|
|
|
$
|
12,605
|
|
|
$
|
12,663
|
|
Noncontrolling interest
|
|
$
|
33,897
|
|
|
$
|
34,616
|
|
|
$
|
24,999
|
|
|
$
|
23,311
|
|
|
$
|
23,995
|
|
Total liabilities and equity
|
|
$
|
414,628
|
|
|
$
|
417,500
|
|
|
$
|
389,846
|
|
|
$
|
383,530
|
|
|
$
|
349,467
|
|
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not Applicable.
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of
Proceeds
Not Applicable.
D.
Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business
We operate in two
very different but equally challenging industries, which makes evaluating our business and prospects difficult. If we cannot successfully respond by changing our business mix, business model and products and services we sell, our business and
financial results will be materially and adversely affected.
Our business model and business mix have significantly evolved since we commenced
operations in July 2002 and they may continue to change as we adjust our business strategies to adapt to market trends, changes and volatility. We started as a mobile handset designer, and launched our original design product, or ODP, business in
2006 and our own brand name phone business in 2010. We once also ran a motion game devices business during 2008 and 2014. The ODP, own brand name phone and motion game devices business are consolidated and referred to as mobile phone business. To
diversify our revenue sources, we entered into real estate business in 2015, and started generating lease income and disposal gain. As a result of the foregoing, our historical results of operations may not provide a meaningful basis for evaluating
our business from period to period, or our financial performance and prospects in the future.
3
In addition, the two different industries that we operate in are both very challenging. The mobile phone industry
is characterized by rapid changes and innovations, while the real estate industry is characterized by construction and permit delays, cost overruns, with inventory, occupancy and lease uncertainty. We may not have sufficient experience to address
the risks frequently encountered by companies in the same or similar industries, including our potential inability to:
|
|
|
change our product mix in time, or at all, to keep up with new standards in the mobile phone industry, capture market trends and generate stable and growing revenues;
|
|
|
|
develop buildings and construct facilities in our real estate portfolio on budget and on schedule secure all required regulatory and occupancy permits and approvals, find the appropriate tenants or buyers to lease or
sell all available, unused space constructed at the market rate, and withstand fluctuations in the broader property market;
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|
|
|
ensure we are able to adapt to changes in government policies and regulations on a timely basis;
|
|
|
|
achieve and maintain our profitability and margins;
|
|
|
|
acquire and retain customers;
|
|
|
|
attract, train and retain qualified personnel;
|
|
|
|
develop effective marketing, branding and sales support for both our mobile phone business and our real estate business; and
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|
|
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maintain adequate control over our product quality, research and development, operating costs and expenses.
|
If we are unsuccessful in addressing any of the above risks, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
If we cannot foresee and keep up with industry standards and design or offer new mobile handset models for sale in a timely and cost-efficient manner to
meet customer demand, we may not be able to attract and retain our customers, and our business and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
The mobile handset market is characterized by rapidly changing end user preferences and demand for new and advanced functions and applications on mobile
handsets, rapid product obsolescence, price erosion, intense competition, evolving industry standards, such as the shift to smart phones based on the Android operating system, and wide fluctuations in component supply, product volumes and end market
demand. If we cannot design differentiated, high-quality and cost competitive new mobile handset models for sale in a timely and cost-efficient manner to meet our customers evolving demands, our business will be materially and adversely
affected. We might not be able to innovate, develop and launch our mobile products or other services in time, or at all. In addition, we may fail to timely ramp up our new product deliveries due to a variety of factors, including failure to
anticipate consumer trends and needs, insufficient or ineffective internal and external execution of our research and product development process, and inability to timely secure sufficient quantities of necessary components or software from
suppliers or third parties. We cannot assure you that there will be sufficient customer demand for our current and newly developed mobile phones in the future. Further, we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully meet our
customers demand with respect to cost, quality, time to completion and required manufacturing volumes. Our failure to meet customer demand and expectations could hurt our reputation and affect our business and cost us existing customers and
negatively affect our results of operations.
We have historically experienced significant challenges adapting to the rapidly evolving mobile handset
market. There is no assurance that we can regain our ability to generate revenues at previous higher levels by designing new products, including ruggedized smart devices, or that our new products will enjoy popularity in the lower selling price mass
markets. Additionally, we cannot ensure we would be able to maintain our competitive edge in providing tailored solutions for the enterprise segment. It is also unknown whether the broader market both in domestic China and worldwide for handsets
will experience a rebound in sustained and profitable growth.
We provide certain primary types of products to our customers, including smart pads, smart
phones, other components, such as industrial wireless devices, as well as wireless software and applications. The market demand for each of our product types is subject to constantly changing customer demand and end user preferences.
4
The mobile handset market in China is highly competitive, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to
compete successfully against our competitors.
The mobile handset market in China is intensely competitive and highly fragmented. We face current
and potential competition from established suppliers of wireless communications solutions to mobile device manufacturers. These competitors include original design manufacturers such as Sim Technology Group Limited, BYD Electronic Limited, Longcheer
Holdings Limited and other smaller mobile phones original design manufacturers. We are also facing greater competition from the existing popular branded mobile phone companies, such as Apple, Samsung, ZTE, Huawei, Xiaomi and others. Compared with
these competitors, our own brand name mobile phones may lack necessary market awareness, compelling cost advantages, or the breadth, depth and support of other companys distribution channels. This may in turn result in lower demand levels and
fewer shipments for our branded mobile phones in the future.
In addition, the whole mobile phone industry has relatively low entry barriers. Many mobile
phone makers outsource the manufacturing process to EMS providers without owning its own manufacturing facilities. This largely lowers operating costs and reducing capital investments and other fixed costs for new comers to the industry. Further, as
Qualcomnn and MediaTek introduced standardized chipsets, and Google released the open Android mobile operating system, these advances in technology further lowered the entry barrier for companies that are interested in developing smart phones.
If we fail to compete effectively in the mobile handset market in China and globally, we may be unable to maintain or increase our revenues and market share.
If we do not succeed in our expansions into new businesses, our future results of operations and growth prospects may be materially and adversely
affected.
We enter into new businesses from time to time to generate additional revenue streams. Expansions into new businesses may present
operating and marketing challenges that are different from those that we currently encounter. We may have limited or no experience and operating history in developing and operating these new businesses, offer limited or no performance history or
track record of success, and can make no guarantee regarding future success. For each new business into which we enter, we may face competition from existing leading players with significantly more experience and resources in that business. If we
cannot successfully address new challenges, compete effectively against existing leading players and gain experience in the new businesses we enter, we may be unable to develop a sufficiently large customer and user base, recover the costs incurred
for development and marketing activities, and eventually achieve profitability from these businesses, and our future results of operations and growth prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
If we are unable to successfully manage our real estate projects, including aspects such as construction, occupancy rates and permits, rental management
and capital expenditures, we will not be able to execute our current business plan and our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We began constructing our first technological park, i.e., buildings and facilities intended for research and development, as well as manufacturing purposes, in
Hangzhou, China in 2008. Since then, we expanded our number of construction projects to include similar technological parks in Beijing, China, in 2012, which were sold in 2017, and in Shenyang, China, in 2013. We plan to further expand our presence
in the above and other cities as suitable opportunities arise. In addition, we expect to develop real estate projects in other cities, which we expect will impose significant demands on our management and other operational resources. Each of these
cities has its own unique market conditions, business requirements and local regulations related to the local real estate industry. If we are unable to successfully develop, secure required permits and rent out buildings and facilities in these
cities, our future growth may be limited and we may not generate adequate returns to cover our investments in these new cities, and our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
5
We have incurred and will continue to incur significant capital expenditures in connection with the
construction of buildings and facilities, which may not prove to be a valuable investment and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and may limit our ability to pursue other growth opportunities.
We have been constructing buildings and facilities in major cities in China, and expect to lease or potentially sell certain portions of our
constructed buildings and facilities to generate revenues. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, in connection with our construction projects, we incurred a total capital expenditure of US$147.8 million, US$6.1 million and US$40.4 million,
respectively. We expect to continue to incur additional capital expenditures of US$19.9 million from 2018 to 2020 in relation to our ongoing construction projects.
Our construction projects currently in progress continues to present development, financial and management risks, as this is a business area outside of our
traditional business segments, and we are still gaining experience in the area. The construction projects are time-consuming and complex, and require significant capital investment and divert our managements attention and efforts from our
existing core business. We may also lack experienced employees in the development and management of such projects and the completed properties. If we are unable to complete the projects as planned and within our budget or if we fail to manage the
constructed buildings and facilities to derive the expected economic benefitssuch as finding the appropriate creditworthy tenants or suitable buyers for the facilities and negotiating commercial terms that are favorable to usthe costs
and capital investments incurred in connection with such projects may not be recoverable, which may materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.
We rely on third party contractors for construction and renovations related to our real estate projects.
Substantially all of our construction projects and related renovation works are outsourced to third party contractors. The performance of our contractors may
not meet our level of standards or specifications. Negligence, delay or undesirable work quality by contractors may result in defects in our buildings, which could in turn cause us to suffer financial losses, harm our reputation or expose us to
third party claims. If the performance of any third party contractor is not satisfactory or is delayed, we may need to replace such contractor or take other actions to remedy the situation, which could adversely affect the cost and construction
progress of our projects and cause delays in the completion of our property development projects. Although our construction and other contracts contain provisions designed to protect us, we may be unable to successfully enforce these provisions and,
even if we are able to successfully enforce these provisions, the third party contractors may not have sufficient financial resources to compensate us for the losses we suffer as a result of their unsatisfactory or delayed performance.
We may be unable to complete our construction projects on time or at all.
The progress and costs for a construction project, such as the buildings and facilities we are constructing in Hangzhou and Shenyang, can be adversely affected
by many factors, including, without limitation:
|
|
|
inability to obtain equity or debt financing on satisfactory terms or at all;
|
|
|
|
delays in obtaining necessary licenses, permits or regulatory approvals from the relevant agencies or authorities;
|
|
|
|
shortages of materials, equipment, contractors and skilled labor or increased labor or raw material costs;
|
|
|
|
lack of experienced employees in the development and management of property development projects;
|
|
|
|
disputes with our third party contractors;
|
|
|
|
failure by our third party contractors to comply with our designs, specifications or standards;
|
|
|
|
difficult geological situations or other geotechnical issues;
|
|
|
|
onsite labor disputes or work accidents;
|
6
|
|
|
natural catastrophes or adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, storms, floods and earthquakes; and
|
|
|
|
delays or inability to secure all required permits and occupancy certificates from local governments.
|
Should
any of the foregoing occur, we may not be able to achieve the expected economic benefits or realize the commercial viability of our construction projects, which may materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and
growth prospects.
We may be subject to potential environmental liability.
We are subject to a variety of laws and regulations concerning the protection of public health and the environment, particularly in relation to the buildings
and facilities we are constructing. The particular environmental laws and regulations that apply to any given development site vary significantly according to the sites location, environmental condition and present and former uses as well as
the nature of the adjoining properties. Environmental laws and conditions may result in delays, may cause us to incur substantial compliance and other costs and can prohibit or severely restrict project development activity in environmentally
sensitive regions or areas. Although past routine environmental inspections conducted by local environmental authorities on our existing project sites have not revealed any environmental liability that we believe would have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition or results of operations to date, it is possible that these inspections did not reveal all environmental liabilities and that there are material environmental liabilities of which we are unaware. We cannot assure
you that future environmental inspections will not reveal material environmental liability for us. Also, we cannot assure you that the PRC government will not change existing environmental laws and regulations or impose additional or stricter laws
or regulations, the compliance with which could cause us to incur significant capital expenditures and materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.
We may fail to obtain or maintain, or may experience material delays in obtaining, necessary government approvals for major property developments, which
would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The real estate industry is strictly regulated by the PRC
government. Property developers in China must comply with various laws and regulations as well as all implementation rules promulgated by local governments to enforce these laws and regulations. Before commencing, and during the course of, the
development of a property project, we need to apply for or renew various licenses, permits, certificates and approvals, including but not limited to land use rights certificates, construction site planning permits, construction work planning
permits, construction permits,
pre-sale
permits and completion acceptance certificates. We need to satisfy various requirements to obtain these approval certificates and permits and meet specific conditions in
order for the government authorities to renew relevant approval certificates and permits. To date, we have not encountered serious delays or difficulties in the process of applying for or renewing these approval certificates and permits, but we
cannot guarantee that we will not encounter any such serious delays or difficulties in the future. In the event that we fail to obtain the necessary governmental approvals for any of our major property projects, or a serious delay occurs in any
relevant government authoritys examination and approval progress, we may not be able to maintain our development schedule and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We may engage in joint ventures in relation to our real estate projects, which could result in unforeseen expenses or disruptive effects on our
business.
From time to time, we have engaged and may consider engaging in joint ventures with other businesses to develop a property. Any joint
venture that we pursue will be accompanied by a number of risks. For example, we may not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority in a joint venture and may not be able to control the quality of products produced by a joint
venture. Depending on the terms of a joint venture agreement, we may require the consent of our joint venture partners for a joint venture to take certain actions, such as making distributions to its partners. A joint venture partner may encounter
financial difficulties and become unable to meet obligations to fund the joint venture, which may require us to devote more resources than originally anticipated into a project. In addition, our joint venture partners and the joint venture
themselves may have different interests from ours, and therefore may compete in the same market with us, in which case our interests and future developments may be materially and adversely affected.
7
We may suffer a penalty or even forfeit land to the PRC government if we fail to comply with procedural
requirements applicable to the terms of the relevant land use rights grant contracts.
According to relevant PRC laws and regulations, if we fail
to develop a property project in compliance with the terms of the relevant land use rights grant contract, including those terms relating to the payment of land premiums, specified use of the land and the timing for the commencement and completion
of property development, the PRC government may issue a warning, impose a penalty or, in severe cases, order us to forfeit the land. For example, under current PRC laws and regulations, if we fail to pay land premiums in accordance with the payment
schedule set forth in a land use rights grant contract, the relevant PRC land bureau may issue a warning notice to us, impose late payment penalties or even require us to forfeit the related land to the PRC government. Even if the commencement of
the land development is compliant with the land use rights grant contract, if the developed gross floor area on the land is less than
one-third
of the total gross floor area of the project that should have
been under construction and development, or the total capital invested is less than
one-fourth
of the total investment of the project, the land may also be treated as idle land and be subject to penalty or
forfeiture.
We cannot assure you that circumstances leading to significant delays in our development schedules or forfeiture of land will not arise in
the future. If we pay a substantial penalty, we may not be able to meet
pre-set
investment targeted returns for a given project and our financial conditions could be adversely affected. If we forfeit land, we
will not only lose the opportunity to develop the property projects on such land, but may also lose a significant portion of the investment we already made in such land, including land premium deposits and the development costs incurred, which have
been significant, and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Our business is sensitive to
global economic conditions. A severe or prolonged downturn in the global or Chinese economy could materially and adversely affect our business and our financial condition.
Our business and operations are primarily based in China and the majority of our revenues are derived from our operations in China. We also derive an
increasing percentage of revenues from our various customers in overseas markets, including the United States, the European Union and Russia, which in total constituted 19.1%, 22.4% and 26.0% of our total revenues in 2015, 2016 and 2017,
respectively. Our financial results have been, and are expected to continue to be, affected by economic conditions in the global markets and in China as well as by changes in the relevant industries in China, such as economic growth rate, labor
costs, international trade disputes and territorial disputes. The global financial markets experienced significant disruptions in 2008 and the United States, Europe and other economies went into recession. The recovery from the lows of 2008 and 2009
was uneven and it is facing new challenges, including the
geo-political
uncertainties resulting from the Brexit, and the slowdown of the Chinese economy from 2012 through the present. It is unclear
what implications these new political developments may have on the global economy, and whether the slowdown of Chinese economy will stabilize. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal
policies that have been adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the worlds leading economies, including Chinas. There have been concerns over unrest in the Syria, South Sudan and Libya, which have resulted in
volatility in oil and other markets, and over the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. There have also been concerns about the economic effect of tensions in the Korean peninsula, the relationship between China, Japan and the U.S.
Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions. Any persistent slowdown in the global or Chinese economy or the recurrence of any
financial disruptions may materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition in a number of ways. For example, the weakness in the economy could erode consumer confidence which, in turn, could result in changes
to consumer spending patterns for our products and services. If consumer demand for the products and services we offer decreases, our revenues may decline. Furthermore, financial turmoil affecting the financial markets and the banking could
significantly restrict our ability to obtain financing in the capital markets or from financial institutions on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
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If our customers in mobile phone business fail to achieve success in their business, our business and
results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
If any of our major customers is unsuccessful in its mobile handset sales, whether
due to lack of market acceptance of its products, shortage of component supplies, slowdown of replacement sales of mobile handsets or otherwise, the customer may downsize or discontinue its mobile handset business, which in turn could adversely
affect our mobile phone business. Accordingly, our success depends on our customers success in their business. Our largest customer in 2015, 2016 and 2017 contributed approximately 15.7%, 23.9% and 32.7% of our net revenues, respectively, and
our largest three customers in 2015, 2016 and 2017 contributed approximately 29.4%, 53.6% and 75.9% of our net revenues, respectively. We are not certain whether our customers will be able to achieve success in their business or how long they will
remain competitive in their business even if they are initially successful. If any of our customers experiences financial difficulty or is otherwise unable to achieve success in its own business, our business and results of operations may be
materially and adversely affected.
We are exposed to significant credit risk in relation to our customers.
Credit risk in relation to our customers may arise from events or circumstances beyond our control. For instance, an economic downturn may cause our customers
to default under their ODP product contracts with us and expose us to the risk that our customers may refuse to buy from us the number of mobile handsets specified in their purchase orders or may not be able to pay us timely or at all in accordance
with the sales contracts. Even if we may sometimes be able to retain as penalties the partial prepayments or deposits received from such defaulting customers, this might not be sufficient to offset the resulting loss of profits and the increased
cost of unsold inventory. If our customers default in paying us, we would have to make provisions for doubtful debts or incur bad debt write-offs and our business would be materially and adversely affected.
We are dependent on our suppliers and EMS providers for timely manufacturing and delivery of our mobile phone products that meet quality and other
standards set by us or our customers.
We rely on our suppliers for procuring the raw materials and components required for the manufacturing of
the mobile handsets that we sell to our customers. As we do not have our own manufacturing facilities, we rely on EMS providers for the assembly and manufacture of these products. If these suppliers or EMS providers fail to deliver their goods or
services to us in a timely manner and fail to meet our quality and other standards, our ability to deliver the finished products to our customers on a timely basis will be affected. If we fail to maintain our relationships with existing suppliers or
EMS providers or fail to find new suppliers or EMS providers on competitive terms, this could affect our ability to obtain sufficient manufacturing capacity and in turn could significantly delay our ability to ship our products and damage our
customer relationships, resulting in a material and adverse impact on our business operations and financial results.
A supplier may fail to meet our
requirements, such as, most notably, the product quality, safety, security and other standards set by us or our customers. Consequently, some of our products may be unacceptable to us and our customers. In case of issues affecting a products
safety or regulatory compliance, we may be subjected to damages due to product liability, or defective products, components or services may need to be replaced or recalled.
Our strategy to acquire or invest in complementary businesses and assets to establish strategic alliances involves significant risk and uncertainties
that may prevent us from achieving our objectives and harm our financial condition and results of operations.
As part of our plan to expand our
product and service offerings, we have made and intend to continue making strategic acquisitions or investments in complementary businesses in China. Our strategic acquisitions and investments could subject us to uncertainties and risks, including:
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high acquisition and financing costs;
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potential ongoing financial obligations and unforeseen or hidden liabilities;
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failure to achieve our intended objectives, benefits or revenue-enhancing opportunities;
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cost of, and difficulties in, integrating acquired businesses and managing a larger business;
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potential claims or litigation regarding our boards exercise of its duty of care and other duties required under applicable law in connection with any of our significant acquisitions or investments approved by the
board; and
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diversion of our resources and management attention.
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Our failure to address these uncertainties and risks may
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may establish strategic alliances with various third parties to further our business purpose from time to time. Strategic alliances with third
parties could subject us to a number of risks, including risks associated with sharing proprietary information,
non-performance
by counter-parties, and an increase in expenses incurred in establishing new
strategic alliances, any of which may materially and adversely affect our business.
Inability to obtain additional financing on commercially
reasonable terms in the future may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We believe our
current cash and cash equivalents, together with our anticipated cash from continuing operations and discontinued operations, which includes the expected sale of real estate in the real estate business segment, and the financing commitment from
banks, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital requirements and capital expenditures for the next 12 months. We may, however, need to further extend our lines of credit and depend on the cash inflows from our real estate portfolio
to continue our operation, and we may require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future developments, including any changes in our accounts payable policy, marketing initiatives or investments we may decide to
pursue. Our current credit arrangement with banks may not be available on commercially reasonable terms after its current term, and additional financing may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If these resources are
insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities. To the extent that we raise additional financing by issuing equity securities or convertible debt securities, our shareholders may experience
substantial dilution, and to the extent we engage in debt financing, we may become subject to restrictive covenants that could limit our flexibility in conducting future business activities. Financial institutions may request credit enhancement such
as third-party guarantee and pledge of equity interest in order to extend loans to us.
Our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms is
subject to a variety of uncertainties, including:
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PRC governmental policies relating to bank loans and other credit facilities;
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economic, political and other conditions in China;
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investors perception of, and demand for, securities of online retail companies;
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conditions of the United States and other capital markets in which we may seek to raise funds; and
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our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
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We are subject to potential
customers claims for refunds and liquidated damages.
Our agreements with many customers contain refund and liquidated damage provisions,
which entitle the customers to demand refunds and liquidated damages if we cannot complete a mobile handset design by a specified deadline, if the requisite certifications cannot be obtained, or if we cannot timely deliver our smart phones or
feature phone products to our customers. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully perform under every customer contract, or that costs associated with refunds and liquidated damages will not be material. Under the realigned business
of providing
turn-key
solutions to our smart phone customers, we will outsource the assembly of final handset products to third-party companies. Any failure of such assembly companies in timely delivering to
us the finished products with the stipulated quality will cause us to be liable to our customers.
10
Defects in our mobile handset designs could result in loss of customers and claims against us.
Our mobile handset designs are complex and must meet stringent quality and performance requirements. Complex mobile handset designs sometimes contain defects,
errors and bugs when they are first introduced due to interoperability issues between components, software design or other unanticipated issues. If any of our designs have reliability, quality or compatibility problems, we may not be able to correct
these problems on a timely basis and with the support of our software and hardware vendors. Consequently, our reputation may be damaged, and customers may be reluctant to continue their contracts with us, which could harm our ability to retain
existing customers and attract new customers. Because we cannot test all possible scenarios, our product designs may contain errors that are not discovered until mobile handsets have gone into mass production. These problems may result in a loss of
our customers, as well as claims against us. We face such risk not only in the case of the customers for our handset design services, but also in the case of the customers for our product sales. As product sales constitute a significant portion of
our revenues, any design defects in the mobile handsets that we sell to such customers may subject us to liability. We cannot assure you that we will not be subject to claims by our customers in the future, and if we fail on the merits of these
claims, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We must provide statutory warranties related to the
quality of properties, which are subject to claims.
Under PRC law, all property developers in the PRC must provide certain statutory warranties
that guarantee the quality of the properties they construct or sell. As a consequence, we are required to provide statutory warranties guaranteeing quality to our customers who lease or purchase the buildings and facilities we construct. Generally,
we receive quality warranties from our third party contractors with respect to our property projects, and intend to seek reimbursement from the relevant third party contractors if any customer claims arise relating to any of our real estate
projects.
If a significant number of claims were brought against us under our quality warranties by our customers and if we were unable to obtain
reimbursement for such claims from the relevant third party contractors in a timely manner or at all, or if our third party contractors do not pay us sufficient amounts to cover our payment obligations under the quality warranties we offer to our
customers, we could incur significant expenses to resolve outstanding payment obligations to our customers under quality-related claims brought against us. In addition, we could face delays in remedying the defects for which our customers bring
claims against us. Any of the foregoing could harm our reputation and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business depends substantially on the continued use of certain intellectual property rights, and any termination of or infringement upon such rights
may harm our business and competitive position.
Our business depends substantially on the use of certain intellectual property rights. For
example, we are dependent on QUALCOMM and MediaTek related technology we use in designing, manufacturing and selling mobile handsets. Suspension or termination of our license agreements by QUALCOMM or MediaTek could adversely affect our business and
prospects, because we may not be able to obtain alternative licenses in a timely manner to meet our customers demands.
We rely on a combination of
patents, trademarks, trade secret laws and copyrights, as well as nondisclosure agreements and other methods to protect our intellectual property rights. Implementation of PRC intellectual property-related laws has historically been lacking,
primarily because of ambiguities in the PRC laws and difficulties in enforcement. Accordingly, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. Policing
unauthorized use of proprietary technology is difficult and expensive, and the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property may be inadequate to prevent the misappropriation of our proprietary technology. Reverse engineering,
unauthorized copying or other misappropriation of our proprietary technologies could enable third parties to benefit from our technologies without paying us, which could harm our business and competitive position. In 2012, we filed suit against
Samsung Telecommunications (Tianjin) Ltd. for patent infringement in China in relation to Samsungs
GT-B7732
model mobile phone. We decided to withdraw the lawsuit in 2014, as the process was
time-consuming, costly and uncertain. Similar instances of patent infringement might result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. See Risks Related to Doing Business in China Uncertainties with
respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.
11
We may face intellectual property infringement and other claims that could be time-consuming and costly to
defend and result in our loss of significant rights.
Other parties may assert intellectual property infringement and other claims against us. For
example, there is no assurance that software applications and content posted on our websites do not or will not be deemed to infringe upon patents, valid copyrights or other intellectual property rights held by third parties. Litigation is expensive
and time-consuming and could divert managements attention from our business. If there is a successful claim of infringement, we may be required to pay substantial damages to the party claiming infringement, develop alternate
non-infringing
technology or enter into royalty or license agreements that may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Our failure to develop
non-infringing
technologies or license the proprietary rights on a timely basis would harm our business. Parties asserting infringement claims may be able to obtain an injunction, which could prevent us from providing our services or using technology that contains
the allegedly infringing intellectual property. While currently we do not have any
on-going
infringement claims against us, we have in the past been, and may in the future be, subject to claims by other
parties alleging infringements of their intellectual property rights by our products. To resolve such claims, we may be required to pay licensing fees to third parties, which could adversely affect our financial condition. Any such claims against us
could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition.
Our business depends substantially on the
continuing efforts of our senior executives, and our business may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.
Our future success depends
heavily upon the continued services of our senior executives, especially our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Deyou Dong. We rely on the experience of our senior executives in mobile handset design and our manufacturing, business
operations, sales and marketing and also depend on their relationships with our customers and suppliers. We do not maintain
key-man
life insurance for any of our key executives. If one or more of our key
executives are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to replace them easily or at all. Therefore, our business may be severely disrupted, and we may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain new
officers.
Several executives of our company, including Mr. Deyou Dong, have been involved in litigation, arbitration and administrative proceedings
in the past. Although we are not aware of any pending claims against our executives as of the date of this annual report, any future litigation or administrative proceedings involving any of our key executives may result in diversion of management
attention away from our business, or damage to our reputation. In addition, if any of our executives joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose our customers. If any disputes arise between our executive officers and us, we cannot
assure you the extent to which our rights could be enforced in China, where these executive officers reside and hold most of their assets, in light of the uncertainties with PRC legal system. See Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.
If we are unable to attract, train and retain qualified
personnel, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
Our future success depends, to a significant extent, on our ability to attract,
train and retain qualified personnel, particularly technical personnel with technological expertise in major areas of mobile handset design, development and production that integrate many different functions and features in common or differentiated
hardware and software architectures. Since our industry is characterized by high demand and intense competition for talent, there can be no assurance that we will be able to attract or retain qualified technical staff or other highly-skilled
employees that we will need to achieve our strategic objectives. Our ability to train and integrate new employees into our operations may not meet the changing demands of our business. If we are unable to attract, train, and retain qualified
personnel, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
We may incur losses due to business interruptions resulting from the occurrence
of adverse public events such as outbreak of epidemics, acts of terrorism, fires and natural catastrophes such as earthquakes.
Any prolonged
occurrence of an epidemic, including influenza A, such as H7N9, avian flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or other adverse public health developments in China may lead to, among other events, quarantines or closures of our offices, which
could severely disrupt our operations or result in the sickness or death of our key officers and employees, and a general slowdown in the Chinese economy. Any of the foregoing events or other unforeseen consequences of public health problems could
adversely affect our business and results of operations.
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In addition, acts of terrorism, fires or natural disasters such as earthquakes that affect where our principal
offices are located or other locations where we have substantial business operations, may lead to significant loss of revenue by disrupting our business operations and may also materially and adversely affect our business. For example, the 9.0
magnitude earthquake that took place in Japan in March 2011 disrupted the supply of various components, which affected our production schedule for several products. The unstable situation in the Middle East and Thailand have also affected our
business in several ways, resulting in reductions of orders from customers and the increase of shipment costs to and from these regions. Also, territorial disputes between China and Japan may also affect our business by reducing orders from Japan
and in other ways.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report
our financial results or prevent fraud.
We are subject to reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws. The Securities and Exchange
Commission, or the SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, adopted rules requiring every public company to include a management report on the effectiveness of such companys internal
control over financial reporting in its annual report. Our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017, as reported under criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, or COSO. However, as a
non-accelerated
filer, we are not required to provide an attestation on the
effectiveness of our internal control by our independent registered public accounting firm under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or the requirements of the SEC promulgated thereunder. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain the effectiveness of
our internal control over financial reporting on a continuing basis in the future, or that our managements assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control is accurate or will not be challenged. As effective internal control over
financial reporting is necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and is important to help prevent or detect fraud, any failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could harm our business and result in a loss
of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could negatively impact the trading price of our ADSs. Furthermore, we may need to incur additional costs and use additional management and other resources in an
effort to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other requirements going forward.
We have limited insurance coverage and may
incur losses resulting from product liability, product recalls or business interruptions.
Our sales agreements with customers require us to recall
products that we, a regulatory body or any of our customers determine as failing to meet
pre-determined
specifications, standards, laws, regulations or containing substantial defects or substantial product
hazards which could cause damage. These events may be considered a breach of our purchase agreement warranty to our customers and we may be required to bear all costs related to the resulting product recalls.
As we continue to sell completed feature phones and smart phones to our customers, we are exposed to potential product liability claims in the event that the
use of our products causes or is alleged to have caused personal injuries or other adverse effects. A successful product liability claim against us could require us to pay substantial damages. Product liability claims against us, whether successful
or not, are costly and time-consuming to defend. Also, although we have not been found to produce defective products in the past, in the event that our products prove to be defective, we may be required to recall or redesign such products, which
could result in substantial costs, diversion of management attention and resources and damage to our reputation. However, as the insurance industry in China is still in a relatively early stage of development, product liability insurance available
in China offers limited coverage compared to coverage offered in many other countries. We currently do not have any product liability insurance. A product liability claim, with or without merit, could result in significant adverse publicity against
us and could negatively impact the marketability of our products and our reputation, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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We also may not have the appropriate insurance to cover potential losses and claims in relation to our real
estate projects. Although we require our contractors to carry insurance, it is difficult to enforce this requirement in practice and we believe a significant number of our contractors may not comply with this requirement. Our contractors may not be
sufficiently insured themselves or have the financial ability to absorb any losses that arise with respect to our projects or pay our claims. In addition, there are certain types of losses, such as losses due to earthquakes, which are currently
uninsurable in China. While we believe that our practice is in line with the general practice in the PRC property development industry, there may be instances when we will have to internalize losses, damages and liabilities because of the lack of
insurance coverage, which may in turn materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we do not have any
business interruption insurance coverage for our operations. Any business disruption or natural disaster could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and materially and adversely affect our business.
Risks Related To Doing Business in China
Adverse
changes in political and economic policies of the PRC government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, which could reduce the demand for our products and services and materially and adversely affect our
competitive position.
Our business operations are primarily conducted in China and we believe that a significant portion of the mobile handsets we
design are sold to end users in China. Accordingly, our results of operations, financial condition and prospects may be influenced to a significant degree to the economic, political and legal developments of China, and by continued economic growth
in China as a whole.
The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government
involvement, level of development, growth rate, and control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures since the late 1970s emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic
reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets, and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China are still owned by the Chinese government. In
addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industrial development through its industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over the Chinese economic growth through allocating
resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth in recent decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the
economy. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and to guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may also have a negative effect on us. The
Chinese government has implemented certain measures in the past, including interest rate increases, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China and, since 2012, Chinese economic growth has
slowed. Any prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our products and services and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business benefits from certain tax incentives, and changes to these tax incentives could adversely affect our operating results.
Our income tax is primarily governed by the Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, which was adopted by the National Peoples Congress of China on
March 16, 2007 and amended on February 24, 2017. The EIT Law applies a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate to both foreign invested enterprises and domestic enterprises. Under the EIT Law, an enterprise which qualifies as a high
and new technology enterprise (HNTE) is entitled to a tax rate of 15%. A HNTE status obtained under the EIT Law is valid for three years, after which qualifying entities can apply to renew their HNTE status for an additional three
years, provided their business operations continue to qualify for HNTE status. Techfaith China renewed its HNTE status under the EIT Law in 2017, and its current HNTE status is now scheduled to expire in October 2020. Techfaith Shanghai, a qualified
manufacturing foreign investment enterprise located in Shanghai Pudong according to the old enterprise income tax law prior to January 1, 2008, most recently renewed its HNTE status in 2017 under the EIT Law, which will expire in November 2020.
One Net renewed its HNTE status in December 2013 under the EIT Law, which expired in December 2016. We plan to apply for the renewal of HNTE status for each of our qualifying entities before the respective expiry dates. We believe it is likely that
our qualifying entities will continue to obtain the renewal in the future but we cannot guarantee this outcome. Accordingly, Techfaith China and Techfaith Shanghai have used the reduced applicable tax rate in calculating deferred tax balances for
the foreseeable future.
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There is no assurance that our subsidiaries in China will continue to receive any other preferential income tax
treatment. If any of these incentives are reduced or eliminated by government authorities in the future, the effective tax rates of our subsidiaries in China and our effective tax rates on a consolidated basis could increase significantly. Any such
change could adversely affect our operating results. See Item 4. Information on the Company B. Business Overview Regulation Tax.
Our subsidiaries in China are subject to restrictions on dividend payments, or making other payments to us or any other affiliated company.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We conduct substantially all of our operations through our subsidiaries in China. Current PRC
regulations permit our subsidiaries in China to pay dividends only out of their respective accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, our subsidiaries in China are each required
to set aside at least 10% of their respective after tax profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds until the cumulative amount of such reserves reaches 50% of its registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash
dividends. In addition, if any of our subsidiaries in China incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict the subsidiarys ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us.
We may be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes under the EIT Law, which may subject us to PRC income tax for our income originated both
within and outside the PRC and PRC income tax withholding for any dividends we pay to our
non-PRC
shareholders.
Under the EIT Law and relevant implementing rules, enterprises established under the laws of
non-PRC
jurisdictions, but
whose de facto management body is located in the PRC, may be treated as resident enterprises for PRC tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. The implementing rules of the
EIT Law define de facto management as having substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties of the enterprise. The guidance currently available for the definition of de
facto management body as well as the determination of offshore incorporated PRC tax resident is set forth in a notice and a bulletin issued by the PRC State Administration of Taxation, or SAT, in 2009 and 2011, respectively. The notice and the
bulletin apply to a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise, which is incorporated under the law of a foreign country or territory and that has a PRC company or PRC corporate group as its primary controlling shareholder. See Item
4. Information on the Company B. Business Overview Regulation Tax. Based on our analysis of the current facts, we believe that our company and our overseas subsidiaries should not be treated as resident enterprises for PRC
tax purposes. However, it continues to be unclear as to how tax authorities will determine tax residency based on the facts of each case. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, our calculation of income taxes generally reflects
our status as a
non-China
tax resident company. If the PRC governmental authorities hold that our company or our overseas subsidiaries should be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax
purposes after January 1, 2008, the effective date of the EIT Law, our worldwide income will be subject to PRC income tax at the 25% uniform tax rate, but will exclude any dividend income we receive from our domestic subsidiaries, which are
exempted taxable income under the EIT Law. If we and our overseas subsidiaries are treated as resident enterprises and are required to pay income tax for dividends paid to our offshore subsidiaries which are not treated as resident
enterprises, it will materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
With the 10% PRC dividend withholding tax
imposed by the EIT Law in 2008, we will incur an incremental PRC tax cost when PRC profits are distributed to ultimate shareholders. In addition, if we are determined to be a PRC resident enterprise under the new PRC tax system and receive income
other than dividends, our profitability and cash flow would be adversely impacted due to our worldwide income being taxed in China under the new PRC tax law.
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Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, dividends payable by a foreign-invested enterprise in China to
its foreign investors who are nonresident enterprises are subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless any such foreign investors jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty or similar arrangement with China that provides for a different
withholding arrangement.
Moreover, under the EIT Law, foreign ADS holders may be subject to a 10% withholding tax upon dividends payable by us and gains
realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares, if such income is sourced from within the PRC. Although our company is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, it remains unclear whether the dividends payable by us or the gains our
foreign ADS holders may realize will be regarded as income from sources within the PRC if we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax on our dividend payments will reduce any returns on your investment.
Fluctuation in the value of the Renminbi may have a material adverse effect on your investment.
A significant portion of our revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures are denominated in Renminbi. We do not believe that we currently have any
significant direct foreign exchange risk and have not used any derivative financial instruments to hedge exposure to such risk. Although in general our exposure to foreign exchange risks should be limited, the value of your investment in our ADSs
will be affected by the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Renminbi because the value of our business is effectively denominated in Renminbi, while our ADSs will be traded in U.S. dollars.
The value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by changes in Chinas political and economic conditions and by Chinas
foreign exchange policies, among other things. In July 2005, the PRC government changed its
decades-old
policy of pegging the value of the RMB to the U.S. dollar, and the RMB appreciated more than 20% against
the U.S. dollar over the following three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, the RMB has fluctuated against the
U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar in the future.
There remains significant international pressure on the Chinese government to adopt a substantial liberalization of its currency policy, which could result in
further appreciation or depreciation in the value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar. To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into RMB for capital expenditures and working capital and other business purposes, appreciation of the RMB
against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs,
strategic acquisitions or investments or other business purposes, depreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us.
Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our revenues effectively.
The principal regulation governing foreign currency exchange in China is the Foreign Currency Administration Rules, as amended. Under these rules, RMB are
freely convertible for trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not for direct investments, loans or investments in securities outside China unless the prior approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, is
obtained. Although the PRC government regulations now allow greater convertibility of RMB for current account transactions, significant restrictions still remain. For example, foreign exchange transactions under our subsidiaries capital
account, including principal payments in respect of foreign currency-denominated obligations, remain subject to significant foreign exchange controls and the approval of SAFE.
In May 2013, SAFE promulgated SAFE Circular 21 which provides for and simplifies the operational steps and regulations on foreign exchange matters related to
direct investment by foreign investors, including foreign exchange registration, account opening and use, receipt and payment of funds, and settlement and sales of foreign exchange. We generally follow the regulations and apply to obtain the
approval of SAFE and other relevant PRC government authorities. However, we may not be able to obtain these government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at all. If we fail to receive such registrations or approvals, our ability to
provide loans or capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries and our affiliated PRC entities may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
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On February 13, 2015, SAFE issued the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving the Foreign Exchange
Administration Policies on Direct Investments, or SAFE Circular 13, which cancelled the administrative examination and approval procedures with SAFE or its local branches relating to the foreign exchange registration approval for domestic direct
investment as well as overseas direct investments, and delegated the power to the qualified banks that directly conduct such foreign exchange registrations under the supervision of SAFE or its local branches. SAFE Circular 13 took effect on
June 1, 2015.
SAFE issued regulations that require approvals from, and registrations with, PRC government authorities in connection with direct or
indirect offshore investment activities by PRC residents and PRC corporate entities. The SAFE regulations retroactively require approval and registration of direct or indirect investments previously made by PRC residents in offshore companies. In
the event that a PRC shareholder with a direct or indirect stake in an offshore parent company fails to obtain the required SAFE approval and make the required registration, the PRC subsidiaries of such offshore parent company may be prohibited from
making distributions of profit to the offshore parent and from paying the offshore parent proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation in respect of the PRC subsidiaries. Further, failure to comply with the various SAFE
approval and registration requirements described above, as currently drafted, could result in liability under PRC law for foreign exchange evasion.
Because the majority of our business operations are in China, these regulations could result in the relevant PRC government authorities limiting or
eliminating our ability to purchase and retain currencies other than the RMB in the future, which could limit or eliminate our ability to fund any business activities we may have outside China or to make dividend payments in U.S. dollars in the
future.
The M&A Rule sets forth complex procedures for acquisitions conducted by foreign investors which could make it more difficult to pursue
growth through acquisitions.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rule, sets
forth complex procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances that the Ministry of Commerce be notified in advance of any
change-of-control
transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise. We may expand our business in part by acquiring complementary businesses
or assets in China. Complying with the requirements of the M&A Rule to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the Ministry of Commerce, may delay or inhibit our
ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.
PRC regulation of direct
investment and loans by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or limit us from making additional capital contributions or loans to our PRC subsidiaries.
Any capital contributions or loans that we, as an offshore entity, make to our PRC subsidiaries are subject to PRC regulations. For example, none of our loans
to a PRC subsidiary can exceed the difference between its total amount of investment and its registered capital approved under relevant PRC laws, and the loans must be registered with the local branch of SAFE. See Restrictions on
currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our revenues effectively. Our capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries must be approved by the Ministry of Commerce or its local counterpart. We cannot assure you that we will be
able to complete the necessary registration or obtain the necessary approval on a timely basis, or at all. If we fail to complete the necessary registration or obtain the necessary approval, our ability to make loans or equity contributions to our
PRC subsidiaries may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our PRC subsidiaries liquidity and their ability to fund their working capital and expansion projects and meet their obligations and commitments.
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PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may
subject our PRC resident shareholders to personal liability and limit our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our subsidiaries ability to distribute profits to us, or otherwise adversely affect us.
In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Several Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Residents Engaging in Overseas Investment,
Financing and Round-Trip Investment via Special Purpose Vehicles, or Circular 37, and SAFE has further issued a series of implementation guidance. These regulations require PRC residents to register with the local SAFE branch before directly
establishing or indirectly controlling any offshore company for the purpose of overseas capital financing with assets of or equity interests in PRC companies held by them. Circular 37 further requires that when there is (a) any change in the
basic information of a special purpose vehicle, such as any change relating to its individual PRC resident shareholders, name or operational period or (b) any material change, such as increase or decrease in the share capital held by its
individual PRC resident shareholders, a share exchange or share transfer in the special purpose vehicle, or a merger or split involving the special purpose vehicle, the PRC resident must register such changes with the local SAFE branch on a timely
basis.
We have notified beneficial owners of our company who we know are PRC residents to register with the local SAFE branch if they are required to
register under the SAFE notice. The failure or inability of beneficial owners of our company resident in the PRC to comply with the registration procedures set forth therein may subject such beneficial owners to fines and legal sanctions and may
also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiary and our PRC subsidiarys ability to distribute profits to our company or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business.
We may be subject to fines and legal sanctions if we or our Chinese employees fail to comply with PRC regulations relating to employee stock options
granted by overseas listed companies to PRC citizens.
In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notice relating to Foreign Exchange Administration
for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas-Listed Company, or SAFE Notice 7, which replaced an earlier SAFE notice promulgated in 2007. Under SAFE Notice 7, PRC individuals and foreign citizens having resided in the
PRC for one year or more who participate in a stock incentive plan of an overseas listed company are required, through a PRC domestic agent or PRC subsidiary of the overseas listed company, to register with SAFE or its local branches and complete
certain other procedures. We and our Chinese employees who have been granted nonvested shares or stock options pursuant to our 2005 share incentive plan are subject to this notice because we are an overseas listed company. If we or our Chinese
employees fail to comply with the provisions of this notice, we and/or our Chinese employees may be subject to fines and legal sanctions imposed by SAFE or other PRC government authorities.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us.
We conduct substantially all of our business through our subsidiaries established in China. Our subsidiaries are generally subject to laws and regulations
applicable to foreign investment in China and, in particular, PRC laws applicable to wholly foreign-owned enterprises and Sino-foreign joint ventures. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for
reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, since the PRC legal system is still evolving,
the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involve uncertainties. For example, in August 2011, the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, promulgated the Rules of
Ministry of Commerce on Implementation of Security Review System of Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the MOFCOM Security Review Rules, to implement an earlier circular of the General Office of the State
Council. The MOFCOM Security Review Rules came into effect on September 1, 2011. Under these circulars and rules, a MOFCOM security review is required for foreign investors mergers and acquisitions having national defense and
security implications and mergers and acquisitions by which foreign investors may acquire de facto control of domestic enterprises having national security implications. In addition, when deciding whether a specific
merger or acquisition of a domestic enterprise by foreign investors is subject to a security review, MOFCOM will look into the substance and actual impact of the transaction. The MOFCOM Security Review Rules further prohibit foreign investors from
bypassing the security review requirement through various means, including by structuring transactions through proxies, indirect investments and control through contractual arrangements. However, as these circulars and rules are relatively new and
there is a lack of clear statutory interpretation regarding the implementation of the rules, there is no assurance that the MOFCOM will have the same view as we do when applying these circulars and rules.
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In January 2015, MOFCOM published a draft of the proposed Foreign Investment Law. If the Draft Foreign Investment
Law were enacted, it would replace the existing laws regulating foreign investment in China and harmonize the regulations governing both foreign invested enterprises and PRC domestic entities. However, foreign invested enterprises that operate in
industries deemed to be either restricted or prohibited in a negative list will be subject to entry clearance and other approvals not required for PRC domestic entities unless such foreign invested enterprises can
demonstrate that the ultimate controlling person(s) is/are of PRC nationality (either PRC citizen, or PRC government and its branches or agencies). Because the negative list has yet to be published, it is unclear whether it will differ from the
current list of industries subject to restrictions or prohibitions on foreign investment. The entry clearance and approvals could prevent certain foreign invested enterprises that operate in industries on the negative list from continuing to conduct
their operations.
From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. However, since PRC
administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal
protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published in a timely manner or at all) that may have retroactive effect.
As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainty over the scope and effect of our structure, property (including intellectual property) and
procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory environment in China could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations In addition, any litigation in China may be
protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.
The laws and regulations governing internet-related
businesses in China are developing and subject to future changes. If we or any of our PRC operating subsidiaries fail to obtain or maintain all applicable permits and approvals, our business and operations may be materially and adversely affected.
All internet-related businesses in China are highly regulated by the PRC government and numerous regulatory authorities of the central PRC
government are empowered to issue and implement regulations governing various aspects of the internet industry including foreign ownership of and licensing and permit requirements pertaining to companies in the internet industry. These
internet-related laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainty. In addition, new laws and regulations may be adopted in the future to address new issues that arise from
time to time, such as online advertising and other use of the internet in our operation. Also, different regulatory authorities may have different views regarding the licensing requirements for the operation of any internet related businesses. Our
subsidiaries are required to obtain and maintain applicable licenses or approvals from different regulatory authorities in order to provide their current services, including but not limited to the ICP license. Furthermore, our subsidiaries may be
required to obtain additional licenses. If any of them fails to obtain or maintain any of the required licenses or approvals, its continued business operations in the internet industry may subject it to various penalties, such as confiscation of
illegal net sales, fines and the discontinuation or restriction of its operations. Any such disruption in the business operations of our affiliated PRC entities will materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations. While we believe that we are in material compliance with all applicable PRC laws and regulations currently in effect, we cannot assure you that we will not be found to be in violation of any current or future PRC laws and regulations in
the future.
Additional government regulations resulting from negative publicity in China regarding internet-related aspects of our business or otherwise
may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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We are required by PRC regulations to expand our business scope in order to operate our real estate
business. Failure to do so may subject us to fines or other legal sanctions.
In accordance with the Notice on Further Strengthening and Regulating
the Examination, Approval and Supervision of Foreign Direct Investment in Real Estate Industry, or Circular No. 50, where a well-established foreign-funded enterprise intends to add some new land development or operation business, it shall
extend its business scope or enlarge its business scale according to the relevant laws and regulations governing foreign investment. If we further expand our business but fail to expand our business scope accordingly or obtain relevant approvals by
competent authorities, we may be subject to fines or other legal sanctions.
Labor laws in China evolve with time and implementation of new labor
laws in China may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
China adopted a labor contract law, or the Labor Contract Law, which
went into effect on January 1, 2008 and was amended in 2012. The Labor Contract Law imposes more stringent requirements on employers with regard to, among other things, minimum wages, and severance payments upon permitted termination of the
employment by an employer and
non-fixed
term employment contracts, time limits for probation periods as well as the duration and the times that an employee can be placed on a fixed term employment contract.
According to the Labor Contract Law, an employer is obliged to sign an unlimited-term labor contract with any employee who has worked for the employer for ten consecutive years. Further, if an employee requests or agrees to renew a fixed-term labor
contract that has already been entered into twice consecutively, the resulting contract is deemed to have an unlimited term, with certain exceptions. The employer must also pay severance to an employee in nearly all instances where a labor contract,
including a contract with an unlimited term, is terminated or expires. In addition, the PRC government has continued to introduce various new labor-related regulations since the implementation of the Labor Contract Law. Among other things, new
annual leave requirements mandate that annual leave ranging from five to 15 days be made available to nearly all employees and further require that each employer compensates an employee for any annual leave days the employee is unable to take in the
amount of three times his daily salary, subject to certain exceptions.
Under the PRC Social Insurance Law and the Administrative Measures on Housing
Fund, employees are required to participate in pension insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance and housing funds and employers are required, together with their employees or
separately, to pay the social insurance premiums and housing funds for their employees.
As a result of these and future measures that may be implemented
to enhance labor protection in China, our labor costs may increase and we cannot assure you that our employment practices do not or will not violate the Labor Contract Law, the Social Insurance Law or any other existing or future labor-related
regulations in China. If we are subject to severe penalties or found to incur significant liabilities in connection with labor disputes or investigations, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
If our independent registered public accounting firm ceases to be subject to inspections by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, our
investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspections.
Our current independent registered public accounting firm that issued the audit
report included in our annual report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as auditors of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (the PCAOB), is required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess its compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards. Because our previous auditor is located
in the Peoples Republic of China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities, our previous auditor is not currently inspected by the PCAOB. While our current
independent registered public accounting firm, Friedman LLP, is subject to PCAOB inspections, we cannot assure you that the firm will continue to be subject to such inspections in the future if there is a change in relevant rules and regulations.
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Inspections of other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside China have identified deficiencies in those
firms audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. This lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from regularly evaluating our
auditors audits and its quality control procedures. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB inspections.
If our current
independent registered public accounting firm became not subject to PCAOB inspection in the future, it will be more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our auditors audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors
that are subject to PCAOB inspections. Investors may then lose confidence in our reported financial information and procedures and the quality of our financial statements.
Risks Related to Shares and ADSs
The market price
for our ADSs has been and may continue to be volatile.
The market price for our ADSs has been and may continue to be highly volatile and subject
to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial results;
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changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts;
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conditions in the markets for mobile handsets;
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conditions in the China real estate market;
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lack of liquidity in the trading of our ADSs given ownership by our directors and management;
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changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other mobile handset design houses, original design product providers or manufacturers;
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performance of other China-based companies that are listed on NASDAQ;
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announcements by us or our competitors of new products, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
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addition or departure of key personnel;
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conditions of the Chinese economy and the broader global economy; and
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fluctuations of exchange rates between the RMB and U.S. dollar.
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In addition, the stock market in general, and
the market prices for companies with operations in China in particular, have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. The securities of some China-based companies that have listed their
securities in the United States have experienced significant volatility since their initial public offerings in recent years, including, in some cases, substantial declines in the trading prices of their securities. The trading performances of these
companies securities after their offerings may affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese companies listed in the United States in general, which consequently may impact the trading performance of our ADSs, regardless of our actual
operating performance. In addition, any negative news or perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practices, fraudulent accounting, corporate structure, government policies or other matters concerning other Chinese companies may also
negatively affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese companies in general, including us, regardless of whether we have engaged in any inappropriate activities. Volatility or a lack of positive performance in our stock price may also
adversely affect our ability to retain key employees, some of whom have been granted options or other equity incentives.
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We may need additional capital, and the sale of additional ADSs or other equity securities could result in
additional dilution to our shareholders.
We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and cash flow from continuing and discontinued
operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for the next 12 months, including our capital commitments for the construction of property, plant and equipment. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changed
business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If these resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or
obtain a credit facility. The sale of additional equity securities could result in additional dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing
covenants that would restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through the U.S. federal courts may be limited, because
we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association as amended from
time to time, and by the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established
as they would be under statutes or judicial precedents in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and provides significantly less protection to investors.
Therefore, our public shareholders may have more difficulties in protecting their interests through actions against our management, directors or controlling shareholders than would public shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction
in the United States. In addition, shareholders of Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action before the federal courts of the United States.
Your ability to bring an action against us or against our directors and officers, or to enforce a judgment against us or them, will be limited because
we are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, because we conduct a substantial portion of our operations in China and because the majority of our directors and officers reside outside of the United States.
We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and we conduct a substantial portion of our operations in China through our wholly owned subsidiaries and variable
interest entity in China. Most of our directors and officers reside outside of the United States and most of the assets of those persons are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to effect
service of process within the United States upon us or these individuals or to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the United States
securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers.
You may not be able to exercise your right to vote.
As a holder of ADSs, you may instruct the depositary of our ADSs to vote the shares underlying your ADSs but only if we ask the depositary to ask for your
instructions. Otherwise, you will not be able to exercise your right to vote unless you withdraw the shares. However, you may not know about the meeting sufficient in advance to withdraw the shares. If we ask for your instructions, the depositary
will notify you of the upcoming vote and arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your shares. In addition, the
depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and there may be nothing you can do
if the shares underlying your ADSs are not voted as you requested.
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Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your
holdings.
We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make
rights available to you in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Also, under the deposit agreement,
the depositary bank will not make those rights available to you unless the distribution to ADS holders of both the rights and any related securities are either registered under the Securities Act, or exempt from registration under the Securities
Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption
from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.
You may not receive distributions on ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to you.
The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on ordinary shares or other
deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or
impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. We have no obligation to register ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or other securities under U.S. securities laws. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the
distribution of ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs. This means that you may not receive the distribution we make on our ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them
available to you. These restrictions may have a material adverse effect on the value of your ADSs.
You may be subject to limitations on transfer of
your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from
time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or
at any time if we or the depositary thinks it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
We are controlled by a small group of our existing shareholders, whose interests may differ from the interests of other shareholders.
As of March 31, 2018, our directors and executive officers as a group beneficially own 33.3% ordinary shares of our company; Mr. Deyou Dong, our
chief executive officer, beneficially owns almost all of such ordinary shares and has the power to vote on behalf of the record holders of these shares over matters requiring approval by our shareholders, including electing directors and approving
mergers or other business combination transactions. This concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as
part of a sale of our company and might reduce the price of our ADSs. These actions may be taken even if they are opposed by our other shareholders.
We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse United States federal income tax consequences to U.S.
Holders.
A
non-U.S.
corporation will be classified as a passive foreign investment company,
(or a PFIC) for any taxable year if either (1) 75% or more of its gross income consists of certain types of passive income or (2) 50% or more of the average quarterly value of its assets (as generally determined on that basis of fair
market value) during such year produce or are held for the production of passive income. Based on the market price of our ADSs and the composition of our income and our assets, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax
purposes for our taxable year ended December 31, 2017 and do not anticipate becoming a PFIC in the foreseeable future. However, because the determination of whether or not we will be or become a PFIC depends on the composition of our income and
our assets and the market price of our ADSs, no assurance can be given that we will not be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year. In addition, because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules, it is possible that the
Internal Revenue Service may challenge our classification of certain income and assets as non-passive which may result in our being or becoming a PFIC in the current or subsequent years. Moreover, as previously disclosed, although not free from
doubt, we believe that we were a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for prior taxable years. In addition, it is possible that one or more of our subsidiaries may be or become classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder (as defined in Item 10. Additional
Information E. Taxation United States Federal Income Taxation) holds our ADSs or ordinary shares, such U.S. Holder may incur significantly increased U.S. income tax on gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of the ADSs or
ordinary shares and on the receipt of distributions on the ADSs or ordinary shares to the extent such gain or distribution is treated as an excess distribution under the U.S. federal income tax rules. Further, a U.S. Holder will
generally be treated as holding an equity interest in a PFIC in the first taxable year of the U.S. Holders holding period in which we become classified as a PFIC and subsequent taxable years (PFIC-Tainted Shares) even if, we, in
fact, cease to be a PFIC in subsequent taxable years. Accordingly, a U.S. Holder of our ADSs or ordinary shares is urged to consult its tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax considerations related to holding and disposing of ADSs or
ordinary shares (including, to the extent an election is available, making a
mark-to-market
election to avoid owning PFIC-Tainted Shares and the
unavailability of an election to treat us as a qualified electing fund). See Item 10. Additional Information E. Taxation United States Federal Income Taxation Passive Foreign Investment Company.
ITEM 4. Information on the Company
A.
History and Development of the Company
We commenced
operations in July 2002 through Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (Beijing) Limited, or Techfaith China, a limited liability company established in China. We incorporated a holding vehicle China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology
Limited in Cayman Islands on June 25, 2004. As part of a restructuring in anticipation of our initial public offering, China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology Limited became our ultimate holding company in November 2004. In May 2005,
we completed the initial public offering of ADSs representing our ordinary shares and listed the ADSs on the NASDAQ Global Market.
We started as a mobile
handset designer, and launched our original design product, or ODP, business in 2006 and our own brand name phone business in 2010. We once also ran a motion game devices business during 2008 and 2014. The ODP, own brand name phone and motion game
devices business are consolidated and referred to as mobile phone business. To diversify our revenue sources, we entered into real estate business in 2015, and started generating lease income and disposal gain.
Our principal executive offices are located at Tower D, Mfox Plaza, Ke Chuang 12th Street, Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Yi Zhuang),
Beijing 101111, the Peoples Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is +86 10 5822-8888. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the offices of Maples Corporate Services Limited, PO Box 309, Ugland House,
Grand Cayman,
KY1-1104,
Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of process in the U.S. is CT Corporation System located at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011.
B.
Business Overview
We are a developer, owner and
operator of commercial real estate properties across China, as well as a China-based mobile solutions provider for the global mobile handsets market, with a focus on the original design and development of specialized mobile handsets under our
customers brands and our own brands for consumers and enterprises, and the sales of finished products to our local and international customers.
Our
business mainly comprises the following two areas in terms of revenue contribution: (1) mobile phone business and (2) real estate business. Revenues generated from mobile phone business accounted for approximately 94.5%, 94.5% and 95.0%of
our total revenues in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Revenues generated from our rental business accounted for approximately 5.5%, 5.5% and 5.0%of our total revenues in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
Geographically, revenues generated from PRC domestic customers accounted for approximately 80.9%, 77.6% and 74.0% of our total revenues in 2015, 2016 and
2017, respectively. Revenues generated from overseas customers accounted for 19.1%, 22.4% and 26.0% of our total revenues in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
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We have built a sizeable real estate portfolio and are currently investing in the construction of buildings and
facilities which we expect to lease or sell at a later date dependent on market conditions. For details on the buildings and facilities, see D. Property, Plants and Equipment.
Products and Services
Mobile phone business
Original Design Products (ODP)
We entered into the ODP business in 2006, leveraging on our previous experience as an independent design house, and we have been involved in the mass
production phase of the product cycle since then. We provide certain primary types of products to our customers: feature phones, smart phones and ruggedized phones. We do not have our own production facilities, but outsource such production to EMS
providers.
After our customers specify the required products from among our existing range of self-designed mobile handset models (along with some
possible customized modifications or additions), we enter into sales contracts with each customer. Then we enter into contracts with EMS providers, which procure the raw materials and arrange the production of the mobile handsets for us. We also
provide supervisory and technical support to such EMS providers to ensure product quality in accordance with our customers specifications and to control the use of our intellectual property.
Our EMS providers engage in assembly and manufacturing operations and also offer testing services of the assembled printed circuit boards, systems and
subsystems to ensure the requisite consistent high product quality. We send our employees to the production sites of our EMS providers to inspect the finished products before we accept and make payment. For efficient inventory management, these
finished products are usually arranged to be collected by courier service providers for direct delivery to locations designated by our customers.
In
addition, for our design contracts, after we deliver our design products to our customers, our customers are required to purchase certain components (such as chips used in mobile handsets) through us to manufacture the designed products. As this
type of component is built into the design contracts, we include these component sales in the design contract related revenue, rather than product sales.
Brand Name Phone Sales
We started our
brand name phone sales business in February 2010 with the QIGI brand. Thereafter, we added Tecface, 17FOX and MOBIFOX brands into our brand matrix. We emphasized the brands of our mobile handset products because self-owned branded products offered a
higher profit margin compared with mobile handsets we sold for our ODP business. We disposed of the QIGI brand in 2015 due to declining revenues.
Real estate business
As part of our growth
strategy, we entered into the real estate business and began to buy office buildings and acquire land use rights. We began to lease or sell the buildings and facilities we have constructed to the extent we do not utilize them ourselves since 2010.
In 2006, we acquired a
6-floor
building of about 24,700 square meters in Jiuxianqiao, Chaoyang District, Beijing
to build our R&D center. After our Beijing office moved in 2009, we began to rent or sell part of this
6-floor
building. In addition, we began constructing our first technological park, i.e., buildings and
facilities intended for research and development, as well as manufacturing purposes, in Hangzhou in 2008. Since then, we have expanded our construction projects to include similar technological parks in Beijing in 2012 and in Shenyang in 2013.
We have so far disposed of the technological park and the
6-floor
building in Beijing. We will continue to own and
manage our real estate portfolio consisting of three completed buildings in Hangzhou, two completed buildings in Shenyang and a variety of buildings in various stages of construction.
For more details regarding our investments in real estate, see D. Property, Plants and Equipment.
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Raw materials
Mobile phone sales business
Raw materials to
manufacture a smart mobile phone typically include a baseband processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), battery, camera and Corning Gorilla Glass LCD. For RAM & ROM, we are sourcing from various branders, such as
Scandisk, Hynix, Micron and Samsung.
We usually procure these components directly from factory sources or through authorized agents. The prices of these
components fluctuate but generally have declined over the long term or due to technology innovations. In certain cases, however, component price may also go up. For example, a fire in a major RAM manufacturer caused RAM price to spike in late 2013
and early 2014.
Real estate business
Real
estate development is a multifaceted business process, encompassing activities that range from securing favorably priced land use rights in attractive markets, financing, construction, renovation, management and
re-lease
of existing buildings to purchase of raw land and the sale of existing buildings. We acquire land use rights, finance real estate deals, build projects, create, imagine, control and manage the process
of development from the beginning to end. Typically, we purchase a land use rights, determine the marketing of the property, develop the building program and design, obtain the necessary governmental approvals and financing, build the structures,
rent out, manage, and may ultimately lease or sell the property. We work with many different parties along each step of this process, including architects, city planners, engineers, surveyors, inspectors, contractors, and leasing agents, among
others. We are exposed to the prices of many different types of elements such as land use rights and construction raw materials, including steel, concrete, glass and cement. Any fluctuation in prices of the above may have an adverse impact on our
real estate business, including our profitability and our ability to complete projects on schedule and within budget.
Customers
Mobile phone business
Mobile handset brand owners
are customers for our ODP products, which include both of our product sales business and handset design services business. Our customers include leading Chinese mobile handset brand owners and international mobile handset brand owners.
For each manufacturing and design project, we have a designated account manager who directly interacts with the customer throughout the manufacturing and
design process to report project progress and handle customer input and comments. We provide technical support and production support to assist customers of our handset design services in designing the manufacturing process.
A small number of customers have historically accounted for a significant portion of our net revenue. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, our largest three customers
collectively accounted for approximately 29.4%, 53.6% and 75.9%of our net revenues, respectively.
We normally have multiple
on-going
contracts with each customer, and each contract may correspond to more than one mobile handset model. While our contracts vary by customer and by mobile handset model, each of our product sales contracts
typically requires us to sell finished products based on our
pre-existing
self-designed handset models along with some possible modified or additional features, and each of our handset design services
contracts typically requires us to develop and design the mobile handset model, assist the customer in designing the manufacturing process, obtain necessary certifications and provide technical and production support.
For our product sales, we typically charge payments based on the per unit price multiplied by the total number of handsets. A portion of the total purchase
price is usually payable at the execution of the sales contracts as prepayment and full payment is required before the products are delivered to our customers.
We typically charge a design fee for our handset design services. The design fee is a fixed amount paid in installments according to
pre-agreed
milestones.
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Our contracts with many customers contain refund and liquidated damages provisions. These provisions provide the
customer with a right to demand a refund and liquidated damages if we cannot complete a mobile handset design by the deadline mutually agreed between us and the customer, the requisite certifications cannot be obtained, or if our products sold to
the customers contain defects or are otherwise not in compliance with the specifications agreed in the contracts. Under the sales contracts with our customers, we are required to provide warranty and after-sales services. These warranty and
after-sales services will be performed either by EMS providers or by us.
We have established a network of provincial agents that distribute our
ruggedized devices to all major cities in China. Alternatively, consumers can also purchase the devices through
e-commerce
platforms such as Taobao, Alibaba, JD, TMall or through our company website.
Real estate business
Our tenant in Shenyang Tech
Park is an anchor tenant leasing the whole park for its electronics manufacturing business and as a workers dormitory, while our tenants in Hangzhou Tech Park are mostly
Small-to-Medium
Sized Enterprises in various industries.
Sales and
Marketing
We sell and market our products and mobile handset design services through a salesforce in China and direct marketing efforts. We maintain
sales and marketing staff in Beijing and Shanghai, covering the major cosmopolitan regions in China where most of our customers are located. We also maintain sales and marketing staff to cover Southeast Asia, America, Middle East and Europe, as we
provide middle- to
high-end
products to these markets. These staff members periodically travel to various trade shows to promote our products in those markets.
We engage in marketing activities to promote our services. We frequently market and promote our company and products through the Internet, TV, magazines, and
other multimedia. We attend conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs to promote our products and services, such as GITEX Technology Week Exposition in Dubai, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vega and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. In
addition, we view our strategic relationships with leading technology companies and platform providers as part of our efforts to promote our company. We believe that some of the leading technology companies with which we have strategic relationships
will be instrumental in helping us secure our targeted multinational customers by providing us opportunity referrals, since such referrals may also promote the use of their technology. We also introduced additional baseband platforms to our existing
customers to attract new product sales and design contracts from them.
For our real estate business, we market our additional space through our own
internal team and external
co-operation.
Our internal team advertises through channels such as offline/online channels including printed media advertising and advertising on various real estate related
websites. External
co-operation
works with real property agents, middle man and government agencies who will recommend clients and suitable business to our tech parks.
Technology
We have built our product sales business upon
the strong foundation of our technological expertise gained in the process of designing a wide range of mobile handset models by the effective and efficient deployment of our
in-house
research and development
team.
We rely on third-party licensors for key technologies and other technologies embedded in our mobile handset designs. These licenses are typically
non-exclusive
under royalty-accruing and/or
paid-up
contracts. We have obtained licenses for
GSM-related
intellectual property from
Philips, Texas Instruments and Skyworks Solutions. We are the first independent mobile handset design house in China to have obtained licenses from QUALCOMM to use its CDMA/WCDMA/HSDPA/HSUPA technology and patent, and from MediaTek to use its
HSDPA/HSUPA technology and patent to develop relevant handsets. We are currently dependent on QUALCOMM for CDMA- and MediaTek for WCDMA-related technology we use in designing, manufacturing and selling CDMA- and WCDMA-based mobile handsets.
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We have a high degree of technological expertise in major areas of mobile handset design, development and
production. Our engineers are skilled at designing mobile handsets that integrate many different functions and features in common or differentiated hardware and software architectures. We have also developed a design approach that allows the
production of enhanced mobile handset models with minimal modifications and slight adjustments to the existing mass production lines of our customers or the EMS providers that manufacture the products for our customers. This allows our customers to
launch new handset models at a relatively faster
time-to-market
and with lower manufacturing costs.
We use advanced methodologies to design mobile handsets for our customers. We use industry-standard,
state-of-the-art
design tools in our design process, which we believe provides us significant flexibility to adapt our research, development and product design work to
new manufacturing processes and technology platforms when desirable.
In February 2015, we introduced the JNote, a ruggedized notepad designed on the
robust Android operating system operating on QUAD Core CPU and running on WCDMA/GSM networks, being dust and shock resistant, temperature resistant and water resistant up to 1.5 meters. We have upgraded all of our products from 3G to 4G LTE, with
screen sizes ranging from 4.5 to 7 inches. All models are IP68 and
MIL-810-STD
certified, with many of the models designed with the MTK Octa Core platform, the latest
version of Android with higher memory capacity (3GRAM+32ROM). We also have expanded our mobile phone business and lineups of new enterprise customized smartphone models. These include mobile solutions that feature industrial functions ranging from
being intrinsically safe, to location services and Laser-Infrared, to RFID, Walkie-Talkie, anti-explosion and other
state-of-the-art
technologies.
Research and Development
We believe that our future
success will depend on our ability to efficiently design and develop new models of mobile handsets and manufacturing processes that meet our customers demand for cost-competitive, high-quality and technologically advanced mobile handsets. The
goals of our research and development efforts include the following:
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to keep abreast of the advanced technologies in the mobile handset and industry;
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to emphasize cost-effectiveness and manufacturability of our designs;
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to develop high-quality handsets based on various commonly adopted platforms and to ensure flexibility of design and production modifications; and
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to make effective use of the technologies licensed from leading global technology companies.
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As of
December 31, 2017, our research and development staff and supportive function consisted of 63 engineers, representing approximately 54.8% of our total 115 staff. All of our engineers are based in China and most of our senior engineers have
extensive experience in the mobile handset industry. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, we had research and development expenses of US$8.1 million, US$6.6 million and US$4.2 million, respectively.
Intellectual Property
As of December 31, 2017, we
had 25 patents and have submitted 8 patent applications, which are all in the process of examination by the State Intellectual Property Office of China. We also rely on third-party licensors for design cell phone and module card technologies and
other technologies embedded in our designs. These licenses are typically
non-exclusive
and royalty-accruing. If we are unable to continue to have access to these licensed technologies, our success could be
adversely affected. In addition, we rely on commercially available third-party software applications in carrying on our business operations. We generally obtain these software applications from retail outlets or through third-party vendors, which
bundle them together with PCs and servers purchased by us. We make efforts to ensure that we have proper licenses for software applications used by us, including those provided by third-party vendors.
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Seasonality
Historically our operating results are the weakest in the first quarter of each year, caused by business closures during the annual Chinese New Year Holiday in
the first quarter of the year, and the strongest in the fourth quarter of the year, led by traditionally bigger shipments for Christmas and New Year orders. This seasonality pattern will likely change over time as the revenue contribution from our
real estate business grows.
Competition
The mobile
handset market is intensely competitive and highly fragmented. We face current and potential future competition from established mobile device manufacturers. These include original design manufacturers, such as Sim Technology Group Limited, BYD
Electronics Limited, Longcheer Holdings Limited and Seal Technologies Limited, which compete with our product sales business by offering their own production services to brand name owners. These original design manufacturers may also compete with us
in the mobile handset design business as they may be in a position to design mobile handsets on their own. We also face worldwide competition from
in-house
design teams of original equipment manufacturers. We
face competition from other existing brand mobile phone companies such as Apple, Samsung, ZTE, Huawei, Lenovo and Xiaomi. We also face strong competition and cost pressure from companies that have sought to copy our ruggedized phone models. In
addition, new players may enter the independent mobile handset production and design market in the near future. In the real estate business, we face competition from bigger players such as Wanda Group, Capital Land, R&F Properties and Soho
China, among others.
We compete in varying degrees on the basis of the following factors:
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ability to effectively and efficiently provide
know-how
and support to our EMS providers which manufacture handsets for our customers;
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ability to design and integrate many hardware and software functions and features based on different platforms;
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product quality and reliability;
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ability to rapidly complete a design;
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service and customer support capabilities;
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customer base and customer loyalty; and
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impact of sales and marketing activities; and the number and quality of distribution channels.
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Many of our
competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing, sales and other resources than we do. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully against our current or future competitors.
Regulation
This section sets forth, in the opinion of
our PRC counsel, Beijing Tian Yuan Law Firm, a summary of the most significant regulations or requirements that affect our business activities in China or our shareholders right to receive dividends and other distributions from us.
CTA Certification
The Ministry of Industry and
Information Technology of PRC (formerly known as Ministry of Informational Industry), or MIIT, promulgated the Administration Measures of the Network Entry of Telecommunication Equipment, which state that all telecommunication terminal equipment
subject to the network entry permit system, including mobile handsets, must obtain a certification commonly known as China Type Approval, or CTA, from the MIIT before mass production. CTA certifies that the use of telecommunication terminal
equipment in the national telecommunications network has been approved and complies with the requirements for network access and the national standards established by the MIIT. Our customers generally require us to provide technical support to
assist them in obtaining CTA certification.
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Tax
As a business enterprise operating in China, we are subject to the Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, which was adopted by the National Peoples
Congress of China on March 16, 2007, effective on January 1, 2008 and amended on February 24, 2017. The EIT Law applies a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate to both foreign invested enterprises and domestic enterprises. Under the
EIT Law, an enterprise which qualifies as a high and new technology enterprise (the HNTE) is entitled to a tax rate of 15%. Prior to January 1, 2008, Techfaith China and Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing obtained
HNTE status under the old EIT law. Under the EIT Law effective on January 1, 2008, Techfaith China obtained the HNTE in December 2008 and most recently renewed its HNTE status in 2017, which will expire in October 2020. Under the old EIT Law
prior to January 1, 2008, Techfaith Shanghai was a qualified manufacturing foreign investment enterprise located in Shanghai Pudong. Under the EIT Law effective on January 1, 2008, Techfaith Shanghai obtained HNTE in December 2008 and most
recently renewed its HNTE status in 2017, which will expire in November 2020. One Net obtained its HNTE in September 2010 and renewed its HNTE status under the EIT Law in December 2013, which expired in December 2016. During the period from 2010 to
2016, the tax rate for One Net had been 15%. The HNTE status obtained under the EIT Law is valid for three years, after which qualifying entities can apply to renew for an additional three years, provided their business operations continue to
qualify for HNTE status. Techfaith China and Techfaith Shanghai renewed their HNTE status in 2017, and we believe it is likely that our qualifying entities will continue to obtain such renewals in the future. Accordingly, Techfaith China and
Techfaith Shanghai have used the reduced applicable tax rate in calculating deferred tax balances for the foreseeable future.
The EIT Law includes a
provision specifying that legal entities organized outside China will be considered residents for Chinese income tax purposes if their place of effective management or control is within China. If legal entities organized outside China were
considered residents for Chinese income tax purpose, they would become subject to the EIT Law on their worldwide income. This would cause any income legal entities organized outside China earned to be subject to Chinas 25% EIT. The
Implementation Rules to EIT Law provide that
non-resident
legal entities will be considered China residents if substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations,
personnel, accounting and properties resides within China. On April 22, 2009, the SAT further issued Circular 82, which sets out detailed rules for determining whether a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise is a tax resident of
China, describes the tax implications of such an enterprise being regarded as a tax resident, and sets out the procedures for an assessment of residence status by the relevant local tax bureau. In addition, the SAT issued a bulletin on July 27,
2011, later amended on June 1, 2015 and October 1, 2016, or Bulletin 45, to provide more guidance on the implementation of the above Circular 82, effective from September 1, 2011. Bulletin 45 made clarifications in the areas of
resident status determination, post-determination administration, as well as competent tax authorities. It also specified that when provided with a copy of Chinese tax resident determination certificate from a resident Chinese-controlled offshore
incorporated enterprise, the payer should not withhold 10% income tax when paying the China-sourced dividends, interest, royalties, etc. to the Chinese controlled offshore incorporated enterprise. Although both Circular 82 and Bulletin 45 only apply
to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises and not those by PRC individuals, the determination criteria set forth in Circular 82 and administration clarification made in the Bulletin 45 may reflect the SATs general position on how
the de facto management body test should be applied in determining the tax residency status of offshore enterprises and the administration measures that should be implemented, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises
or PRC individuals. Pursuant to this notice, we do not believe that the legal entities of our group organized outside China would be considered China tax residents for EIT Law purposes. In addition, in February 2015, the SAT issued the Notice on
Several Issues regarding Enterprise Income Tax for Indirect Property Transfer by
Non-resident
Enterprises, or SAT Circular 7, which further specifies the criteria for judging reasonable commercial purposes and
the legal requirements for the voluntary reporting procedures and filing materials in cases of indirect property transfer. SAT Circular 7 has listed several factors to take into consideration by tax authorities in determining whether an indirect
transfer has a reasonable commercial purpose. However, despite these factors, an indirect transfer satisfying all the following criteria shall be deemed to lack reasonable commercial purpose and be taxable under the PRC laws: (i) 75% or more of the
equity value of the intermediary enterprise being transferred is derived directly or indirectly from PRC taxable properties; (ii) at any time during the one year period before the indirect transfer, 90% or more of the asset value of the
intermediary enterprise (excluding cash) is comprised, directly or indirectly, of investments in the PRC, or 90% or more of its income is derived directly or indirectly from the PRC; (iii) the functions performed and risks assumed by the
intermediary enterprise and any of its subsidiaries that directly or indirectly hold the PRC taxable properties are limited and are insufficient to prove their economic substance; and (iv) the foreign tax payable on the gains derived from the
indirect transfer of the PRC taxable properties is lower than the potential PRC tax on the direct transfer of such assets. Nevertheless, the indirect transfer falling into the scope of the safe harbor under SAT Circular 7 may not be subject to
PRC tax and such safe harbor includes qualified group restructuring, public market trading and tax treaty exemptions. Under SAT Circular 7, the entities or individuals obligated to pay the transfer price to the transferor shall be the withholding
agent and shall withhold the PRC tax from the transfer price. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes. In December
2017, SAT Circular 7 were partly abolished by Decision of the State Administration of Taxation on Issuing the Catalogues of Tax Departmental Rules and Tax Regulatory Documents Which Are Invalidated and Repealed, and Announcement on Issues concerning
the Withholding of Enterprise Income Tax at Source on Non-Resident Enterprises. By promulgating and implementing these two notices, the PRC tax authorities have enhanced their scrutiny over the direct or indirect transfer of equity interests in a
PRC resident enterprise by a non-PRC resident enterprise.
On October 17, 2017, SAT promulgated the Circular on Issues concerning Withholding of
Enterprise Income Tax for Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or SAT Circular 37. SAT Circular 37 is concerning withholding of enterprise income tax of the China-sourced income, which refers to income obtained from sources within China by non-PRC resident
enterprises that (i) do not have an establishment or place of business in China or (ii) have an establishment or place of business in China, but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business in China.
China-sourced income includes income from equity investment, property transfer, and other income. Pursuant to the SAT Circular 37, non-PRC resident enterprises shall pay enterprise income tax in relation to their China-sourced income, and the
entities which have the direct obligation to make certain payments to a non-PRC resident enterprise shall be the relevant tax withholders for such non-PRC resident enterprise. The tax withholders shall, within certain days as provided, declare and
remit the withholding tax to the competent tax authority. When declaring and remitting the withholding tax payable, the tax withholders shall complete the withholding statement of the PRC for enterprise income tax. In the event that the tax
withholder fails to withhold and remit the taxable enterprise income tax for a non-PRC resident enterprise, or is unable to perform its obligation mentioned above, the non-PRC resident enterprise shall declare and pay the enterprise income tax to
the competent tax authority, and complete the withholding statement of the PRC for enterprise income tax.
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The EIT Law and its implementation rules permit certain high and new technology enterprises strongly
supported by the state that hold independent ownership of core intellectual property and simultaneously meet a list of other criteria, financial or
non-financial,
as stipulated in the implementation
rules and other regulations, to enjoy a reduced 15% enterprise income tax rate subject to certain new qualification criteria. The SAT, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance jointly issued the Administrative Rules for the
Certification of High and New Technology Enterprises delineating the specific criteria and procedures for the high and new technology enterprises certification in April 2008, and later amended in January 2016. Enterprises recognized as
high and new technology enterprises will enjoy a reduced 15% enterprise income tax rate after they go through tax reduction application formalities with relevant tax authorities. Techfaith China renewed their high and new
technology enterprise certificate in 2017, which will be valid until October 2020. Techfaith Shanghai most recently renewed its HNTE status in November 2017, which will expire in 2020. One Net renewed its high and new technology
enterprise in December 2013, which is valid until December 2016. In 2016, the HNTE status of One Net was expired. As a result, the tax rate for One Net is 25%.Techfaith China and Techfaith Shanghai will be eligible for a preferential tax rate
of 15% when they have taxable income under the EIT Law, as long as they maintain their high and new technology enterprise status.
Under the
EIT and its implementation rules, dividends payable by a foreign-invested enterprise in China to its foreign investors who are nonresident enterprises are subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless any such foreign investors jurisdiction of
incorporation has a tax treaty or similar arrangement with China that provides for a different withholding arrangement.
Aggregate undistributed earnings
of our subsidiaries located in the PRC that are taxable upon distribution to us of approximately US$168.4 million and US$165.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, are considered to be indefinitely reinvested,
because we do not have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future and intend to retain most of our available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business.
Accordingly, no deferred tax liability has been accrued for the Chinese dividend withholding taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of those amounts to us as of December 31, 2017. If we were to distribute such unremitted earnings, we
will be subject to dividend withholding taxes of approximately US$10.3 million.
We sell a significant portion of wireless modules and smart phones
from our Hong Kong subsidiary, and currently the statutory income tax rate in Hong Kong is 16.5%. The Inland Revenue Department of Hong Kong approved our Hong Kong subsidiary to be effectively exempt from income tax in Hong Kong. No provision for
Hong Kong profits tax was made for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 on the basis that Techfaith Intelligent Handset Technology (Hong Kong) Limited did not have any assessable profits arising in or derived from Hong Kong for the
years.
According to the Circular on Tax Issues Related to the Implementation of the Decision of the CPC Central Committee and State Council on
Strengthening Technical Innovation, Developing High Technology and Realizing Industrialization issued by the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation, revenue generated under technology transfer agreements or technology
development that has been registered with relevant authorities, as well as revenue generated from technology and consulting services associated with these two types of arrangements, could be exempted from Value Added Tax, or VAT.
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Our subsidiaries in China are also entitled to a business tax or VAT exemption relating to their income derived
from any technology development agreement and technical transfer agreement that has been registered with relevant government authorities.
Pursuant to the
Provisional Regulation of China on Value Added Tax and their implementing rules as well as VAT reform pilot program, except as stipulated otherwise, our PRC subsidiaries are required to pay value added tax, or VAT, at a rate of 17% of revenue from
product and component sales, 6% of revenue from design fees, called output VAT. On the other hand, input VAT paid on the purchased goods or received VAT taxable labor services is used as a credit against the output VAT levied on the gross sales or
design fees.
On March 23, 2016, the Ministry of Finance, or MOF, and the SAT jointly issued Caishui [2016] No. 36, or Circular 36, which
provides the detailed implementation guidance on the further rollout of the VAT reform to sectors such as construction, real estate, financial services and lifestyle services, as well as modifications to the current VAT rules for transportation
services, modern services, postal and telecommunication services. Circular 36 takes effect from 1 May 2016, superseding Caishui [2013] No. 106, or Circular 106. Since May 1, 2016, VAT has replaced Business Tax to cover all the sectors
that used to fall under the Business Tax regime including the real estate sector whereby the sale of real estate and land use rights are subject to VAT at 11%. General VAT taxpayers may opt for the general taxation method with a VAT rate of 11% or
simplified taxation method with a VAT rate of 5% when selling Old Real Estate Project, or OREP, or Old Real Estate, or ORE. Since May 1, 2016, VAT rate applicable to leasing of real estate has been 11%. General VAT taxpayers engaged in
operating lease of ORE may opt for general taxation method with a VAT rate of 11% or simplified taxation method with a VAT rate of 5%. On November 19, 2017, the State Council issued the Decision on Abolishing the Provisional Regulation of China on
Business Tax and Amending the Provisional Regulation of China on Value-added Tax, pursuant to which, PRC tax authorities will collect VAT in lieu of business tax for all industries which should have been collected business tax within the PRC
territory. Pursuant to the Provisional Regulation of China on Value-added Tax, as amended in 2017, entities and individuals that sell goods, provide labor services of processing, repairs or maintenance, or sell services, intangible assets or real
property in China, or import goods to China, shall be subject to VAT with a VAT rate ranging from 6% to 17%. On March 28, 2018, the State Council made a decision on its executive meetings that, effective from May 1, 2018, the VAT rate of
manufacturing industry will be decreased from 17% to 16%, and the VAT rate of transportation services, construction services, basic telecommunications services and agricultural goods will be decreased from 11% to 10%.
Foreign Currency Exchange
The principal
regulation governing foreign currency exchange in China is the Foreign Currency Administration Rules (1996), as amended in August 2008. Under these rules, 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 investment in securities outside of China unless the prior approval of
SAFE is obtained and prior registration with the SAFE is made.
Payments for transactions that take place within the PRC must be made in RMB. Unless
otherwise approved, PRC companies must repatriate foreign currency payments received from abroad. Domestic enterprises (including foreign-invested enterprises) may retain foreign exchange derived from current account items, but unless otherwise
approved, they must convert all of their foreign currency receipts derived from capital account items into RMB. In May 2013, SAFE promulgated SAFE Circular 21, which provides for and simplifies the operational steps and regulations on foreign
exchange matters related to direct investment by foreign investors, including foreign exchange registration, account opening and use, receipt and payment of funds, and settlement and sales of foreign exchange. We generally follow the regulations and
apply to obtain the approval of SAFE and other relevant PRC government authorities.
On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming
the Management Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or Circular 19, to expand the reform nationwide. Circular 19 allows foreign-invested enterprises generally to decide when to exchange into RMB
their foreign exchange denominated
paid-in
capital, but only up to a maximum percentage specified by SAFE. The maximum percentage specified by SAFE is currently 100%, but SAFE may choose to adjust the
permitted level at any time. The use of any such RMB funds by foreign-invested enterprises is also subject to review and approval by SAFE or local SAFE branches or designated banks. Circular 19 further provides that any such RMB funds of a
foreign-invested enterprise may not be used for any purpose outside of the entitys business scope or if such use would violate the laws and regulations of the PRC. For example, such RMB funds may not be used for the making of
RMB-denominated
entrusted loans that are not within the enterprises business scope, for the repayment of inter-enterprise loans (including third party advances), or for the purpose of relending to third
parties
RMB-denominated
bank loans made to the enterprise. However, Circular 19 continues to prohibit foreign-invested enterprises from, among other things, using the Renminbi fund converted from its foreign
exchange capitals for expenditure beyond its business scope, extending entrusted loans or paying off loans extended or assumed by other companies. On June 9, 2016, SAFE issued the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on
Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital Accounts, or Circular 16, which took effect on the same day. Compared to Circular 19, Circular 16 not only provides that, in addition to foreign exchange
capital, foreign debt funds and proceeds remitted from foreign listings should also be subject to the discretional foreign exchange settlement, but also lifted the restriction, that foreign exchange capital under the capital accounts and the
corresponding Renminbi capital obtained from foreign exchange settlement should not be used for repaying the inter-enterprise borrowings (including advances by the third party) or repaying the bank loans in Renminbi that have been
sub-lent
to the third party.
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Pursuant to the Administration of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange Provisions, promulgated by
the Peoples Bank of China (1996), foreign investment enterprises in China may purchase foreign currency without the approval from SAFE for trade and service-related foreign exchange (subject to a cap approved by SAFE) to satisfy foreign
exchange liabilities or to pay dividends. In addition, foreign exchange transactions for direct investment, loan and investment in securities outside China are still subject to limitations and require approvals from or registrations with SAFE.
Dividend Distribution
The principal regulations
governing distribution of dividends by wholly foreign-owned enterprises and the Chinese-foreign equity joint ventures include the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law (1986), as amended in 2000 and 2016, the Implementing Rules of the Wholly
Foreign-owned Enterprise Law (1990), as amended in 2001 and 2014, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law (1979), as amended in 1990, 2001 and 2016, and the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law Implementing Rules (1983), as
amended in 1986, 1987, 2001 and 2014.
Under these regulations, foreign invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated
profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, foreign invested enterprises in China are required to set aside certain amounts of their accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain
reserve funds, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of the registered capital of the enterprises. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. Under the EIT Law, effective on January 1, 2008 and amended on
February 24, 2017, the maximum tax rate for the withholding tax imposed on dividend payments from PRC foreign invested companies to their overseas investors that are not regarded as resident for tax purposes is 10%. The rate is
reduced to 5% under tax treaties and arrangements between the PRC and certain other countries and administrative regions.
Share Option Rules
Under the Notice relating to Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas-Listed
Company, or SAFE Notice 7, which was issued by the SAFE on February 15, 2012, PRC citizens who are granted share options, restricted share units or restricted shares by an overseas publicly listed company are required to register with the SAFE
or its local branches and to comply with a series of other procedures. Participants of a stock incentive plan who are PRC residents must retain a qualified PRC agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of the overseas publicly listed company or another
qualified institution selected by the PRC subsidiary, to conduct the SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the stock incentive plan on behalf of its participants. The participants must also retain an overseas entrusted institution
to handle matters in connection with their exercise of stock options, the purchase and sale of corresponding stocks or interests and fund transfers. In addition, the PRC agent is required to amend the SAFE registration with respect to the stock
incentive plan if there is any material change to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agent or the overseas entrusted institution or other material changes. The PRC agents must, on behalf of the PRC residents who have the right to exercise the
employee share options, apply to SAFE or its local branches for an annual quota for the payment of foreign currencies in connection with the PRC residents exercise of the employee share options. The foreign exchange proceeds received by the
PRC residents from the sale of shares under the stock incentive plans granted and dividends distributed by the overseas listed companies must be remitted into the bank accounts in the PRC opened by the PRC agents before distribution to such PRC
residents.
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We adopted a 2005 share incentive plan, pursuant to which we may issue options, restricted shares and restricted
share units to our qualified employees, directors and consultants. We have advised our employees and directors participating in the employee stock option plan to handle foreign exchange matters in accordance with SAFE Notice 7.
In addition, the SAT has issued circulars concerning employee share options, under which our employees working in the PRC who exercise share options will be
subject to PRC individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiaries have obligations to file documents related to employee share options with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those employees who exercise their share
options. If our employees fail to pay or if we fail to withhold their income taxes as required by relevant laws and regulations, we may face sanctions imposed by the PRC tax authorities or other PRC government authorities.
Patent
The PRC Patent Law provides for patentable
inventions, utility models and designs, which must meet three conditions: novelty, inventiveness and practical applicability. The State Intellectual Property Office is responsible for examining and approving patent applications. A patent is valid
for a term of twenty years in the case of an invention and a term of ten years in the case of utility models and designs. As of December 31, 2017, we had 25 patents and have submitted 8 patent applications which are all in the process of
examination by the State Intellectual Property Office.
Real Estate
Regulations on Land
The Law of the PRC on Land
Administration, promulgated on June 25, 1986 and amended on August 28, 2004, distinguishes between the ownership of land and the right to use land. All land in the PRC is either state-owned or collectively-owned, depending on location.
Generally, land in urban areas within a city or town is state-owned, and all land in the rural areas of a city or town and all rural land, unless otherwise specified by law, are collectively-owned. Although all land in the PRC is owned by the
governments or by the collectives, private individuals and businesses are permitted to hold, lease and develop land for a specified term without ever owning the land, the duration of which depends on the use purpose of the land. These rights to use
land are termed land use rights.
Under the Interim Regulations of the Peoples Republic of China Concerning the Assignment and Transfer of the Right
to the Use of the State-owned Land in the Urban Areas, promulgated on and effective as of May 19, 1990, enterprises, companies and other organizations which intend to hold, lease and develop the land, or Land Users, pay a premium to the
government as consideration for the grant of the land use rights on terms of use prescribed by the government, and a Land User may transfer, lease and mortgage or otherwise commercially exploit the land use rights within such terms of use. The land
administration authority enters into a contract with the Land User for grant of the land use rights. The Land User pays the grant premium as stipulated in the grant contract. After paying the grant premium in full, the Land User registers with the
land administration authority and obtains a land use rights certificate. The certificate evidences the acquisition of the land use rights.
The Property
Law of the PRC, or the Property Law, promulgated on March 16, 2007 and effective as of October 1, 2007, further clarified land use rights in the PRC that the construction of buildings must abide by relevant laws and regulations with regard
to the construction planning and where the land use rights for construction use are transferred, exchanged, used as a capital contribution, donated to others or mortgaged, an application for modification registration must be filed with the
registration department.
The State Council issued Interim Regulations on Real Estate Registration on November 24, 2014, which took effect on
March 1, 2015. It stipulates the procedures for registration of rights of real estate rights, including land use rights, which applies to first registration, change of registration, transfer of registration, cancellation of registration,
correction of registration, dissidence registration, advance notice registration, close-down registration and other affairs concerning registration of real estate. Further, on January 1, 2016, Ministry of Land and Resources of the Peoples
Republic of China, or the MLR, issued Implementing Rules of the Interim Regulations on Real Estate Registration, which details the rules of the registration procedures for registration of different kind of rights of real estate.
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Regulations on Foreign-Invested Real Estate Enterprise
Under Catalogue 2015, the development of tracts of land, the construction and operation of
high-end
hotels, office
buildings, international conference centers, and real estate intermediary/agency business have been removed from the category under which foreign investment is restricted, with the construction and operation of large-scale scheme parks remaining in
the category. The development and construction of ordinary residential properties, together with other types of real estate-related business, are not specifically mentioned in the Catalogue 2015, this means that they continue to be permitted by the
MOFCOM and the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC. Under Catalogue 2017, the construction and operation of large-scale scheme parks have been removed from the category under which foreign investment is restricted, and the
construction and operation of golf courses and villas have been removed from the category under which foreign investment is prohibited, which means that foreign investment may enter into such areas provided that it obtains relevant approvals.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, or MOHURD, the MOFCOM, the NDRC, the Peoples Bank of China, or PBOC, the State Administration for
Industry & Commerce of the Peoples Republic of China, or SAIC and the SAFE jointly promulgated the Opinions on Regulating the Entry and Administration of Foreign Investment in the Real Estate Market, or Circular No. 171, on
July 11, 2006, which may impact foreign investment in the real estate industry in the following areas:
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A foreign-invested real estate enterprise, or FIREE, with total investments equating to or exceeding US$10 million to have a registered capital consisting of no less than 50% of its total amount of investment.
FIREEs with total investments below US$10 million must have a registered capital in amounts pursuant to and consistent with existing regulations;
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Upon payment of the land use rights grant premium, the FIREE can apply to the land administration authority for a land use rights certificate. Upon obtaining the land use rights certificate, an FIREE may then obtain a
recertification of its existing Foreign-Invested Enterprises Approval Certificate, or FIEAC, and the Business License, with the same validity period as that of such land use rights certificate; following which, the FIREE may apply to the tax
administration for tax registration purposes; and
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FIREEs which have not paid up their registered capital fully, or have failed to obtain a land use rights certificate, or which have under 35% of the total capital required for the project, will not be allowed to obtain
a loan in or outside China, and foreign exchange administration departments will not approve any settlement of foreign loans by such enterprises.
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On May 23, 2007, the MOFCOM and the SAFE issued Circular No. 50. Some of the key developments in this area are as follows:
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Prior to establishing a FIREE, foreign investors are required to obtain land use rights or the ownership of a real estate project, or the investor should have entered into an indicative land grant contract or indicative
project purchase agreement with the land administrative department, developer of the land or owner of the property;
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The practice of allowing foreign investors taking over local project companies by way of roundtrip investment is strictly controlled; and
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Where a well-established foreign-funded enterprise intends to add some new land development or operation business or where a foreign-funded real estate enterprise intends to engage in a new project of real estate
development and operation, it shall apply to the examining and approving organ for extending its business scope or enlarging its business scale in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations governing foreign investment.
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Regulations on Qualifications of Developer
Under the Rules on the Administration of Qualifications of Real Estate Developers promulgated on March 29, 2000 by the MOHURD and amended on May 4,
2015, a developer must apply for registration of its qualifications. An enterprise may not engage in the development and sale of real estate without a qualification classification certificate for real estate development. In accordance with the above
rules, developers are classified into four classes: class I, class II, class III and class IV. A developer that passes the qualification examination will be issued a qualification certificate of the relevant class by the relevant construction
authority. A developer of any qualification classification may only engage in the development and sale of real estate within its approved scope of business and may not engage in business of another classification.
Regulations on Development of a Real Estate Project
Under the Urban Real Estate Law, promulgated on January 1, 1995 and amended on August 30, 2007 and August 27, 2009, those who have obtained the
land use rights through grant must develop the land in accordance with the terms of use and within the period of commencement prescribed in the contract for the land use rights grant. According to the Measures on Disposing Idle Land promulgated by
the MLR on April 28, 1999 and amended on July 1, 2012, with regards to the land for a real estate project which is obtained by grant and is within the scope of city planning, if the construction work has not been commenced within one year
upon the commencement date as set forth in the land use rights grant contract, or the construction and development has been started but the area of land that is under construction and development is less than one third of the total area of land that
should have been under construction and development, or the invested amount is less than 25% of the total investment, and the construction and development of which has been suspended for more than one year, a surcharge on idle land equivalent to 20%
of the grant premium may be levied; if the construction work has not been commenced within two years, the land can be confiscated without any compensation, unless the delay is caused by force majeure, or the acts of government or acts of other
relevant departments under the government, or by indispensable preliminary work.
The Law of the PRC on Urban and Rural Planning, promulgated on
October 28, 2007 and amended on April 24, 2015, provides that a developer who has obtained land use rights by grant must, after obtaining approval for a construction project and signing a land use rights grant contract, apply to the city
planning authority for the Permit for Construction Site Planning. It further provides that a developer who has a proposed construction project within the planning area of a city or town must, after obtaining a Permit for Construction Site Planning,
prepare the necessary planning and design work, and submit the detailed planning and design report, together with the land use rights certificate, to the city planning authority or the town government designated by the provincial government, and
apply for the Permit for Construction Work Planning. In addition, construction projects shall be delivered for use only after passing the inspection and acceptance examinations under the Construction Law of the PRC which was promulgated on
November 1, 1997 and amended on April 22, 2011.
Regulations on Sale of Commodity Properties
Under the Measures for Administration of Sale of Commodity Properties promulgated by the MOHURD on April 4, 2001, the sale of commodity properties can
include both
pre-completion
and post-completion sales. In accordance with the Measures for the Administration of
Pre-completion
Sale of Urban Commodity Properties, or
Pre-completion
Sale Measures, promulgated in November 1994 by the MOHURD and amended on July 20, 2004, a developer intending to sell a commodity building before its construction works completion must
attend to the necessary
pre-completion
sale registration with the real estate administration authority of the relevant city or county to obtain a Permit for
Pre-completion
Sale of Commodity Properties. The
Pre-completion
Sale Measures also provide that the proceeds obtained by a real estate developer from the advance sale of
commodity properties must be used for the construction of the relevant projects. The specific measures for the supervision of proceeds from the
pre-sale
of commodity properties are formulated by the real
estate administration authorities. In accordance with the Measures for Administration of Sale of Commodity Properties, commodity properties may be put up for post-completion sale only when certain preconditions for such sale have been satisfied.
Prior to a post-completion sale of a commodity property, a real estate developer is required to submit the Real Estate Development Project Manual and other documents showing that the preconditions for a post-completion sale have been fulfilled to
the real estate development authority.
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Regulations on Transfer, Mortgage and Lease
According to the Urban Real Estate Law and the Measures for Building Registration promulgated on February 15, 2008 by the MOHURD, a real estate owner may
sell, bequeath or otherwise legally transfer real estate to another person or legal entity. When transferring a building, the ownership of the building and the land use rights to the site on which the building is situated are transferred as well.
The parties to a transfer must enter into a real estate transfer contract in writing and register the transfer with the building registration authority after the execution of the transfer contract. Where the land use rights were originally obtained
by grant, the real property may only be transferred if:
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the grant premium has been paid in full for the grant of the land use rights as provided by the grant contract and a land use rights certificate has been obtained; and
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the investment and development have been done in accordance with the provisions prescribed by the contract for the lease; for housing construction projects, 25 percent of the total investment has gone through; for
development of large tracts of land, land has been available for the construction of industrial or other projects.
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When a real estate is transferred with a finished building, title certificate for the building is also needed.
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Under the Urban Real Estate Law, the Property Law, and the Measures on the Administration of Mortgage of Buildings in Urban Areas promulgated by the MOHURD on
May 9, 1997, and amended on August 15, 2001, when a mortgage is created on the ownership of a building on state-owned land legally obtained, a mortgage will be simultaneously created on the land use rights of the land on which the building
is erected. The mortgager and the mortgagee sign a mortgage contract in writing. Within 30 days after a real estate mortgage contract has been signed, the parties to the mortgage must register the mortgage with the real estate administration
authority in the city where the real estate is situated. A real estate mortgage contract will become effective on the date of registration of the mortgage. If a mortgage is created on the property placed on
pre-sale
or which is still undergoing construction, the registration authority will, when registering the mortgage, record such details on the mortgage contract. If the construction of the property is
completed during the term of a mortgage, the parties involved will have to
re-register
the mortgage after the issuance of the relevant certificates evidencing the rights and ownership to the real estate.
Under the Urban Real Estate Law and the Measures for Administration of Leases of Commodity Properties promulgated by the MOHURD on December 1, 2010 and
effective as of February 1, 2011, the parties to a lease of a building are required to enter into a lease contract in writing. When a lease contract is signed, amended or terminated, the parties must, within 30 days, register the details with
the real estate administration authority in which the building is situated. Further, where a lessor intends to sell the leased house during the lease term, it shall notify the lessee with reasonable advance notice before selling the house, and the
lessee shall have the preemptive right under equal conditions. A lessor shall also have the obligations to maintain the house, ensure the safety of the house and its indoor facilities according to the contractual stipulations. If a lessor fails to
repair the damaged house in a timely manner, which affects the lessees normal use of the house, it shall compensate the lessee or reduce the rents as agreed.
Regulations on Environmental Protection in Construction Projects
Under the Regulations on the Administration of Environmental Protection in Construction Project promulgated by the State Council on November 29, 1998, and
amended on July16, 2017, each construction project is subject to an environmental impact assessment by the relevant authorities. According to the regulation, a construction unit is required to submit an environmental impact report, or an
environmental impact report form, or an environmental impact registration form (as the case may be) to the relevant environmental protection administration for approval during the projects feasibility analysis stage. In the meantime, if any
ancillary environmental protection facilities are necessary in the construction project, such facilities are required to be designed, constructed and used in conjunction with the main project. After completion of the project, construction unit shall
conduct inspection and acceptance of the ancillary environmental protection facilities in accordance with the standards and procedures prescribed by administrative department of environmental protection of the State Council and prepare the report on
inspection and acceptance. Except for the circumstances that need to be kept confidential in accordance with the provisions of the laws and regulations, the construction unit shall make the report on inspection and acceptance available to the
public. The project shall not be put into operation or use if the ancillary environmental protection facilities have not been inspected and accepted, or fail to pass the inspection and acceptance. The Environmental Impact Assessment Law, promulgated
on October 28, 2002, and amended on February 2, 2016, provides that if the environmental impact assessment documents of a construction project have not been examined by the relevant environmental protection administrations or are not
approved after examination, the construction work unit may not commence work.
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C.
Organizational Structure
The following chart illustrates our corporate structure, with our equity interest shown in each of our principal operating subsidiaries as of the date of this
annual report:
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We conduct substantially all of our operations through the following subsidiaries in China:
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Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (Beijing) Limited, or Techfaith China, which primarily designs
GSM-based
mobile handsets;
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One Net Entertainment Limited, formerly known as Techfaith Interactive Technology (Beijing) Limited which primarily designs games;
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Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (Shanghai) Limited, which primarily designs CDMA mobile handsets using technology licensed from QUALCOMM;
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Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (Hangzhou) Limited, or Techfaith Hangzhou, which holds our Hangzhou tech park;
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Techfaith Intelligent Handset Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, which focuses on smart phones and handsets sales;
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Tecface Communication Technology (Beijing) Limited, formerly known as STEP Technologies (Beijing) Co., Limited, which focuses on smart phones under the 17FOX and MOBIFOX brands; and
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17fox Technology (Shenyang) Co. Limited, or 17FOXSY, formerly known as Tecface International Mobile (Shenyang) Co., Limited, our 83.3% owned subsidiary in China, which focuses on smart phones and handsets sales, and
also holds our Shenyang tech park.
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Except for TechSoft, One Net, Glomate, Tecface Communication Equipment Beijing and 17FOXSY, all of our
subsidiaries in China are wholly owned. TechSoft is wholly owned by a Cayman Islands holding company, which is a joint venture that is 70%-owned by us and 30%-owned by QUALCOMM. Infiniti Capital Limited,
IDG-Accel
China Growth Fund II L.P. and
IDG-Accel
China Investor II L.P own 23.4%, 8.1% and 0.7% of One Net, respectively. Glomate is a subsidiary that is 51%-owned by
us and 49%-owned by Billion Team Asia Limited, an affiliate of D Magic Mobile. BEIID owns 28.1% of Tecface Communication Equipment Beijing, and Shenyang Investment, together with its affiliate company, own 16.7% of 17FOXSY. In January of 2018, we
signed a share transfer agreement with Shenyang Investment and its affiliated company to transfer 8.3% of the equity interest of 17FOXSYback to us. After the completion of this transaction, we will own 91.7% of the equity interest of 17FOXSY.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and rely on dividends from our subsidiaries in China.
D.
Property, Plants and Equipment
Our principal
executive offices were located on rented premises comprising 4,171 square meters in Beijing, China. We also have regional offices in Shanghai and Hangzhou that occupy approximately 1,760 square meters in aggregate.
As part of our expansion strategy, we acquired land use rights and began constructing buildings and facilities in Hangzhou, Beijing and Shenyang of China.
These buildings and facilities were originally designed for research and development purposes as well as for establishing internal manufacturing capabilities. Since then, we have shifted our strategy to use the construction of these buildings and
facilities to diversify our business. We have engaged in activities to lease or sell the unused portions of these buildings and facilities as construction is completed. Thus, our real estate portfolio now forms part of our strategy to diversify
revenue streams. See Item 4. Information on the CompanyB. Business Overview.
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Hangzhou Tech Park.
We have completed the construction of three buildings with a total area of 43,398
square meters and they have been all rented out. In addition, we are constructing another four buildings in Hangzhou. As of December 31, 2017, we had invested approximately US$147.3 million in the construction of our facilities in
Hangzhou. The capital expenditure in connection with the facilities in Hangzhou is expected to be US$11.3 million in aggregate in the next three years.
Shenyang Tech Park
. In November 2011, our subsidiary, 17FOXSY, acquired land use rights to a piece of land comprising 46,717 square meters in Shenyang,
China, for the establishment of an integrated research and development, sales and distribution center. In
mid-2012,
we commenced the Phase I construction of two buildings with an area of 10,270 square meters,
which was completed in 2014. Under our current construction plan, there are buildings of approximately 40,966 square meters to be built in Shenyang. As of December 31, 2017, we had invested US$40.1 million in construction fees in Shenyang
project. The capital expenditure in connection with the facilities in Shenyang is expected to be US$8.6 million over the next three years.
Beijing Jiuxianqiao Building (Disposed)
. We acquired a
6-floor
building of about 24,700 square meters in
Jiuxianqiao, Chaoyang District, Beijing to build our R&D center in 2006. After our Beijing office moved in 2009, we began to rent or sell part of this
6-floor
building. All floors were subsequently sold in
2016 and 2017.
Beijing Tech Park (Discontinued Option, Disposed)
. In August 2011, our subsidiary, Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing, acquired
certain land use rights. The acquired land use rights relate to a piece of land in Beijing comprising 139,650 square meters. The construction of our facilities in Beijing is divided into two phases. We commenced the Phase I construction of 16
buildings with a total area of about 73,000 square meters in March 2012 which was completed in 2015. We completed the relevant government inspections and received premises permits necessary for the occupation of 7 buildings, among the 16 buildings
of Phase I, from the relevant local government departments in 2016. Additionally, we also commenced the construction of another six buildings representing Phase II of the project, out of 16 buildings in total, in 2015. We have invested
US$138.2 million in construction fees for our Beijing project as of December 31, 2016. In April 2017, we entered into an agreement with Hongkungu to transfer our 100% beneficial ownership in Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing for a
consideration of RMB 1 billion (approximately US$ 144 million). A net gain of US$3.9 million was recognized as the net gain from disposal of discontinued operation in 2017.
ITEM 4.A. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
ITEM 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon and should be
read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and their related notes included in this annual report on Form
20-F.
This report contains forward-looking information. See Item 5. Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects G. Safe Harbor. In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information provided under the caption Item 3. Key Information D. Risk Factors and Item 11.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties.
A.
Operating Results
Major Factors Affecting Our
Results of Operations
Our success in the mobile phone business depends on our ability to introduce and bring to market innovative, attractive products
with new technologies that are differentiated from our competitors products.
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We operate in a dynamic, rapidly evolving, highly competitive mobile communications industry characterized by
volatility, declining average selling prices and short product life cycles. We develop handsets for the domestic China market and the broader global market. Network standards, handset software and hardware vary greatly from market to market.
Technologies in the mobile communications industry evolve very rapidly, with limited control over or certainty regarding which features will become popular. The ability to quickly and effectively adopt new technologies is a key factor for short and
long-term business success. Failure to adopt, or late adoption of, new technologies can affect our business materially. In addition, we may not be able to cross integrate new technologies into other technologies related to accessories for mobile
handsets and our products may lose their appeal for our customers. There are many factors involved in adopting new technologies, and many of these factors are beyond our control. Our business may require significant investment to pursue material
opportunities, including investments in research and development, licensing arrangements, acquiring technologies, recruiting specialized expertise and partnering with third parties to innovate and grow successfully. Those investments may not,
however, result in technologies or products that achieve or retain broad or timely market acceptance or are preferred by our customers and consumers. These could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations, particularly
our profitability.
We may not be able to invest adequate resources to compete in the aforementioned strategic areas, which may, in the future, prove a
competitive disadvantage for us. If we fail in these aspects of our strategy, we may not realize a return on our investments or may incur continued operating losses and experience impaired competitiveness in the longer term.
Additionally, the complexity of software and integration of hardware and software functionalities may cause unforeseen delays even close to the anticipated
launch of a mobile product. We continue to depend on third party component providers, contract manufacturers, application developers and other partners, which can lead to additional challenges and delays that are outside of our control.
Our ability to innovate, develop and bring competitive mobile products to the market is contingent on our ability to identify, understand and anticipate
industry and market trends; access to effective research and product development processes; ability to secure necessary components or software assets from suppliers in sufficient quantities on a timely basis; and ability to improve our time to
market, including the introduction of innovations. As we focus on identifying and understanding other evolving key market trends, we must follow and rapidly respond to these key market trends and actively anticipate or create future trends when
possible through our product development processes. We also need to execute efficiently in creating and developing competitive products, and in bringing our products to market in a timely manner with compelling marketing messages that succeed in
retaining and engaging our current customers as well as attracting new customers and consumers.
We view our company as a highly innovative company with
unique product offerings to our customers. We have been successful in developing and introducing niche middle- to
high-end
ruggedized products to our customers, and plan to continue to offer and develop these
products for both our domestic and international consumer and enterprise segment. Such strategy is subject to risks and uncertainties, which could significantly impair our financial results and ability to compete effectively in the mobile phone
market; such risks and uncertainties include technology adoption trends, high levels of competition, the availability of investment resources, customer and distributor relationships and telecommunication carrier requirements. We continually seek new
technologies and market segments where we believe we can be successful. For example, we have achieved a positive customer response for our ruggedized handset models and unique, value-added functionality, including blood pressure monitoring software
and other tailored healthcare features.
As part of our expansion strategy, we acquired land use rights and began constructing buildings and facilities in
Hangzhou, Beijing and Shenyang of China. These buildings and facilities are designed for research and development purposes as well as for establishing internal manufacturing capabilities. Since then, we have shifted our strategy to use the
construction of these buildings and facilities to help diversify our business. Our current premises and facilities are more than sufficient to accommodate our existing production needs, we currently lease or sell the unused portions of these
buildings, construction in progress and facilities. Thus, our real estate portfolio has formed part of our strategy to diversify our revenue.
41
Key Components of Results of Operations
Continuing Operations Overview
Net
RevenuesContinuing Operation
We derive our current revenues primarily from mobile phone business and real estate business. We sell wireless
products and solutions, which include smart phones and wireless devices designed by us and manufactured by EMS providers, and other electronics components and solutions for mobile handsets. Our revenues from the mobile phone segment also include
handset design services for which we charge design fees, component sales related to design, such as chips used in the mobile handsets we design, and service income. We also sell branded name phones under our brands including Tecface, 17FOX and
MOBIFOX to our customers. Our revenues from product sales are net of value-added taxes, which is 17%, subject to further regulatory changes, of the gross sales proceeds received by our PRC subsidiaries.
Our mobile phone businesses contributed revenue of US$60.2 million, US$57.6 million and US$44.4 million or 94.5%, 94.5% and 95.0% of our total
revenues in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The mobile handset industry is characterized by relatively short product life cycles, which increases competition, creates margin pressure for wireless handset brand owners and leads to a preference
towards outsourcing. Our net revenues from product sales are driven by the number of mobile handsets sold to our customers as well as the average per unit price of such handsets. The number of mobile handsets sold is in turn driven, in part, by the
quality and reliability of our products, the number of our customers and the number of product orders that our sales and marketing team is able to obtain from each of our customers.
While the quality of our products and services is a key factor in attracting orders from our customers, the number of orders we receive is also driven by the
market demand for the specific products we design and produce, and the level of competition from our competitors in terms of their ability both to attract our target customers and to exert downward pressures on industry prices. The market demand for
mobile handsets is further influenced by general economic conditions, the level of disposable income of consumers and general consumer sentiment in China, and, to a lesser extent, in other countries in which we sell our products.
The following table sets forth the total revenues, the quantities and the average sales price of group of similar products for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
Quantity
|
|
|
Average
Sales Price
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
Quantity
|
|
|
Average
Sales Price
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
Quantity
|
|
|
Average
Sales Price
|
|
|
|
($000)
|
|
|
(000)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($000)
|
|
|
(000)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($000)
|
|
|
(000)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
Phone and product sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Low end phone and product with a selling price lower than US$150
|
|
$
|
11,639
|
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
$
|
89
|
|
|
$
|
11,960
|
|
|
|
109
|
|
|
$
|
109
|
|
|
$
|
11,547
|
|
|
|
215
|
|
|
$
|
54
|
|
Middle end phone and product with a selling price between US$150 and US$300
|
|
|
6,551
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
$
|
221
|
|
|
|
1,229
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
$
|
220
|
|
|
|
10,330
|
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
$
|
180
|
|
High end phone and product with a selling price higher than US$300
|
|
|
33,350
|
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
$
|
310
|
|
|
|
30,146
|
|
|
|
102
|
|
|
$
|
294
|
|
|
|
2,963
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
$
|
282
|
|
Design fee
|
|
|
4,246
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
9,288
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
7,312
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
Component sales and others
|
|
|
4,408
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
5,008
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
12,292
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
NA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenue from mobile phone business
|
|
$
|
60,194
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
57,631
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
44,444
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42
Our revenues from real estate business represent the rental income we recognized for leasing out our office
buildings and properties. Our real estate business contributed revenue of US$3.5 million, US$3.3 million and US$2.4 million or 5.5%, 5.5% and 5.0% of our total revenues in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. As of December 31,
2017, our buildings available for lease, including two in Shenyang and three in Hangzhou, of about 53,000 square meters in total, of which 51,344 square meters have been leased out.
Cost of RevenuesContinuing Operation
Cost of
revenues from our mobile phone business consists primarily of the cost of acquiring the products from EMS factories, warranty cost and delivery cost. The cost of acquiring the products from EMS factories include not only the service fees paid to the
EMS providers for processing and assembly but also the cost of raw materials the EMS providers buy from suppliers on behalf of us. Our cost of revenues for mobile phone business may be lowered by our ability to source the required raw materials and
components from our suppliers at competitive cost due to established and stable supplier relationships and price discounts from bulk purchases. Cost of revenues from our real estate business primarily consists of depreciation expenses of our real
estate.
Operating Expenses Continuing Operations
Operating Expenses
. Our operating expenses consist of general and administrative, research and development and selling and marketing expenses and
expenses related to impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets with definite lives and goodwill.
General and Administrative Expenses
.
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefits of administrative personnel, office expenses including staff traveling expenses and other expenses for general and administrative purposes, as well as costs for
professional services, including legal and bad debts expenses.
Research and Development Expenses
. Research and development expenses consist
primarily of the portion of our engineers compensation and benefits not attributable to any mobile handset design project pursuant to a design contract, amortization of assets related to research and development, and lease expenses for
occupancy associated with research and development.
Selling and Marketing Expenses
. Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of expenses
related to marketing and promotion activities, advertisement expenses, compensation and benefits for sales and marketing personnel and travel expenses of sales and marketing personnel.
Income Taxes
. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, where we are located, and the current laws of the BVI, where our intermediate holding
companies are located, we are not subject to tax on our income or capital gains. In addition, our payment of dividends is not subject to withholding tax in these jurisdictions.
For more information in connection with the tax status of our subsidiaries in China and Hong Kong, see Item 4. Information On the Company B.
Business Overview Regulation Tax.
43
Discontinued Operations Overview
We are not required to prepare separate financial statements for discontinued operations. Our discontinued operations consist of the real estate portfolio
owned by Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing, including land used rights, property and constructions in progress located in the Xihongmen area of Beijing, and two floors in a building located in Beijing. The following table sets forth operating
result of our discontinued operations for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|
Operations disposed
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
Net revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real estate
|
|
$
|
941
|
|
|
$
|
891
|
|
|
$
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real estate
|
|
|
(74
|
)
|
|
|
(70
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
|
821
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
(271
|
)
|
|
|
(440
|
)
|
|
|
(68
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net gain from disposal of discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,890
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income from discontinued operations
|
|
$
|
596
|
|
|
$
|
381
|
|
|
$
|
3,837
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which require us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of our company, its subsidiaries and its variable interest entity.
All inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation. Significant accounting estimates reflected in our financial statements include revenue recognition, impairment of goodwill, allowance for doubtful accounts, provision for
inventory write-down, impairment for long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives, and valuation allowances for deferred tax assets. We continually evaluate these judgments, estimates and assumptions based on the most recently
available information, our own historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results
could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application.
The selection of
critical accounting policies, the judgments and other uncertainties affecting application of those policies and the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions are factors that should be considered when reviewing our
financial statements. For further information on our significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. We believe the following accounting policies involve the most significant judgments and estimates used in the
preparation of our financial statements.
Reclassification and Segment Reporting
Our business used to comprise the following three areas in term of revenue contribution: (1) ODP business; (2) brand name phone sales; and
(3) game business. Revenue from real estate had been recognized as the other operating income. The amount and percentage of revenues we derived from those three areas have fluctuated and continued to decline over the past years, we combine our
ODP, brand name phone sale and game into one business, mobile phone business from 2015. We have continued to progress the development of our real estate portfolio in our real estate business. From the beginning of 2015, we have reclassified our
business into mobile phone business and real estate business. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, specifically the revenue, costs and receivables related to real estate business segment.
44
Revenue Recognition
A. Revenue related to mobile phone business segment
(1) Product sales
Revenue from sales of products, including
feature phones and smart phones designed by us and manufactured by EMS providers, wireless modules as well as other electronic components is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection
is reasonably assured, and in the period in which delivery or performance has occurred. The four criteria are generally met upon delivery of the product.
(2) Design fee
Design fee is a fixed amount paid in
installments according to
pre-agreed
milestones. In general, three milestones are identified in our design contracts with customers:
GSM-based
handsets industry-based
standard referred to as full type approval, or FTA; the regulatory approval for its use in the intended country which, in the case of China, is a China-type approval, or CTA; and the beginning of mass production referred to as shipping acceptance,
or SA. We recognize revenues in accordance with authoritative guidance with regard to software revenue recognition based on the proportional performance method using an output measure determined by the achievement of each milestone.
(3) Component sales
Component sales revenue, including sales of
mobile phone components other than finished mobile phone products (such as chips used in mobile products) is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured, and in the
period in which delivery or performance has occurred. The four criteria are generally met upon delivery of the product.
(4) Brand Name Phone Sales
Revenue from sales of brand name phones, represent mobile phone under our brands including Tecface, QIGI, 17FOX and MOBIFOX. Our brand phones are designed by
us and manufactured by EMS providers. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured, and in the period in which delivery or performance has occurred. The
four criteria are generally met upon delivery of the product.
B. Revenue related to real estate business segment
Our rental income includes rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of each lease reported on a straight-line basis over the term of the
lease. Since many of our leases provide for rental increases at specified intervals, GAAP requires us to record a receivable, and to include in revenues on a straight-line basis, unbilled rent receivables that we will only receive if the tenant
makes all rent payments required through the expiration of the initial term of the lease. We defer the revenue related to lease payments received from tenants in advance of their due dates.
Rental revenue recognition commences when the tenant takes possession or controls the physical use of the leased space. For the tenant to take possession, the
leased space must be substantially ready for its intended use. To determine whether the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use, we evaluate whether the Company owns or the tenant owns the tenant improvements. When we are the owner
of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of the finished space, which is when such improvements are substantially complete. When we conclude that we are not the owner (as the tenant is the owner) of
tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of or controls the space. When we conclude that we are the owner of tenant improvements, we record the cost to construct the tenant improvements, including costs
paid for or reimbursed by the tenants, as a capital asset. When we conclude that the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes, we record our contribution towards those improvements as a lease incentive, which is included in
deferred leasing costs, net on the consolidated balance sheets and amortized as a reduction to rental income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Our leases generally provide for tenant reimbursement of a portion of common area maintenance expenses and other operating expenses to the extent that a
tenants pro rata share of the expenses exceeds a base year level set in the lease or to the extent that the tenant has a lease on a triple net basis. Such cost recoveries from tenants are net with rent income.
45
Income Taxes
Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant tax authorities. Deferred income taxes are recognized when temporary
differences exist between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Net operating loss carry forwards and credits are applied using enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future
years. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on our
ability to generate future taxable income. The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income are reduced. Such an occurrence could materially adversely affect our
results of operations and financial condition. The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are individually classified as current and
non-current
based on their characteristics.
The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return is recognized at the largest amount that is
more-likely-than-not
to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Interest and
penalties on income taxes will be classified as a component of the provisions for income taxes. We did not identify significant unrecognized tax benefits for years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. We did not incur any interest and penalties
related to potential underpaid income tax expenses and also believed that our unrecognized tax benefits would not change significantly within 12 months from December 31, 2017.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain
allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and establish an allowance for doubtful accounts. In making these
estimates, we analyze the age of the receivables, creditworthiness of our customers, past transaction histories with customers and their current condition, changes in customer payment terms, specific facts and circumstances, and the overall economic
climate in the industries we serve. We believe the allowances established are adequate under the circumstances. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, adversely affecting their ability to make payments, additional
allowances would be required. Based on managements assessment, we provide for estimated uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to a valuation allowance.
Inventories
Our inventories consist of raw
materials, finished goods and work in progress. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventory costs include expenses that are directly or indirectly incurred in the acquisition, including shipping and handling costs
charged to us by suppliers, and production of manufactured products for sale. Expenses include the cost of materials and supplies used in production, direct labor costs and allocated overhead costs such as depreciation, insurance, employee benefits,
and indirect labor. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. Inventories are written down for provisions for obsolescence to net realizable value taking consideration of estimates of future demand, technology developments and market
conditions.
Assets Held for Sale
We consider
property, plant and equipment to be assets held for sale when all of the following criteria are met: i) a formal commitment to a plan to sell a property was made and exercised; ii) the property is available for sale in its present condition; iii)
actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated; iv) sale of the property is probable and we expect the completed sale will occur within one year; v) the property is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is
reasonable given its current market value; and vi) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Upon designation as assets held for sale, we
record each property at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and we cease depreciation.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Intangible Asset with Definite Lives
We evaluate our long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may no longer be recoverable. When these events occur, we measure impairment by comparing the carrying values of the long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives to the estimated undiscounted future cash
flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amounts of the assets, we would recognize an impairment loss based on the fair values of
these assets. The determination of fair value of long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives acquired involves certain judgments and estimates. These judgments can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is
expected to generate in the future. This analysis also relies on a number of factors, including changes in strategic direction, business plans, regulatory developments, economic and budget projections, technological improvements, and operating
results.
46
In 2014, due to continually declining sales in the brand name phone reporting unit, all intangible assets in this
reporting unit were fully impaired with an impairment loss of $2.9 million for software licenses recorded in 2014. There were no such impairments in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
We recorded impairment losses of US$nil, US$nil and US$1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. In 2017, we
determined an impairment loss of US$1.8 million for software licenses, which were out of service.
A.
Results of Operations
Results of Operations for Continuing Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated. Our business has evolved significantly since
we commenced operations in July 2002. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the market and industry in which we operate, the prediction of our future operating results remains relatively difficult. We believe that
period-to-period
comparisons of operating results should not be relied upon as being indicative of future performance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
(US$ in thousands)
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile phone business
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Parties
|
|
$
|
57,999
|
|
|
$
|
53,982
|
|
|
$
|
44,254
|
|
Related party
|
|
|
2,195
|
|
|
|
3,649
|
|
|
|
190
|
|
Real estate
|
|
|
3,474
|
|
|
|
3,327
|
|
|
|
2,362
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenues
|
|
|
63,668
|
|
|
|
60,958
|
|
|
|
46,806
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile phone business
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Parties
|
|
|
(54,635
|
)
|
|
|
(44,001
|
)
|
|
|
(35,822
|
)
|
Related party
|
|
|
(2,167
|
)
|
|
|
(3,417
|
)
|
|
|
(149
|
)
|
Real estate
|
|
|
(1,022
|
)
|
|
|
(1,088
|
)
|
|
|
(1,072
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenues
|
|
|
(57,824
|
)
|
|
|
(48,506
|
)
|
|
|
(37,043
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
5,844
|
|
|
|
12,452
|
|
|
|
9,763
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative (including bad debt expenses of $1,063, $1,282 and $4,493 for the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively)
|
|
|
(8,103
|
)
|
|
|
(5,015
|
)
|
|
|
(8,378
|
)
|
Research and development
|
|
|
(8,084
|
)
|
|
|
(6,601
|
)
|
|
|
(4,242
|
)
|
Selling and marketing
|
|
|
(1,331
|
)
|
|
|
(4,259
|
)
|
|
|
(1,253
|
)
|
Impairment of long-lived assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,750
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
(17,518
|
)
|
|
|
(15,875
|
)
|
|
|
(15,623
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government subsidy income
|
|
|
162
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
Other operating loss
|
|
|
(132
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other operating
income-net
gain from sale of real
estate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,939
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income from operations
|
|
|
(11,644
|
)
|
|
|
11,536
|
|
|
|
(5,651
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(1,365
|
)
|
|
|
(1,697
|
)
|
|
|
(1,913
|
)
|
Interest income
|
|
|
412
|
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
27
|
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
110
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
Change in fair value of put option
|
|
|
(210
|
)
|
|
|
(210
|
)
|
|
|
(6,510
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income before income taxes
|
|
|
(12,697
|
)
|
|
|
9,778
|
|
|
|
(14,055
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expenses
|
|
|
(996
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income from continuing operations
|
|
|
(13,693
|
)
|
|
|
9,778
|
|
|
|
(14,055
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income from discontinued operations
|
|
|
596
|
|
|
|
381
|
|
|
|
3,837
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
|
(13,097
|
)
|
|
|
10,159
|
|
|
|
(10,218
|
)
|
Less: net (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
|
|
|
(292
|
)
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
(886
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income attributable to our company
|
|
$
|
(12,805
|
)
|
|
$
|
10,132
|
|
|
$
|
(9,332
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2017 and the Year Ended December 31, 2016
Net Revenues from Continuing Operations
Our net
revenues from continuing operations decreased by 23.2% from US$61.0 million in 2016 to US$46.8 million in 2017. The decrease was mainly due to the impact of a decline in revenues from our mobile phone business.
Mobile phone business
. Our net revenues from mobile phone business decreased by 22.9% from US$57.6 million in 2016 to US$44.4 million in
2017. The decrease was primarily due to the increased competition in the market, and the decrease of the average selling price per unit. The average selling price decreased from US$199.7 per unit in 2016 to US$87.8 per unit in 2017.
Real estate
. Revenues from continuing real estate business decreased by 29.0% from US$3.3 million in 2016 to US$2.4 million in 2017. The
decrease was mainly because we sold three floors of the Beijing Jiuxianqiao Building in 2016, and they ceased to contribute rent income to our real estate business. The net gain realized by disposing of our properties is recorded as other operating
income in our statement of operations. The continuing real estate business includes the rental income of two buildings in Shenyang and three buildings in Hangzhou. As of December 31, 2017, our buildings available for lease were of about 53,000
square meters in total of which 51,344 square meters had been leased out as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
Cost of Revenues from Continuing
Operations
Cost of revenues from continuing operations decreased by 23.6% from US$48.5 million in 2016 to US$37.0 million in 2017,
generally in line with the change of our net revenues.
Mobile phone business
. Cost of revenues for mobile phone business decreased by 24.1% from
US$47.4 million in 2016 to US$36.0 million in 2017. The decrease was primarily in line with the decrease in mobile phone revenues in 2017.
Real estate
. Cost of revenues from continuing real estate business was US$1.1 million in both 2016 and 2017. Cost of revenues for real estate did
not decrease with the revenues from real estate because the Beijing Jiuxianqiao Building was reclassified to assets held for sale in 2016, so it ceased to be depreciated and therefore no depreciation cost was recorded in both 2016 and 2017.
Gross Profit from Continuing Operations
Our
overall gross profit from continuing operations was US$9.8 million in 2017, compared to US$12.5 million in 2016, representing gross margins of 20.9% and 20.4%, respectively.
The gross margin for the mobile phone business increased from 17.7% in 2016 to 19.1% in 2017 although the net revenue from the mobile phone business was
decreased in 2017. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to the sale of those slow moving inventories, which has been fully allowanced in previous years, during the year.
The gross margin for the real estate business decreased from 67.3% in 2016 to 54.6% in 2017. The decrease was primarily because we completed the sale of our
properties in Beijing in 2017 which has higher gross margin.
48
Operating Expenses from Continuing Operations
Operating expenses from continuing operations decreased by 1.6% from US$15.9 million in 2016 to US$15.6 million in 2017. The decrease was primarily
due to the decreases in selling and marketing expenses and research and development expenses, which was partially offset by the increase in general and administrative expenses.
General and administrative expenses
. General and administrative expenses increased by 67.1% from US$5.0 million in 2016 to US$8.4 million in
2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase of US$3.2 million in bad debt provision for account receivables and other receivables as compared to 2016. We determine the collectability of specific accounts through considering the
creditworthiness of customers, aging of the receivables, past transaction histories with the customers and their current condition, changes in customer payment terms, specific facts and circumstances, and the overall economic climate in the
industries.
Research and development expenses
. Research and development expenses decreased by 35.7% from US$6.6 million in 2016 to
US$4.2 million in 2017. In 2017, we recognized an impairment loss of about US$1.8 million for software licenses, which were out of service. Therefore, the amortization costs in relation to research and development decreased in 2017 as compared
to 2016.
Selling and marketing expenses
. Selling and marketing expenses decreased by 70.6% from US$4.3 million in 2016 to US$1.3 million
in 2017. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in advertisement expenses for mobile phone business as compared to 2016. Due to the continuing decrease in sales revenue, we cut down our advertising fee in 2017.
Government Subsidy Income from Continuing Operations
We recorded government subsidy income of US$20 thousand and US$209 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Some
local governments in PRC give subsidies to companies as an incentive to establish business in certain locales. These government subsidies are recognized as subsidy income when they are received as we do not have further obligation to earn this
subsidy once received. We also receive government grants as compensation of performing government-endorsed projects. The grants are refundable until we achieve certain performance measures. These government grants are recorded as a liability until
earned. We recognize these grants as subsidy income once we complete the relevant projects and achieve the performance measures.
Interest Expense
from Continuing Operations
Interest expenses increased by 12.7% from US$1.7 million in 2016 to US$1.9 million in 2017. The increase was
primarily due to interest expenses of US$0.7 million recorded in connection with the termination agreement for the Techfaith Hangzhou project in 2017.
Interest Income from Continuing Operations
Interest income decreased fromUS$65 thousand in 2016 to US$27 thousand in 2016, due to lower average cash balances in 2017.
Change in Fair Value of Put Option from Continuing Operations
Changes in the fair value of put options resulted in losses of US$0.2 million and US$6.5 million in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The losses were due
to an increase in the fair value of certain underlying put options relating to the Techsoft business, as the actual performance of the Techsoft business did not meet the original budget and therefore, the fair value of the underlying put options was
affected.
Income Tax Expenses from Continuing Operations
Income tax expenses was US$nil in both 2016 and 2017.
49
Net Income Attributable to Our Company
As a result of the cumulative effect of the foregoing factors, we recorded a net loss attributable to our company of US$9.3 million in 2017, as compared
to a net income of US$10.1 million in 2016.
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2016 and the Year Ended December 31, 2015
Net Revenues from Continuing Operations
Our net revenues from continuing operations decreased by 4.3% from US$63.7 million in 2015 to US$61.0 million in 2016. The decrease was mainly due to
the impact of a decline in revenues from our mobile phone business.
Mobile phone business
. Our net revenues from mobile phone business decreased
by 4.3% from US$60.2 million in 2015 to US$57.6 million in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the increased competition in the market, and the decrease in volumes being sold, partially offset by the increase of the average selling
price per unit. The quantity of products sold decreased from approximately 268,000 units in 2015 to approximately 217,000 units in 2016, while the average selling price increased from US$192.3 per unit in 2015 to US$199.7 per unit in 2016.
Real estate
. Revenues from continuing real estate business decreased by 4.2% from US$3.5 million in 2015 to US$3.3 million in 2016. The
decrease was mainly due to the change of exchange rate. The continuing real estate business includes the rental income of two buildings in Shenyang and three buildings in Hangzhou. As of December 31, 2016, our buildings available for lease were of
about 53,000 square meters in total.
Cost of Revenues from Continuing Operations
Cost of revenues from continuing operations decreased by 16.1% from US$57.8 million in 2015 to US$48.5 million in 2016. The decrease was primarily
due to a decrease in revenues compounded by changes in our business mix.
Mobile phone business
. Cost of revenues for mobile phone business
decreased by 16.5% from US$56.8 million in 2015 to US$47.4 million in 2016. The decrease was primarily in line with the decrease in mobile phone revenues in 2016.
Real estate
. Cost of revenues from continuing real estate business increased by 6.5% from US$1.0 million in 2015 to US$1.1 million in 2016.
The increase was primarily in line with the increase in real estate revenues in 2016.
Gross Profit from Continuing Operations
Our overall gross profit from continuing operations was US$12.5 million in 2016, compared to US$5.8 million in 2015, representing gross margins of
20.4% and 9.2%, respectively. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to the continued change of our business mix, and the increased revenue from our real estate business which has a higher gross margin.
The gross margin for the mobile phone business increased from 5.6% in 2015 to 17.7% in 2016. The increase was primarily due to the continued change of our
business mix, in particular, the increased revenue from design fee, which has a higher gross margin.
The gross margin for the real estate business
decreased from 70.6% in 2015 to 67.3% in 2016.
Operating Expenses from Continuing Operations
Operating expenses from continuing operations decreased by 9.4% from US$17.5 million in 2015 to US$15.9 million in 2016. The decrease was primarily
due to the decreased general and administrative expenses, which was partially offset by the increase of advertisement expenses in 2016.
General and
administrative expenses
. General and administrative expenses decreased by 38.1% from US$8.1 million in 2015 to US$5.0 million in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of US$0.8 million in rental expenses and a
decrease of US$1.2 million in the deed tax as compared to 2015.
50
Research and development expenses
. Research and development expenses decreased by 18.3% from
US$8.1 million in 2015 to US$6.6 million in 2016. The decrease was primarily due to lower amortization costs in relation to research and development as compared to 2015.
Selling and marketing expenses
. Selling and marketing expenses increased by 220.0% from US$1.3 million in 2015 to US$4.3 million in 2016. The
increase was primarily due to an increase in advertisement expenses for our mobile phone business as compared to 2015.
Government Subsidy Income
from Continuing Operations
We recorded government subsidy income of US$162 thousand and US$20 thousand for the years ended
December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Some local governments in PRC give subsidies to companies as an incentive to establish business in certain locales. These government subsidies are recognized as subsidy income when they are received as
we do not have further obligation to earn this subsidy once received. We also receive government grants as compensation of performing government-endorsed projects. The grants are refundable until we achieve certain performance measures. These
government grants are recorded as a liability until earned. We recognize these grants as subsidy income once we complete the relevant projects and achieve the performance measures.
Other Operating
Income-Net
Gain from Sale of Real Estate
We recorded the operating
income-net
gain from sale of real estate of US$14.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 2016, which is related to the sale of three floors of a building located in Beijing completed in 2016.
Interest Expense from
Continuing Operations
Interest expenses increased by 24.3% from US$1.4 million in 2015 to US$1.7 million in 2016. The increase was
primarily due to the increase in average short-term loans and long-term loans outstanding from US$20.7 million in 2015 to US$21.4 million in 2016.
Interest Income from Continuing Operations
We
recorded interest income of US$412 thousand and US$65 thousand in 2015 and 2016, respectively, due to lower average cash balances in 2016.
Change in Fair Value of Put Option from Continuing Operations
Changes in the fair value of put options resulted in losses of US$210 thousand and US$210 thousand in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The losses were
due to an increase in the fair value of certain underlying put options relating to the Techsoft business, as the actual performance of the Techsoft business did not meet the original budget and therefore, the fair value of the underlying put options
was affected.
Income Tax Expenses from Continuing Operations
Income tax expenses decreased from US$1.0 million in 2015 to US$nil in 2016. The decrease was mainly due to net loss recorded by our subsidiaries in the
PRC.
Net Income Attributable to Our Company
As a result of the cumulative effect of the foregoing factors, we recorded a net income attributable to our company of US$10.1 million in 2016, as
compared to a net loss of US$12.8 million in 2015.
51
Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2017 and the Year Ended December 31, 2016
Net Revenues from Discontinued Operations
Our net
revenues from discontinued operations decreased to US$15 thousand in 2017 from US$891 thousand in 2016. The decrease was mainly because in 2017 we completed the sale and transfer of Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing, whose revenues
were no longer recorded as net revenues.
Cost of Revenues for Discontinued Operations
Cost of revenues for discontinued operations decreased to US$nil in 2017 from US$70 thousand in 2016. The decrease was because in 2017 we completed the
sale and transfer of Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing, which we no longer recorded its costs of revenues after the transfer.
Gross Profit for
Discontinued Operations
As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit for discontinued operations was US$15 thousand in 2017, compared to
US$821 thousand in 201.
General and administrative Expenses for Discontinued Operations
General and administrative expenses for discontinued operations decreased from US$440 thousand in 2016 to US$68 thousand in 2017. The decrease was
mainly because in 2017, we completed the sale and transfer of Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing, which we no longer recorded its expenses after the transfer.
Net Income from Discontinued Operations
As a
result of the foregoing, our net income from discontinued operations increased from US$381 thousand in 2016 to US$3.8 million in 2017. We completed the sale and transfer of Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing in 2017 and a net gain of
US$3.9 million was recognized as the net gain from disposal of discontinued operation in 2017.
Comparison of the Year Ended December 31,
2016 and the Year Ended December 31, 2015
Net Revenues from Discontinued Operations
Our net revenues from discontinued operations decreased to US$891 thousand in 2016 from US$941 thousand in 2015. The decrease was mainly due to the
impact of the devaluation of the renminbi as compared to U.S. dollars.
Cost of Revenues for Discontinued Operations
Cost of revenues for discontinued operations decreased to US$70 thousand in 2016 from US$74 thousand in 2015. The decrease was mainly due to the
impact of the devaluation of the renminbi as compared to U.S. dollars.
Gross Profit for Discontinued Operations
As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit for discontinued operations was US$821 thousand in 2016, compared to US$867 thousand in 2015.
General and administrative Expenses for Discontinued Operations
General and administrative expenses for discontinued operations increased from US$271 thousand in 2015 to US$440 thousand in 2016. The increase was
primarily due to the depreciation expenses for the seven buildings in Beijing.
52
Net Income from Discontinued Operations
As a result of the foregoing, our net income from discontinued operations decreased from US$596 thousand in 2015 to US$381 thousand in 2016.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU)
No. 2014-09,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU will supersede the revenue
recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance, and creates guidance for when revenue should be recognized from the exchange of goods or services. ASU
No. 2016-08
was issued in March 2016 to clarify the principal versus agent guidance in this new revenue recognition standard. ASU
2016-10
was issued in April 2016
to clarify the guidance on accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations in the new revenue recognition standard. ASU
2016-12
was issued in May 2016 to clarify the
guidance on transition, collectability, noncash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes in the new revenue recognition standard. ASU
2016-20
was issued in December 2016 to make
technical corrections and improvements on narrow aspects of this guidance. ASU
No. 2015-14
was issued in August 2015 to defer the effective date of ASU
2014-09
for
one year. The new standard permits adoption either by using (i) a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption or (ii) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying
the new standard recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that
reporting period. The Company will adopt the revenue recognition guidance beginning January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method of adoption. The Company has determined that the adoption of Topic 606 would not have a material impact
on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, FASB issued ASU
No. 2017-01,
Business
Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments in this ASU clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be
accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Basically, these amendments provide a screen to determine when a set is not a business. If the screen is not met, the amendments in this ASU first, require that to be considered a
business; a set must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output and second, remove the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements.
These amendments take effect for public businesses for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those periods, and all other entities should apply these amendments for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2018, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU would have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU
2017-09,
Scope of Modification Accounting, which amends the scope of
modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements and provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required to apply modification accounting under ASC 718.
For all entities, this ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The
Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU would have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In July 2017, the
FASB issued ASU
2017-11,
Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). The amendments in Part I of the Update change the
reclassification analysis of certain equity-lined financial instruments (or embedded features) with down round features. The amendments in Part II of this Update
re-characterize
the indefinite deferral of
certain provisions of Topic 480 that now are presented as pending content in the Codification, to a scope exception. For public business entities, the amendments in Part I of this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within
those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. For all other entities, the amendments in Part I of this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal
year that includes that interim period. The amendments in Part II of this Update do not require any transition guidance because those amendments do not have an accounting effect. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU would have a
material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
53
In September 2017, the FASB issued ASU
2017-13,
Revenue Recognition
(Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842). This Accounting Standards Update adds SEC paragraphs pursuant to an SEC Staff Announcement made at the July 20, 2017 Emerging Issues
Task Force meeting. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU would have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In November 2017, the FASB issued ASU
2017-14,
Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Revenue
Recognition (Topic 605), and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This Accounting Standards Update supersedes various SEC paragraphs and amends an SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 116 and
SEC Release
No.33-10403.
The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU would have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
The Company does not believe other recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the
Companys consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income and statements of cash flows.
B.
Liquidity and Capital
Resources
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
(US$ in thousands)
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
|
|
$
|
(34,108
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,901
|
)
|
|
$
|
19,441
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
|
|
|
(130,149
|
)
|
|
|
14,999
|
|
|
|
(25,164
|
)
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(4,189
|
)
|
|
|
(724
|
)
|
|
|
(4,462
|
)
|
Effect of exchange rate changes
|
|
|
(2,000
|
)
|
|
|
(525
|
)
|
|
|
4,557
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(170,446
|
)
|
|
|
5,849
|
|
|
|
(5,628
|
)
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
|
|
|
170,960
|
|
|
|
514
|
|
|
|
6,363
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
|
|
$
|
514
|
|
|
$
|
6,363
|
|
|
$
|
735
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We have financed our operations through cash generated from our operating activities, securities issuances, short-term loans
and long-term loans. As of December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, we had US$0.5 million, US$6.4 million and US$0.7 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and demand
deposits, which are unrestricted as to withdrawal and use, and which have maturities of three months or less when purchased.
We have incurred an
operating loss in 2017 and the mobile phone business segment, including ODP and the brand name phone sales, has experienced increased competition and a corresponding decrease in the average sales price per unit and the associated total revenue.
Further, cash flows from operating activities, with the exception of 2017, have been negative since 2015. We are actively pursuing an increase in revenue generation and consistent positive operating income and cash flows from operations. During
2017, we sold Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing and generated cash proceeds of about US$65.1 million in 2017 from this transaction, which was utilized in operations and to finance a third party manufacturer. Our current assets exceeded our
current liabilities by US$79.0 million as of December 31, 2017. We are of the opinion that the cash and cash equivalents on hand as of December 31, 2017, together with the expected collection of the current receivable from real estate disposition of
US$36.0 million in 2018 will be sufficient to meet our anticipated obligations and capital expenditure requirements within the normal operating cycle of twelve months period. However, we might still need to raise additional capital or monetize other
significant real estate projects prior to the generation of sustainable positive cash flow from operating activities. We cannot assure you, however, that additional financing or real estate sales will be available in the amounts we need or on terms
acceptable to us, if at all. The future sale of additional securities, including convertible debt securities, in one or more public offerings or private placements could result in additional dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of
indebtedness would result in debt service obligations and could result in operating and financial covenants that restrict our operations and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders. If we are unable to obtain additional equity or debt
financing as required, our business, operations and prospects may suffer.
54
The ability of our subsidiaries in China to convert Renminbi into U.S. dollars and make payments to us is subject
to PRC foreign exchange regulations. Under these regulations, Renminbi is convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions. Conversion of
Renminbi for capital account items, such as direct investment, loan, security investment and repatriation of investment, however, is still subject to the approval of relevant PRC government authorities. Restrictions on the availability of foreign
currency may affect the ability of our PRC subsidiaries and variable interest entity to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. See Item
3. Key InformationD. Risk Factors Risks Related to Doing Business in China Fluctuation in the value of the Renminbi may have a material adverse effect on your investment. Techfaith is a holding company and has no present
plan to pay any cash dividends on its ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. See Item 8. Financial Information A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information Dividend Policy. You should also carefully
consider the information provided under Item 3. Key Information D. Risk Factors and Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Operating Activities
. Net cash provided by operating activities was US$19.4 million in 2017. It is different from the net loss from continuing
operation of US$14.1 million mainly because of (i) adding back
non-cash
expense items, which mainly include a US$6.5 million of expenses in relation to the change in fair value of put option, a
US$3.9 million of provision for doubtful accounts, and a US$2.5 million of depreciation expense, as well as (ii) changes in working capital, which mainly include a $17.1 million decrease in accounts receivables as a result of
successful collection in 2017 and a US$17.4 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily due to an increase in receivables for disposal of a subsidiary.
Net cash used in operating activities was US$7.9 million in 2016. It is different from the net income from continuing operation of US$9.8 million
because of (i) deducting $14.9 of net gain from the sale of real estate, which is categorized as cash provided by investing activities instead of operating activities, as well as (ii) changes in working capital, which mainly include a
US$11.7 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets due to an increase in advances paid to our EMS suppliers and an increase of US$8.0 million in account receivables as a result of credit granted to certain long term
relationship customers since 2015, while partially offset by the effect of (iii) adding back
non-cash
expense items, which mainly include a US$4.2 million in amortization expenses of acquired
intangible assets and a US$3.4 million in depreciation expense.
Net cash used in operating activities was US34.1 million in 2015. It is
different from the net loss from continuing operation of US$13.7 million because of (i) changes in working capital, which mainly includes a US15.4 million increase in accounts receivables as a result of credit granted to certain long
term relationship customers since 2015, a US$9.6 million decrease in notes payable and a US$8.7 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets, while partially offset by the effect of (ii) adding back
non-cash
expense items, which mainly include a US$7.3 million in inventory provisions, and an expense of US$3.7 million in relation to amortization of acquired intangible assets.
Investing Activities
. Net cash used in investing activities was US$25.2 million in 2017, which mainly resulted from investment of
$40.8 million in Hangzhou and Shenyang projects and a loan of $51.8 million to a third party offset by $65.1 million received from the sale of a subsidiary. We began to prepare the construction of another four buildings in Hangzhou in
2015. As of December 31, 2017, the construction of four buildings was still in progress. In 2017, we sold our beneficial ownership in Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing, including its land use rights, property and constructions in progress,
to Hongkungu for a consideration of RMB 1 billion (approximately US$144 million). We received about $15.4 million and $65.1 million from Hongkungu in 2016 and 2017, respectively. We expect to receive about $36.0 million in 2018
and $30.7 million after 2018. We may also consider selling additional buildings and facilities if the appropriate opportunities arise.
Net cash
provided in investing activities was US$15.0 million in 2016, which mainly resulted from the sale of certain properties in Beijing.
Net cash used in
investing activities was US$130.1 million in 2015, which mainly resulted from investment in the expansion of our real estate portfolio as part of our strategy to diversify our business and attempt to mitigate long-term volatility in our
business.
Financing Activities
. Net cash used in financing activities was US$4.5 million in 2017, as compared to net cash used in financing
activities of US$0.7 million and US$4.2 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively.
55
In 2017, we received short-term loans of US$3.6 million. In 2017, we repaid short-term loans of
US$7.4 million and a long-term loan of US$0.7 million.
In 2016, we received short-term loans of US$15.7 million and long-term loans of
US$12.9 million. In 2016, we also repaid short-term loans of US$28.6 million and long-term loans of US$0.8 million.
In 2015, we received
short-term loans of US$20.3 million and repaid short-term loans of US$14.7 million and capital repayment of $8.1 million to a noncontrolling shareholder.
Capital Expenditures
. Our capital expenditures amounted to US$153.7 million, US$7.8 million and US$41.4 million in 2015, 2016 and 2017,
respectively. Our historical capital expenditure consisted principally of purchases or construction of office buildings, software, machinery, equipment and other items related to our research and development activities, but our capital expenditure
for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 consisted mainly of construction of office buildings for the real estate business since 2014. We expect that our capital expenditure from 2018 to 2020 will amount to approximately
US$19.9 million, which will primarily relate to the construction of office buildings in Hangzhou and Shenyang. The capital expenditure in connection with the facilities in Hangzhou for four buildings is expected to be US$11.3 million over
the next three years. The capital expenditure in connection with the facilities in Shenyang is expected to be US$8.6 million in aggregate in the next three years. We currently plan to fund these expenditures with our cash, cash equivalents,
short-term investments and anticipated cash flow generated from our operating activities, as well as long-term loans.
C.
Research and Development,
Patents and Licenses, etc.
See Item 4. Information on the Company B. Business Overview Research and Development.
D.
Trend Information
Other than as disclosed elsewhere
in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the year ended December 31, 2017 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our net revenues, income, profitability,
liquidity or capital resources, or that caused the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.
E.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any outstanding
off-balance
sheet guarantees, interest rate swap transactions or foreign currency
forward contracts. We do not engage in trading activities involving
non-exchange
traded contracts.
F.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment Due by Period
|
|
Contractual Obligations
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Less Than 1
Year
|
|
|
1-3 Years
|
|
|
3-5 Years
|
|
|
More Than 5
Years
|
|
|
|
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|
Long-Term Debt Obligations
|
|
$
|
12,663
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,152
|
|
|
$
|
2,766
|
|
|
$
|
7,745
|
|
Short-Term Debt Obligations
|
|
|
4,577
|
|
|
|
4,577
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital obligations
|
|
|
19,902
|
|
|
|
11,346
|
|
|
|
8,556
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase obligations
(1)
|
|
|
2,755
|
|
|
|
2,755
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantee obligations
(2)
|
|
|
6,148
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,148
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
46,045
|
|
|
$
|
18,678
|
|
|
$
|
16,856
|
|
|
$
|
2,766
|
|
|
$
|
7,745
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Purchase obligations represent commitments under
non-cancellable
contracts we entered into with certain EMS providers that allow them to procure inventory required to provide the
manufacturing services for our products.
|
(2)
|
Guarantee obligations represent commitments under contracts we entered into for a bank credit to one of our EMS factories to fund its capital demand of production.
|
Other than the contractual obligations set forth above, we do not have any long-term commitments.
56
G.
Safe Harbor
This annual report on Form
20-F
contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the
safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as
may,will,expects,anticipates,future,intend,plan,believe,estimate,is/are likely to or other and similar expressions. A number of
business risks and uncertainties could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties relate to:
|
|
|
our limited operating history as a mobile handset design and software solution provider and, to an even larger extent, as a seller of completed handsets;
|
|
|
|
our ability to successfully expand into the branded mobile phone;
|
|
|
|
our ability to timely and cost-efficiently sell completed handsets to meet our customers demands;
|
|
|
|
decrease in demand for completed handsets by mobile handset brand owners; and
|
|
|
|
other risks outlined in this annual report on Form
20-F.
|
We would
like to caution you not to place undue reliance on these statements and you should read these statements in conjunction with the risk factors disclosed in Item 3. Key Information D. Risk Factors. We do not undertake any obligation
to update the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable law.
ITEM 6. Directors, Senior Management
and Employees
A.
Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this annual report:
|
|
|
|
|
Directors and Executive Officers
|
|
Age
|
|
Position/Title
|
Deyou Dong
|
|
44
|
|
Chairman, Director, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer
|
Yibo Fang
|
|
50
|
|
Director, Chief Technology Officer
|
Jy-Ber
Gilbert Lee
|
|
63
|
|
Independent Director
|
Ken Lu
|
|
56
|
|
Independent Director
|
Hongwei Zhao
|
|
55
|
|
Independent Director
|
Yuping Ouyang
|
|
44
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
Directors and Executive Officers
Mr.
Deyou Dong
has been our director and Chief Operating Officer since August 2009, President since 2011 and Chief Executive Officer
since May 2015. He joined Techfaith in 2007, acting as general manager of sales department. Prior this, he served as director of marketing department and finance department in Century Legend Technology Beijing Limited in 1998, and General Manager of
system integration department in China System Integration Technology Beijing Limited in 2003. Mr. Dong received a diploma in accounting from the Jilin University of Agricultural Science And Technology in 1997.
Mr.
Yibo Fang
has been our director since November 2016 and currently serves as our Chief Technology Officer of our company. From
August 2002 to March 2005, Mr. Fang was the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Techfaith China. Before joining our company in August 2002, Mr. Fang worked at Beijing Sino-Electronics Future Telecommunication R&D, Ltd. for
five months as a hardware director. From August 2001 to January 2002, Mr. Fang worked at ZT Telecom as a hardware engineer. From 1995 to July 2001, Mr. Fang worked at Motorola (China) as a hardware engineer. Mr. Fang received his
bachelors degree in electrical engineering and applied electronic technology from Tsinghua University in China in 1991.
Dr.
Jy-Ber
Gilbert Lee
has been our independent director since November 2016 and a director since May 2005. Mr. Lee was our President and Chief Operating Officer from February 2006 to August 2008. Prior
to joining our company, Dr. Lee was the deputy general manager of the Guangdong branch of China Netcom Corp., a subsidiary of China Netcom Group. From June 2001 to February 2004, Dr. Lee was the Managing Director of Sales of China Netcom
Corp. From July 2000 to May 2001, Dr. Lee was a Vice President of Motorola Inc., and Deputy General Manager of Global Telecom Solutions, Greater China. Dr. Lee received his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from National
Taiwan University in 1977, and his masters degree in energy engineering and his Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1980 and 1984, respectively.
57
Dr.
Ken Lu
has been our independent director since August 2006. Dr. Lu is a
founder and managing director of Seres Asset Management Limited, an investment management company focusing on Asian equity markets. Prior to that, Dr. Lu was a managing director of APAC Capital Advisors Limited. Dr. Lu has also worked as a
research analyst at a number of leading investment banks, including JP Morgan and Credit Suisse, serving as the Head of China Research at Credit Suisse from October 2001 to May 2004. Dr. Lu also serves on the boards and audit committees of
China Biological Product, Inc., a company listed on the NASDAQ, and China Cord Blood Corporation, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Peking University in 1985, his Master of Science
degree from Brigham Young University in 1988, and his Ph. D. degree in finance from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1998.
Mr.
Hongwei Zhao
has been our independent director since November 2015. Besides his role in our Company, Mr. Zhao currently
also serves as the chairman of the Beijing Zhongguancun International Incubator Park, a leading platform for many successful technology startups in Beijing. Mr. Zhao received a bachelors degree in 1984 from Shanghai Ocean University and a
masters degree in 2002 in economics and management from Capital University of Business and Economics in China.
Ms.
Yuping
Ouyang
has been our Chief Financial Officer since August 2008. From September 2004 to August 2008, Ms. Ouyang worked in various financial positions at our company, including as the US GAAP reporting manager and chief accounting
officer. Prior to joining our company, she served as an accounting manager at Guangzhou Metro Corporation. Ms. Ouyang received her MBA from the Sun
Yat-sen
University in 2006 and her bachelors
degree in management from the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in 1996. Ms. Ouyang is also a licensed member of the Certified Public Accountants of Washington State and a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
The business address of our directors and executive officers is c/o China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology Limited, Tower D, MFOX Plaza, Kechuang
12th Street, Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Yi Zhuang), Beijing 101111, Peoples Republic China.
B.
Compensation of Directors
and Executive Officers
In 2017, the aggregate cash compensation and benefits that we paid to our directors and executive officers was approximately
US$0.1 million. No executive officer is entitled to any severance benefits upon termination of his or her employment with our company. We contributed US$0.03 million for executive pension and retirement benefits in 2017 as required by PRC
law.
Share Incentives
In 2005, our board of
directors and our shareholders approved a 2005 share incentive plan, or the 2005 plan, in order to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, provide additional incentive to employees, directors and
consultants and promote the success of our business. A total of 40,000,000 ordinary shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2005 plan, under which 38,801,636 options and 644,090
non-vested
shares have
been granted as of the date of this annual report. Our 2005 plan expired in 2015 and we will not further grant any awards under such plan.
The following
table summarizes, as of April 27, 2018, the basic terms of the outstanding options granted under the 2005 plan to our directors and senior executive officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
Ordinary Shares
Underlying the
Options Granted, as
of the Date of Grant
|
|
|
Price (US$/Share)
|
|
|
Date of Grant
|
|
|
Expiration Date
|
|
Jy-Ber
Gilbert Lee
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
|
0.272
|
|
|
|
April 21, 2011
|
|
|
|
April 21, 2021
|
|
Ken Lu
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
|
0.272
|
|
|
|
April 21, 2011
|
|
|
|
April 21, 2021
|
|
Deyou Dong
|
|
|
3,000,000
|
|
|
|
0.254
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2011
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2021
|
|
Yuping Ouyang
|
|
|
3,000,000
|
|
|
|
0.254
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2011
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2021
|
|
Yibo Fang
|
|
|
3,000,000
|
|
|
|
0.254
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2011
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
9,600,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58
The following table summarizes, as of April 27, 2018, the
non-vested
shares granted under the 2005 plan to our directors and senior executive officer named below since our board of directors adopted the 2005 plan:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Ordinary
Shares Underlying the
Non-vested
Shares
Granted, as of the Date of
Grant
|
|
|
Price (US$/Share)
|
|
|
Date of Grant
|
|
Ken Lu
|
|
|
65,818
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 11, 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
65,818
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following paragraphs describe the principal terms of the 2005 plan.
Types of Awards
. The following types of awards may be granted under our 2005 plan:
|
|
|
options to purchase our ordinary shares;
|
|
|
|
non-vested
shares, which are
non-transferable
ordinary shares, subject to forfeiture upon termination of a grantees employment or
service;
|
|
|
|
non-vested
share units, which represent the right to receive our ordinary shares at a specified date in the future, subject to forfeiture upon termination of a grantees
employment or service;
|
|
|
|
share appreciation rights, which provide for payment to the grantee based upon increases in the price of our ordinary shares over a set base price; and
|
|
|
|
dividend equivalent rights, which represent the value of the dividends per share that we pay.
|
Awards may be
designated in the form of ADSs instead of ordinary shares. If we designate an award in the form of ADSs, the number of shares issuable under the 2005 plan will be adjusted to reflect that one ADS represents 75 ordinary shares.
Plan Administration
. Our board of directors, or a committee designated by our board or directors, administer the 2005 plan. The committee or the full
board of directors, as appropriate, determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each award grant.
Award Agreement
. Awards granted under
our 2005 option plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each award. In addition, in the case of options, the award agreement also specifies whether the option constitutes an incentive stock
option, or ISO, or a
non-qualifying
stock option.
Eligibility
. Awards may be granted to employees,
directors and consultants of our company or any of our related entities, which include our subsidiaries or any entities in which we hold a substantial ownership interest. However, we may grant options that are intended to qualify as ISOs only to our
employees.
Acceleration of Awards upon Corporate Transactions
. Outstanding awards will accelerate upon the occurrence of a
change-of-control
corporate transaction where the successor entity does not assume our outstanding awards under the 2005 plan. In such event, each outstanding award will
become fully vested and immediately exercisable, and the transfer restrictions on the awards will be released and the repurchase or forfeiture rights will terminate immediately before the date of the
change-of-control
transaction. If the successor entity assumes our outstanding awards and later terminates the grantees service without cause within 12 months of the
change-of-control
transaction, the outstanding awards will automatically become fully vested and exercisable.
59
Terms of Awards
. In general, the plan administrator determines the exercise price of an option or the
purchase price of the nonvested shares and sets forth the price in the award agreement. The exercise price may be a fixed or variable price related to the fair market value of our ordinary shares. If we grant an ISO to an employee, who, at the time
of that grant, owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our share capital, the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of our ordinary shares on the date of that grant. The term of each
award shall be stated in the award agreement. The term of an award shall not exceed 10 years from the date of the grant.
Vesting Schedule
. In
general, the plan administrator determines, or the award agreement specifies, the vesting schedule.
Amendment and Termination
. The 2005 plan
expired in 2015, but such expiration will not affect the awards already granted under the 2005 plan.
C.
Board Practices
Each director participated in all the meetings of our board and its committees on which he served after becoming a member of our board. No director is entitled
to any severance benefits upon termination of his directorship with us. As of the date of this annual report, a majority of our directors meet the independence definition under The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. Marketplace Rules, or the
NASDAQ Rules.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Audit Committee
. Our audit committee reports to the board regarding the appointment of our independent auditors, the scope of the annual audits, the
fees paid to our independent auditors, the results of our annual audits, compliance with our accounting and financial policies and managements procedures, policies relating to the adequacy of our internal accounting controls and
pre-approval
of
non-audit
services rendered to us by our independent auditors. In 2016, our audit committee held four meetings.
Our audit committee currently consists of Dr. Ken Lu, Dr. Gilbert Lee and Mr. Hongwei Zhao, all of whom meet the audit committee independence
standard under Rule
10A-3
under the Exchange Act. Each of them also meets the independence definition under Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Rules. Dr. Ken Lu is the chairman of our audit committee, and
Dr. Ken Lu is financial experts as defined under the NASDAQ Rules.
Compensation Committee
. Our compensation committee reviews and
evaluates and, if necessary, revises the compensation policies adopted by management. Our compensation committee also determines all forms of compensation to be provided to our senior management team. In addition, the compensation committee reviews
all annual bonuses, long-term incentive compensation packages, share options, employee pensions and welfare benefit plans. Our Chief Executive Officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which his compensation is deliberated.
Our compensation committee currently consists of Mr. Hongwei Zhao, Dr. Ken Lu and Dr. Gilbert Lee, all of whom meet the
independence definition under the NASDAQ Rules. Dr. Gilbert Lee is the chairman of our compensation committee.
Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committee
. Our corporate governance and nominating committee assists our board of directors in identifying individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The
corporate governance and nominating committee monitors compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics as well as with applicable laws and our corporate governance practices.
Our corporate governance and nominating committee currently consists of Mr. Hongwei Zhao, Dr. Ken Lu and Dr. Gilbert Lee, all of whom meet the
independence definition under the NASDAQ Rules. Mr. Hongwei Zhao is the chairman of our corporate governance and nominating committee.
60
Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands laws, our directors owe a fiduciary duty to act honestly, in good faith and with a view to our best interests. Our directors also owe to
our company a duty to act with skill and care. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his knowledge and experience.
However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors
must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time.
Terms of Directors and Officers
All directors hold office until the expiration of their terms and until their successors have been elected and qualified. A director may be removed by
an ordinary resolution of our shareholders at any time before the expiration of his term. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors.
D.
Employees
As of December 31, 2015, 2016 and
2017, we had 135, 118 and 115 employees, respectively. Our employees as of December 31, 2017 consist of 63 in research and development and support functions, 13 in selling and marketing and 39 in management and administration. The change of
employee numbers during fiscal year 2016 was mainly due to our adjustment of operation size. We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees, and we have not experienced any labor disputes. In 2012, we set up a labor union
for our employees solely for the better administration of employee benefits. Our management has maintained friendly relations with the union from the time of its formation.
E.
Share Ownership
As of March 31, 2018, 794,003,193
ordinary shares of our company were issued and outstanding, excluding shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options. Our shareholders are entitled to vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to shareholders vote. No
shareholder has different voting rights from other shareholders. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.
As of March 31, 2018, approximately 68.6% of the issued and outstanding shares were held by two record shareholders in the United States. As of March 31,
2018, there were 7,258,987 ADSs outstanding in the Companys ADR program, representing 544,424,052 ordinary shares of our company registered in the name of The Bank of New York Mellon, our ADS depositary.
The following table sets forth information with respect to our directors and executive officers beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares on a fully
diluted basis as of March 31, 2018, to the extent such ownership exists:
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Ordinary Shares Beneficially
Owned
(1)
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Number
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%
(2)
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Directors and Executive Officers
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Deyou Dong
(3)
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257,695,000
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32.5
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%
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Jy-Ber
Gilbert Lee
(4)
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*
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*
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Ken Lu
(5)
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*
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*
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Yuping Ouyang
(6)
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*
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*
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Yibo Fang
(7)
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*
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*
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All directors and executive officers as a group
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264,360,818
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33.3
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%
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*
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Less than 1% of the total number of our outstanding shares as of March 31, 2018.
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(1)
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Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities.
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(2)
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For each person and included in this table, percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or group by the sum of (1) 794,003,193 being the number of ordinary
shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and (2) the number of ordinary shares underlying share options held by such person or group, if any, that were exercisable within 60 days after March 31, 2018, or the number of
non-vested
shares held by such person or group, if any, that will fully vest within 60 days after March 31, 2018, or the number of other securities of the company that such person or group otherwise has the right to
acquire, if any, within 60 days after March 31, 2018 by option or other agreement.
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61
(3)
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Includes (i) 171,195,000 ordinary shares held by Oasis Land Limited, wholly owned by Mr. Deyou Dong, and (ii) 83,500,000 ordinary shares held by Helio Glaze Limited, wholly owned by Mr. Deyou Dong, and (iii)
3,000,000 ordinary shares that were issuable upon exercise of options held by Mr. Deyou Dong within 60 days after March 31, 2018.
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(4)
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Represents ordinary shares that were issuable upon exercise of options held by
Mr. Jy-Ber
Gilbert Lee within 60 days
after March 31, 2018.
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(5)
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Includes ordinary shares held by Mr. Ken Lu, and ordinary shares that were issuable upon exercise of options held by Mr. Lu within 60 days after
March 31, 2018.
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(6)
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Represents ordinary shares that were issuable upon exercise of options held by Ms. Yuping Ouyang within 60 days after March 31, 2018.
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(7)
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Represents ordinary shares that were issuable upon exercise of options held by Mr. Yibo Fang within 60 days after March 31, 2018.
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The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares, as of March 31, 2018, by our other principal
shareholders:
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Ordinary Shares Beneficially
Owned
(1)
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Number
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%
(2)
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Other Principal Shareholders
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IDGVC Partners and affiliates
(3)
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78,814,628
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9.9
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%
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(1)
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Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities.
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(2)
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For each person and group included in this table, percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or group by
794,003,193, the number of ordinary shares outstanding as of March 31, 2018.
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(3)
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On June 9, 2009, our subsidiary Leo Technology Limited, now renamed 798 Entertainment Limited, issued US$10 million aggregate principal amount of 8% senior
secured convertible promissory notes with a maturity date of three years to IDG Funds, affiliates of IDGVC Partners, a leading venture capital firm. The notes are convertible into our ordinary shares or Leo Technology Limiteds ordinary shares
at the option of the note holders. According to the relevant investor rights agreement, each of the IDG Funds chose to convert 62.5% of its share of the principal amount of the notes into our ordinary shares, and the remaining 37.5% was converted
into shares of 798 Entertainment Limited. As a result of the conversion, we issued 78,814,628 of our ordinary shares to IDG Funds on September 8, 2010. Following this conversion, the IDG Funds exercised their registration rights under the notes
represented by 5,254,309 ADSs outstanding on a fully diluted basis. Aside from their shares held as ADSs, the IDG Funds hold 23 ordinary shares. Such shareholding information is based on the information contained in the Schedule 13G/A filed by
IDG-Accel
China Growth Fund II L.P. with the SEC on September 20, 2010 and in the Schedule 13G filed by Chi Sing Ho with the SEC on March 29,2012. Please see such Schedule 13G/A and Schedule 13G for
information relating to the IDG Funds.
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For more information with respect to share options, see Item 6. Directors, Senior Management
and Employees B. Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers Share Incentives.
ITEM 7. Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A.
Major Shareholders
Please refer to Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees E. Share Ownership.
62
B.
Related Party Transactions
Transactions with Yunhu Times Technology Limited, or Yunhu
In 2016 and 2017, we purchased raw materials from and sold mobile phone products to Yunhu, a company controlled by Mr. Defu Dong, our former chairman of the
board. Purchase of raw materials from Yunhu were US$2.7 million and US$nil for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Sales of mobile phone products to Yunhu were US$3.6 million and US$190 thousand for the years ended December 31,
2016 and 2017, respectively. Accounts receivable due from Yunhu were US$2.2 million and US$1.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Amount due from Yunhu were US$950 thousand and US$1.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2017,
respectively.
Transactions with Mr. Deyou Dong
17FOXSY is our 83.3% owned subsidiary in China. In December 2016, our 83.3% equity interest in 17FOXSY was transferred from Fair Nice to Mr. Deyou Dong,
CEO of our company, and as a result 17FOXSY became a domestic company. Fair Nice and Mr. Deyou Dong entered into an entrusted agreement prior to the transfer. On April 24, 2017, the 83.3% equity interest was transferred back from
Mr. Deyou Dong to Techfaith China.
Share Options and
Non-vested
Share Grants
Please refer to Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesB. Compensation of Directors and Executive OfficersShare Incentives.
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not
applicable.
ITEM 8. Financial Information
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report.
Legal Proceedings
We are not currently involved in any
litigation or other legal matters that would have a material adverse impact on our business or operations.
Dividend Policy
We do not have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of
our available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business.
Subject to our memorandum and articles of
association, as amended from time to time, and the laws of the Cayman Islands, our board of directors may from time to time declare dividends on shares in issue. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no
dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if
this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors determines to distribute dividends, the form, frequency and amount of our dividends will depend upon
our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors as the board of directors may deem relevant. Any dividend we declare will be paid to the holders of ADSs,
subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, to the same extent as holders of our ordinary shares, less the fees and expenses payable under the deposit agreement. Any dividend we declare will be distributed by the depositary to the holders of our
ADSs. Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
B.
Significant Changes
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial
statements included in this annual report.
ITEM 9. The Offer and Listing
A.
Offer and Listing Details
Our ADSs, each representing
15 of our ordinary shares until March 1, 2016 and 75 of our ordinary shares since then, have been listed on the NASDAQ Global Market since May 5, 2005. Our ADSs are traded under the symbol CNTF
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The following table provides the high and low trading prices for our ADSs on the NASDAQ for the time periods
indicated.
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Trading Price
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High
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Low
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Annual High and Low
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2013
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10.40
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4.75
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2014
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15.05
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5.30
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2015
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7.60
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2.48
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2016
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4.62
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1.56
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2017
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3.60
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1.45
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Quarterly Highs and Lows
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First Quarter 2016
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4.62
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2.60
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Second Quarter 2016
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4.38
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1.56
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Third Quarter 2016
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3.60
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1.59
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Fourth Quarter 2016
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2.73
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1.58
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First Quarter 2017
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2.37
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1.45
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Second Quarter 2017
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3.60
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1.85
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Third Quarter 2017
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3.10
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2.23
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Fourth Quarter 2017
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3.12
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2.06
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First Quarter 2018
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3.40
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2.13
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Monthly Highs and Lows
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October 2017
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2.55
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2.10
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November 2017
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3.12
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2.06
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December 2017
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2.88
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2.37
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January 2018
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3.40
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2.43
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February 2018
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2.89
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2.48
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March 2018
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2.50
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2.13
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April 2018 (through April 20, 2018)
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2.46
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2.08
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B.
Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C.
Markets
Our ADSs, each representing 15 of our ordinary shares until March 1, 2016 and 75 of our ordinary shares since then, have been listed on the NASDAQ Global
Market since May 5, 2005 under the symbol CNTF
D.
Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E.
Dilution
Not applicable.
F.
Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
ITEM 10.
Additional Information
A.
Share Capital
Not
applicable.
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B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
We incorporate by reference into this annual report the description of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contained in our
F-1
registration statement (File
No. 333-123921)
filed with the Commission on April 20, 2005. In 2005, our shareholders approved an amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association of our company, which became effective immediately upon the trading of our ADSs on the NASDAQ.
C.
Material Contracts
For the two years immediately preceding publication of this annual report, we have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary
course of business and other than those described in Item 4. Information on the Company or elsewhere in this annual report on Form
20-F.
D.
Exchange Controls
See Item 4. Information on
the Company B. Business Overview Regulation Foreign Currency Exchange.
E.
Taxation
Cayman Islands Taxation
According to our Cayman Islands
counsel, Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, the Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There
are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of, the Cayman Islands. The
Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company. There is no exchange control legislation under Cayman Islands law and accordingly, there is no exchange control regulation imposed
under Cayman Islands law.
United States Federal Income Taxation
The following discussion is a summary of certain United States federal income tax considerations to U.S. Holders (defined below) relating to the ownership and
disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares. This discussion applies only to U.S. Holders of the ADSs or ordinary shares that hold the ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets (generally, property held for investment). This discussion is
based upon United States federal income tax law, which is subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect.
The following
discussion is for general information only and does not address all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to any particular investor or to persons in special tax situations such as:
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financial institutions;
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regulated investment companies;
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real estate investment trusts;
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holders who are not U.S. holders;
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traders that elect the
mark-to-market
method of accounting;
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65
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tax-exempt
entities (including private foundations);
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persons liable for alternative minimum tax;
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persons holding an ADS or ordinary share as part of a straddle, hedging, conversion or integrated transaction for United States federal income tax purposes;
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persons that directly, indirectly or constructively own 10% or more of our stock;
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persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;
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persons holding ADSs or ordinary shares through partnerships or other pass-through entities; or
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persons who acquired ADSs or ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee share option or otherwise as compensation.
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This discussion does not address any U.S. state, local or
non-United
States tax considerations, the Medicare tax, or
any
non-income
tax (such as U.S. federal estate or gift tax) considerations.
U.S. Holders are urged to consult
their tax advisors about the application of the United States federal tax rules to their particular circumstances as well as the state and local and foreign tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ADSs or ordinary
shares.
The discussion below of the United States federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders will apply if you are the beneficial
owner of ADSs or ordinary shares and you are, for United States federal income tax purposes,
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a citizen or individual resident of the United States;
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a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created in or organized under the laws of the United States, any State or the District of Columbia;
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an estate whose income is includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or
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a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has
a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.
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If a partnership
(including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds ADSs or ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the
partnership. If you are a partner of a partnership holding ADSs or ordinary shares, you are urged to consult your tax advisor as to the particular United States federal income tax considerations of an investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares that
is applicable to you.
It is generally expected that a holder of ADSs should be treated, for United States federal income tax purposes, as the beneficial
owner of the underlying shares represented by the ADSs. The remainder of this discussion assumes that a holder of ADSs will be treated in this manner. Predicated upon such treatment, deposits or withdrawals of common shares for ADSs will not be
subject to United States federal income tax.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
Based on the market price of our ADSs and the composition of assets, we do not believe that we were a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) for
United States federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ended December 31, 2017 and do not anticipate becoming a PFIC in the foreseeable future. However, because the determination of whether or not we will be or become a PFIC depends on
the composition of our income and our assets and the market price of our ADSs, no assurance can be given that we will not be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year. In addition, because there are uncertainties in the application of the relevant
rules, it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service may challenge our classification of certain income and assets as non-passive which may result in our being or becoming a PFIC in the current or subsequent years. Moreover, as previously
disclosed, although not free from doubt, we believe that we were a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for prior taxable years. A
non-U.S.
corporation is considered a PFIC for any taxable year if either:
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75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of passive income (the income test), or
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50% or more of the average quarterly value of its assets (as generally determined on the basis of fair market value) produce or are held for the production of passive income (the asset test).
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66
For this purpose, cash and assets readily convertible into cash are generally classified as passive assets and
goodwill and other unbooked intangibles associated with active business activities may generally be classified as
non-passive
assets. We will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets and
earning our proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% (by value) of the shares.
If we are a PFIC for any year during which you hold ADSs or ordinary shares, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which
you hold ADSs or ordinary shares. However, if we cease to be a PFIC, provided that you have not made a
mark-to-market
election, as described below, you may avoid some of
the adverse effects of the PFIC regime by making a deemed sale election with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares, as applicable. If such election is made, you will be deemed to have sold our ADSs or shares you hold at their fair market value and
any gain from such deemed sale would be subject to the consequences described in the following paragraph. After the deemed sale election, your ADSs or shares with respect to which the deemed sale election was made would not be treated as shares in a
PFIC unless we subsequently became a PFIC. The rules dealing with deemed sale elections are very complex. You are strongly encouraged to consult your tax advisor about the deemed sale election with regard to our company and subsidiaries.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year and any of our
non-U.S.
subsidiaries is also a PFIC, a U.S. Holder would be
treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for purposes of the application of these rules, and could incur liability for the deferred tax and interest charge described below if either (1) we receive
a distribution from, or dispose of all or part of our interest in, the lower-tier PFICs or (2) you dispose of all or part of your ADSs or ordinary shares.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold ADSs or ordinary shares, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any excess
distribution that you receive and any gain you realize from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of the ADSs or ordinary shares, unless you make a
mark-to-market
election as discussed below. Distributions you receive in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions you
received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares will be treated as an excess distribution. Under the PFIC rules:
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such excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares,
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such amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we became a PFIC (a
pre-PFIC
year), will be taxable as
ordinary income, and
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such amount allocated to each prior taxable year, other than a
pre-PFIC
year, will be subject to the highest tax rate in effect for that taxable year;
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and an interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each prior taxable year other than a
pre-PFIC
year.
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The tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year of disposition or excess distribution cannot be offset by
any net operating losses for such years, and gains (but not losses) realized on the sale of the ADSs or ordinary shares cannot be treated as capital, even if you hold the ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets.
Alternatively, a U.S. Holder of marketable stock (as defined below) in a PFIC may make a
mark-to-market
election for such stock of a PFIC to elect out of the tax treatment discussed in the preceding paragraphs. If you make a valid
mark-to-market
election for the ADSs, you will include in income each year an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the ADSs as of the close of
your taxable year over your adjusted basis in such ADSs. You are allowed a deduction for the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the ADSs over their fair market value as of the close of the taxable year. However, deductions are allowable only
to the extent of any net
mark-to-market
gains on the ADSs included in your income for prior taxable years. Amounts included in your income under a
mark-to-market
election, as well as gain on the actual sale or other disposition of the ADSs, are treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment also applies to the
deductible portion of any
mark-to-market
loss on the ADSs, as well as to any loss realized on the actual sale or disposition of the ADSs, to the extent that the amount
of such loss does not exceed the net
mark-to-market
gains previously included for such ADSs. Your basis in the ADSs will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss
amounts. If you make such a
mark-to-market
election, tax rules that apply to distributions by corporations which are not PFICs would apply to distributions by us (except
that the lower applicable capital gains rate would not apply).
67
The
mark-to-market
election is
available only for marketable stock which is stock that is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter (regularly traded) on a qualified exchange or other market (such as the
NASDAQ), as defined in applicable Treasury regulations. Although our ADSs are currently traded on the NASDAQ, no assurance can be given that the ADSs will be regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States for any taxable
year. If any of our subsidiaries are or become PFICs, the
mark-to-market
election will likely not be available with respect to the shares of such subsidiaries that are
treated as owned by you. Consequently, you could be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to income of the lower-tier PFICs the value of which already had been taken into account indirectly via
mark-to-market
adjustments.
We do not intend to provide U.S. Holders with the information necessary to permit
U.S. Holders to make qualified electing fund elections, which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from (and generally less adverse than) the general tax treatment for PFICs described above.
If you hold ADSs or ordinary shares in any year in which we are a PFIC, you are required to file an annual report containing such information as the U.S.
Treasury may require. In addition, if you hold ADSs or ordinary shares in any year in which we are a PFIC, you will be required to file Internal Revenue Service Form 8621 regarding distributions received on the ADSs or ordinary shares and any gain
realized on the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the application of the PFIC rules, including possibility of making a
mark-to-market
election.
Taxation of Dividends and Other
Distributions on the ADSs or Ordinary Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed above, the gross amount of all our
distributions to you with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares will be included in your gross income as dividend income on the date of receipt by the depositary, in the case of ADSs, or by you, in the case of ordinary shares, but only to the
extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (computed under United States federal income tax principles). Because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of United States
federal income tax principles, a U.S. Holder should assume distributions will be reported as a dividend. The dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S.
corporations.
A
non-corporate
recipient of dividend income will generally be subject to tax on dividend income
from a qualified foreign corporation at a reduced capital gains tax rate (qualified dividend income) provided that (1) the stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or the
non-United
States corporation is eligible for the benefit of the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC, (2) the
non-United
States corporation is not a
PFIC (as discussed above) for either the taxable year in which the dividend was paid or the preceding taxable year, and (3) certain holding period requirements are met. For this purpose, ADSs listed on the NASDAQ will be considered to be
readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. There can be no assurance that our ADSs will be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States in later years. Since we do not expect
that our ordinary shares will be listed on an established securities market in the United States, it is unclear the dividends that we pay on our ordinary shares that are not backed by ADSs currently meet the conditions required for the reduced tax
rate. You are urged to consult your tax advisor regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares.
68
Dividends will generally be treated as income from foreign sources for United States foreign tax credit purposes.
A U.S. Holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit in respect of any foreign withholding taxes imposed on dividends received on ADSs or ordinary shares. A U.S. Holder who does not elect to claim
a foreign tax credit for foreign tax withheld may instead claim a deduction for United States federal income tax purposes, in respect of such withholdings, but only for a year in which such holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign income
taxes. The rules governing the foreign tax credits are complex. U.S. Holders are advised to consult with their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if a foreign withholding tax is imposed on dividends, including the availability of a foreign
tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Taxation of Disposition of Shares
Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed above, you will recognize a capital gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other taxable
disposition of an ADS or ordinary share equal to the difference between the amount realized for the ADS or ordinary share and your tax basis in the ADS or ordinary share. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the ADSs or ordinary shares have
been held for more than one year and will generally be a United States source gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit purposes. The deductibility of a capital loss may be subject to limitations. In the event that gain from the disposition
of the ADSs or ordinary shares is subject to tax in the PRC, such gain may be treated as PRC source gain under the United
States-PRC
income tax treaty. U.S. Holders are advised to consult their tax advisors
regarding the tax consequences if a foreign withholding tax is imposed on a disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares, including the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Information Reporting
U.S. Holders may be subject
to information reporting to the Internal Revenue Service with respect to dividends on and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our ADS or ordinary shares. Each U.S. Holder is advised to consult its tax advisor regarding the application of
the United States information reporting rules to its particular circumstances.
Certain U.S. Holders who hold specified foreign financial
assets, including stock of a
non-U.S.
corporation that is not held in an account maintained by a U.S. financial institution, whose aggregate value exceeds $50,000 during the tax year, may be
required to attach to their tax returns for the year certain specified information. An individual who fails to timely furnish the required information may be subject to a penalty. Each U.S. Holder who is an individual is advised to consult its tax
advisor regarding its reporting obligations under this legislation.
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G.
Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H.
Documents on Display
We have previously filed with the Commission our registration statement on Form
F-1,
as amended and prospectus under
the Securities Act of 1933, with respect to our ordinary shares.
We are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the
Exchange Act. Under the Exchange Act, we are required to file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specifically, we are required to file annually a Form
20-F
within four
months after the close of each fiscal year, which is December 31. Copies of reports and other information, when so filed, may be inspected without charge and may be obtained at prescribed rates at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Securities and Exchange Commission at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information regarding the Washington, D.C. Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at
1-800-SEC-0330.
The SEC also maintains a Web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants
that make electronic filings with the SEC using its EDGAR system. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and officers,
directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
69
We will furnish The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of our ADSs, with our annual reports, which will
include a review of operations and annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and all notices of shareholders meetings and other reports and communications that are made generally available to our
shareholders. The depositary will make such notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and, upon our request, will mail to all record holders of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders meeting
received by the depositary from us.
I.
Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
ITEM 11.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
. Our risk exposure from changes in interest rates relates
primarily to the interest income generated by excess cash invested in short-term bank deposits. Interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. We have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest risk
exposure. We have not been nor do we anticipate being exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates. However, the risk associated with fluctuating interest rates is principally confined to our cash deposits in banks, and, therefore, our
exposure to interest rate risk is minimal and immaterial.
Foreign Exchange Risk
. Substantially all of our revenues and substantially all our cost
of revenues are denominated in RMB, with an immaterial portion of our cost of revenues denominated in the U.S. dollar, for which we have not incurred any material foreign exchange gains or losses.
The value of your investment in our ADSs may be affected by the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollars and RMB, even though we use the U.S. dollar as our
functional and reporting currency, because most of our expenses are denominated in RMB and the functional currency of our PRC subsidiaries is the RMB while our ADSs are traded in U.S. dollars.
The value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by changes in Chinas political and economic conditions and by Chinas
foreign exchange policies, among other things. In July 2005, the PRC government changed its
decades-old
policy of pegging the value of the RMB to the U.S. dollar, and the RMB appreciated more than 20% against
the U.S. dollar over the following three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, the RMB has fluctuated against the
U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar in the future.
To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into RMB for our operations, acquisitions, or other uses within the PRC, appreciation of the RMB against
the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we receive from the conversion. To the extent that we seek to convert RMB into U.S. dollars, depreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the U.S.
dollar amount we receive from the conversion. As of December 31, 2017, we had
RMB-denominated
cash balances of RMB1.3 million and U.S. dollar-denominated cash balances of US$0.5 million.
Assuming we had converted the
RMB-denominated
cash balance of RMB1.3 million into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of US$1.00 for RMB6.5063 as of December 31, 2017, this cash balance would have been
US$0.2 million. Assuming a 1% depreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar, this cash balance would be US$0.2 million.
Inflation Risk
. Since
our inception, inflation in China has not had a material adverse impact on our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the year-over-year percent changes in the consumer price index for December 2015, 2016 and
2017 were increases of 1.4%, 2.0% and 1.6%, respectively. Although we have not been materially affected by inflation in the past, we may be materially affected if China experiences higher rates of inflation in the future. For example, certain
operating costs and expenses, such as employee compensation and office operating expenses, may increase as a result of higher inflation. Additionally, because a substantial portion of our assets consists of cash and cash equivalents and short-term
investments, high inflation could significantly reduce the value and purchasing power of these assets. We are not able to hedge our exposure to higher inflation in China.
70
ITEM 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
A.
Debt Securities
Not applicable.
B.
Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
C.
Other Securities
Not applicable.
D.
American Depositary Shares
Fees and Charges Our
ADS holders May Have to Pay
The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of our ADS program, collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs
directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts
distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry
system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide
fee-attracting
services until its fees for those services are paid.
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Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:
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For:
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US$5.00 or less per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)
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Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of
shares or rights or other property
Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal,
including if the deposit agreement terminates
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US$0.02 or less per ADS
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Any cash distribution to registered ADS holders
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A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs
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Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited
securities which are distributed by the depositary to registered ADS holders
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US$0.02 per ADSs per calendar year (if the depositary has not collected any cash distribution fee during that year)
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Depositary services
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Expenses of the depositary
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Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (as expressly provided in the
deposit agreement)
Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
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Registration or transfer fees
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Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the
name of the depositary or its agent or the custodian or its nominee when you deposit or withdraw shares
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Taxes, stamp duty and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS
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As necessary
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Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities
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As necessary
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71
Fees and Other Payments Made by the Depositary to Us
The depositary has agreed to reimburse us annually for our expenses incurred in connection with the administration and maintenance of our ADS facility
including, but not limited to, investor relations expenses, exchange listing fees or any other program related expenses. The depositary has also agreed to provide additional payments to us based on the applicable performance indicators relating to
our ADS facility. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us, but the amount of reimbursement available to us is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors. For the
year ended December 31, 2017, we were entitled to receive US$57,614.79 (after withholding tax) from the depositary as reimbursement for our expenses incurred in connection with, among other things, investor relationship programs related to the
ADS facility. This amount has been paid as of the date of this annual report.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data or otherwise stated)
1.
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ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
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China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology
Limited (the Company or the Group) was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on June 25, 2004 and its subsidiaries include the following as of December 31, 2017:
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Subsidiaries
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Date of incorporation/
acquisition
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Place of incorporation
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Percentage of
legal ownership
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Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (Beijing) Limited (Techfaith
China)
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July 26, 2002
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the Peoples Republic of China
(the PRC)
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100
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%
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Techfaith Wireless Technology Group Limited (Techfaith BVI) (formerly known as
Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology Limited)
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July 8, 2003
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British Virgin Islands
(the BVI)
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100
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%
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Great Earnest Technology Limited (Great Earnest)
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August 8, 2003
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BVI
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100
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%
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One Net Entertainment Limited (One Net) (formerly known as Techfaith Interactive
Technology (Beijing) Limited)
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September 5, 2003
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PRC
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67.8
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%
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798 Entertainment Limited (798 Entertainment) (formerly known as Leo Technology
Limited)
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October 15, 2003
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BVI
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67.8
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%
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Tecface Communication Technology (Beijing) Limited (Tecface Technology) (formerly known
as STEP Technologies (Beijing) Co., Limited.)
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November 20, 2003
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PRC
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100
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%
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Techfaith Intelligent Handset Technology (Hong Kong) Limited (Techfaith HK) (formerly
known as First Achieve Technology Ltd.)
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December 29, 2003
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Hong Kong
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100
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%
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Finest Technology Limited (Finest Technology)
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January 8, 2004
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BVI
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100
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%
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Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (Shanghai) Limited (Techfaith
Shanghai)
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March 22, 2004
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PRC
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100
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%
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Infoexcel Technology Limited (Infoexcel Technology)
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April 18, 2005
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BVI
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100
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%
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Charm Faith Limited (Charm Faith)
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November 21, 2005
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BVI
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100
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%
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Techfaith Software (China) Holding Limited (TechSoft Holding)
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March 17, 2006
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Cayman Islands
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70
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%
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Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (Hangzhou) Limited (Techfaith
Hangzhou)
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April 24, 2006
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PRC
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100
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%
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Techfaith Software (China) Limited (TechSoft)
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May 26, 2006
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PRC
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70
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%
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Fair Nice Technology Limited (Fair Nice)
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February 26, 2007
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BVI
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100
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%
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Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology (Shenyang) Limited (Techfaith
Shenyang)
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March 27, 2007
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PRC
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100
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%
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Media Chance Limited (Media Chance)
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August 13, 2009
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Hong Kong
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51
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%
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Time Spring Limited (Time Spring)
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October 28, 2009
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BVI
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51
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%
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Shenyang 17vee Move Co. Limited (17VEESY) (formerly known as UU Internet Technology
(Shenyang) Limited)
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November 26, 2009
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PRC
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67.8
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%
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Glomate Mobile (Beijing) Co., Limited. (Glomate)
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January 5, 2010
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PRC
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51
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%
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Tecface Communication & Equipment (Beijing) Limited (Tecface Communication Equipment
Beijing)
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September 16, 2011
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PRC
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71.9
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%
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17fox Technology (Shenyang) Co. Limited (17FOXSY) (formerly known as Tecface
International Mobile (Shenyang) Co., Limited)
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September 22, 2011
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PRC
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83.3
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%
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The Company and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the Group.
F-8
In 2006, the Group started to design and manufacture handsets and smart phones through
Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) providers for sales to mobile handset brand owners and electronic products wholesale distributors. Since 2008, the Group generated the majority of its revenue from sales of these products. In 2009,
the Group started generating revenue from mobile game design and other related services. In 2010, the Group acquired Citylead Limited with its subsidiaries and affiliates (the Citylead Group) and started to sell mobile phones under
QIGI brand. In June of 2015, the Group sold the Citylead Group for its book value of $21,424 resulted in neither gain nor loss. The Group also developed its own brands, including Tecface, 17FOX and
MOBIFOX.
The Company has scaled down competitively challenged product lines within its Mobile Phone Business segment and has
continued to progress the development of its real estate portfolio in its Real Estate Business Segment (See Note 24).
Variable
interest entity (VIE)
QIGI&BODEE Technology (Beijing) Co., Limited (QIGI Technology) was jointly owned
by Mr. Xu Enhai and Ms. Han Deling for 66.7% and 33.3%, respectively. Citylead Limited, through Tecface International Technology Limited entered into a number of contractual agreements with QIGI Technology and its equity owners on
February 5, 2010. Tecface International Technology Limited has the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the QIGI Technologys economic performance and the ability to receive the majority of expected residual
returns of QIGI Technology. Since the Group sold the Citylead Group in June of 2015, the series of contractual arrangements, including but not limited to equity pledge agreement, exclusive option agreement, power of attorney and exclusive business
cooperation agreement that we entered into with QIGI Technology and the nominee shareholders of QIGI Technology have been terminated and become null and void.
The Group had determined that QIGI Technology was a variable interest entity (VIE) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 as a
result of the controlling financial interest discussed above. The Citylead Group was sold in 2015, and QIGI Technology ceased to be the Groups VIE.
Techfaith Hangzhou
Techfaith Hangzhou was founded inApril 2006, and had been our wholly owned subsidiary through Charm Faith since its incorporation. In September
2016, the Company entered into an agreement (the share transfer agreement) with an unrelated third party (the buyer) to sell Techfaith Hangzhou through transferring the ownership of Charm Faith. The Company received
approximately $7.48 million as the first payment for the share transfer agreement. In November 2016, the Company changed the shareholder of Charm Faith from Techfaith BVI to the buyer.
As the buyer did not pay the second payment as required and both parties have not reach any mutual agreement on how to proceed, the Company
decided to cease this share transfer agreement. The Group has been negotiating with the buyer on transferring the ownership of Charm Faith back to Techfaith BVI.
To provide the Group the ability to receive the majority of the expected residual returns of Techfaith Hangzhou, Techfaith BVI, a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, extended interest-free loan with total principle of $37 million to Charm Faith to finance its investment in Techfaith Hangzhou, and entered into an equity pledge agreement with Charm Faith.
In January 2018, the Group signed a settlement agreement with the buyer on terminating the share transfer agreement. According to the
settlement agreement, the Group repaid the first payment along with interest of approximately $8.45 million to the buyer in February 2018.It is in the process of transferring the ownership of Charm Faith back to Techfaith BVI.
Equity pledge agreement
Charm
Faith has pledged all of its equity interests in Techfaith Hangzhou with Techfaith China to insure the fulfillment of the above loan agreement. The equity pledge agreement has been registered with relevant local branch of the State Administration
for Industry and Commerce, or SAIC, and remains in full force and effective. Consequently, the Company still enjoys substantially all of the rewards of ownership of Techfaith Hangzhou and exercises controls over Techfaith Hangzhou and as a result,
the Company is the primary beneficiary of the Techfaith Hangzhou and has consolidated Techfaith Hangzhou.
17FOXSY
On September 22, 2011, the Group and Shenyang High and New Investment Co. Limited, (Shenyang Investment), a third party, set
up a foreign invested joint-venture company named 17FOXSY in Shenyang, 16.7% owned by Shenyang High and New Investment Co. Limited (or Shenyang Investment) and 83.3% owned by the Group.
In December of 2016, 83.3% equity interest was transferred from Fair Nice to Mr. Deyou Dong, CEO of the Group, to become a domestic
company. An entrusted agreement was signed between Fair Nice and Mr. Deyou Dong before the ownership changed. On April 24, 2017, the 83.3% equity interest was transferred back from Mr. Deyou Dong to Techfaith China.
F-9
In January 2018, the Group signed a share repurchase agreement with one of the minority
shareholders of 17FOXSY on transferring 8.3% of the equity interest of 17FOXSY to the Group. According to the share repurchase agreement, the Group should pay the transfer price of approximately $3,595 to the minority shareholder in 2018. After this
transaction, the Group will own 91.7% of the equity interest of 17FOXSY. The Group expects to complete the transaction within 2018.
2.
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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and
balances are eliminated upon consolidation.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Groups financial statements include revenue recognition, provision for
inventory written down, allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, impairment for goodwill, put option liability, warranty liabilities, useful lives and impairment for property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Liquidity and uncertainty
In accordance with ASC 205-40, Going Concern, the Company has evaluated whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate,
that raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the consolidated financial statements are issued. The Company has incurred an operating loss in 2017 and the mobile
phone business segment, including original design products (ODP) and the brand name phone sales, has experienced increased competition and a corresponding decrease in the average sales price per unit and the associated total revenue. Further, cash
flows from operating activities, with the exception of 2017, have been negative since 2015. The Company is actively pursuing an increase in revenue generation and consistent positive operating income and cash flows from operations. During 2017, the
Company sold Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing a significant real estate holding (See Note 7), and generated cash proceeds of $65,093 in 2017 from this transaction which was utilized in operations and to finance a third party manufacturer. The
cash on hand of $735 as of December 31, 2017, together with the expected collection of current receivable from real estate disposition of $35,983 in 2018 will be sufficient to meet the Companys anticipated obligations within the normal
operating cycle of twelve months period.
However, the Company will likely need to raise additional capital or monetize other significant
real estate holdings prior to the generation of sustainable positive cash flow from operating activities. The Company can provide no assurances that additional financings or real estate sales will be consummated on acceptable terms, or at all. If
the Company is unable to effect a sufficient financing or capital raise, there could be a material adverse effect on the Company.
Reclassification
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation, specifically the revenue, costs and
receivables related to real estate business segment. See Note 24 Operating segment and geographic information.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, demand deposits and highly liquid investments, which are unrestricted as to withdrawal and
use, and which have original maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Restricted cash
The Groups restricted cash is related to security deposits held in designated bank accounts for issuance of bank acceptance.
F-10
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts receivable represent those receivables derived in the ordinary course of business. Notes receivable are bank accepted drafts related
to trade receivables of revenue that are
non-interest
bearing and due within one year. The Group maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on uncollected accounts receivable and notes
receivable. Management considers the following factors when determining the collectability of specific accounts: creditworthiness of customers, aging of the receivables, past transaction histories with the customers and their current condition,
changes in customer payment terms, specific facts and circumstances, and the overall economic climate in the industries the Group serves.
Fair value
Fair
value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities
required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Group considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
Authoritative literature provides a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into
three broad levels. The level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement as follows:
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Level
1-inputs
are based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
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Level
2-inputs
are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and
model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
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Level
3-inputs
are generally unobservable and typically reflect managements estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The fair value are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow (DCF) models, and similar techniques.
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See Note 20 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and a
non-recurring
basis.
Inventories, net
Inventories of the Group consist of raw materials, finished goods and work in progress. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net
realizable value. Inventory costs also include expenses that are directly or indirectly incurred in the acquisition, including shipping and handling costs charged to the Group by suppliers. Inventory cost includes the cost of materials and supplies
used in production, direct labor costs and allocated overhead costs such as depreciation, insurance, employee benefits, and indirect labor. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. Inventories are written down for provisions for
obsolescence to net realizable value taking consideration of estimates of future demand, technology developments, and market conditions.
Assets held for sale
The Group considers property, plant and equipment to be assets held for sale when all of the following criteria are met: i) a formal commitment
to a plan to sell a property was made and exercised; ii) the property is available for sale in its present condition; iii) actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated; iv) sale of the property is probable and the Group
expects the completed sale will occur within one year; v) the property is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable given its current market value; and vi) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that
significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Upon designation as assets held for sale, the Group records each property at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell,
and the Group ceases depreciation.
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Assets under construction are not depreciated
until construction is completed and the assets are ready for their intended use. Depreciation and amortization are calculated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
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Office building
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47 or 48 years
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Plant and machinery
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4 years
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Furniture, fixtures and equipment
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4 years
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Motor vehicles
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4 years
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Software application
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3-4
years
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Leasehold improvements
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Shorter of the lease term or 4 years
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F-11
Land use rights, net
Land use rights are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated
useful lives, which is generally 50 years and represents the shorter of the estimated usage periods or the terms of the agreements.
Acquired intangible assets, net
Acquired intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful economic lives. Amortization is
calculated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
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Software license
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2-5 years
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Customer base
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5 years
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Contract backlog
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2 months
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Trade name and domain name
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4 years
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Impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets with finite lives
The Group reviews its long-lived assets and intangible assets, including property, plant and equipment and acquired intangible assets, with
finite live for impairment whenever events or change in circumstances, such as a significant adverse change to market conditions that will impact the future use of the assets, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may no longer be
recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of the assets based on the undiscounted future cash flows the assets are expected to generate and recognize an impairment loss when estimated discounted future cash flows expected to result from
the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. If an impairment is identified, the Company would reduce the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair
value based on a discounted cash flows approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values. The Group recorded impairment losses of $nil, $nil and $1,750 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. In
2017, the Group determined an impairment loss of $1,750 for software licenses, which were out of service.
Deferred revenue
Deferred revenue relates to design fee revenue. Design fee advances are normally received from customers immediately after the
design contracts are executed, such advances are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue when a
pre-agreed
milestone has been reached.
Revenue recognition
Revenue related to mobile phone business segment
Revenue from sales of products, including feature phones and smart phones
designed by the Group and manufactured by Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) providers, wireless modules as well as other electronic components is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or
determinable, collection is reasonably assured, and in the period in which delivery or performance has occurred. The four criteria are generally met upon delivery of the product.
Design fee is a fixed amount paid in installments according to
pre-agreed
milestones. In general, three milestones are identified in our design contracts with customers:
GSM-based
handsets industry-based standard referred to as full type
approval, or FTA; the regulatory approval for its use in the intended country which, in the case of China, is a China-type approval, or CTA; and the beginning of mass production referred to as shipping acceptance, or SA. The Group recognizes
revenues in accordance with authoritative guidance with regard to software revenue recognition based on the proportional performance method using an output measure determined by the achievement of each milestone.
Component sales revenue, including sales of mobile phone components other
than finished mobile phone products (such as chips used in mobile products) is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured, and in the period in which delivery or
performance has occurred. The four criteria are generally met upon delivery of the product.
|
(4)
|
Brand name phone sales
|
Revenue from sales of brand name phones, represent mobile phone under
the Groups brands including Tecface, 17FOX and MOBIFOX. The Groups brand phones are designed by us and manufactured by EMS providers. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or
determinable, collection is reasonably assured, and in the period in which delivery or performance has occurred. The four criteria are generally met upon delivery of the product.
F-12
Revenue related to real estate business
segment
The Groups rental income includes rents that each tenant pays in accordance with the terms of each lease reported on a straight-line
basis over the term of the lease. Since many of the Groups leases may provide for rental increases at specified intervals, GAAP requires the Group to record a receivable, and include in revenues on a straight-line basis, unbilled rent
receivables that the Group will only receive if the tenant makes all rent payments required through the expiration of the initial term of the lease. The Group defers the revenue related to lease payments received from tenants in advance of their due
dates.
Rental revenue recognition commences when the tenant takes possession or controls the physical use of the leased space. For the
tenant to take possession, the leased space must be substantially ready for its intended use. To determine whether the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use, the Group evaluates whether the Group owns or the tenant owns the tenant
improvements. When the Group is the owner of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of the finished space, which is when such improvements are substantially complete. When the Group concludes that the
Group is not the owner (as the tenant is the owner) of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of or controls the space. When the Group concludes that the Group is the owner of tenant improvements, the
Group records the cost to construct the tenant improvements, including costs paid for or reimbursed by the tenants, as a capital asset. When the Group concludes that the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes, the Group
records its contribution towards those improvements as a lease incentive, which is included in deferred leasing costs, net on the consolidated balance sheets and amortized as a reduction to rental income on a straight-line basis over the term of the
lease.
The Groups leases generally provide for tenant reimbursement of a portion of common area maintenance expenses and other
operating expenses to the extent that a tenants pro rata share of the expenses exceeds a base year level set in the lease or to the extent that the tenant has a lease on a triple net basis. Such cost recoveries from tenants are net with rent
income.
Business taxes
The Groups PRC subsidiaries are subject to business taxes at the rate of 5% on certain types of services and the related revenues are
presented net of business taxes incurred. The Group reports revenue net of business taxes. Business taxes deducted in arriving to net revenue during 2015, 2016 and 2017 totaled $227, $65 and $nil, respectively.
Value added tax (VAT) and VAT refund
VAT on sales is calculated at 17% on revenue from product and component sales, 6% on revenue from design fees and paid after deducting input
VAT on purchases. The Group reports revenue net of VAT. VAT during 2015, 2016 and 2017 totaled $10,108, $9,752 and $4,936, respectively.
For products sold to overseas customers by PRC entities, the Group is entitled to a refund of VAT paid at rate of 13% for some component sales
and 17% for other products sales. The Group records VAT refund on accrual basis. VAT refund is recorded as other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
For the provisions of qualified revenue from design fees under the VAT reform pilot program, subsidiaries located in Shanghai and Beijing are
entitled to a VAT exemption upon the application procedures and approval of
in-charge
tax authorities while input tax obtained for design activities are not deducted.
Operating leases expense
Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the lessor are accounted for as operating leases.
Payments made under operating leases are charged to the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease periods.
Product warranty
The Groups product warranty relates to the provision of bug fixing services to the Groups designed mobile handset for a period of
one to three years commencing upon the mass production of the mobile handset, and warranties to the Groups customers on the sales of products for a period of one year. Accordingly, the Groups product warranty accrual reflects
managements best estimate of probable liability under its product warranty. Management determines the warranty based on historical experience and other currently available evidence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Balance at beginning of the year
|
|
$
|
193
|
|
|
$
|
138
|
|
|
$
|
146
|
|
Provision during the year
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
|
77
|
|
Reversal during the year
|
|
|
(157
|
)
|
|
|
(66
|
)
|
|
|
(148
|
)
|
Exchange difference
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of the year
|
|
$
|
138
|
|
|
$
|
146
|
|
|
$
|
77
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-13
Government subsidies and grants
Some local governments in the PRC give subsidies to companies as an incentive to establish business in their jurisdiction. These government
subsidies are recognized as subsidy income in the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) when they are received as the Group does not have further obligation to earn these subsidies. The Group recorded government subsidy income of
$162, $20 and $209 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively.
The Group also receives government grants as
compensation of performing government endorsed projects. The grants are refundable until the Group achieves certain performance measures. These government grants are recorded as a liability until earned. The Group recognizes these grants as subsidy
income once it completes the relevant projects and achieves the performance measures. The Group did not record such government subsidy income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The amount of $4,400, $4,177 and
$4,181 were recorded as a liability on the balance sheets as of December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
Research and
development expenses
Research and development expenses are incurred in the development of handset design and wireless software
application. Technological feasibility for the Groups internally developed products is reached shortly before the products are released to customers. Expenses incurred after technological feasibility has historically been immaterial.
Accordingly, the Group has expensed all research and development costs when incurred.
Advertising and marketing expenses
The Group expenses advertising and marketing expenses as incurred. Total advertising and marketing expenses were $64, $3,568 and
$962 in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively and have been included as part of selling and marketing expenses.
Foreign currency
translation
The functional and reporting currency of the Company is the United States dollar (U.S. dollar). The
financial records of the Groups subsidiaries located in the PRC are maintained in their local currency, the RMB, which is also the functional currency of these entities. The financial records of the Groups subsidiaries located in Hong
Kong and BVI are maintained in U.S. dollar, which is also the functional currency of these entities.
Monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency during the year are
converted into functional currency at the applicable rates of exchange prevailing when the transactions occurred. Exchange gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The Groups entities with
functional currency other than U.S. dollar, translate their operating results and financial position into the U.S. dollar, the Groups reporting currency. Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rates in effect on the balance
sheet date. Revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated using the average rate for the year. Translation adjustments are reported as cumulative translation adjustments and are shown as a separate component of other comprehensive income
(loss).
Income taxes
Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant tax authorities. Deferred income taxes are recognized when
temporary differences exist between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Net operating loss carry forwards and credits are applied using enacted statutory tax rates applicable
to future years. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is
more-likely-than-not
that a portion of or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realized. The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are individually classified as current and
non-current
based on their characteristics.
The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return is recognized at the largest amount that is
more-likely-than-not
to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Interest and penalties
on income taxes will be classified as a component of the provisions for income taxes. The Group did not identify significant unrecognized tax benefits for years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017. The Group did not incur any interest and
penalties related to potential underpaid income tax expenses and also believed that the Groups unrecognized tax benefits would not change significantly within 12 months from December 31, 2017.
F-14
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and foreign currency translation adjustments and is reported in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Financial instruments
Financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable, accounts payable, notes
payable, the put option, amount due to a related party, long-term loan and short-term loans.
Except for the put options and long-term
loan, the carrying value of all the aforementioned financial instruments approximates their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The put option is carried at fair value and the long-term loan approximates its carrying value
as the loan bears a floating interest rate, which approximates the prevailing market interest rate.
Concentrations
Financial instruments that potentially expose the Group to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents,
restricted cash, accounts receivable and notes receivable. The Group places its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions with high credit ratings and quality.
The Group conducts credit evaluations of customers and generally does not require collateral or other security from its customers; however,
upfront deposit based on a portion of the design fee under the contract will generally be required to be received when the design contract is entered into. The Group establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts primarily based upon the age of the
receivables and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers.
The Groups business depends substantially on the use of
certain intellectual property rights. For example, the Group is dependent on QUALCOMM and MediaTek related technology that the Group uses in designing, manufacturing and selling mobile handsets. Suspension or termination of the Groups license
agreements by QUALCOMM or MediaTek could adversely affect the Groups business and prospects, because the Group may not be able to obtain alternative licenses in a timely manner to meet its customers demands.
The following table summarizes net revenues from customers that accounted for 10% or more of the Groups net revenues for year 2015, 2016
and 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
A
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
32.7
|
%
|
B
|
|
|
15.7
|
%
|
|
|
20.9
|
%
|
|
|
25.3
|
%
|
C
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
23.9
|
%
|
|
|
17.9
|
%
|
D
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
11.9
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.7
|
%
|
|
|
44.8
|
%
|
|
|
87.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-15
The following table summarizes accounts receivable from customers that accounted for 10% or more
of the Groups accounts receivable:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
A
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
22.4
|
%
|
E
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
18.8
|
%
|
F
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
16.0
|
%
|
C
|
|
|
25.4
|
%
|
|
|
14.7
|
%
|
G
|
|
|
19.9
|
%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45.3
|
%
|
|
|
71.9
|
%
|
N/A is represented for less than 10%.
Share-based payment
Share-based payment transactions with employees, such as share options and nonvested shares, are measured based on the grant date fair value of
the equity instrument issued, and recognized as compensation expense over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, which generally is the vesting period.
Shares awards issued to
non-employees
(other than
non-employee
directors), such as consultants, are measured at fair value at the earlier of the commitment date or the date the service is completed and recognized over the period the service is provided.
Net income (loss) per share
Basic net income (loss) per ordinary share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted net income (loss) per ordinary share reflects the potential
dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue ordinary shares were exercised or converted into ordinary shares. Ordinary share equivalents are excluded from the computation of the diluted net loss per share in periods when
their effect would be anti-dilutive. The effect of the stock options is computed using the treasury stock method.
The Group changed the
ratio of its American Depositary Shares (ADSs) to ordinary shares, par value US$0.00002 per share (Shares), from one (1) ADS to fifteen (15) ordinary shares to one (1) ADS to seventy-five
(75) ordinary shares (the Ratio Change), effective on March 1, 2016. The Ratio Change had the same effect as
one-for-five
reverse ADS split to the
Groups ADS holders, but no impact on the number of the ordinary shares issued and outstanding and no new shares were issued in connection with the ADS ratio change.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU)
No. 2014-09,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance, and creates
guidance for when revenue should be recognized from the exchange of goods or services. ASU
No. 2016-08
was issued in March 2016 to clarify the principal versus agent guidance in this new revenue
recognition standard. ASU
2016-10
was issued in April 2016 to clarify the guidance on accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations in the new revenue recognition
standard. ASU
2016-12
was issued in May 2016 to clarify the guidance on transition, collectability, noncash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes in the new revenue recognition
standard. ASU
2016-20
was issued in December 2016 to make technical corrections and improvements on narrow aspects of this guidance. ASU
No. 2015-14
was issued in
August 2015 to defer the effective date of ASU
2014-09
for one year. The new standard permits adoption either by using (i) a full retrospective approach for all periods presented in the period of adoption
or (ii) a modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The new standard is effective for annual
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company will adopt the revenue recognition guidance beginning January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method of
adoption. The Company has determined that the adoption of Topic 606 would not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
F-16
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU
No. 2017-01,
Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments in this ASU clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions
should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Basically, these amendments provide a screen to determine when a set is not a business. If the screen is not met, the amendments in this ASU first, require that to be
considered a business; a set must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output and second, remove the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace
missing elements. These amendments take effect for public businesses for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those periods, and all other entities should apply these amendments for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019.The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU would have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial
statements.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU
2017-09,
Scope of Modification Accounting, which
amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements and provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required to apply modification
accounting under ASC 718. For all entities, this ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption
in any interim period. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU would have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU
2017-11,
Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities
from Equity (Topic 480) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). The amendments in Part I of the Update change the reclassification analysis of certain equity-lined financial instruments (or embedded features) with down round features. The
amendments in Part II of this Update
re-characterize
the indefinite deferral of certain provisions of Topic 480 that now are presented as pending content in the Codification, to a scope exception. For public
business entities, the amendments in Part I of this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. For all other entities, the amendments in Part I of this Update are
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity
early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The amendments in Part II of this Update do not require any transition guidance because
those amendments do not have an accounting effect. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU would have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In September 2017, the FASB issued ASU
2017-13,
Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts
with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842). This Accounting Standards Update adds SEC paragraphs pursuant to an SEC Staff Announcement made at the July 20, 2017 Emerging Issues Task Force meeting. The Company does
not believe the adoption of this ASU would have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In November
2017, the FASB issued ASU
2017-14,
Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This Accounting Standards
Update supersedes various SEC paragraphs and amends an SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 116 and SEC Release
No.33-10403.
The Company does not believe the adoption
of this ASU would have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
The Company does not believe other
recently issued but not yet effective accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial position, statements of operations and cash flows.
3.
|
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND NOTES RECEIVABLE, NET
|
Accounts receivable and notes receivable,
net consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
$
|
27,643
|
|
|
$
|
14,739
|
|
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
(2,184
|
)
|
|
|
(5,191
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable and notes receivable, net
|
|
$
|
25,459
|
|
|
$
|
9,548
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable for discontinued operations were $655 and $nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017,
respectively.
F-17
Movement of allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Balance at beginning of the year
|
|
$
|
599
|
|
|
$
|
1,043
|
|
|
$
|
2,184
|
|
Charge to expenses
|
|
|
474
|
|
|
|
1,417
|
|
|
|
2,853
|
|
Reversal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(166
|
)
|
|
|
(84
|
)
|
Exchange difference
|
|
|
(30
|
)
|
|
|
(110
|
)
|
|
|
238
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of the year
|
|
$
|
1,043
|
|
|
$
|
2,184
|
|
|
$
|
5,191
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories, net consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Raw materials
|
|
$
|
6,553
|
|
|
$
|
5,370
|
|
Finished goods
|
|
|
7,921
|
|
|
|
1,018
|
|
Work in progress
|
|
|
462
|
|
|
|
212
|
|
Less: inventory provision
|
|
|
(10,290
|
)
|
|
|
(6,388
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories, net
|
|
$
|
4,646
|
|
|
$
|
212
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movement of allowance for inventory was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Balance at beginning of the year
|
|
$
|
4,597
|
|
|
$
|
11,439
|
|
|
$
|
10,290
|
|
Charge to expenses
|
|
|
7,254
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Written-off
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(401
|
)
|
|
|
(4,422
|
)
|
Exchange difference
|
|
|
(412
|
)
|
|
|
(748
|
)
|
|
|
520
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of the year
|
|
$
|
11,439
|
|
|
$
|
10,290
|
|
|
$
|
6,388
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During 2015, the Group recorded provisions for obsolete inventories of $7,254, which were included in cost of
sales. The increase in the allowance for inventory was mainly due to the obsolete inventories that were not technologically suitable for future production or sales. The Group wrote off the obsolete inventories of $401 and $4,422 for the years ended
December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, which were also included in cost of sales.
5.
|
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Advance to EMS providers (1)
|
|
$
|
24,937
|
|
|
$
|
16,200
|
|
Receivable for
non-inventory
sales
|
|
|
7,293
|
|
|
|
5,498
|
|
Other prepaid and current assets
|
|
|
6,579
|
|
|
|
3,564
|
|
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,086
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
38,809
|
|
|
$
|
24,176
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
EMS providers manufacture the mobile phone based on the Companys design.
|
Movement of
allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Balance at beginning of the year
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Charge to expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,086
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of the year
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,086
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-18
In December 2017, the Group entered into an agreement with an EMS
factory of the Group, an unrelated third party, to provide a $53,794 (RMB 350 million) loan to fund its capital demand of production. This loan is for a period of twelve months, at an interest rate of 4.35% per year. The EMS factory agreed to
provide its machine and equipment as the collateral for this loan. In addition, the shareholder of EMS factory agreed to provide the equity as collateral to the Group. The EMS factory agreed to repay the loan in four installments, or to repay about
$13,449 (RMB 87.5 million) at the end of each quarter in 2018 and early repayment of the loan is acceptable. The EMS factory repaid about $18,772 (RMB 122 million) by March 31, 2018.
7.
|
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE/ DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
|
In May 2014, the Group entered into an
agreement with GuanghuanXinwang Co Limited (Guanghuanxinwang), a third party company for the sale of a floor in a building located in Beijing. The transaction price was approximately $5,910 (RMB 41 million). As of
December 31, 2016, the Group had received all the considerations of the transaction although the transaction was not completed. The assets relevant to the sale of this floor with a carrying value of $2,697 were classified as assets held for
sale as of December 31, 2016.
In December 2014, the Group entered into an agreement with Guanghuanxinwang for the sale of three
floors owned by Techfaith China. The transaction price was approximately $23,045 (RMB 160 million). As of December 31, 2015, these were three floors with a total carrying value of $8,554 were classified as assets held for sale. As of
December 31, 2016, the transaction was completed. A net gain of $14,939 was recognized as other operating
income-net
gain from the sale of real estate in 2016.
Prior to December 31, 2016, management had been authorized to approve and commit to a plan to sell Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing,
therefore the major current assets, other assets, current liabilities, and noncurrent liabilities relevant to the disposal are reported as components of total assets and liabilities separate from those balances of the continuing operations. At the
same time, the results of all discontinued operations, less applicable income taxes (benefit), are reported as components of net income (loss) separate from the net income (loss) of continuing operations in accordance with ASC
205-20-45.
The current assets relevant to the sale of this entity with a carrying value of $3,352 were classified as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2016. The
noncurrent assets relevant to the sale of this entity with a carrying value of $152,904 were classified as other assets held for sale as of December 31, 2016. The current liabilities relevant to the sale of this entity with a carrying value of
$27,644 were classified as liabilities held for sale as of December 31, 2016. In April 2017, the Group entered into an agreement with Beijing HongKungu Investment Company (Hongkungu) to transfer 100% beneficial ownership in
Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing to Hongkungu for a consideration of RMB 1 billion (approximately US$144 million) payable in installments. According to the agreement and its amendment, (i) the first installment of RMB 100 million should be made
within ten days upon execution of the agreement; (ii) the second installment of RMB 400 million should be made within 20 business days after the transfer of the equity of Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing; (iii) the third installment of RMB 300
million should be made within 10 business days after getting the government approval on change in plot ration; and (iv) the fourth installment of RMB 200 million should be made within 20 business days after the construction is completed and the
relevant ownership certificate is obtained. A net gain of $3,890 was recognized as the net gain from disposal of discontinued operation in 2017.
In accordance with ASU
No. 2014-08,
Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals
of Components of an Entity, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported as discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an
entitys operations and financial results when the components of an entity meets the criteria in paragraph
205-20-45-1E
to
be classified as held for sale. When all of the criteria to be classified as held for sale are met, including management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the entity, the major current assets, other assets,
current liabilities, and noncurrent liabilities shall be reported as components of total assets and liabilities separate from those balances of the continuing operations. At the same time, the results of all discontinued operations, less applicable
income taxes (benefit), shall be reported as components of net income (loss) separate from the net income (loss) of continuing operations in accordance with ASC
205-20-45.
Reconciliation of the Carrying Amounts of Major
Classes of Assets and Liabilities Classified as Held for Sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
F-19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Carrying amounts of major classes of assets held for sale:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
$
|
655
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Assets held for sale
|
|
|
2,697
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets held for sale
|
|
|
3,352
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current
assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
34,461
|
|
|
|
|
|
Construction in progress
|
|
|
75,869
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land use rights, net
|
|
|
6,820
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
non-current
assets
|
|
|
35,754
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other assets held for sale
|
|
|
152,904
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE
|
|
$
|
156,256
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying amounts of major classes of liabilities included as part of discontinued
operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
|
|
$
|
27,644
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities held for sale
|
|
|
27,644
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES OF THE DISPOSAL GROUP CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE
|
|
$
|
27,644
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of the Amounts of Major Classes of Income from Operations to be Disposed Classified as
Discontinued Operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Operations disposed:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real estate
|
|
$
|
941
|
|
|
$
|
891
|
|
|
$
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real estate
|
|
|
(74
|
)
|
|
|
(70
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
|
821
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
(271
|
)
|
|
|
(440
|
)
|
|
|
(68
|
)
|
Net gain from disposal of discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,890
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income from discontinued operations
|
|
$
|
596
|
|
|
$
|
381
|
|
|
$
|
3,837
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.
|
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Office building
|
|
$
|
51,638
|
|
|
$
|
55,104
|
|
Plant and machinery
|
|
|
11,483
|
|
|
|
12,168
|
|
Software application
|
|
|
7,731
|
|
|
|
7,521
|
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
|
|
|
4,068
|
|
|
|
3,316
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
3,814
|
|
|
|
952
|
|
Motor vehicles
|
|
|
744
|
|
|
|
86
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
79,478
|
|
|
|
79,147
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(30,307
|
)
|
|
|
(29,347
|
)
|
Impairment of long-lived assets
|
|
|
(26
|
)
|
|
|
(28
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
49,145
|
|
|
$
|
49,772
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Construction in progress
|
|
|
69,792
|
|
|
|
84,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-20
Property, plant and equipment, net for discontinued operations, which were included in other
assets held for sale, consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Office building
|
|
$
|
35,321
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(860
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
34,461
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Construction in progress
|
|
$
|
75,869
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group recorded depreciation expenses of $3,532, $3,436 and $2,537 for the years ended December 31,
2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The Group recorded depreciation of property for discontinued operations of $74, $259 and $nil for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
The property owned by Techfaith Shanghai with a carrying value of $3,486 at December 31, 2016 was pledged for a twelve-month loan of
$2,880 (RMB 20 million) from Beijing International Trust Co., Ltd., a third party financial institution, through the Shuangxiu Branch of Beijing Bank to Techfaith China. In October 2016, Techfaith China repaid the principle of $1,440 (RMB 10
million). On April 5, 2017, Techfaith China repaid the remaining principle of $1,440 (RMB 10 million) and the pledge was released accordingly.
The property owned by Techfaith Shanghai with a carrying value of $3,621 at December 31, 2017 was pledged for a twelve-month loan of
$3,842 (RMB 25 million) from Beijing International Trust Co., Ltd., a third party financial institution, through the Shuangxiu Branch of Beijing Bank to Techfaith China.
The properties owned by Techfaith Hangzhou with a carrying value of $36,563 at December 31, 2017, was pledged for a
ten-year
credit of $27,585 (RMB 191.5 million) from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Branch of China Citic Bank to Techfaith Hangzhou. Under this credit line, Techfaith Hangzhou obtained a
ten-year
loan of $12,963 (RMB 90 million) to repay the loans from the subsidiaries of the Group on June 20, 2016.
Part of the properties of Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing with a carrying value of $9,553 at December 31, 2016 was pledged for a
bank credit of $6,148 (RMB40 million) to an EMS factory of the Group to fund the capital demand for production.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Land use rights
|
|
$
|
2,189
|
|
|
$
|
2,336
|
|
Less: accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(223
|
)
|
|
|
(294
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land use rights, net
|
|
$
|
1,966
|
|
|
$
|
2,042
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expenses for land use rights totaled $48, $46 and $54 for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2016 and 2017, respectively. Future amortization expenses are $54 per year for each of the next five years after December 31, 2017.
F-21
Land use right, net for discontinued operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Land use rights
|
|
$
|
7,705
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Less: accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(885
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land use rights, net
|
|
$
|
6,820
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expenses of land use rights for discontinued operations totaled $170, $161 and $nil for the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
The land use right owned by Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing with a
carrying value of $6,820 at December 31, 2016, was pledged for bank acceptances to Techfaith China. (see Note 16)
F-22
10.
|
ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
|
Acquired intangible assets, net consisted of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
Gross
carrying
amount
|
|
|
Accumulated
amortization
|
|
|
Accumulated
impairment
loss
|
|
|
Net
carrying
amount
|
|
|
Gross
carrying
amount
|
|
|
Accumulated
amortization
|
|
|
Accumulated
impairment
loss
|
|
|
Net
carrying
amount
|
|
Intangible assets with finite life:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Software licenses
|
|
$
|
31,069
|
|
|
$
|
(19,763
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,522
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,785
|
|
|
$
|
25,219
|
|
|
$
|
(18,155
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6,081
|
)
|
|
$
|
983
|
|
- Customer base
|
|
|
680
|
|
|
|
(393
|
)
|
|
|
(287
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
680
|
|
|
|
(393
|
)
|
|
|
(287
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
- Contract backlog
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Trade name and domain name
|
|
|
1,670
|
|
|
|
(50
|
)
|
|
|
(1,620
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,670
|
|
|
|
(50
|
)
|
|
|
(1,620
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
33,439
|
|
|
$
|
(20,226
|
)
|
|
$
|
(9,429
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,785
|
|
|
$
|
27,589
|
|
|
$
|
(18,618
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,988
|
)
|
|
$
|
983
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group recorded amortization expenses of $3,744, $4,234 and $2,122 for the years ended December 31,
2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
The Group recorded impairment losses of $nil, $nil and $1,750 for the years ended December 31,
2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. In 2017, the Group determined an impairment loss of $1,750 for software licenses, which were out of service.
The accumulated impairment loss were $7,522 and $6,081 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The decrease was due to the disposal of
Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing.
The future amortization expenses for the net carrying amount of intangible assets with finite lives
as of December 31, 2017 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year 2018
|
|
$
|
709
|
|
Year 2019
|
|
|
218
|
|
Year 2020
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
983
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.
|
OTHER
NON-CURRENT
ASSETS
|
The Group recorded
prepayment for construction in progress of $19,126 and $52,149 as other
non-current
assets for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
The Group recorded prepayment for construction in progress for discontinued operations of $35,754 and $nil as other assets held for sale for
the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. (See Note 7)
12.
|
NON-CURRENT RECEIVABLE - REAL ESTATE DISPOSITION
|
In April 2017, the Group entered into
an agreement with Hongkungu to transfer 100% beneficial ownership in Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing to Hongkungu for a consideration of approximately $144 million (RMB1 billion). The Group recognized a net gain of $3,890 as the net gain from
disposal of discontinued operation in 2017. (See Note 7) As of December 31, 2017, receivable of $30,739 (RMB200 million), which was expected to be received over one year from, was recorded as non-current receivable - real estate
disposition.
F-23
13.
|
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
Accrued expenses and other current
liabilities consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Deposit received for the sale of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
7,483
|
|
|
|
7,483
|
|
Government subsidies
|
|
|
4,177
|
|
|
|
4,181
|
|
Social insurance and benefits payables
|
|
|
3,300
|
|
|
|
73
|
|
Accrued operating expenses
|
|
|
2,751
|
|
|
|
3,225
|
|
Payables to suppliers
|
|
|
924
|
|
|
|
1,427
|
|
Accrued professional fees
|
|
|
840
|
|
|
|
739
|
|
Other tax payables
|
|
|
805
|
|
|
|
906
|
|
Accrued wages
|
|
|
734
|
|
|
|
748
|
|
Payables for purchases of property plant and equipment
|
|
|
455
|
|
|
|
609
|
|
Commission payable
|
|
|
177
|
|
|
|
117
|
|
Warranty provision
|
|
|
146
|
|
|
|
77
|
|
Contract deposit for constructor
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
49
|
|
Accrued interest expense
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
687
|
|
Others
|
|
|
721
|
|
|
|
738
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
22,597
|
|
|
$
|
21,059
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities for discontinued operations consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Deposit received for the sale of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
22,071
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payables for purchases of property plant and equipment
|
|
|
5,573
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
27,644
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term loans, net consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Short-term loans
|
|
$
|
7,850
|
|
|
$
|
4,611
|
|
Less: Deferred financing costs
|
|
|
(34
|
)
|
|
|
(34
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term loans, net
|
|
$
|
7,816
|
|
|
$
|
4,577
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On March 30, 2016, Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing, one subsidiary of the Group, obtained a
twelve-month loan of $5,761 (RMB 40 million) from Shuangxiu Branch of Beijing Bank to fund working capital in daily operations. The loan bears an annual interest rate of 5.22% and is guaranteed by the property owned by Beijing Yaxunxinwang
Technology Limited (Yaxunxinwang), a subsidiary of the Group sold to a third party in 2016.The loan was also guaranteed by Mr. Defu Dong, the former Chairman of the Group. The loan was fully repaid in March 2017.
On April 6, 2016, Techfaith China, one subsidiary of the Group, obtained a twelve-month loan of $2,881 (RMB 20 million) from Beijing
International Trust Co., Ltd., a third party financial institution, through the Shuangxiu Branch of Beijing Bank to fund working capital in daily operations. The principal is payable in installments semi-annually. The loan bears an annual interest
rate of 5.22% and is guaranteed by the property owned by Techfaith Shanghai, one subsidiary of the Group. The loan was guaranteed by the properties owned by Techfaith Shanghai with a carrying value of $3,486 at December 31, 2016 and also
guaranteed by Mr. Defu Dong, the former Chairman of the Group. As of December 31, 2016, the remaining principal of this loan was $1,440 (RMB 10 million), which was fully repaid in April 2017.
F-24
On May 25, 2017, Techfaith China, one subsidiary of the Group, obtained a twelve-month loan
of $3,843 (RMB 25 million) from Beijing International Trust Co., Ltd., a third party financial institution, through the Shuangxiu Branch of Beijing Bank to fund working capital in daily operations. The loan bears an annual interest rate of 5.22%.
The loan was guaranteed by the properties owned by Techfaith Shanghai with a carrying value of $3,621 at December 31, 2017 and also guaranteed by Mr. Defu Dong, the former Chairman of the Group. The loan was fully repaid in April 2018.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, interest expenses on short-term loans amounted to $1,231, $1,189 and $273
including amortization of deferred financing costs of $263, $387 and $78 respectively.
On January 26, 2014, 17FOXSY, received a three-year loan of $4,321
(RMB 30 million) from Shenyang ShenbeiChuangzhan Financing Service Group Co., Ltd., a third party financial institution, through the Liaoning Branch of Bank of Communications, at a floating interest rate of 10% above the three-year prime rate
as announced by the Peoples Bank of China. The loan was pledged by a land use right owned by 17FOXSY with a carrying value of $2,129 at December 31, 2015. The interest is payable quarterly and the principle is payable in installments
semi-annually through January 19, 2017. 17FOXSY intended to use the proceeds to construct a plant in Shenyang and to purchase related equipment and machineries. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the interest expense on this
long-term loan was $175 of which $41 was capitalized and recorded as a part of construction in progress. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the interest expense on this long-term loan was $60 of which $18 was capitalized and recorded as a
part of construction in progress. The Group repaid the principle of borrowings of $1,440 (RMB 10 million) and $2,161 (RMB 15 million) in 2016 and 2017 respectively. The loan was fully repaid as of December 31, 2016 and the pledge was
resolved accordingly.
On June 16, 2016, Techfaith Hangzhou, one subsidiary of the Group, obtained a
ten-year
credit of $27,585 (RMB 191.5 million) from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Branch of China Citic Bank to repay the loans from the subsidiaries of the Group and to fund working capital in daily operations. The
credit was guaranteed by the properties owned by Techfaith Hangzhou with a carrying value of $36,563 at December 31, 2017 and account receivables for rental incomes of Techfaith Hangzhou. The credit was also guaranteed by Mr. Defu Dong,
Ms. Xiaojun Wang, the wife of Mr. Defu Dong, Mr. Deyou Dong and Ms. Chunxia Yuan, the wife of Mr. Deyou Dong. Under this credit line, Techfaith Hangzhou obtained a
ten-year
loan
of $12,963 (RMB 90 million) to repay the loans from the subsidiaries of the Group on June 20, 2016. As of December 31, 2017, $768 of this loan, which will be repaid within one year, was classified as short-term loan. The loan bears an
annual interest rate of 6.5%. The principal repayment schedule of this long-term loan was as follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
June 1, 2018
|
|
$
|
768
|
|
|
|
5.0 million
|
|
June 1, 2019
|
|
|
999
|
|
|
|
6.5 million
|
|
June 1, 2020
|
|
|
1,153
|
|
|
|
7.5 million
|
|
June 1, 2021
|
|
|
1,306
|
|
|
|
8.5 million
|
|
June 1, 2022
|
|
|
1,460
|
|
|
|
9.5 million
|
|
June 1, 2023
|
|
|
1,614
|
|
|
|
10.5 million
|
|
June 1, 2024
|
|
|
1,768
|
|
|
|
11.5 million
|
|
June 1, 2025
|
|
|
1,921
|
|
|
|
12.5 million
|
|
May 20, 2026
|
|
|
2,152
|
|
|
|
14.0 million
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
13,141
|
|
|
|
85.5 million
|
|
Less: current maturity
|
|
|
768
|
|
|
|
5.0 million
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
12,373
|
|
|
|
80.5 million
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In April 2010, the Company entered into a shareholders agreement with Billion Team Asia Limited to
establish Time Spring, one of the consolidated entities. Pursuant to this shareholders agreement, Time Spring received a loan of $290 from Billion Team Asia Limited as its
paid-in
capital contributed to
Glomate, the wholly owned subsidiary of Time Spring in China. This loan is
non-interest
bearing and uncollateralized. There is no repayment date specified in the agreement. The lender, also the shareholder,
has been inactive for the past couple of years and has not demanded repayment. The Company does not expect to repay the loan within twelve months from December 31, 2017. The Company recorded the loan as long-term loan on the consolidated
balance sheets.
F-25
In January 2016, Techfaith China, one of the Groups subsidiaries,
entered into agreements with Bank of Jiangsu to issue eight five-month to
six-month
interest free bank acceptances with the total amount of $15,437 (RMB 100 million) to an EMS provider. These bank acceptances
were secured by the Groups deposit of $7,719 held in the designated bank account and a land use right in Beijing with a carrying value of $7,474 as of December 31, 2015. The bank acceptances were also guaranteed by Mr. Defu Dong, the
former Chairman of the Group. The notes payable have been paid as of December 31, 2016.
In June and July 2016, Techfaith China, one
of the Groups subsidiaries, entered into agreements with Bank of Jiangsu to issue five
six-month
interest free bank acceptances with the total amount of $14,403 (RMB 100 million) to an EMS provider.
These bank acceptances were secured by the Groups deposit of $7,202 held in the designated bank account and a land use right in Beijing with a carrying value of $6,820 as of December 31, 2016. The bank acceptances were also guaranteed by
Mr. Defu Dong, the former Chairman of the Group. The notes payable of $8,642 (RMB 60 million) have been paid as of December 31, 2016. The remaining balance of notes payable is $5,761 (RMB 40 million) and the remaining balance of restricted
cash is $2,881 as of December 31, 2016. The remaining notes payable of $5,761(RMB 40 million) have been paid in January 2017 and the pledges were released accordingly.
F-26
17.
|
OTHER OPERATING
INCOME-NET
GAIN FROM THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE
|
In December 2014, the Group entered into an agreement with Guanghuanxinwang for the sale of three floors of a building located in Beijing. The
final transaction price was approximately $23,045 (RMB 160 million). As of December 31, 2016, the transaction was completed. A net gain of $14,939 was recognized as other operating
income-net
gain from
the sale of real estate in 2016.
Cayman Islands
The Company and TechSoft Holding are
tax-exempted
companies incorporated in the Cayman Islands.
British Virgin Islands
Under the current BVI law, income from Techfaith BVI, Great Earnest, 798 Entertainment, Finest Technology, Infoexcel Technology, Charm Faith,
Fair Nice and Time Spring are not subject to taxation.
Hong Kong
No provision for Hong Kong Profits Tax was made for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 on the basis that Techfaith HK,
Technology HK and Media Chance did not have any assessable profits arising in or derived from Hong Kong.
PRC
On March 16, 2007, the National Peoples Congress of China adopted the Enterprise Income Tax Law (the EIT Law) which
became effective on January 1, 2008. The EIT Law applies a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate to both foreign invested enterprises and domestic enterprises. Under the EIT Law, an enterprise which qualifies as a high and new technology
enterprise (the HNTE) is entitled to a tax rate of 15%.
Techfaith China have obtained the HNTE in December 2008 and
renewed the HNTE status in 2011, 2014 and 2017, respectively under the EIT Law.
Techfaith Shanghai is a qualified manufacturing foreign
investment enterprise located in Shanghai Pudong according to the old EIT law prior to January 1, 2008, obtained HNTE in December 2008 and renewed the HNTE status in 2011, 2014 and 2017, respectively.
One Net obtained the HNTE in September 2010 and renewed the HNTE status in 2013 under the EIT Law. Beginning from 2010, the tax rate for One
Net is 15%. In 2016, the HNTE status was expired. As a result, the tax rate for One Net is 25%.
The preferential tax rates, which are
rates enjoyed by the PRC entities of the Group, different from the statutory rates, are presented in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
Techfaith China
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
Techfaith Shanghai
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
One Net
|
|
|
15.0
|
%
|
|
|
25.0
|
%
|
|
|
25.0
|
%
|
|
|
25.0
|
%
|
|
|
25.0
|
%
|
The HNTE status was renewed by Techfaith China in 2017, Techfaith Shanghai in 2017. Under the EIT Law, the
HNTE status is valid for three years and qualifying entities can then apply to renew for an additional three years provided their business operations continue to qualify for the HNTE status.
The EIT Law includes a provision specifying that legal entities organized outside China will be considered residents for Chinese income tax
purposes if their place of effective management or control is within China. If legal entities organized outside China were considered residents for Chinese income tax purpose, they would become subject to the EIT Law on their worldwide income. This
would cause any income legal entities organized outside China earned to be subject to Chinas 25% EIT. The Implementation Rules to EIT Law provide that
non-resident
legal entities will be considered China
residents if substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting, properties, etc. resides within China. Pursuant to the Implementation Rules to EIT Law released by the Chinese
government, management does not believe that the legal entities organized outside China should be characterized as China tax residents for EIT Law purposes.
Under the EIT Law and its implementation rules, dividends generated after January 1, 2008 and payable by a foreign invested enterprise in
China to its foreign investors who are nonresident enterprises are subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless any such foreign investors jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a different withholding
arrangement.
F-27
Aggregate undistributed earnings of the Companys subsidiaries located in the PRC that are
taxable upon distribution to the Company of approximately $164,724, $168,376 and $165,059 at December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The Group did not record any withholding tax on any of the aforementioned undistributed earnings
because it intends to permanently reinvest all earnings in China and the Group does not have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on its ordinary shares in the foreseeable future and intends to retain most of its available funds and any future
earnings for use in the operation and expansion of its business. Accordingly, no deferred tax liability has been accrued for the Chinese dividend withholding taxes that would be payable upon the distribution of those amounts to the Company. The
Chinese tax authorities have also clarified that distributions made out of pre January 1, 2008 retained earnings will not be subject to the withholding tax. If the Company were to be
non-resident
for PRC
tax purpose, dividends paid to it out of profits earned after January 1, 2008 would be subject to a withholding tax. In the case of dividends paid by PRC subsidiaries, the withholding tax would be 10%. Distributions made out of pre
January 1, 2008 retained earnings will not be subject to the withholding tax. It is not practical to determine the amount of any unrecognized deferred tax liability on those undistributed earnings. If the Group were to distribute such
unremitted earnings, the Group would be subject to the dividend withholding taxes of approximately $10,295.
The current and deferred
components of the income tax expense appearing in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Current tax
|
|
$
|
1,024
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Deferred tax
|
|
|
(28
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
996
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All of the income taxes are related to the PRC entities of the Group.
The principal components of the Groups deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
862
|
|
|
$
|
404
|
|
Product warranty provision
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
434
|
|
|
|
1,247
|
|
Inventory provision
|
|
|
1,921
|
|
|
|
968
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,811
|
|
|
|
2,761
|
|
Impairment charge for intangible assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
427
|
|
Net operating loss carry forwards
|
|
|
5,058
|
|
|
|
5,398
|
|
Less: Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(11,094
|
)
|
|
|
(11,025
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax assets
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation between the provision for income tax computed by PRC enterprise income tax rate of 25% to
income before income taxes and actual provision for income taxes is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Income (Loss) before income
tax-continuing
operations
|
|
$
|
(12,697
|
)
|
|
$
|
9,778
|
|
|
$
|
(14,055
|
)
|
Income before income
tax-discontinuing
operations
|
|
|
596
|
|
|
|
381
|
|
|
|
3,837
|
|
Tax provision at PRC enterprise income tax rate of 25%
|
|
|
(3,025
|
)
|
|
|
2,540
|
|
|
|
(2,554
|
)
|
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes and others
|
|
|
2,338
|
|
|
|
77
|
|
|
|
313
|
|
Preferential tax rates granted to PRC entities
|
|
|
333
|
|
|
|
(1,422
|
)
|
|
|
537
|
|
Effect of the different income tax rates in other jurisdictions
|
|
|
1,011
|
|
|
|
(1,971
|
)
|
|
|
1,456
|
|
Changes in valuation allowances
|
|
|
335
|
|
|
|
774
|
|
|
|
111
|
|
Expired operating loss carry forwards
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
137
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
996
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss carry forwards of $17, $8 and $548 expired during 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively; therefore,
the effects of income tax are $4, $2 and $137 in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the Group had $25,942 operating loss carry forwards that expire from 2017 through 2021, which will be available to offset future
taxable income.
F-28
The Group determines whether a valuation allowance is required at the level of each taxable
entity. The deferred tax assets arose in companies, which are not expected to have any significant taxable income in the foreseeable future, and consequently full provision has been made against the deferred tax assets of those entities.
Without the preferential tax rates granted to PRC entities, income tax expense would have decreased by approximately $333 for the year ended
December 31, 2015, representing an increase in the basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.00 for the years ended December 31, 2015. Without the preferential tax rates granted to PRC entities, income tax expense would have increased by
approximately $1,422 for the year ended December 31, 2016, representing a decrease in the basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.00. Without the preferential tax rates granted to PRC entities, income tax expense would have decreased by
approximately $537 for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing an increase in the basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.00.
The Group has concluded that there are no significant unrecognized tax positions requiring recognition in financial statements for the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017. The Group did not incur any interest and penalties related to potential underpaid income tax expenses.
Since January 1, 2008, the relevant tax authorities of the Groups subsidiaries have not conducted a tax examination on the
Groups subsidiaries. In accordance with relevant PRC tax administration laws, tax years from 2009 to 2017 of the Groups PRC subsidiaries remain subject to tax audits as of December 31, 2017at the tax authoritys discretion.
In March 2006, the Company entered into Series A Preferred Shares
Purchase and Sell Agreement (the Agreement) with QUALCOMM Incorporated (QUALCOMM) to establish a 70%-owned subsidiary, TechSoft Holding. The Company and QUALCOMM subscribed 70% and 30% of the issued Series A preferred shares
of TechSoft Holding, respectively. QUALCOMM is granted the right to, upon the occurrence of certain conditions, require the Company to purchase back any or all of its Series A Preferred Shares (Put Option); and the right to, upon the
occurrence of certain conditions, purchase any or all of the Series A Preferred Shares held by the Company at the price and on the terms
pre-defined
(Call Option). The Put Option was recorded at
its fair value as a liability and is subsequently remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting period.
As the valuation of the
Put Option is based on the valuation of TechSoft Holding, a
non-public
company, it requires significant management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, and the lack of observable inputs. As a
result, the Group has determined that the fair value of the Put Option is classified as Level 3 valuation within the fair value hierarchy (see Note 20).
According to the Agreement, the exercise price of the put option is the higher of a) fair value of TechSoft Holdings ordinary share,
which is the amount equivalent to the business valuation performed by an independent professional valuation company that is mutually agreed upon by Qualcomm and the Company, in proportion to Qualcomms percentage of shareholding on a
fully-diluted as converted basis; b) calculated value of ordinary share, which is the original per share purchase price by Qualcomm or the Company ($1 per share) increased at a continuous compounded growth rate of ten percent (10%) per annum.
The fair value of TechSoft Holdings ordinary share is determined using the income approach valuation methodology that applied a
discounted cash flow model for TechSoft Holding. Changes in fair value of the Put Option amounting to $210, $210 and $6,510 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively, are reflected on the consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income (loss).
|
(a)
|
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
|
Put option
The put option the
Group offered to QUALCOMM as set out in Note 19 was recorded as a liability at fair value. The Group measured the fair value for the put option with the assistance of an independent valuation firm.
The put option was classified as a Level 3 liability because the Group used unobservable inputs to value it, reflecting the Groups
assessment of the assumptions market participants would use in valuing these derivatives.
F-29
The following tables set forth, by level with the fair-value hierarchy, the fair value of the
Groups financial liabilities measured on a recurring basis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2016
|
|
|
|
Quoted price
in active
markets
for identical
investments
Level 1
|
|
|
Significant
other
observable
inputs
Level 2
|
|
|
Significant
unobservable
inputs
Level 3
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Put Option
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,460
|
|
|
$
|
2,460
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2017
|
|
|
|
Quoted price
in active
markets
for identical
investments
Level 1
|
|
|
Significant
other
observable
inputs
Level 2
|
|
|
Significant
unobservable
inputs
Level 3
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Put Option
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
8,970
|
|
|
$
|
8,970
|
|
The following table summarizes the movement of the balances of the put option liability measured at fair value
on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) during years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of January 1, 2016
|
|
$
|
2,250
|
|
Change in fair value
|
|
|
210
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
2,460
|
|
Change in fair value
|
|
|
6,510
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2017
|
|
$
|
8,970
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
|
The Group measured certain long-lived assets at their fair value on a nonrecurring basis as results of the impairment loss of $ nil,
$ nil and $1,750 recognized during 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively, as set out in Note 10. The fair value was determined using models with significant unobservable inputs, which were classified as Level 3 inputs, primarily the
discounted future cash flow.
In March 2005, the Group adopted the 2005 Share Incentive Plan (the
Plan) which allows the Group to offer a variety of incentive awards to employees and directors of the Group. For the year ended December 31, 2005, options to purchase 40,000,000 ordinary shares were authorized under the Plan. Under
the terms of the Plan, options are generally granted at prices equal to the fair market value of the Groups shares listed on NASDAQ and expire 10 years from the date of grant. The options vest in accordance with the terms of the agreement
separately entered into by the Group and grantee at the time of the grant.
F-30
A summary of the share option activity during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and
2017 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number
of options
|
|
|
Weighted
average
exercise
price
per option
|
|
|
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life
|
|
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
|
|
|
30,341,636
|
|
|
$
|
0.259
|
|
|
|
6.5
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited or expired
|
|
|
(960,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015
|
|
|
29,381,636
|
|
|
$
|
0.259
|
|
|
|
5.5
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited or expired
|
|
|
(1,800,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of December 31, 2016
|
|
|
27,581,636
|
|
|
$
|
0.259
|
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited or expired
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of December 31, 2017
|
|
|
27,581,636
|
|
|
$
|
0.259
|
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable as of December 31, 2017
|
|
|
27,581,636
|
|
|
$
|
0.259
|
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested as of December 31, 2017
|
|
|
27,581,636
|
|
|
$
|
0.259
|
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During 2015, 2016 and 2017, no compensation expenses recognized. No options were exercised during the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
No unrecognized compensation as of December 31, 2017 as all the options were vested.
22.
|
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION AND REDUCTION FROM NONCONTROLLING SHAREHOLDERS
|
On
September 16, 2011, Techfaith Hangzhou, Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing and Beijing
E-town
International Investment and Development Co., Ltd., or BEIID, established a joint venture, Tecface
Communication Equipment (Beijing) Ltd. Techfaith Hangzhou and Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing respectively held 49.0% and 11.0% of the equity interest of Tecface Communication Equipment Beijing, and BEIID held the remaining 40.0% share equity
of this entity. BEIID had contributed $19,203 into Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing as of October 11, 2015. In October 2015, Techfaith Hangzhou, Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing and BEIID agreed that BEIID to withdraw US$8,120 from
its original contribution. As of December 31, 2016, BEIID have contributed US$11,083 and holds the remaining 28.1% equity interest. In 2017, Techfaith Intelligent Handset Beijing transferred 13.2% of the equity interest of Tecface
Communication Equipment Beijing to Techfaith China through an agreement.
F-31
23.
|
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
The name and nature of the relationships with related
parties are as follow:
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Relationship with the Group
|
Yunhu Times Technology Limited (Yunhu Times)
|
|
Controlled by Mr. Defu Dong
|
Mr. Deyou Dong(1)
|
|
The Companys CEO
|
|
(1).
|
17FOXSY is the Groups 83.3% owned subsidiary in China. In December 2016, the 83.3% equity interest was transferred from Fair Nice to Mr. Deyou Dong, CEO of the Group, to become a domestic company. An
entrusted agreement was signed between Fair Nice and Mr. Deyou Dong before the ownership changed. On April 24, 2017, the 83.3% equity interest was transferred from Mr. Deyou Dong to Techfaith China.
|
From 2015, the Group conducted transactions with Yunhu Times. A summary of the purchase of raw materials and the sales of mobile phone products
during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Purchase of raw materials:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yunhu Times
|
|
$
|
2,701
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Sales of mobile phone products:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yunhu Times
|
|
$
|
3,649
|
|
|
$
|
190
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, amounts due from a related party were as follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Trade receivable:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yunhu Times
|
|
$
|
2,247
|
|
|
$
|
1,601
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other receivable:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yunhu Times
|
|
$
|
950
|
|
|
$
|
1,104
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.
|
OPERATING SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
|
The Groups chief operating decision
maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews consolidated results when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group. The Group has determined that the business segments that constitute
its primary reporting segments are Mobile phone business and Real estate considering the differences in products, which is consistent with the Groups internal financial reporting structure.
The Group uses gross profit as the performance measure of each operating segment.
The financial information for each operating segment reflects that information which is specifically identifiable or which is allocated based
on an internal allocation method. Selected financial information by operating segment is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Mobile phone business
|
|
$
|
60,194
|
|
|
$
|
57,631
|
|
|
$
|
44,444
|
|
- Real estate
|
|
|
3,474
|
|
|
|
3,327
|
|
|
|
2,362
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenues
|
|
|
63,668
|
|
|
|
60,958
|
|
|
|
46,806
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Mobile phone business
|
|
|
(56,802
|
)
|
|
|
(47,418
|
)
|
|
|
(35,971
|
)
|
- Real estate
|
|
|
(1,022
|
)
|
|
|
(1,088
|
)
|
|
|
(1,072
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenues
|
|
|
(57,824
|
)
|
|
|
(48,506
|
)
|
|
|
(37,043
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
$
|
5,844
|
|
|
$
|
12,452
|
|
|
$
|
9,763
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-32
Revenue and cost of sales from discontinued operations is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Revenues from discontinued operations
|
|
$
|
941
|
|
|
$
|
891
|
|
|
$
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues from discontinued operations
|
|
|
(74
|
)
|
|
|
(70
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
$
|
867
|
|
|
$
|
821
|
|
|
$
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Groups chief operating decision maker only reviews revenues and cost of revenues for each operating
segment. Operating and other income and expenses are not allocated to each segment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Mobile phone business assets:
|
|
$
|
88,567
|
|
|
$
|
95,420
|
|
- Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
6,363
|
|
|
|
735
|
|
- Restricted cash
|
|
|
2,881
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
23,480
|
|
|
|
6,672
|
|
- Accounts receivable due from a relate party
|
|
|
2,247
|
|
|
|
1,601
|
|
- Notes receivable, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Amount due from a relate party
|
|
|
950
|
|
|
|
1,104
|
|
- Inventories, net
|
|
|
4,646
|
|
|
|
212
|
|
- Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
38,809
|
|
|
|
24,176
|
|
- Loan receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,794
|
|
- Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
5,406
|
|
|
|
4,210
|
|
- Acquired intangible assets, net
|
|
|
3,785
|
|
|
|
983
|
|
- Other long-term prepaid expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,933
|
|
- Real estate assets:
|
|
$
|
138,707
|
|
|
$
|
254,047
|
|
- Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
1,979
|
|
|
|
2,876
|
|
- Current receivable - real estate disposition
|
|
|
2,105
|
|
|
|
35,983
|
|
- Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
43,739
|
|
|
|
45,562
|
|
- Construction in progress
|
|
|
69,792
|
|
|
|
84,696
|
|
- Land use rights, net
|
|
|
1,966
|
|
|
|
2,042
|
|
- Other
non-current
assets
|
|
|
19,126
|
|
|
|
52,149
|
|
- Non-current receivable - real estate disposition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,739
|
|
- Discontinued operations assets:
|
|
$
|
156,256
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
- Assets held for sale
|
|
|
3,352
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Other assets held for sale
|
|
|
152,904
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
383,530
|
|
|
$
|
349,467
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Total expenditures for purchase of long-lived assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Mobile phone business
|
|
|
5,865
|
|
|
|
1,739
|
|
|
|
1,008
|
|
- Real estate
|
|
|
57,177
|
|
|
|
2,099
|
|
|
|
40,410
|
|
- Discontinued operations
|
|
|
90,636
|
|
|
|
3,979
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capital expenditure
|
|
$
|
153,678
|
|
|
$
|
7,817
|
|
|
$
|
41,418
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geographic information
Revenues, classified by the major geographic areas in which the Groups customers are located (for design contract and game related
revenue, based on the address of the customer who contracted with the Group; for product sales, based on the address to which the Group ships products), are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Revenues from the PRC
|
|
$
|
51,536
|
|
|
$
|
47,308
|
|
|
$
|
34,615
|
|
Revenues from the United States
|
|
|
9,984
|
|
|
|
12,754
|
|
|
|
11,861
|
|
Revenues from other countries
|
|
|
2,148
|
|
|
|
896
|
|
|
|
330
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
$
|
63,668
|
|
|
$
|
60,958
|
|
|
$
|
46,806
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All of the revenues from discontinued operations came from the PRC.
The Company did not have any significant long-lived assets outside the PRC.
F-33
As of December 31, 2017, capital commitments for construction of
property are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year 2018
|
|
$
|
11,346
|
|
Year 2019 and thereafter
|
|
|
8,556
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
19,902
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group uses EMS providers to provide manufacturing services for its
products. During the normal course of business, in order to reduce manufacturing lead times and ensure adequate component supply, the Group enters into contracts with certain manufacturers that allow them to procure inventory based on criteria
defined by the Group. As of December 31, 2017, the Group had commitments under
non-cancellable
contracts that future minimum purchases are $2,755 in 2018 and thereafter.
|
(c)
|
Guarantee commitments
|
In January 2017, the Group entered into guarantee agreements for a bank
credit of $6,148 (RMB40 million) to an EMS factory of the Group to fund the capital demand of production. The guarantee period was from January 2017 to January 2020. The properties owned by 17FOXSY with a carrying value of $8,999 at
December 31, 2017 and the land use right owned by 17FOXSY with a carrying value of $2,042 at December 31, 2017 were pledged. The loan was also guaranteed by Techfaith China and Techfaith HK.
26.
|
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
|
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and
diluted net income (loss) per share for the years indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to China Techfaith Wireless
Communication Technology Limited (numerator), basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
(13,401
|
)
|
|
$
|
9,751
|
|
|
$
|
(13,169
|
)
|
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to China Techfaith Wireless Communication
Technology Limited (numerator), basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
596
|
|
|
$
|
381
|
|
|
$
|
3,837
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income attributable to China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology Limited
(numerator), basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
(12,805
|
)
|
|
$
|
10,132
|
|
|
$
|
(9,332
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares (denominator):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
Effect of dilutive securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average shares used in computing diluted net income per share
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to China Techfaith Wireless
Communication Technology Limited per share, basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.01
|
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to China Techfaith Wireless Communication
Technology Limited per share, basic and diluted
|
|
|
0.00
|
|
|
|
0.00
|
|
|
|
0.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income attributable to China Techfaith Wireless Communication Technology Limited per
share, basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.01
|
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-34
The Group had securities outstanding, which could potentially dilute basic net income per share
in the future, but were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share, as their effects would have been anti-dilutive. Such securities consisted of 29,381,636, 27,581,636 and 27,581,636 options outstanding as of December 31,
2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
27.
|
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
|
Full time employees of the Group located in the PRC participate
in a government-mandated defined contribution plan pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, unemployment insurance, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. The Group accrues for these benefits
based on certain percentages of the employees salaries.
The total provisions for such employee benefits were $964, $642 and $644 for
the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
28.
|
STATUTORY RESERVES AND RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
|
In accordance with the relevant PRC laws
and regulations, the Groups subsidiaries in the PRC are required to provide for certain statutory reserves, which are appropriated from net profit as reported in accordance with PRC accounting standards. The Groups subsidiaries in the
PRC are required to allocate at least 10% of their
after-tax
profits to the general reserve until such reserve has reached 50% of their respective registered capital. Appropriations to other types of reserves
in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations are to be made at the discretion of the board of directors of each of the Groups subsidiaries in the PRC. The statutory reserves are restricted from being distributed as dividends under PRC
laws and regulations. The appropriations to these reserves by the Groups subsidiaries in the PRC were $22,258, $22,258 and $21,567 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
As a result of these PRC laws and regulations and the requirement that distributions by the Groups subsidiaries in the PRC can only be
paid out of distributable profits reported in accordance with PRC accounting standards, the Groups subsidiaries in the PRC are restricted from transferring a portion of their net assets to the Company. The restricted amounts include the
paid-in
capital and the statutory reserves of the Groups subsidiaries in the PRC. The aggregate amount of
paid-in
capital and statutory reserves, which represented the
amount of net assets of the Groups subsidiaries in the PRC not available for distribution, was $202,614, $202,613 and $187,497 as of December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
In January 2018, the Group signed a share repurchase agreement with
one of the minority shareholders of 17FOXSY on transferring 8.3% of the equity interest of 17FOXSY to the Group. According to the share repurchase agreement, the Group should pay approximately $3,595 to the minority shareholder in 2018. After this
transaction, the Group will own 91.7% of the equity interest of 17FOXSY. The Group expects to complete the transaction within 2018.
In
January 2018, the Group signed a settlement agreement with the buyer on terminating the share transfer agreement on transferring the ownership of Charm Faith, together with its wholly owned subsidiary. According to the settlement agreement, the
Group repaid approximately $8.45 million, including the first payment received and relevant interest, to the buyer in February 2018.It is in the process of transferring the ownership of Charm Faith back to Techfaith BVI.
On May 25, 2017, Techfaith China, one subsidiary of the Group, obtained a twelve-month loan of $3,843 (RMB 25 million) from Beijing
International Trust Co., Ltd., a third party financial institution, through the Shuangxiu Branch of Beijing Bank to fund working capital in daily operations. The loan bears an annual interest rate of 5.22%. The loan was guaranteed by the properties
owned by Techfaith Shanghai with a carrying value of $3,621 at December 31, 2017 and also guaranteed by Mr. Defu Dong, the former Chairman of the Group. The loan was fully repaid in April 2018. In April 2018, Techfaith China renewed the
twelve-month loan of $3,843 (RMB 25 million) an annual interest rate of 6.09% from Beijing International Trust Co., Ltd., through the Shuangxiu Branch of Beijing Bank to fund working capital in daily operations.
F-35
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - SCHEDULE 1
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
1,864
|
|
|
|
633
|
|
Amounts due from subsidiaries
|
|
|
126,648
|
|
|
|
127,239
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
128,512
|
|
|
|
127,872
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in subsidiaries
|
|
|
133,001
|
|
|
|
145,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$
|
261,513
|
|
|
$
|
273,652
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
|
|
$
|
2,467
|
|
|
$
|
8,977
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
$
|
2,467
|
|
|
$
|
8,977
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares ($0.00002 par value;
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000,000,000,000 shares authorized; 794,003,193 and 794,003,193 shares issued and outstanding as
of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively)
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
Additional
paid-in
capital
|
|
|
144,836
|
|
|
|
144,836
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
16,159
|
|
|
|
31,120
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
98,035
|
|
|
|
88,703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity
|
|
|
259,046
|
|
|
|
264,675
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
|
|
$
|
261,513
|
|
|
$
|
273,652
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of Schedule 1.
F-36
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
|
(640
|
)
|
Selling and marketing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
|
(640
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other operating income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (Loss) from operations
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
|
(20
|
)
|
|
|
(640
|
)
|
Equity in Income (loss) income of subsidiaries
|
|
|
(12,680
|
)
|
|
|
10,362
|
|
|
|
(2,182
|
)
|
Change in fair value of the Put Option
|
|
|
(210
|
)
|
|
|
(210
|
)
|
|
|
(6,510
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income before income taxes
|
|
|
(12,805
|
)
|
|
|
10,132
|
|
|
|
(9,332
|
)
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
|
(12,805
|
)
|
|
|
10,132
|
|
|
|
(9,332
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
(12,490
|
)
|
|
|
(19,419
|
)
|
|
|
14,961
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive (loss) income
|
|
$
|
(25,295
|
)
|
|
$
|
(9,287
|
)
|
|
$
|
5,629
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of Schedule 1.
F-37
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY ONLY
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares
|
|
|
Additional
paid-in
capital
|
|
|
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
|
|
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
|
Total
shareholders
equity
|
|
|
|
Number
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at January 1, 2015
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
144,836
|
|
|
|
48,068
|
|
|
|
100,708
|
|
|
|
293,628
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,490
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,490
|
)
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,805
|
)
|
|
|
(12,805
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2015
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
144,836
|
|
|
|
35,578
|
|
|
|
87,903
|
|
|
|
268,333
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19,419
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19,419
|
)
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,132
|
|
|
|
10,132
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2016
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
$
|
16
|
|
|
$
|
144,836
|
|
|
$
|
16,159
|
|
|
$
|
98,035
|
|
|
$
|
259,046
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,344
|
|
Sale of a subsidiary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,617
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,617
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,332
|
)
|
|
|
(9,332
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2017
|
|
|
794,003,193
|
|
|
$
|
16
|
|
|
$
|
144,836
|
|
|
$
|
31,120
|
|
|
$
|
88,703
|
|
|
$
|
264,675
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of Schedule 1.
F-38
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
Operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
$
|
(12,805
|
)
|
|
$
|
10,132
|
|
|
$
|
(9,332
|
)
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided in operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in fair value of the Put Option
|
|
|
210
|
|
|
|
210
|
|
|
|
6,510
|
|
Loss (income) on investment in subsidiaries
|
|
|
12,680
|
|
|
|
(10,362
|
)
|
|
|
2,182
|
|
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(10
|
)
|
|
|
1,005
|
|
|
|
1,231
|
|
Amounts due from subsidiaries
|
|
|
(74
|
)
|
|
|
(986
|
)
|
|
|
(591
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used) provided in operating activities
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of Schedule 1.
F-39
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)
The Condensed Financial Information of the Parent Company only
has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in the Companys consolidated financial statements except that the Company has used equity method to account for its investment in its subsidiaries.
Comprehensive income includes net income and foreign currency translation adjustments. The Group presents the components of net income, the
components of other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income in single continuous statement of comprehensive income.
2.
|
INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
|
The Company and its subsidiaries are included in the
consolidated financial statements where the inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. For the purpose of the Parent Companys stand-alone financial statements, its investments in subsidiaries are reported using
the equity method of accounting. The Parent Companys share of income and losses from its subsidiaries is reported as earnings from subsidiaries in the accompanying condensed financial information of parent company.
The Parent Company is a
tax-exempted
company incorporated in the Cayman Island
F-40