UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

(Mark One)

 

  ¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OR 12(G) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

  x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020

OR

 

  ¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

  ¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of event requiring this shell company report                      

 

For the transition period from                        to                         

 

Commission file number 001-34409

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
1902 Building C, King Long International Mansion
9 Fulin Road, Beijing 100107
People’s Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Liu Jia, Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: +86 (10) 8494 5799
liujia@recon.cn; Fax: +86 (10) 8494 5792
1902 Building C, King Long International Mansion
9 Fulin Road, Beijing 100107
People’s Republic of China

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Ordinary Shares, $0.0925 par value per share    NASDAQ Capital Market

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 7,202,832 Ordinary Shares.

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

¨ Yes    x 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    x 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.

 

x Yes    ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

 

x Yes    ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer, "accelerated filer,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨   Accelerated filer ¨   Non-accelerated filer x
        Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨

 

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012. 

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP x   International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board 
¨
  Other ¨

 

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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

 

¨ Yes    x 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

        Page  
PART I            
Item 1.   Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers     4  
Item 2.   Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable     4  
Item 3.   Key Information     4  
Item 4.   Information on the Company     23  
Item 4A.   Unresolved Staff Comments     38  
Item 5.   Operating and Financial Review and Prospects     38  
Item 6.   Directors, Senior Management and Employees     57  
Item 7.   Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions     66  
Item 8.   Financial Information     68  
Item 9.   The Offer and Listing     69  
Item 10.   Additional Information     70  
Item 11.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     79  
Item 12.   Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities     80  
             
PART II         80  
Item 13.   Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies     80  
Item 14.   Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds     81  
Item 15.   Controls and Procedures     83  
Item 15T.   Controls and Procedures     83  
Item 16.   [Reserved]     83  
Item 16A.   Audit Committee Financial Expert     83  
Item 16B.   Code of Ethics     83  
Item 16C.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services     83  
Item 16D.   Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees     85  
Item 16E.   Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers     85  
Item 16F.   Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant     85  
Item 16G.   Corporate Governance     85  
Item 16H.   Mine Safety Disclosure     85  
             
PART III         85  
Item 17.   Financial Statements     85  
Item 18.   Financial Statements     86  
Item 19.   Exhibits     87  

 

2

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Statements in this annual report with respect to the Company’s current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of the Company. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those statements using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “plans,” “strategy,” “prospects,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “could” or “should,” and words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operations, financial performance, events or conditions. From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements may also be included in other materials released to the public. These statements are based on management’s assumptions, judgments and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. The Company cautions investors that a number of important risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, government regulation, and other risks contained in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, investors should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ significantly from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. 

 

All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the company, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

 

3

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

 

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

 

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

Item 3. Key Information

 

A. Selected Financial Data

 

The following table presents the selected consolidated financial information for our company. The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the three years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2019 and 2020 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements set forth in “Item 18 – Financial Statements”. The selected consolidated balance sheet data for the year ended June 30, 2017 have been derived from our audited consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2017, which is not included in this annual report. The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the year ended June 30, 2016 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2016 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2016, which are not included in this annual report. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” below. Our audited consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP.

 

Following the one-for-five reverse stock split of our ordinary shares effective on December 27, 2019, all share and per share amounts disclosed throughout this annual report, in the table below and in our consolidated financial statements have been retroactively updated to reflect this change in capital structure, unless otherwise indicated. Please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company".

 

(All amounts in thousands of Renminbi, except Dividend per share in U.S. dollars and Shares outstanding)

 

Statement of operations data:

 

    For the years ended June 30,  
    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
    RMB¥     RMB¥     RMB¥     RMB¥     RMB¥  
Revenues     65,760,651       102,384,327       84,712,046       60,054,462       42,728,277  
Loss from operations     (20,177,032 )     (24,243,574 )     (40,924,896 )     (30,611,484 )     (39,911,129 )
Net loss attributable to Recon Technology, Ltd     (19,246,701 )     (25,355,905 )     (44,072,321 )     (31,445,147 )     (40,882,577 )
                                         
Loss per share*                                        
-Basic     (4.16 )     (6.49 )     (19.19 )     (24.50 )     (36.15 )
-Diluted     (4.16 )     (6.49 )     (19.19 )     (24.50 )     (36.15 )
                                         
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computation*                                        
-Basic     4,624,615       3,908,833       2,296,693       1,283,461       1,130,630  
-Diluted     4,624,615       3,908,833       2,296,693       1,283,461       1,130,630  

 

* Retrospectively restated for effect of the reverse stock split on December 27, 2019

 

4

 

 

Balance sheet data:

 

    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
    RMB¥     RMB¥     RMB¥     RMB¥     RMB¥  
Current assets     129,281,873       97,824,268       100,834,569       68,387,075       74,322,220  
Total assets     194,414,804       156,981,554       121,807,517       71,155,045       79,450,314  
Current liabilities     65,181,175       42,084,370       25,991,921       29,445,757       29,850,518  
Total liabilities     73,770,516       50,280,574       34,935,755       29,445,757       29,850,518  
Total stockholders’ equity (net assets)     110,029,762       95,615,551       76,009,832       33,244,445       41,376,299  
Shares outstanding*     7,202,832       4,361,634       3,676,070       1,980,583       1,160,801  

 

* Retrospectively restated for effect of the reverse stock split on December 27, 2019

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable by 20-F as an annual report.

 

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable by 20-F as an annual report.

 

D. Risk Factors

 

Investing in our ordinary shares involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our ordinary shares, you should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below. There may be other unknown or unpredictable economic, business, competitive, regulatory or other factors that could have material adverse effects on our future results. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, business prospects, financial condition or results of operations could be seriously harmed. This could cause the trading price of our ordinary shares to decline, resulting in a loss of all or part of your investment. Please also read carefully the section above entitled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Public health epidemics or outbreaks such as COVID-19 could adversely impact our business.

 

Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be negatively impacted by risks related to natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, health epidemics and other catastrophic incidents, such as the COVID-19 outbreak and spread, which could significantly disrupt our operations. In December 2019, COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The COVID-19 outbreak and spread has caused lockdowns, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closures of businesses and schools.

 

In January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency as the coronavirus outbreak continued to spread beyond China. In compliance with the government health emergency rules in place, we temporarily closed our offices in varies provinces in China and ceased production operations since Chinese New Year. We gradually resumed operation and production since February 10, 2020. During February and March 2020, our project performance was delayed due to compliance with government controls. Although this did not reduce the demand for our services, it did result in a delay in the timeline for performance.

 

In addition, COVID-19 has caused severe disruptions in transportation, limited access to our facilities, client work fields and limited support from workforce employed in our operations, and as a result, we experienced and may continue to experience the delays in provision of services to our customers and completion of contractual performance obligations, affecting our revenue recognition and collection schedule of account receivables.

 

5

 

 

The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our results for fiscal year 2021 will depend on certain future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, emerging information concerning the severity of the coronavirus and the actions taken by governments and private businesses to attempt to contain the coronavirus, all of which is uncertain at this point.

 

We operate in a very competitive industry and may not be able to maintain our revenues and profitability.

 

Since the 1990s, several international companies engaged in supplying integrated automation services for the petroleum extraction industry have been qualified in China. These competitors have significantly greater financial and marketing resources and name recognition than we have. In addition, at least five domestic private competitors also compete with us, and more competitors may enter the market as Chinese petroleum companies seek to reduce oil production costs and improve efficiencies. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively in our industry.

 

In addition, our competitors may introduce new systems. If these new systems are more attractive to customers than the systems we currently use or may develop, our customers may switch to our competitors’ services, and we may lose market share. We believe that competition may become more intense as more integrated automation service providers, including Chinese/foreign joint ventures, are qualified to conduct business. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully against any new or existing competitors, or against any new systems our competitors may implement. Any of these competitive factors could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability.

 

6

 

 

We must continually research and develop new technologies and products to remain competitive.

 

Because our industry is so competitive, we will need to continually research, develop and refine new technologies and offer new products to compete effectively. Many factors may limit our ability to develop and refine new products, including the availability of funds to dedicate to this portion of our business and access to new products and technologies that we can incorporate into our products, as well as marketplace resistance to new products and technologies. We believe that the Domestic Companies (defined in the following paragraph) and our products are able to compete in the marketplace based upon, among other things, our intellectual property. We cannot assure investors that applications of our and the Domestic Companies’ technologies or those of third parties, if developed, will not be rendered superfluous or obsolete by research efforts and technological advances by others in these fields.

 

We control by contract the PRC companies of Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. (“BHD”) and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Recon”), collectively, the Domestic Companies. As new technologies are developed, the Domestic Companies and we may need to adapt and change our products and services, our method of marketing or delivery or alter our current business in ways that may adversely affect revenue and our ability to achieve our proposed business goals. Accordingly, there is a risk that the Domestic Companies’ and our technology will not support a viable commercial enterprise.

  

Our financial performance is dependent upon the sale and implementation of petroleum mining and extraction software and hardware and related services, a single, concentrated group of products.

 

We derive substantially all of our revenues from the license and implementation of software applications and hardware innovations for the Chinese petroleum industry. The life cycle of our products and services is difficult to estimate due in large measure to the potential effect of new software and hardware applications and enhancements, including those we introduce, and the maturation in both the Chinese petroleum and software/hardware industries. If we are unable to continually improve our software and hardware to address the changing needs of the Chinese petroleum industry, we may experience a significant decline in the demand for the Domestic Companies’ and our products and services. In such a scenario, our revenues may significantly decline. 

 

As a technology-oriented business, our ability to operate profitably is directly related to our ability to develop and protect our proprietary technology.

 

We rely on a combination of trademark, trade secret, nondisclosure, copyright and patent law to protect the Domestic Companies’ and our software and hardware, which may afford only limited protection.

 

Although the Chinese government has issued Nanjing Recon over ten copyrights on software and Nanjing Recon and BHD over forty patents on products, we cannot guarantee that competitors will be unable to develop technologies that are similar or superior to the Domestic Companies’ and our technology. Despite our efforts to protect the Domestic Companies’ and our proprietary rights, unauthorized parties, including customers, may attempt to reverse engineer or copy aspects of the Domestic Companies’ and our products or to obtain and use information that the Domestic Companies and we regard as proprietary. Furthermore, our competitors may independently develop substantially equivalent or superior proprietary information and techniques, reverse engineer information and techniques, or otherwise gain access to our proprietary technology. In the future, we cannot guarantee that others will not use the Domestic Companies’ and our technology without proper authorization. In addition, under the Chinese intellectual property law, the 50-year protection period for software copyright and 10-year patent protection period are not subject to renewal upon expiration.

 

The Domestic Companies and we develop our software products on third-party middleware software programs that are licensed by our customers from third parties, generally on a non-exclusive basis. The termination of any such licenses, or the failure of the third-party licensors to adequately maintain or update their products, could result in delay in our ability to develop, market or ship certain of our products while we seek to implement technology offered by alternative sources. While it may be necessary or desirable in the future to obtain other licenses, there can be no assurance that they will be able to do so on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

 

7

 

 

 

In addition, the Domestic Companies and we may initiate claims or litigation against third parties for infringement of our proprietary rights or to establish the validity, scope or enforceability of our proprietary rights. Any such claims could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, cause product development or shipment delays or force the Domestic Companies or us to enter into royalty or license agreements rather than dispute the merits of such claims, thereby impairing our financial performance by requiring the Domestic Companies or us to pay additional royalties and/or license fees to third parties. There is always a risk that patents, if issued, may be subsequently invalidated, either in whole or in part and this could diminish or extinguish protection for any technology we may license. In addition, the laws of China may not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as U.S. law. Therefore, we may be unable to meaningfully protect our rights in trade secrets, technical know-how and other non-patented technology. Any failure to enforce or protect the Domestic Companies’ and our rights could cause us to lose the ability to exclude others from issuing technology to develop or sell competing products.

 

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could cause us to be less competitive and negatively impact our business.

 

We rely on trademark, patent and trade secret law, as well as confidentiality agreements with certain of our employees to protect our proprietary rights. The product patents owned by the Company are employee service patents invented by the Company’s key employees. We generally require the Domestic Companies’ and our employees, consultants, advisors and collaborators to execute appropriate confidentiality agreements with, as applicable, the respective Domestic Companies and the Company. These agreements typically provide that all material and confidential information developed or made known to the individual during the course of the individual’s relationship with the Company is owned by the Company and will be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties except in specific circumstances. These agreements may be breached, and in some instances, we may not have an appropriate remedy available for breach of the agreements.

 

We may be accused of infringing the intellectual property rights of others.

 

In the future, the Domestic Companies and we may receive notices claiming that we are infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. We cannot guarantee that the Domestic Companies and we will not become the subject of infringement claims or legal proceedings by third parties with respect to the Domestic Companies’ and our current programs or future software developments. Our standard software license agreements contain an infringement indemnity clause under which we agree to indemnify and hold harmless our customers and business partners against liability and damages arising from claims of various copyright or other intellectual property infringement by our products. Neither the Domestic Companies nor we have been the subject of an intellectual property claim since our formation. 

 

Our software products may contain integration challenges, design defects or software errors that could be difficult to detect and correct.

 

Despite extensive testing, we may, from time to time, discover defects or errors in the Domestic Companies’ and our software only after use by a customer. We may also experience delays in shipment of our software during the period required to correct such errors. In addition, we may, from time to time, experience difficulties relating to the integration of the Domestic Companies’ and our software products with other hardware or software in the customer’s environment that are unrelated to defects in such software products. Such defects, errors or difficulties may cause future delays in product introductions and shipments, result in increased costs and diversion of development resources, require design modifications or impair customer satisfaction with the Domestic Companies’ and our software. Since these software products are used by our customers to perform mission-critical functions related to petroleum mining and extraction, design defects, software errors, misuse of these products, incorrect data from external sources or other potential problems within or out of our control that may arise from the use of the Domestic Companies’ and our products could result in financial or other damages to our customers. We do not maintain product liability insurance. Although our license agreements with customers contain provisions designed to limit our exposure to potential claims as well as any liabilities arising from such claims, such provisions may not effectively protect us against such claims and the liability and costs associated therewith. To the extent we are found liable in a product liability case, we could be required to pay substantial amount of damages to an injured customer, thereby impairing our financial condition.

 

8

 

 

We are dependent on the state of the PRC’s economy as the majority of our business is conducted in the PRC.

 

Currently, the majority of our business operations are conducted in the PRC, and most of our customers are also located in the PRC. Accordingly, any significant slowdown in the PRC economy may cause our customers to reduce expenditures or delay the building of new facilities or projects. This may in turn lead to a decline in the demand for our products and services. That would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our future success depends on our ability to help our customers find, develop and acquire petroleum reserves.

 

To remain competitive in our industry, our products must help our customers locate and develop or acquire new crude oil reserves to replace those depleted by production. Without successful exploration or acquisition activities, our customers’ reserves, production and revenues will decline rapidly. If the Domestic Companies’ and our technology is less well accepted for helping our customers locate additional reserves than our competitors’ technology, our customers may terminate their relationships with us, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and future growth prospects.

 

Our customers are companies engaged in the petroleum industry and the greater energy industry, and, consequently, our financial performance is dependent upon the economic conditions of those industries.

 

We have derived most of our revenues to date from providing integrated automation services to Chinese petroleum companies at oilfields within China and other energy industry companies in China. Our customers’ success is intrinsically linked to economic conditions in China and in the petroleum and energy industries in general and the volatility of prices of crude oil, refined oil products and coal chemical products in particular. Each of the petroleum industry and energy industry is subject to intense competitive pressures and is affected by overall economic conditions. Demand for our services could be harmed by volatility in those industries. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue our historical revenue growth or sustain our profitability on a quarterly or annual basis or that our results of operations will not be adversely affected by continuing or future volatility in those industries.

 

Our revenues are highly dependent on a very limited number of customers, which subjects our business to high seasonality. Our contracts with such customers may be terminated at any time, materially and adversely affecting our business.

 

Historically, we derived the majority of our revenues from two customers, (i) China National Petroleum Corporation (“CNPC”) and (ii) China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (“Sinopec”). Since the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, Sinopec accounted for less than 10% of our revenues.

 

We provide products and services to CNPC under a series of agreements, each of which is terminable without notice. We first began to provide services to CNPC in 2000. CNPC accounted for approximately 39%, 39% and 45% of our revenues in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and any termination of our business relationships with CNPC would materially harm our operations.

 

In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, we had established a solid relationship with Shenhua Group Corporation Limited (“Shenhua Group”) and revenue from it in the fiscal year 2020 accounted for approximately 17% of our revenue. In the fiscal year 2020, a new client accounted for approximately 30.5% of our revenue. However, because that client has terminated its project in Iraq where we provided service to them due to the impact of COVID-19, we do not expect we will keep receive any revenue from this client in the fiscal year 2021. Any termination of our business relationships with CNPC, Shenhua Group or any other major client would materially harm our operations.

 

Because we derive such a high percentage of our revenues from CNPC and a few new clients, our revenue has been subject to high seasonality. We recognize revenue when it is realized and earned. Revenue is recognized based on the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with the customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; (v) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. Because these matters depend on reaching agreements with these clients, revenue recognition occurs, to a large extent, on their schedule. Accordingly, revenue recognized in the first quarter is usually the smallest in proportion to that for the whole year, due to our clients’ budgeting and planning schedules. If these clients were to change its budgeting or planning schedule our high and low quarters could also shift. This seasonality limits our ability to make accurate long-term predictions about our performance and makes it difficult to compare our revenues across quarters.

 

9

 

 

Changes in environmental and regulatory factors may harm our business.

 

The oil drilling industry in China to date has not been subject to the type and scope of regulation seen in Europe and the United States. However, the Chinese government may implement new legislation or regulations or may enforce existing laws more stringently. Either of these scenarios may have a significant impact on our customers’ mining and extraction operations and may require us or our customers to significantly change operations or to incur substantial costs. We believe that the Domestic Companies’ and our operations in China are in compliance with China’s applicable legal and regulatory requirements. However, there can be no assurance that China’s central or local governments will not impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures.

 

Petroleum reserve degradation and depletion may reduce our customers’ and our profitability.

 

Our profitability depends substantially on our ability to help our customers exploit their oil reserves at competitive costs. Replacement reserves may not be available to our customers when required or, if available, may not be drilled at costs comparable to those characteristics of the depleting oilfield. The Domestic Companies’ and our technology may not enable our customers to accurately assess the geological characteristics of any new reserves, which may adversely affect their decision to use the Domestic Companies’ and our products in the future.

 

We are heavily dependent upon the services of experienced personnel who possess skills that are valuable in our industry, and we may have to actively compete for their services.

 

Our company is much smaller than our main foreign competitors, including Schlumberger Limited, Honeywell International, Emerson Process Management and Rockwell Automation, and we compete in large part on the basis of the quality of services we are able to provide our clients. As a result, we are heavily dependent upon our ability to attract, retain and motivate skilled personnel to serve our clients. Many of our personnel possess skills that would be valuable to all companies engaged in the integrated automation services industry. Consequently, we expect that we will have to actively compete for these employees. Some of our competitors may be able to pay our employees more than we are able to pay to retain them. Our ability to profitably operate is substantially dependent upon our ability to locate, hire, train and retain our personnel. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain our current personnel, or that we will be able to attract or assimilate other personnel in the future. If we are unable to effectively obtain and maintain skilled personnel, the development and quality of our technological products and the effectiveness of installation and training could be materially impaired.

  

We are substantially dependent upon our key personnel, particularly Mr. Yin Shenping, our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chen Guangqiang, our Chief Technology Officer and Ms. Liu Jia, our Chief Financial Officer.

 

Our performance is substantially dependent on the performance of our executive officers and key employees. In particular, we rely on the services of:

 

  Mr. Yin Shenping, Chief Executive Officer;
  Mr. Chen Guangqiang, Chief Technology Officer; and
  Ms. Liu Jia, Chief Financial Officer.

 

Each of these individuals would be difficult to replace. We do not have in place “key person” life insurance policies on any of our employees. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key employees could substantially impair our ability to successfully development new systems and develop new programs and enhancements. In addition, we would need to spend considerable time and other resources to seek suitable replacements, which might detract from our efforts to develop our business.

 

Our business is capital intensive and our growth strategy may require additional capital, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all.

 

We may require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions, implementation of our growth strategy or potential investments or acquisitions we may pursue. To meet our capital needs, we may sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain additional credit facilities. The sale of additional equity securities or other securities convertible into such equity securities could result in dilution of your holdings. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree to operating and financial covenants that would restrict our operations. Financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure by us to raise additional funds on terms favorable to us, or at all, could limit our ability to expand our business operations and could harm our overall business prospects.

 

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We do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future and there are certain restrictions on the payment of dividend under PRC laws.

 

We have not previously paid any cash dividends, and we do not anticipate paying any dividends on our ordinary shares. As we intend to remain in a growth mode, we intend to reinvest any profits in the foreseeable future to grow the business. We cannot assure you that our operations will continue to result in sufficient revenues to enable us to operate at profitable levels or to generate positive cash flows. Furthermore, there is no assurance our board of directors will declare dividends even if we are profitable. Dividend policy is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our ordinary shares in the future, we will be dependent, in large part, on receipt of funds from the Domestic Companies.

 

We are a holding company with no operations of our own and substantially all of our operations are conducted through Nanjing Recon and BHD, hereafter referred to as our Domestic Companies, which are established as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) under the laws of the PRC. Our ability to pay dividends is dependent upon dividends and other distributions from the Domestic Companies. Chinese legal restrictions permit payment of dividends to us by our Domestic Companies only out of their respective accumulated net profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Under Chinese law, our Domestic Companies are required to set aside a portion (at least 10%) of their after-tax net income (after discharging all cumulated loss), if any, each year for compulsory statutory reserve until the amount of the reserve reaches 50% of our Domestic Companies’ registered capital. These funds may be distributed to shareholders at the time of each Domestic Company’s wind-up. Payments of dividends by Domestic Companies to us are also subject to restrictions including primarily the restriction that foreign invested enterprises may only buy, sell and/or remit foreign currencies at those banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business after providing valid commercial documents. There are no such similar foreign exchange restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

 

Our certificates, permits, and license are subject to governmental control and renewal, and the failure to obtain renewal would cause all or part of our operations to be suspended and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

We are subject to various PRC laws and regulations pertaining to automation services for the petroleum extraction industry. We have obtained certain certificates, permits, and licenses required for the operation of an automation services provider for the petroleum extraction industry and the manufacturing and distribution of software and hardware products in the PRC.

 

During the application or renewal process for our licenses and permits, we will be evaluated and re-evaluated by the appropriate governmental authorities and must comply with the prevailing standards and regulations, which may change from time to time. In the event that we are not able to obtain or renew the certificates, permits and licenses, all or part of our operations may be suspended by the government, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Furthermore, if escalating compliance costs associated with governmental standards and regulations restrict or prohibit any part of our operations, it may adversely affect our results of operations and profitability.

 

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Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure

 

PRC laws and regulations governing our businesses and the validity of certain of our contractual arrangements are uncertain. In addition, changes in such PRC laws and regulations may materially and adversely affect our business.

 

There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the laws and regulations governing our business, and the enforcement and performance of our contractual arrangements with the Domestic Companies and their shareholders.

 

Recon Technology, Ltd (the “Company”), Recon Investment Ltd. (“Recon-IN”) and Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Recon-BJ”) are considered foreign persons or foreign invested enterprises under PRC law. As a result, the Company, Recon-IN and Recon-BJ are subject to PRC law limitations on foreign ownership of domestic companies. Although the primary business of the Domestic Companies falls within a category in which foreign investment is currently encouraged, the uncertainty of PRC regulations and governmental policies affecting foreign ownership may result in the Company being required to hold (or, conversely, being prohibited from holding), directly or indirectly, a given percentage of the Domestic Companies’ equity interests. Our contractual arrangements with the Domestic Companies and their shareholders, which allow us to substantially control the Domestic Companies through Recon-BJ, are governed by Chinese law. We cannot assure you, however, that we will be able to enforce these contracts. If we are unable to enforce these contracts, we could be required to deconsolidate such Domestic Company from our financial results.

 

In addition, Chinese laws and regulations limiting foreign ownership of domestic companies are relatively new and may be subject to change, and their official interpretation and enforcement may involve substantial uncertainty. The effectiveness of newly enacted laws, regulations or amendments may be delayed, resulting in detrimental reliance by foreign investors. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future businesses may also be applied retroactively.

 

The PRC government has broad discretion in dealing with violations of laws and regulations, including levying fines, revoking business and other licenses and requiring actions necessary for compliance. In particular, licenses and permits issued or granted to us by relevant governmental bodies may be revoked at a later time by higher regulatory bodies. We cannot predict the effect of the interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or regulations on our businesses. We cannot assure you that our current ownership and operating structure would not be found in violation of any current or future PRC laws or regulations. As a result, we may be subject to sanctions, including fines, and could be required to restructure our operations or cease to provide certain services. Any of these or similar actions could significantly disrupt our business operations or restrict us from conducting a substantial portion of our business operations, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and future growth prospects.

 

Although we believe we comply and will continue to comply with current PRC regulations, we cannot assure you that the PRC government would agree that these operating arrangements comply with PRC licensing, registration or other regulatory requirements, with existing policies or with requirements or policies that may be adopted in the future. If the PRC government determines that we do not comply with applicable law, it could revoke our business and operating licenses, require us to discontinue or restrict our operations, restrict our right to collect revenues, require us to restructure our operations, impose additional conditions or requirements with which we may not be able to comply, impose restrictions on our business operations or on our customers, or take other regulatory or enforcement actions against us that could be harmful to our business. 

 

The PRC government may determine that the agreements we use to control the Domestic Companies are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations and are therefore unenforceable.

 

In the PRC, foreign invested enterprises are forbidden or restricted to engage in certain specified businesses or industries which are sensitive to the economy. The Chinese government periodically revises its list of encouraged, permitted, restricted, and forbidden industries. As we intend to centralize our management and operation in the PRC without being restricted to conduct certain business activities which are important for our current or future business but are restricted or might be restricted in the future, we believe the agreements between Recon-BJ and the Domestic Companies will be essential for our business operation. In order for Recon-BJ to manage and operate our business through the Domestic Companies in the PRC, these agreements were entered into under which almost all the business activities of the Domestic Companies are managed and operated by Recon-BJ and almost all economic benefits and risks arising from the business of the Domestic Companies are transferred to Recon-BJ.

 

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Risks are associated with our operations under the agreements with the Domestic Companies. If the PRC government determines that these agreements used to control the Domestic Companies are unenforceable as they circumvent the PRC restrictions relating to foreign investment restrictions, the relevant regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such breach, including:

 

  imposing economic penalties;
  discontinuing or restricting our operations;
  imposing conditions or requirements in respect of the agreements with the Domestic Companies with which we may not be able to comply;
  requiring us to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations;
  taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could adversely affect our business; and
  revoking the business license and/or the licenses or certificates of Recon-BJ, and/or voiding the agreements.

 

Any of these actions could have a material adverse impact on our business, future operating prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our contractual arrangements with the Domestic Companies and their respective shareholders may not be as effective in providing control over these entities as direct ownership.

 

We have no equity ownership interest in the Domestic Companies and rely on contractual arrangements to control and operate such businesses. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing control over the Domestic Companies as direct ownership. For example, BHD could fail to take actions required for our business or fail to pay dividends to Recon-BJ despite its contractual obligation to do so. If the Domestic Companies fail to perform under their agreements with us, we may have to rely on legal remedies under PRC law, which may not be effective. In addition, we cannot assure you that any of the Domestic Companies’ shareholders would always act in our best interests.

 

Regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit our ability to acquire PRC companies and could adversely affect our business.

 

In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration Over the Overseas Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment by Domestic Residents Via Special Purpose Vehicles, or Circular 37, which replaced Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Corporate Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or Circular 75. Circular 37 requires PRC residents to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity, referred to in Circular 37 as a “special purpose vehicle” for the purpose of holding domestic or offshore assets or interests. Circular 37 further requires amendment to a PRC resident’s registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as an increase or decrease in the capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. Under these regulations, PRC residents’ failure to comply with specified registration procedures may result in restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant PRC entity, including the payment of dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent, as well as restrictions on capital inflows from the offshore entity to the PRC entity, including restrictions on its ability to contribute additional capital to its PRC subsidiaries. Further, failure to comply with the SAFE registration requirements could result in penalties under PRC law for evasion of foreign exchange regulations.

 

As Circular 37 is newly-issued, it is unclear how these regulations will be interpreted and implemented. In addition, different local SAFE branches may have different views and procedures as to the interpretation and implementation of the SAFE regulations, and it may be difficult for our ultimate shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents to provide sufficient supporting documents required by the SAFE or to complete the required registration with the SAFE in a timely manner, or at all. Any failure by any of our shareholders who is a PRC resident, or is controlled by a PRC resident, to comply with relevant requirements under these regulations could subject us to fines or sanctions imposed by the PRC government, including restrictions on Recon-BJ’s ability to pay dividends or make distributions to us and on our ability to increase our investment in the Recon-BJ.

 

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Under Circular 37, if a non-listed special purpose vehicle uses its own equity or share option to grant equity incentive awards to directors, supervisors, members of senior management or employees directly employed by a domestic enterprise that is directly or indirectly controlled by such special purpose vehicle, or with which such employee has established an employment relationship, any of such directors, supervisors, members of senior management or employees who is a PRC resident should, prior to exercising their rights, file an application with the SAFE for foreign exchange registration with respect to such special purpose vehicle. However, in practice, different local SAFE branches may have different views and procedures as to the interpretation and implementation of the SAFE regulations and, since Circular 37 was the first regulation to regulate the foreign exchange registration of a non-listed special purpose vehicle’s equity incentive granted to PRC residents, there remains uncertainty with respect to its implementation.

 

Our contractual arrangements with the Domestic Companies may result in adverse tax consequences to us.

 

As a result of our corporate structure and contractual arrangements between Recon-BJ and the Domestic Companies, we are effectively subject to several PRC taxes on both revenues generated by Recon-BJ’s operations in China and revenues derived from Recon-BJ’s contractual arrangements with the Domestic Companies. Moreover, we would be subject to adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities were to determine that the contracts between Recon-BJ and the Domestic Companies were not on an arm’s length basis and therefore constitute a favorable transfer pricing. As a result, the PRC tax authorities could request that we adjust our taxable income upward for PRC tax purposes. If the PRC tax authorities took such action, such authorities would be able to establish in its sole discretion the amount of tax payable by Recon-BJ, so we cannot predict the effect of such action on our company other than the likely effect that our profits would decrease. Such a pricing adjustment could adversely affect us by:

 

  increasing our tax expenses, which could subject Recon-BJ to late payment fees and other penalties for under-payment of taxes; and/or

 

  resulting in Recon-BJ’s loss of preferential tax treatment.

 

The principal shareholders of the Domestic Companies have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may adversely affect our business.

 

Yin Shenping, our Chief Executive Officer, and Chen Guangqiang, our Chief Technology Officer, are significant shareholders in our company. They are also the principal shareholders of each of the Domestic Companies and collectively control the Domestic Companies. Conflicts of interests between their duties to our company and the respective Domestic Companies may arise. For example, Mr. Yin and Mr. Chen could cause a Domestic Company to fail to take actions that are in the best interests of our Company or to fail to pay dividends to Recon-BJ despite its contractual obligation to do so if making such payment would harm the Domestic Company.

 

As Mr. Yin and Mr. Chen are also directors and executive officers of our company, they have duties of loyalty and care to us under Cayman Islands law when there are any potential conflicts of interests between our company and the Domestic Companies. Each of Mr. Yin and Mr. Chen has executed an irrevocable power of attorney to appoint the individual designated by us to be his attorney-in-fact to vote on his behalf on all matters related to the Domestic Companies requiring shareholder approval. We cannot assure you, however, that if conflicts of interest arise, they will act completely in our interests or that conflicts of interests will be resolved in our favor. In addition, Mr. Yin and Mr. Chen could violate their respective employment agreements with us or their legal duties by diverting business opportunities from us to others. If we cannot resolve any conflicts of interest between us and Mr. Yin and Mr. Chen, as applicable, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in the disruption of our business.

 

Any deterioration of the relationship between Recon-BJ and the Domestic Companies could materially and adversely affect the overall business operation of our company.

 

Our relationship with our Domestic Companies is governed by their agreements with Recon-BJ, which are intended to provide us, through our indirect ownership of Recon-BJ, with effective control over the business operations of our Domestic Companies. However, these agreements may not be effective in providing control over the applications for and maintenance of the licenses required for our business operations. Our Domestic Companies could violate these agreements, go bankrupt, suffer from difficulties in its business or otherwise become unable to perform its obligations under these agreements and, as a result, our operations, reputation, business and stock price could be severely harmed.

 

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If Recon-BJ exercises its purchase option of the Domestic Companies’ equity pursuant to the Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement, payment of the purchase price could materially and adversely affect our financial position.

 

Under the Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement, Recon-BJ holds an option to purchase all or a portion of the equity of the Domestic Companies at a price, based on the capital paid in by the Domestic Company shareholders. If applicable PRC laws and regulations require an appraisal of the equity interest or provide other restriction on the purchase price, the purchase price shall be the lowest price permitted under the applicable PRC laws and regulations. As the Domestic Companies are already contractually controlled affiliates to our company, Recon-BJ’s purchase of the Domestic Companies’ equity would not bring immediate benefits to our company and the exercise of the option and payment of the purchase prices could adversely affect our financial position and available working capital.

 

Our classified board structure may prevent a change in our control.

 

Our board of directors is divided into three classes of directors. The current terms of the directors expire in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Directors of each class are chosen for three-year terms upon the expiration of their current terms, and each year one class of directors is elected by the shareholders. The staggered terms of our directors may reduce the possibility of a tender offer or an attempt at a change in control, even though a tender offer or change in control might be in the best interest of our shareholders.

 

Shareholder rights under Cayman Islands law may differ materially from shareholder rights in the United States, which could adversely affect the ability of us and our shareholders to protect our and their interests.

 

Our corporate affairs are governed by our Memorandum and Articles of Association, by the Companies Law (2013 Revision) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders, and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law in the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority but are not binding on a court in the Cayman Islands. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and some states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate laws. Moreover, our company could be involved in a corporate combination in which dissenting shareholders would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of United States corporations. However, Cayman Islands statutory law does provide a mechanism for a dissenting shareholder in a merger or consolidation to apply to the Grand Court for a determination of the fair value of the dissenter’s shares if it is not possible for the dissenter and the Company to agree a fair price within the time limits prescribed. Also, our Cayman Islands counsel is not aware of a significant number of reported derivative actions having been brought in Cayman Islands courts. Class actions are not recognized in the Cayman Islands, but groups of shareholders with identical interests may bring representative proceedings which are similar. Such actions are ordinarily available in respect of United States corporations in U.S. courts. Finally, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate shareholder derivative action before the federal courts of the United States. As a result, our public shareholders may face different considerations in protecting their interests in actions against the management, directors or our controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States, and our ability to protect our interests may be limited if we are harmed in a manner that would otherwise enable us to sue in a United States federal court.

 

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As we are a Cayman Islands company and most of our assets are outside the United States, it will be extremely difficult to acquire jurisdiction and enforce liabilities against us and our officers, directors and assets based in China.

 

We are a Cayman Islands exempt company, and our corporate affairs are governed by our Memorandum and Articles of Association and by the Cayman Islands Companies Law (2013 Revision) and other applicable Cayman Islands laws. Certain of our directors and officers reside outside of the United States. In addition, the Company’s assets will be located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible to effect service of process within the United States upon our directors or officers and our subsidiaries, or enforce against any of them court judgments obtained in United States’ courts, including judgments relating to United States federal securities laws. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands and of other offshore jurisdictions would recognize or enforce judgments of United States’ courts obtained against us predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof on the grounds that such provisions are penal in nature, or be competent to hear original actions brought in the Cayman Islands or other offshore jurisdictions predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state thereof. Our Cayman Islands’ counsel has advised us that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will recognize and enforce a foreign judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction if such judgment is final, for a liquidated sum, provided it is not in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty, is not inconsistent with a Cayman Islands’ judgment in respect of the same matters, and was not obtained in a manner which is contrary to the public policy of the Cayman Islands. A Cayman Islands court may stay proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere. Furthermore, because the majority of our assets are located in China, it would also be extremely difficult to access those assets to satisfy an award entered against us in United States court.

 

Risks Related to Doing Business in China

 

Adverse changes in China’s political, economic or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, which could reduce the demand for our products and materially adversely affect our competitive position.

 

We conduct substantially all of our operations and generate most of our revenues in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects are affected significantly by economic, political and legal developments in China. The PRC economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including:

 

  the higher level of government involvement;
  the early stage of development of the market-oriented sector of the economy;
  the relatively rapid growth rate;
  the higher level of control over foreign exchange; and
  the allocation policies of resources.

 

While the PRC economy has grown significantly since the late 1970s, the growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures benefit the overall PRC economy, but may also have a negative effect on our business. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations that are applicable to us.

 

The PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy. The PRC government continues to exercise significant control over economic growth in China through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and imposing policies that impact particular industries or companies in different ways.

 

Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could limit the legal protections available to you and us.

 

We conduct substantially all of our business through our operating subsidiary in the PRC, Recon-BJ, which is a wholly foreign owned enterprise in China. Recon-BJ is generally subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign invested enterprises in China and intellectual property protections. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes, and prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since the late 1970s, a series of new PRC laws and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to intellectual property rights and various forms of foreign investments in China. However, since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involve uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to you and us. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

 

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We do not have business interruption, litigation or natural disaster insurance.

 

The insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development. In particular PRC insurance companies offer limited business products. As a result, we do not have any business liability or disruption insurance coverage for our operations in China. Any business interruption, litigation or natural disaster may result in our business incurring substantial costs and the diversion of resources.

 

We may be subject to foreign exchange controls in the PRC.

 

Our PRC subsidiary and affiliates are subject to PRC rules and regulations on currency conversion. In the PRC, the State Administration for Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) regulates the conversion of the RMB into foreign currencies. Currently, foreign investment enterprises (“FIEs”) are required to apply to SAFE for “Foreign Exchange Registration Certificate for FIEs.” Recon-BJ is an FIE. With such registration certifications (which need to be renewed annually), FIEs are allowed to open foreign currency accounts including the “recurrent account” and the “capital account.” Currently, conversion within the scope of the “recurrent account” can be effected without requiring the approval of SAFE. However, conversion of currency in the “capital account” (e.g. for capital items such as direct investments, loans, securities, etc.) still requires the approval of SAFE. Accordingly, compliance with SAFE requirements may limit how we are able to use our funds, in ways that we would not be limited if we operated in countries other than China.

 

Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect the value of our securities.

 

Changes in the value of the RMB against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies are affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions. Any significant revaluation of the RMB may have a material adverse effect on the value of, and any dividends payable on our shares in U.S. dollar terms. For example, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of paying dividends on our ordinary shares or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us.

 

Since July 2005, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.

 

Very limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions. We do not plan to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these transactions may be limited, and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. In addition, our foreign currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currencies.

 

PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose vehicles by PRC residents, if applied to us, may subject our PRC resident shareholders to personal liability and limit our ability to acquire PRC companies or to inject capital into Recon-IN and Recon-BJ, limit Recon-IN’s and Recon-BJ’s ability to distribute profits to us or otherwise materially adversely affect us.

 

On October 21, 2005, SAFE issued a public notice, the Notice on Relevant Issues in the Foreign Exchange Control over Financing and Return Investment Through Special Purpose Companies by Residents Inside China, or the SAFE notice, which requires PRC residents, including both legal persons and natural persons, to register with the competent local SAFE branch before establishing or controlling any company outside of China, referred to as an “offshore special purpose company,” for the purpose of overseas equity financing involving onshore assets or equity interests held by them. In addition, any PRC resident that is the shareholder of an offshore special purpose company is required to amend its SAFE registration with the local SAFE branch with respect to that offshore special purpose company in connection with any increase or decrease of capital, transfer of shares, merger, division, equity investment or creation of any security interest over any assets located in China. Moreover, if the offshore special purpose company was established and owned the onshore assets or equity interests before November 1, 2005, a retroactive SAFE registration is required to have been completed before March 31, 2006. If any PRC shareholder of any offshore special purpose company fails to make the required SAFE registration and amendment, the PRC subsidiaries of that offshore special purpose company (Recon-IN and Recon-BJ for our company) may be prohibited from distributing their profits and the proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to the offshore special purpose company. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registration and amendment requirements described above could result in liability under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions.

 

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Due to lack of official interpretation, some of the terms and provisions in the SAFE notice remain unclear and implementation by central SAFE and local SAFE branches of the SAFE notice has been inconsistent since its adoption. Because of uncertainty over how the SAFE notice will be interpreted and implemented, we cannot predict how it will affect our business operations or future strategies. For example, Recon-IN’s, Recon-BJ’s and any prospective PRC subsidiaries’ ability to conduct foreign exchange activities, such as the remittance of dividends and foreign currency-denominated borrowings, may be subject to compliance with the SAFE notice by our company’s PRC resident beneficial holders. In addition, such PRC residents may not always be able to complete the necessary registration procedures required by the SAFE notice. We also have little control over either our present or prospective direct or indirect shareholders or the outcome of such registration procedures. A failure by our PRC resident beneficial holders or future PRC resident shareholders to comply with the SAFE notice, if SAFE requires it, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our subsidiary’s ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.

 

Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a “Resident Enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.

 

China passed the Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, and it is implementing rules, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008. Under the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,” meaning that it can be treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. The implementing rules of the EIT Law define de facto management as “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.

 

On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation of China, or the SAT, issued the Circular Concerning Relevant Issues Regarding Cognizance of Chinese Investment Controlled Enterprises Incorporated Offshore as Resident Enterprises pursuant to Criteria of de facto Management Bodies, or the SAT Notice 82, further interpreting the application of the EIT Law and its implementation to offshore entities controlled by a Chinese enterprise or enterprise group. Pursuant to the SAT Notice 82, an enterprise incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction and controlled by a Chinese enterprise or enterprise group will be classified as a “non-domestically incorporated resident enterprise” if (i) its senior management in charge of daily operations reside or perform their duties mainly in China; (ii) its financial or personnel decisions are made or approved by bodies or persons in China; (iii) its substantial assets and properties, accounting books, corporate stamps, board and shareholder minutes are kept in China; and (iv) at least half of its directors with voting rights or senior management often resident in China. After SAT Notice 82, the SAT issued a bulletin, known as SAT Bulletin 45, which took effect on September 1, 2011, to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Notice 82 and clarify the reporting and filing obligations of such “non-domestically incorporated resident enterprise.” SAT Bulletin 45 provides procedures and administrative details for the determination of resident status and administration on post-determination matters. On January 29, 2014, the SAT issued Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Recognizing Resident Enterprises Based on the Criteria of de facto Management Bodies, to further clarify the reporting and filing procedure for offshore entities controlled by a Chinese enterprise or enterprise group and recognized as a resident enterprise.

 

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The determining criteria set forth in SAT Notice 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the “de facto management body” test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises, PRC enterprise groups or by PRC or foreign individuals. If the PRC tax authorities determine that Recon or its subsidiaries is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow. First, we may be subject to the enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income as well as PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. In our case, this would mean that income such as non-China source income would be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Currently, we do not have any non-China source income, as we complete our sales, including export sales, in China. Second, under the EIT Law and its implementing rules, dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiaries would be deemed as “qualified investment income between resident enterprises” and therefore qualify as “tax-exempt income” pursuant to the clause 26 of the EIT Law. Finally, it is possible that future guidance issued with respect to the new “resident enterprise” classification could result in a situation in which the dividends we pay with respect to our ordinary shares, or the gain our non-PRC stockholders may realize from the transfer of our ordinary shares, may be treated as PRC-sourced income and may therefore be subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax. If we are required under the EIT Law and its implementing regulations to withhold PRC income tax on dividends payable to our non-PRC stockholders, or if non-PRC stockholders are required to pay PRC income tax on gains on the transfer of their shares of ordinary shares, our business could be negatively impacted and the value of your investment may be materially reduced. Further, if we were treated as a “resident enterprise” by PRC tax authorities, we would be subject to taxation in both China and such countries in which we have taxable income, and our PRC tax may not be creditable against such other taxes.

 

PRC regulations and potential registration requirements relating to acquisitions of PRC companies by foreign entities may create regulatory uncertainties that could restrict or limit our ability to operate.

 

On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including the PRC Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”), the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the State Administration of Taxation, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) and SAFE, jointly adopted the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, which came into effect on September 8, 2006 and was amended on June 22, 2009. The M&A Rules significantly revised China’s regulatory framework governing onshore-to-offshore restructurings and foreign acquisitions of domestic enterprises. These new rules signify greater PRC government attention to cross-border merger, acquisition and other investment activities, by confirming MOC as a key regulator for issues related to mergers and acquisitions in China and requiring MOC approval of a broad range of merger, acquisition and investment transactions. Further, the new rules establish reporting requirements for acquisition of control by foreigners of companies in key industries and reinforce the ability of the Chinese government to monitor and prohibit foreign control transactions in key industries.

 

Among other things, the M&A Rules include new provisions that purport to require that an offshore SPV, formed for listing purposes and controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals must obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such SPV’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published on its official website procedures specifying documents and materials required to be submitted to it by SPVs seeking CSRC approval of their overseas listings. However, the application of this PRC regulation remains unclear with no consensus currently existing among the leading PRC law firms regarding the scope and applicability of the CSRC approval requirement.

 

If the PRC regulatory authorities take the view that the VIE Agreements constitute a reverse merger acquisition or round-trip investment in related party transactions without the approval of the national offices of MOC, they could invalidate the VIE Agreements. Additionally, the PRC regulatory authorities may take the view that any public offering plan will require the prior approval of CSRC. If we cannot obtain MOC or CSRC approval in case we are required to do so, our business and financial performance will be materially adversely affected. We may also face regulatory actions or other sanctions from the MOC or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds of this or any other offering into the PRC, or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ordinary shares.

 

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Also, if the CSRC later requires that we obtain its approval, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of the CSRC approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties and/or negative publicity regarding this CSRC approval requirement could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our ordinary shares.

 

PRC registration requirements for stock option plans of overseas publicly-listed companies may restrict our ability to adopt equity compensation plans for our directors and employees or otherwise limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute profits to us.

 

In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notice on the Administration of Foreign Exchange Matters for Domestic Individuals Participating in the Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Notice, which replaced the Application Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plans or Stock Option Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies issued by SAFE on March 28, 2007. Under the Stock Option Notice and other relevant rules and regulations, PRC residents who participate in stock incentive plan in an overseas publicly-listed company are required to register with SAFE or its local branches and complete certain other procedures. Participants of a stock incentive plan who are PRC residents must collectively retain a qualified PRC agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas publicly listed company or another qualified institution selected by such PRC subsidiary, to conduct the SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the stock incentive plan on behalf of its participants. Such participants must also collectively 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. We and our PRC employees who have been granted stock options are subject to these regulations. Failure of our PRC stock option holders to complete their SAFE registrations may subject these PRC residents to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to compensate our employees and directors through equity compensation, limited our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business.

 

The Chinese government could change its policies toward private enterprise or even nationalize or expropriate private enterprises, which could result in the total loss of our investment in that country.

 

Our business is subject to significant political and economic uncertainties and may be adversely affected by political, economic and social developments in China. Over the past several years, the Chinese government has pursued economic reform policies including the encouragement of private economic activity and greater economic decentralization. The Chinese government may not continue to pursue these policies or may significantly alter them to our detriment from time to time with little, if any, prior notice.

 

Changes in policies, laws and regulations or in their interpretation or the imposition of confiscatory taxation, restrictions on currency conversion, restrictions or prohibitions on dividend payments to shareholders, devaluations of currency or the nationalization or other expropriation of private enterprises could have a material adverse effect on our business. Nationalization or expropriation could even result in the total loss of our investment in China and in the total loss of your investment in us.

 

We may be unable to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, and as a result we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.

 

The PRC historically has been deficient in western style management, governance and financial reporting concepts and practices, as well as in modern banking, and other control systems. Our current management has little experience with western style management, governance and financial reporting concepts and practices, and we may have difficulty in hiring and retaining a sufficient number of qualified employees to work in the PRC. As a result of these factors, and especially given that we are a publicly listed company in the U.S. and subject to regulation as such, we may experience difficulty in establishing management, governance, legal and financial controls, collecting financial data and preparing financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that meet western standards. We may have difficulty establishing adequate management, governance, legal and financial controls in the PRC. Therefore, we may, in turn, experience difficulties in implementing and maintaining adequate internal controls as required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other applicable laws, rules and regulations. This may result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls which could impact the reliability of our financial statements and prevent us from complying with SEC rules and regulations and the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Any such deficiencies, weaknesses or lack of compliance could have a materially adverse effect on our business and the public announcement of such deficiencies could adversely impact our stock price.

 

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Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares

 

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public companies.

 

Because we are a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:

  

  the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K with the SEC;

 

  the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act;

 

  the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and

 

  the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD.

 

We are required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intend to publish our results on a quarterly basis through press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the NASDAQ Capital Market. Press releases relating to financial results and material events are also furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC is less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information, which would be made available to you, were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer. As a Cayman Islands company listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, we are subject to the NASDAQ Capital Market corporate governance listing standards. However, NASDAQ Capital Market rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from the NASDAQ Capital Market corporate governance listing standards. To the extent that we choose to utilize the home country exemption for corporate governance matters, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under the NASDAQ Capital Market corporate governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. We follow home country practice with respect to annual shareholders meetings.

 

You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings.

 

In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional ordinary shares or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our ordinary shares at prices that may not be the same as the price per share you paid. We may sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is less than the price per share paid by existing investors, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional ordinary shares, or securities convertible or exchangeable into ordinary shares, in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share paid by existing investors.

 

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We do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

We have never paid cash dividends on our ordinary shares. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to finance the operation and growth of our business and currently do not plan to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Future sales of a significant number of our ordinary shares in the public markets, or the perception that such sales could occur, could depress the market price of our ordinary shares.

 

Future sales of a substantial number of our ordinary shares in the public markets, or the perception that such sales could occur, could depress the market price of our ordinary shares and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. If any existing shareholder or shareholders sell a substantial amount of our ordinary shares, the prevailing market price for our ordinary shares could be adversely affected. In addition, if we pay for our future acquisitions in whole or in part with additionally issued ordinary shares, your ownership interests in our company would be diluted and this, in turn, could have a material and adverse effect on the price of our ordinary shares.

 

Although we have regained compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, we may fail to comply with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement again or any other listing requirements, and our shares may be delisted if we are unable to regain compliance with Nasdaq rules within the applicable grace periods.

 

On January 15, 2019, we received a notification letter (the “Notice”) from the NASDAQ Capital Market advising us that for 30 consecutive business days preceding the date of the Notice, the bid price of the Company’s ordinary shares had closed below the $1.00 per share minimum required for continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market pursuant to the NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Rule”). The Company was provided 180 calendar days, or until July 15, 2019, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule. The Company was unable to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Rule by July 15, 2019. On July 16, 2019, the NASDAQ granted us an additional 180 calendar days, or until January 13, 2020, to regain compliance with the $1.00 per share minimum required for continued listing on The NASDAQ pursuant to the Minimum Bid Price Rule. On December 27, 2019, we completed a one-for-five reverse stock split. On January 15, 2020, we received a notice from The NASDAQ indicating we had regained compliance.

 

It is possible that we will fail to comply with the continued listing requirement of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5550(a)(2) again or any other listing requirements. If so, and Nasdaq may delist our shares if we cannot regain compliance timely.

 

The market price for our securities may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.

 

The market price for our ordinary shares has been, and is likely to remain, volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:

 

  actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results;
  changes in the Chinese petroleum and energy industries;
  changes in the Chinese economy;
  announcements by our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
  future sales of our ordinary shares;
  period to period fluctuations in our financial results;
  low trading volume of our ordinary shares;
  additions or departures of key personnel; or
  potential litigation.

 

We expect that any other securities of our Company are likely to be similarly volatile. In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. As a result, to the extent shareholders sell our securities in negative market fluctuation, they may not receive a price per share that is based solely upon our business performance. We cannot guarantee that shareholders will not lose some of their entire investment in our securities.

 

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Item 4. Information on the Company

 

A. History and Development of the Company

 

Recon Technology, Ltd (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on August 21, 2007 by Mr. Yin Shenping, Mr. Chen Guangqiang and Mr. Li Hongqi (the “Founders”) as a company with limited liability. We provide oilfield specialized equipment, automation systems, tools, chemicals and field services to petroleum companies mainly in the PRC. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Recon Technology Co., Limited (“Recon-HK”) was incorporated on September 6, 2007 in Hong Kong. On November 15, 2007, Recon-HK established one wholly owned subsidiary, Jining Recon Technology Ltd. (“Recon-JN”) under the laws of the PRC, which was later dissolved on April 10, 2019 as part of our previously disclosed organizational restructuring. Recon-HK did not own any assets or conduct any operations and was dissolved on May 15, 2020. On November 19, 2010, the Company established another wholly owned subsidiary, Recon Investment Ltd. (“Recon-IN”) under the laws of HK. On January 18, 2014, Recon-IN established one wholly owned subsidiary, Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Recon-BJ”) under the laws of the PRC. Other than the equity interest in Recon-BJ, Recon-IN does not own any assets or conduct any operations.

 

We conduct our business through the following PRC legal entities that are consolidated as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and operate in the Chinese oilfield equipment & service industry and energy industry:

 

  1. Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. (“BHD”), and

 

  2. Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Recon”).

 

Chinese laws and regulations currently do not prohibit or restrict foreign ownership in petroleum businesses. However, Chinese laws and regulations do prevent direct foreign investment in certain industries. On January 1, 2008, to protect our shareholders from possible future foreign ownership restrictions, the Founders, who also held the controlling interest of BHD and Nanjing Recon, reorganized the corporate and shareholding structure of these entities by entering into certain exclusive agreements with Recon-JN, which entitled Recon-JN to receive a majority of the residual returns. On May 29, 2009 Recon-JN and BHD and Nanjing Recon entered into an operating agreement to provide full guarantee for the performance of such contracts, agreements or transactions entered into by BHD and Nanjing Recon. As a result of the new agreement, Recon-JN absorbed 100% of the expected losses and received 90% of the expected net income of BHD and Nanjing Recon, which resulted in Recon-JN being the primary beneficiary of these Companies.

 

Recon-JN also entered into Share Pledge Agreements with the Founders, who pledged all their equity interest in these entities to Recon-JN. The Share Pledge Agreements, which were entered into by each Founder, pledged each of the Founders’ equity interest in BHD and Nanjing Recon as a guarantee for the service payment under the Service Agreement.

 

The Service Agreement entered into on January 1, 2008, between Recon-JN and BHD and Nanjing Recon, obligated Recon-JN to provide technical consulting services to BHD and Nanjing Recon in exchange for 90% of their annual net income as a service fee.

   

On April 1, 2019, as part of our planned organizational restructuring, Recon-BJ entered into a series of VIE agreements with BHD and Nanjing Recon, respectively, under the same terms and conditions as that of the VIE agreements previously entered into by Recon-JN. As a result, the VIEs were effectively transferred from Recon-JN to Recon-BJ. Accordingly, Recon-BJ bears all the economic risk of losses and receives 90% of the expected profits of BHD and Nanjing Recon, and consequently becomes the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. As part of the plan of reorganization, Recon-JN was dissolved on April 10, 2019. As Recon-JN’s parent company, Recon-HK did not own any assets or conduct any operations, and therefore was dissolved on May 15, 2020.

 

Based on the VIE agreements, we consolidated BHD and Nanjing Recon as VIEs as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation because we were the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Management performed an ongoing reassessment of whether Recon-BJ was the primary beneficiary of BHD and Nanjing Recon.

 

On August 28, 2000, a founder of the Company purchased a controlling interest in BHD which was organized under the laws of the PRC on June 29, 1999. Through December 15, 2010, the Founders held a 67.5% ownership interest in BHD. From December 16, 2010 to June 30, 2012, Messrs. Yin Shenping and Chen Guangqiang held an 86.24% ownership interest of BHD. From June 30, 2012 to June 30, 2019, Mr. Chen Guangqiang continued to devote his personal patent to BHD and increased his ownership interest of BHD. As of the date of this report, Messrs. Yin Shenping and Chen Guangqiang collectively hold a 91.62% ownership interest of BHD. BHD is combined with the Company through the date of the exclusive agreements, and has been consolidated following January 1, 2008, the date of the agreements based on ASC Topic 810. The Company allocates net income 90% and 100%, respectively, based upon the control agreements. Profits allocated to the minority interest are the remaining amount (10%).

 

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On July 4, 2003, Nanjing Recon was organized under the laws of the PRC. On August 27, 2007, the Founders of the Company purchased a majority ownership of Nanjing Recon from a related party who was a majority owner of Nanjing Recon. Through December 15, 2010, the Founders held 80% ownership interest in Nanjing Recon. From December 16, 2010 to June 30, 2012, Messrs. Yin Shenping and Chen Guangqiang held 80% ownership interest of Nanjing Recon. Nanjing Recon is combined with the Company through the date of the exclusive agreements, and is consolidated following January 1, 2008, the date of the agreements based on ASC Topic 810. The Company allocates net income 90% and 100%, respectively, based upon the control agreements. Profits allocated to the non-controlling interest are the remaining amount (10%).

 

On January 29, 2015, we increased our authorized shares from 25,000,000 to 100,000,000 ordinary shares.

 

BHD, one VIE, controls following subsidiaries: 

 

1) On December 17, 2015, Huang Hua BHD Petroleum Equipment Manufacturing Co. LTD (“HH BHD”), a fully owned subsidiary established by BHD was organized under the laws of the PRC, focusing on the production of high efficiency heating furnaces. As of June 30, 2020, BHD had invested a total of ¥4.39 million to HH BHD. BHD owns an interest of 100% of HH BHD.

 

2) On May 23, 2017, Gan Su BHD Environmental Technology Co., Ltd (“Gan Su BHD”) was established by BHD and another investor under the laws of the PRC, with registered capital of ¥50 million. It is focusing on oilfield sewage treatment and oily sludge disposal projects. As of June 30, 2020, BHD had invested a total of ¥15.98 million Gan Su BHD. The paid in capital of Gan Su BHD contributed by all investors was ¥ 20.74 million ($2.93 million) as of June 30, 2020. Based on its revised chapter dated August 11, 2017, BHD owns an interest of 51% of Gan Su BHD.

 

3) On October 16, 2017, Qing Hai BHD New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Qinghai BHD”) was established by BHD and a few other investors under the laws of the PRC, with registered capital of ¥50 million. It is focusing on design and production and sales of solar energy heating furnaces. As of June 30, 2020, BHD had invested a total of ¥4.2 million to Qinghai BHD. The paid in capital was ¥4.2 million ($0.59 million) as of June 30, 2020. BHD owns an interest of 55% of Qinghai BHD.

 

As the energy consumption market opened to private and foreign companies, and online payment technology developed, we began to invest in the downstream of the oil industry. On December 15, 2017, we, through our VIEs, BHD and Nanjing Recon, entered into a subscription agreement with Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd (“FGS”), pursuant to which we acquired an 8% equity interest in FGS. Established in January 2016, FGS is a service company focusing on providing new technical applications and data operations to gas stations and provides solutions to gas stations to improve their operations and their customers’ experience. On August 21, 2018, we entered into an investment agreement and a supplemental agreement (collectively, the “Investment Agreement”) with FGS and the other shareholders of FGS. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, our ownership interest in FGS shall increase from 8% to 43%, in exchange for our investment in GFS for a total amount of RMB 10 million in cash and the issuance of 2,435,284 restricted ordinary shares to the other shareholders of FGS with certain conditions. On September 24, 2019, the Company agreed to extend the agreement for six more months as negotiated with FGS to ensure the founding team can better meet its obligations under the agreement. On March 17, 2020, the Company, FGS and the other shareholders of FGS signed the third supplemental agreement to extend another 12 months to February 20, 2021 as the number of the gas stations was the only performance goal that was not achieved. As of June 30, 2020, we have invested an aggregate amount of RMB 35,579,586 ($5,032,666) in FGS and issued 487,060 restricted shares (reflecting the effect of one-for-five reverse stock split) in total to other shareholders of FGS, and our ownership interest in FGS has increased to 43%.

 

On December 10, 2019, the Company’s Board approved to effect a one-for-five reverse stock split of its ordinary shares (the “Reverse Stock Split”) with the market effective date of December 27, 2019, such that the number of the Company’s ordinary shares is decreased from 100,000,000 to 20,000,000 and the par value of each ordinary share is increased from US$0.0185 to US$0.0925. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, each five pre-split ordinary shares outstanding were automatically combined and converted to one issued and outstanding ordinary share without any action on the part of the shareholder. As of December 26, 2019 (immediately prior to the effective date), there were 23,049,639 ordinary shares outstanding. The number of ordinary shares outstanding after the Reverse Stock Split was 4,611,720, taking into account of the effect of rounding fractional shares into whole shares.

 

B. Business Overview

 

General

 

Recon Technology, Ltd. (the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is a provider of hardware, software, and on-site services to companies primarily in the petroleum mining and extraction industry in China (“PRC”). We provide services designed to automate and enhance the extraction of petroleum. To date, we control by contract the PRC companies of Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. (“BHD”) and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Recon”). We refer to BHD and Nanjing Recon collectively as the “Domestic Companies” in this report.

 

The Company serves as the center of strategic management, financial control and human resources allocation for the Domestic Companies. Through our contractual relationships with the Domestic Companies, we provide equipment, tools and other hardware related to oilfield production and management and develop and sell our own specialized industrial automation control and information solutions. However, we do not engage in the production of petroleum or petroleum products.

 

We believe that one of the most important advancements in China’s petroleum industry has been the automation of significant segments of the exploration and extraction process. The Domestic Companies’ and our automation products and services allow petroleum mining and extraction companies to reduce their labor requirements and improve the productivity of oilfields. The Domestic Companies’ and our solutions allow our customers to locate productive oilfields more easily and accurately, improve control over the extraction process, increase oil yield efficiency in tertiary stage oil recovery, and improve the transportation of crude oil.

 

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For the most recent few years, our capacity to provide integrated services has been a significant factor for long-term development. We treat simulation measures around fracturing as our entry point for our integrated service model. To date, we have formed new business modules through our own R&D, investment in service-team building and developed an integrated services solution for stimulation.

 

Market Background

 

China is our major market. China is the world’s second-largest consumer of petroleum products, largest importer of petroleum and fourth-largest producer of petroleum. In the last twenty years, China’s demand for oil has more than tripled, while its production of oil has only modestly increased. China became a net importer of petroleum in 1983, and, since then, oil production in China has been focused on meeting the country’s domestic oil consumption requirements. The oil industry in China is dominated by three state-owned holding companies: China National Petroleum Corporation (“CNPC”), China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (“Sinopec”) and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (“CNOOC”). Foreign companies have also been deeply involved in China’s petroleum industry; however, according to Chinese law, China’s national oil companies still take a majority (or minority) stake in any commercial discovery. As a result, the number of major foreign companies involved in the industry is relatively limited in domestic China.

 

In the past, China’s petroleum companies mined for petroleum by leveraging the country’s abundance of inexpensive labor, rather than focusing on developing new technologies. For example, a typical, traditional oilfield with an annual capacity of 1,000,000 tons would require between 10,000 and 20,000 laborers. By contrast, when Baker CAC automated oil production products were employed in the mid-1990s to explore and automate Cainan Oilfield, a desert oilfield in Xinjiang, annual capacity for the field reached 1,500,000 tons, with only 400 employees needed to manage the oilfield. After the introduction of Baker CAC’s products into China’s petroleum industry, Chinese companies have also sought to provide automation solutions.

 

In the primary oil recovery stage, oil pressure in an oil reservoir may be high enough to force oil to the surface. Approximately 20% of oil may be harvested at this stage. The secondary oil recovery stage accounts for another 5% to 15% of oil recovery and involves such efforts as pumps to extract petroleum and the injection of water, natural gas, carbon dioxide or other gasses into the oil reservoir to force oil to the surface. Most oilfields in China have now entered into the tertiary stage of oil recovery, at which oil extraction becomes increasingly difficult and inefficient. Tertiary recovery generally focuses on decreasing oil viscosity to make extraction easier and accounts for between 5% and 15% of oil recovery. Our efforts in tertiary recovery focus on reducing water content in crude oil in order to make extraction more efficient and to improve the overall production of wells through advanced technologies and effective managing tools and approaches.

 

In the fiscal year 2020, we also received revenue from Iraq through a project with a new client which accounted for approximately 30.5% of our revenue. However, because that client has terminated its project in the middle east where we provided service to them due to the impact of COVID-19, we do not expect we will keep receive any revenue from this client, and therefore Iraq, in the fiscal year 2021.

 

Products and Services

 

We have historically provided products and services mainly to oil and gas field companies, which focus on the development and production of oil and natural gas. Our products and services described below correlate to the numbered stages of the oilfield production system graphical expression shown below.

 

 

 

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The following list shows our products and services. The first three items are covered by our (1) automation product and software segment and (2) equipment and accessories segment. The last item is covered by our oilfield environmental protection segment.

 

Equipment for Oil and Gas Production and Transportation

 

  High-Efficiency Heating Furnaces (as shown above by process “3”). Crude petroleum contains certain impurities that must be removed before the petroleum can be sold, including water and natural gas. To remove the impurities and to prevent solidification and blockage in transport pipes, companies employ heating furnaces. BHD researched, developed and implemented a new oilfield furnace that is advanced, highly automated, reliable, easily operable, safe and highly heat-efficient (90% efficiency).

  

  Burner (as shown above by process “5”). We serve as an agent for the Unigas Burner which is designed and manufactured by UNIGAS, a European burning equipment production company. The burner we provide has the following characteristics: high degree of automation; energy conservation; high turn-down ratio; high security and environmental safety.

 

Oil and Gas Production Improvement Techniques

 

  Packers of Fracturing. This utility model is used concertedly with the security joint, hydraulic anchor, and slide bushing of sand spray in the well. It is used for easy seat sealing and sand-uptake prevention. The utility model reduces desilting volume and prevents sand uptake which makes the deblocking processes easier to realize. The back flushing is sand-stick proof.

 

  Production Packer. According to different withdraw points, the production packer separates different oil layers, and protects the oil pipe from sand and permeability, so as to promote the recovery ratio.

 

  Sand Prevention in Oil and Water Well. This technique processes additives that are resistant to elevated temperatures into “resin sand” which is transported to the bottom of the well via carrying fluid. The “resin sand” goes through the borehole, piling up and compacting at the borehole and oil vacancy layer. An artificial borehole wall is then formed, functioning as a means of sand prevention. This sand prevention technique has been adapted to more than 100 wells, including heavy oil wells, light oil wells, water wells and gas wells, with a 100% success rate and a 98% effective rate.

 

  Water Locating and Plugging Technique. High water cut affects the normal production of oilfields. Previously, there was no sophisticated method for water locating and tubular column plugging in China. The mechanical water locating and tubular column plugging technique we have developed resolves the problem of high water cut wells. This technique conducts a self-sealing-test during multi-stage usage and is reliable to separate different production sets effectively. The water location switch forms a complete process by which the water locating and plugging can be finished in one trip. Our tubular column is adaptable to several oil drilling methods and is available for water locating and plugging in second and third class layers.

  

  Fissure Shaper. This is our proprietary product that is used along with a perforating gun to effectively increase perforation depth by between 46% and 80%, shape stratum fissures, improve stratum diversion capability and, as a result, improve our ability to locate oilfields and increase the output of oil wells.

 

  Fracture Acidizing. We inject acid to layers under pressure which can form or expand fissures. The treatment process of the acid is defined as fracture acidizing. The technique is mainly adapted to oil and gas wells that are blocked up relatively deeply, or the ones in the low permeable zones.

 

  Electronic Broken-down Service. This service resolves block-up and freezing problems by generating heat from the electric resistivity of the drive pipe and utilizing a loop tank composed of an oil pipe and a drive pipe. This technique saves energy and is environmentally friendly. It can increase the production of oilfields that are in the middle and later periods.

 

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Automation System and Service

 

  Pumping Unit Controller. Refers to process “1” above. Functions as a monitor to the pumping unit, and also collects data for load, pressure, voltage, startup and shutdown control.

 

  RTU Used to Monitor Natural Gas Wells. Collects gas well pressure data.

 

  Wireless Dynamometer and Wireless Pressure Gauge. Refers to process “1” above. These products replace wired technology with cordless displacement sensor technology. They are easy to install and significantly reduce the working load associated with cable laying.

 

  Electric Multi-Way Valve for Oilfield Metering Station Flow Control. Refers to process “2” above. This multi-way valve is used before the test separator to replace the existing three valve manifolds. It facilitates the electronic control of the connection of the oil lead pipeline with the separator.

 

  Natural Gas Flow Computer System. Flow computer system used in natural gas stations and gas distribution stations to measure flow.

 

  Recon SCADA Oilfield Monitor and Data Acquisition System. Recon SCADA is a system which applies to the oil well, measurement station, and the union station for supervision and data collection.

 

  EPC Service of Pipeline SCADA System. A service technique for pipeline monitoring and data acquisition after crude oil transmission.

 

  EPC Service of Oil and Gas Wells SCADA System. A service technique for monitoring and data acquisition of oil wells and natural gas wells.

 

  EPC Service of Oilfield Video Surveillance and Control System. A video surveillance technique for controlling the oil and gas wellhead area and the measurement station area.

 

  Technique Service for “Digital Oilfield” Transformation. Includes engineering technique services such as oil and gas SCADA system, video surveillance and control system and communication systems.

 

Beginning in 2017, we began to provide automation services to other companies in the broader energy industry in China and also to provide the following products and services beyond the oilfield production process:

 

Waste Water and Oil Treatment Products and Services

 

  Oilfield sewage treatment. It is for oilfield waste water treatment solutions, related chemicals and onsite services customized to clients’ requirement. We have also developed our own designed equipment and aim to manufacture in the future.

 

  Oily sludge disposal (planned). This planned business line will provide engineering services of oily sludge disposal in Gan Su province.

 

ISO9000 Certification

 

We have received ISO9000 certifications for several of our processes. The International Organization for Standardization consists of a worldwide federation of national standards bodies for approximately 130 countries, and the ISO9000 certification represents an international consensus of these standards bodies, with the aim of creating global standards of product and service quality. We have received ISO9000 certification for the following:

 

  Nanjing Recon has received certification for the development and service of RSCADA.

 

  BHD has received certification for high efficiency heating furnaces, import burners, and manometer surrogate rendition and service.

 

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Customers

 

We operate our business by cooperating with oil companies and their subsidiaries, the petroleum administration bureau and local service companies. Historically, most actual control of our direct and indirect clients could be traced to Sinopec and CNPC, the two major Chinese state-owned companies responsible for on-shore petroleum mining and extraction. Since the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, Sinopec accounted for less than 10% of our revenues.

 

CNPC

 

We have undertaken projects at the following locations, among others:

 

Qinghai Oilfield

 

Tuha Oilfield

 

Daqing Oilfield

 

Jidong Oilfield

 

Sichuan Oilfield

 

Xinjiang Oilfield

 

Huabei Oilfield

 

Jilin Oilfield

 

Changqing Oilfield

 

We provide products and services to CNPC under a series of agreements, each of which is terminable without advance notice. We first began to provide services to CNPC in 2000. CNPC accounted for approximately 39%, 39% and 45% of our revenues in the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and any termination of our business relationships with CNPC would materially harm our operations.

 

Shenhua Group

 

We began to provide equipment to Shenhua Group, which was merged into China Energy with another group company, in 2017. We signed a series of contracts with Shenhua Group and have established what we believe is a solid business relationship with Shenhua Group.

 

New Customer

 

In the fiscal year 2020, a new client accounted for approximately 30.5% of our revenue. We provided engineering and construction services to the client on a heavy oil transportation system project in Garraf oilfield in Iraq. However, because that client has terminated its project in Iraq due to the impact of COVID-19, we do not expect we will keep receive any revenue from this client in the fiscal year 2021.

 

Our Strengths

 

  Safety of products. The automation projects we have conducted have demonstrated that our products are reliable, safe and effective at automating the petroleum extraction process.

 

  Efficiency of technology. We believe our technology increases efficiency and profitability for petroleum companies by enabling them to monitor, manage and control petroleum extraction; increase the amount of petroleum extracted and reduce impurities in extracted petroleum.

 

  Ability to leverage our knowledge of Chinese business culture. Many of our competitors are based outside of China. As the Domestic Companies are based in China, we are in a unique position to emphasize Chinese culture and business knowledge to obtain new customers and new agreements with existing customers. We believe that many Chinese businesses, including state-owned companies like Shenhua Group and CNPC, would prefer to hire a Chinese company to assist in their business operations if a Chinese company exists with the ability to fulfill their needs on a timely and cost-efficient basis. In addition, our knowledge of Chinese culture allows us to anticipate and adapt to Chinese oilfield management methods. We provide our software solutions in Mandarin for the benefit of our Chinese customers, and all of our customer support is available from Mandarin-fluent personnel.

 

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  Experienced, successful executive management team. Our executive management team has significant experience and success in the petroleum automation industry. They will be able to draw on their knowledge of the industry and their relationships in the industry.

 

  Ability to leverage China’s cost structure. As a Chinese company, we believe we can operate our business more cost-effectively because all of our employees, operations and assets are located in China, resulting in lower labor, development, manufacturing and rent costs than we believe we would incur if we also maintained operations abroad. We expect these costs savings will be reflected in lower costs to our customers for comparable products.

 

  Ownership of our intellectual property. Because we own our intellectual property, we are able to avoid licensing fees or contravening licensing agreements.

 

Our Strategies

 

Our goal is to help our customers improve their efficiency and profitability by providing them with software and hardware solutions and services to improve their ability to locate productive oil reservoirs, manage the oil extraction process, reduce extraction costs, and enhance recovery from extraction activities. Key elements of our strategies include:

 

  Increase our market share in China. We believe that as the Chinese economy and oil industry continue to develop, Chinese petroleum extraction automation companies will compete with international businesses at an increasing rate. Consequently, we believe we will have opportunities to take market share from foreign companies by developing positive business relationships in China’s petroleum mining and extraction industry. We will also use strategic advertisements, predominantly in China’s northeast and northwest, where China’s major oilfields are located, to increase our brand awareness and market penetration. We aim to continue developing new technologies designed to improve petroleum mining and extraction efficiency and profitability for our customers.

 

  Develop our own branded products and services and shift our focus away from trading business. Our management believes in the importance of our own branded products and our services, in light of their higher profit margins and their long-term significance in establishing the status of our Company in the oil and gas industry. Moreover, the trading business relies on the major clients’ procurement policies toward agencies, any significant change of which could jeopardize our operating results. Our management therefore believes that in the long run we will need to focus our growth strategy in developing professional services for the oil and gas industry in China.

  

  Focus on higher-profit subsection of market. While we plan to continue to provide services to all of our clients, we believe that we may improve our profit margins by focusing a higher portion of our advertising and promotions at those sub-divisions of our industry that have traditionally held the highest profit margins.

 

  Offer services to foreign oilfields contracted by Chinese petroleum companies. As Sinopec and CNPC continue to invest in oilfields in other countries, we will focus on offering our services in these new locations based on our success in working with the companies in China.

 

  Seek opportunities with foreign companies in China. Even where oilfields in China are partially operated by foreign companies, a significant number of employees will be Chinese and will benefit from our Chinese-language services. We believe our hardware and software solutions would be beneficial to any petroleum company—foreign or domestic—doing business in China and plan to continue marketing to foreign companies entering the Chinese market.

 

  Provide services that generate high customer satisfaction levels. Chinese companies in our market are strongly influenced by formal and informal referrals. We believe that we have the opportunity to expand market share by providing high levels of customer satisfaction with our current customers, thereby fostering strong customer referrals to support sales activities.

 

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Competition

 

We face competition from a variety of foreign and domestic companies involved in the petroleum mining automation industry. While we believe we effectively compete in our market, our competitors hold a substantial market share.

 

A few of our existing competitors, as well as a number of potential new competitors, have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do, which could provide them with a significant competitive advantage over us. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to compete successfully against our current or future competitors in our industry or that competition will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Research and Development

 

We focus our research and development efforts on improving our development efficiency and the quality of our products and services. As of June 30, 2020, our research and development team consisted of 36 experienced engineers, developers and programmers. In addition, some of our support employees regularly participate in our research and development programs.

 

In the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we spent approximately RMB 7.0 million (approximately $1.0 million), RMB 3.1 million (approximately $0.5 million) and RMB 3.2 million (approximately $0.5 million) respectively, on research and development activities.

 

Intellectual Property

 

Our success and competitive position is dependent in part upon our ability to develop and maintain the proprietary aspect of our technology. The reverse engineering, unauthorized copying, or other misappropriation of our technology could enable third parties to benefit from our technology without paying for it. We rely on a combination of trademark, trade secret, copyright law and contractual restrictions to protect the proprietary aspects of the Domestic Companies’ and our technology. We seek to protect the source code to the Domestic Companies’ and our software, documentation and other written materials under trade secret and copyright laws. While we actively take steps to protect the Domestic Companies’ and our proprietary rights, such steps may not be adequate to prevent the infringement or misappropriation of the Domestic Companies’ and our intellectual property. This is particularly the case in China where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United States.

 

We license the Domestic Companies’ and our software products under signed license agreements that impose restrictions on the licensee’s ability to utilize the software and do not permit the re-sale, sublicense or other transfer of the software. Finally, we seek to avoid disclosure of the Domestic Companies’ and our intellectual property by requiring employees and independent consultants to execute confidentiality agreements.

  

Although we develop our software products in conjunction with the Domestic Companies, each software product is based upon middleware developed by third parties. We integrate this technology, licensed by our customers from third parties in our software products. If our customers are unable to continue to license any of this third-party software, or if the third-party licensors do not adequately maintain or update their products, we would face delays in the releases of our software until equivalent technology can be identified, licensed or developed, and integrated into our software products. These delays, if they occur, could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

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There has been a substantial amount of litigation in the software industry regarding intellectual property rights. It is possible that in the future third parties may claim that our current or potential future software solutions infringe their intellectual property. We expect that software product developers will increasingly be subject to infringement claims as the number of products and competitors in our industry segment grows and the functionality of products in different industry segments overlap. In addition, we may find it necessary to initiate claims or litigation against third parties for infringement of our proprietary rights or to protect our trade secrets. Although, along with the Domestic Companies, we may disclaim certain intellectual property representations to our customers, these disclaimers may not be sufficient to fully protect us against such claims. Any claims, with or without merit, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, cause product shipment delays or require the Domestic Companies and us to enter into royalty or license agreements. Royalty or licensing agreements, if required, may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Our standard software license agreements contain an infringement indemnity clause under which we agree to indemnify and hold harmless our customers and business partners against liability and damages arising from claims of various copyright or other intellectual property infringement by the Domestic Companies’ and our products. We have never lost an infringement claim, and our costs to defend such lawsuits have been insignificant. Although it is possible that in the future third parties may claim that our current or potential future software solutions or we infringe on their intellectual property, we do not currently expect a significant impact on our business, operating results, or financial condition.

 

We market our products under the following trademarks which are registered with the PRC Trademark Bureau under the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. We currently own the following trademarks:

 

  1. Trademark of “BHD” valid from November 7, 2003 through November 6, 2023;

 

  2. Trademark of “Recon” of the 7th classification valid from October 21, 2011 through October 20, 2021;

 

  3. Trademark of “Recon” of the 9th classification valid from April 21, 2011 through April 20, 2021; and

 

  4. Trademark of “Recon” of the 42nd classification valid from September 7, 2011 through September 6, 2021.

 

We currently own over 50 patents registered with the PRC State Intellectual Property Office which cover our automated products and heating related equipment for the petroleum industry. Below is a list of our selected patents:

 

  1. Patent of hot water furnace valid until April 8, 2021;

 

  2. Patent of efficient gas-liquid separator valid until August 15, 2021;

 

  3. Patent of efficient oil-gas-water separator valid until October 24, 2021;

 

  4. Patent of horizontal type furnace valid until December 14, 2022;

 

  5. Patent of vertical type furnace valid until December 13, 2022;

 

  6. Patent of vacuum furnace valid until December 14, 2022;

 

  7. Patent of wireless pressure sensor valid until November 11, 2023;

 

  8. Patent of wireless start-end module valid until November 11, 2023;

 

  9. Patent of one-piece skid mount package of heating, separating, buffering and pressurizing valid until June 30, 2024;

 

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  10. Patent of oily sewage treatment equipment valid until July 8, 2025;

 

  11. Patent of an oil-water well smart wireless pressure transmitter valid until November 17, 2026;

 

  12. Patent of an oily sewage treatment bio-stimulants and Production Methods valid until July 11,2027;

 

  13. Patent of torch specialized for oilfield waste-gas burning valid until July 10, 2028; and

 

  14. Wireless temperature transmitter valid until September 26, 2029.

 

We have registered 27 software products with the PRC State Intellectual Property Office. Below is a list of our selected software products:

 

  1. Recon automated monitoring system version II was published on August 18, 2013 and version I was published on July 30, 2011;

 

  2. Recon SCADA field monitoring and data acquisition system software version 2.0 was published on August 18, 2003, and version 3.0 was registered and published on April 5, 2008;

 

  3. Recon RCNAMT version 1 was published on April 27, 2012;

 

  4. Recon Process Auto version 1 was published on August 25, 2012;

 

  5. Recon Industrial Process Control system V2.0 was published on August 13, 2013, and V1.0 was published on December 25, 2012;

 

  6. Recon Oil and Gas Processing SCADA System V1.0 was published on March 2, 2016;
     
  7. Intelligent gas field management platform software V1.0 was published on July 14, 2020; and
     
  8. Gas well data acquisition and monitoring software V1.0 was published on July 14, 2020.

 

Environmental Matters

 

We have not incurred material expenses in connection with compliance with Chinese environmental laws and regulations. We do not anticipate expending any material amounts for such compliance purposes for the remainder of our current or succeeding fiscal year.

 

China’s Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement System

 

In 1998, China established the State Intellectual Property Office (“SIPO”) to coordinate China’s intellectual property enforcement efforts. SIPO is responsible for granting and enforcing patents, as well as coordinating intellectual property rights related to copyrights and trademarks. Protection of intellectual property in China follows a two-track system. The first track is administrative in nature, whereby a holder of intellectual property rights files a complaint at a local administrative office. Determining which intellectual property agency can be confusing, as jurisdiction of intellectual property matters is diffused throughout a number of government agencies and offices, with each typically responsible for the protection afforded by one statute or one specific area of intellectual property-related law. The second track is a judicial track, whereby complaints are filed through the Chinese court system. Since 1993, China has maintained various intellectual property tribunals. The total volume of intellectual property related litigation, however, remains small.

 

Although there are differences in intellectual property rights between the United States and China, of most significance to the Company is the inexperience of China in connection with the development and protection of intellectual property rights. Similar to the United States, China has chosen to protect software under copyright law rather than trade secrets, patent or contract law. As such, we will attempt to protect our most significant intellectual property pursuant to Chinese laws that have only recently been adopted. Unlike the United States, which has lengthy case law related to the interpretation and applicability of intellectual property law, China has a less developed body of relevant intellectual property case law.

 

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Regulations

 

We are subject to a variety of PRC and foreign laws, rules and regulations across a number of aspects of our business. This section summarizes the principal PRC laws, rules and regulations relevant to our business and operations. Areas in which we are subject to laws, rules and regulations outside of the PRC include intellectual property, competition, taxation, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption.

 

Regulation on Software Products

 

On March 1, 2009, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China issued the Administrative Measures on Software Products, or the Software Measures, which became effective as of April 10, 2009, to strengthen the regulation of software products and to encourage the development of the Chinese software industry. Under the Software Measures, a software developer must have all software products imported into or sold in China tested by a testing organization supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The software industry authorities in provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and cities with independent planning are in charge of the registration, report and management of software products. Software products can be registered for five years, and the registration is renewable upon expiration. Although some of Nanjing Recon’s current software products were registered in 2008, there can be no guarantee that the registration will be renewed timely or that the Domestic Companies’ and our future products will be registered.

 

Regulation of Intellectual Property Rights

 

China has adopted legislation governing intellectual property rights, including trademarks and copyrights. China is a signatory to the main international conventions on intellectual property rights and became a member of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights upon its accession to the WTO in December 2001.

 

Copyright. China adopted its first copyright law in 1990. The National People’s Congress amended the Copyright Law in 2001 to widen the scope of works and rights that are eligible for copyright protection. The amended Copyright Law extends copyright protection to software products, among others. In addition, there is a voluntary registration system administered by the China Copyright Protection Center. Unlike patent and trademark registration, copyrighted works do not require registration for protection. Protection is granted to individuals from countries belonging to the copyright international conventions or bilateral agreements of which China is a member. Nanjing Recon has over ten copyrights for software programs.

 

Trademark. The Chinese Trademark Law, adopted in 1982 and revised in 1993 and 2001, protects registered trademarks. The Trademark Office under the Chinese State Administration for Industry and Commerce handles trademark registrations and grants a term of ten years to registered trademarks. Trademark license agreements must be filed with the Trademark Office for record. China has a “first-to-register” system that requires no evidence of prior use or ownership. The Domestic Companies and we have registered a number of product names with the Trademark Office.

 

Regulations on Foreign Exchange

 

Foreign Currency Exchange. Under the PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, may be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. By contrast, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans or foreign currency is to be remitted into China under the capital account, such as a capital increase or foreign currency loans to our PRC subsidiaries.

 

SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises (2008), or SAFE Circular 142, regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency-registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB may be used. In addition, SAFE promulgated Circular 45 on November 9, 2011 in order to clarify the application of SAFE Circular 142. Under SAFE Circular 142 and Circular 45, the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable government authority and may not be used for equity investments within the PRC. In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of such RMB capital may not be changed without SAFE’s approval, and such RMB capital may not in any case be used to repay RMB loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used.

 

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Since SAFE Circular 142 has been in place for more than five years, SAFE decided to further reform the foreign exchange administration system in order to satisfy and facilitate the business and capital operations of foreign invested enterprises, and issued the Circular on the Relevant Issues Concerning the Launch of Reforming Trial of the Administration Model of the Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises in Certain Areas on August 4, 2014. This circular suspends the application of SAFE Circular 142 in certain areas and allows a foreign-invested enterprise registered in such areas with a business scope including “investment” to use the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital for equity investments within the PRC.

 

SAFE promulgated Circular 59 in November 2010, which tightens the regulation over settlement of net proceeds from overseas offerings, such as our initial public offering, and requires, among other things, the authenticity of settlement of net proceeds from offshore offerings to be closely examined and the net proceeds to be settled in the manner described in the offering documents or otherwise approved by our board. Violations of these SAFE regulations may result in severe monetary or other penalties, including confiscation of earnings derived from such violation activities, a fine of up to 30% of the RMB funds converted from the foreign invested funds or in the case of a severe violation, a fine ranging from 30% to 100% of the RMB funds converted from the foreign-invested funds.

 

In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment, which substantially amends and simplifies the current foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts, such as pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts and guarantee accounts, the reinvestment of RMB proceeds by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and dividends by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.

 

Regulation of Dividend Distribution. The principal regulations governing the distribution of dividends by foreign holding companies include the Foreign Investment Enterprise Law (1986), as amended, and the Administrative Rules under the Foreign Investment Enterprise Law (2001).

 

Under these regulations, foreign investment enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their retained profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, foreign investment enterprises in China are required to allocate at least 10% of their respective retained profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds unless these reserves have reached 50% of the registered capital of the enterprises. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends.

 

In July 2014, SAFE promulgated SAFE Circular 37, which replaced the former circular commonly known as “SAFE Circular 75” promulgated by SAFE on October 21, 2005. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents to register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity, for the purpose of overseas investment and financing, with such PRC residents’ legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to in SAFE Circular 37 as a “special purpose vehicle.” SAFE Circular 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as increase or decrease of capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. In the event that a PRC shareholder holding interests in a special purpose vehicle fails to fulfill the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose vehicle may be prohibited from making profit distributions to the offshore parent and from carrying out subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities, and the special purpose vehicle may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiary. Furthermore, failure to comply with the various SAFE registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for evasion of foreign exchange controls.

 

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Regulations on Foreign Investment in Automation Service Industry and Oil Exploration and Extraction Industry in PRC. In accordance with the Catalogue of Industries for Guiding Foreign Investment (Revised 2007), the oil and gas automation service industries are in the catalogue of permitted industries, and thus there are no restrictions on foreign investment in the oil and gas automation industry. In addition, the following industries are encouraged for foreign investment in China:

 

  Manufacturing of equipment for oil exploration, drilling, collection and transportation: floating drilling systems and floating production systems with an operating water depth of more than 1,500 meters and the supporting subsea oil extraction, collection and transportation equipment

 

  Exploration and exploitation of oil and natural gas with venture capital (limited to equity joint ventures and cooperative joint ventures);

 

  Development and application of new technologies that increase the recovery ratio of crude oil (limited to equity joint ventures and cooperative joint ventures);

 

  Development and application of new oil exploration and exploitation technologies such as geophysical exploration, drilling, well logging, and downhole operation, etc. (limited to cooperative joint ventures); and

 

  Exploration and development of unconventional oil resources such as oil shale, oil sands, heavy oil, and excess oil (limited to cooperative joint ventures).

 

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C. Organizational Structure

 

Below is a chart representing our current corporate structure (as of June 30, 2020):

 

 

 

Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is at the offices of Vistra (Cayman) Limited, P.O. Box 31119 Grand Pavilion, Hibiscus Way, 802 West Bay Road, Grand Cayman, KY1-1205, Cayman Islands.

 

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D. Property, Plants and Equipment

 

We currently operate in three facilities throughout China. Our headquarters are located in Beijing. Following is a list of our properties. The first six properties are rentals. Gan Su BHD has received a land usage rights certificate regarding the last property and has constructed a plant on that piece of land.

 

No.     Tenant/Transferee   Address   Rental/Use Term   Space   Usage   Productive
Capacity
  Extent of
utilization
 
1     Recon-BJ   Room 1902, Building C King Long International Mansion, Chaoyang District Beijing, PRC   July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021   267 square meters   Headquarter office   N/A   60%
                                 
2     Nanjing Recon   Room 310&311, No. 2 Building, Chu Qiao Cheng, Andemen Street, Yu Hua District, Nanjing City, PRC   April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022   564.64 square meters   Office   N/A   80%
                                 
3     BHD   18th Floor, Building C King Long International Mansion, Chaoyang District Beijing, PRC   January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020   428 square meters   Office   N/A   90%  
                                 
4     BHD   West building, Zhengfu Street, Huo ying, Changping District, PRC   January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020   420 square meters   Warehouse   N/A   50%
                                 
5     HH BHD   No. 1767, Yin Bin South Street, Huang Hua Economic Development Zone, He Bei Province, PRC   July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023   4,624 square meters   Office and Plant   N/A (Equipment Installation)   100%
                                 
6     Qing Hai BHD   Room 2407,Jing Rui Xin Cheng, No. 39, Jinqiao Road,Qing Hai province, PRC   November 1, 2019 to October 31, 2020   87.5 square meters   Office   N/A   90%
                                 
7     Gan Su BHD   North of Dongyun Road and West of Petroleum Management Bureau Wooden Furniture Factory, Old District, Yumen City, Gansu Province, PRC   August 1, 2017 to July 31, 2067   26,235.59 square meters   Plant   60,000 tons   80%

  

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Item 4A.  Unresolved Staff Comments

 

None.

 

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

 

The following discussion and analysis of our company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of selected events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.

 

Overview

 

We are a company with limited liability incorporated in 2007 under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Headquartered in Beijing, we used to provide products and services to oil and gas companies and their affiliates through Nanjing Recon Technology Co. Ltd (“Nanjing Recon”) and Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co, Ltd (“BHD”) and their affiliates, hereafter referred to as our domestic companies (the “Domestic Companies”), which are established under the laws of the PRC. From 2017, the Company we also begin to provide service to other power energy industry companies and their affiliations. As the Company contractually controls the Domestic Companies, we serve as the center of strategic management, financial control and human resources allocation. Due to this contractual control and our obligation to bear the losses of the Domestic Companies, we consider them to be variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for accounting purposes and consolidate their results in our financial statements.

 

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Through Nanjing Recon and BHD, our business is mainly focused on the upstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. From 2018, our business has been expanding to the downstream of the energy industry– the civil and industrial heating furnaces market, electric and coal chemical industry and the energy service management industry. We derive our revenues from the sales and provision of (1) automation products and projects, (2) equipment and installment for heating furnaces and overall energy saving resolution, (3) chemical products and overall resolution for waste water and oily sludge treatment, and (4) related engineering and project services for aforementioned.

 

  Nanjing Recon: Nanjing Recon is a high-tech company that specializes in automation services for oilfield companies. It mainly focuses on providing automation solutions to the oil exploration industry, including monitoring wells, automatic metering to the joint station production, process monitor, and a variety of oilfield equipment and control systems. From 2018, Nanjing Recon also provides automation products and services to other segments of the energy industry, such as the new energy industry, electric power and coal chemical industries.

  

  BHD: BHD is a high-tech company that specializes in transportation equipment and stimulation productions and services. Possessing proprietary patents and substantial industry experience, BHD has also been expanding services to oilfield wastewater and oily sludge treatment, and extended its heating products and resolutions to the civil market by leveraging its advantage on furnace products.

 

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Recent Developments

 

On August 21, 2018, the Company entered into a definitive investment agreement and a supplemental agreement (collectively, the “Agreement”) with Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd (“FGS”) and the other shareholders of FGS. Following full performance under the Agreement, the Company will own 43% of FGS. As consideration for increasing its affiliates’ interest in FGS from 8% to 43%, Recon shall (1) pay a total of RMB 10 million in cash to FGS and (2) issue 2,435,284 restricted ordinary shares of Recon (the “Restricted Shares”) to the other shareholders of FGS within 30 days after FGS finalizes recording Recon’s corresponding interest at the local governmental agency. If FGS does not reach certain performance goals, Recon has the right to cancel without further paying part or all of the Restricted Shares. The Restricted Shares are also subject to lock-up period requirements that vary for each FGS shareholder, from two and a half years to four and a half years following the issuance of the Restricted Shares under the supplemental agreement dated March 17, 2020. On September 24, 2019, the Company agreed to extend the agreement for six more months as negotiated with FGS to ensure the founding team can better meet its obligations under the agreement. On March 17, 2020, the Company, FGS and the other shareholders of FGS signed a supplemental agreement to extend another 12 months as the number of the gas stations was the only performance goal that was not achieved.

 

On December 10, 2019, the Company’s Board approved to effect a one-for-five reverse stock split of its ordinary shares (the “Reverse Stock Split”) with the market effective date of December 27, 2019, such that the number of the Company’s ordinary shares is decreased from 100,000,000 to 20,000,000 and the par value of each ordinary share is increased from US$0.0185 to US$0.0925. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, each five pre-split ordinary shares outstanding were automatically combined and converted to one issued and outstanding ordinary share without any action on the part of the shareholder. No fractional ordinary shares were issued to any shareholders in connection with the reverse stock split. Each shareholder was entitled to receive one ordinary share in lieu of the fractional share that would have resulted from the Reverse Stock Split. As of December 26, 2019 (immediately prior to the effective date), there were 23,049,639 ordinary shares outstanding. The number of ordinary shares outstanding after the Reverse Stock Split was 4,611,720, taking into account of the effect of rounding fractional shares into whole shares. In addition, all options and any other securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split (to the extent they don’t provide otherwise) will be appropriately adjusted by dividing the number of ordinary shares into which the options and other securities are exercisable by 5 and multiplying the exercise price thereof by 5, as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.

 

On May 21, 2020 and June 26, 2020, the Company and certain institutional investors (the “Purchasers”) entered into that certain securities purchase agreement, pursuant to which the Company sold to such Purchasers an aggregate of 911,112 and 1,680,000 ordinary shares, respectively, par value $0.0925 per share in the registered direct offerings and warrants to purchase up to 911,112 and 1,680,000 Ordinary Shares in concurrent private placements, for gross proceeds of approximately $2.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other estimated offering expenses.

 

On June 22, 2020, the Company entered into a memorandum of understanding (the "MOU") with Beijing Originwater Purification Engineering Technology Co. Ltd ("Originwater Purification Engineering"), a PRC private company focusing on water purification industry in China. Pursuant to the MOU, the Company will explore the purchase of up to 100% of the equity interest or assets of Originwater Purification Engineering from its current shareholders at a price to be agreed upon by the parties. The purchase price will be based on the assessed value of Originwater Purification Engineering as determined by an independent third-party evaluation firm and will be paid in cash and the Company's restricted ordinary shares.

 

In January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency as the coronavirus outbreak continued to spread beyond China. In compliance with the government health emergency rules in place, the Company temporarily closed offices in varies provinces in China and ceased production operations since Chinese New Year. The Company gradually resumed operation and production since March 2020. In short term, the Company’s business was affected negatively. However, at this stage, the Company doesn’t expect a significant impact on the Company’s operation and financial results in a long run.

 

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Recent Industry Developments and Business Outlook

 

Automation Department. As we continue to cooperate well with Shenhua Group, we expect our revenue from the automation department will increase. Also, we won the bid to build the automation system for PetroChina Jidong Oilfield Company ("Jidong Oilfield"). The winning price is RMB 9.5 million (approximately $1.36 million) per year, for a three-year construction period from January 1, 2020 to December 3, 2022. We believe it’s still a major trend for domestic energy companies to improve automation management and our business will benefit from this favorable trend.

 

Oilfield Environmental Protection Business. As of the date of this report, we had signed nine disposal agreements to treat up to 3,200 tons of oily sludge, while by the end of June 30, 2020, the majority of the contract revenue from this business was not recognized as affected by the COVID-19 and delayed production schedule. We expect these workloads could be done by the end of calendar year 2020. Also, we are developing an oily mud treatment business and have won a RMB3.8 million contract. We plan to continue to expand this segment’s operation.

 

Oilfield Equipment. As oil price runs at a low level, the development activities of oil companies are also kept at a lower level. Thus requirement of oilfield heating equipment is also decreasing. Management expects this trend will be maintained for a period and we will keep to explore new markets that can utilize our capability of high efficiency heating equipment.

 

Growth Strategy

 

As a smaller China-focused company, our basic strategy focuses on developing our onshore oilfield business in the upstream sector of the industry. We continuously focus on providing high quality products and services in oilfields in which we have a geographical advantage. This helps us avoid conflicts of interest with bigger private companies while protecting our position within this market segment. Our mission is to increase the automation and safety levels of industrial petroleum production in China and improve the underdeveloped working process and management mode used by many companies by providing advanced technologies. At the same time, we are always looking to improve our business and to increase our earning capability.

 

Currently, as more markets of China’s energy industry are open to non-state-owned companies, we are also seeking for opportunities in other markets. We believe our experience on energy technics will always be our development foundation. By combining more technology and ideas developed in recent years, such as solar energy and Industrial Internet, we expect to create more profitable business lines.

 

Also, to diversify our revenue stream and lower risk of concentration, we will continue to seek new opportunities in other industries by leveraging our knowledge of intelligent equipment and the “internet of things” (IoT).

 

Trend Information

 

Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this report, such as coronavirus outbreak, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events since the beginning of our fiscal year 2020 that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net revenues, income from operations, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial condition.

  

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

 

Our operating results in any period are subject to general conditions typically affecting the Chinese oilfield service industry which include but are not limited to:

 

  oil and gas prices;

 

  the amount of spending by our customers, primarily those in the oil and gas industry;

 

  growing demand from large corporations for improved management and software designed to achieve such corporate performance;

 

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  the procurement processes of our customers, especially those in the oil and gas industry;

 

  competition and related pricing pressure from other oilfield service solution providers, especially those targeting the Chinese oil and gas industry;

 

  the ongoing development of the oilfield service market in China; and

 

  inflation and other macroeconomic factors.

 

Unfavorable changes in any of these general conditions could negatively affect the number and size of the projects we undertake, the number of products we sell, the amount of services we provide, the price of our products and services, and otherwise affect our results of operations.

 

Our operating results in any period are more directly affected by company-specific factors including:

 

  our revenue growth, in terms of the proportion of our business dedicated to large companies and our ability to successfully develop, introduce and market new solutions and services;

 

  our ability to increase our revenues from both old and new customers in the oil and gas industry in China;

 

  our ability to effectively manage our operating costs and expenses; and

 

  our ability to effectively implement any targeted acquisitions and/or strategic alliances so as to provide efficient access to markets and industries in the oil and gas industry in China.

  

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Consolidation of VIEs

 

A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company performs ongoing assessments to determine whether an entity should be considered a VIE and whether an entity previously identified as a VIE continues to be a VIE and whether the Company continues to be the primary beneficiary.

 

Assets recognized as a result of consolidating VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims against the Company’s general assets. Conversely, liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs.

 

Estimates and Assumptions

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in United States of America (“US GAAP”), which requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates are adjusted to reflect actual experience when necessary. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include allowance for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable, other receivables and purchase advances, allowance for inventory, the useful lives of property and equipment, valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, impairment assessment for long-lived assets, the discount rate for lease, and investment and the fair value of share- based payments. The use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process; actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

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The key assumptions underlying the Company’s accounting for material arrangements and the reasonably likely material effects of resolving any uncertainties on the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to purchase advances. The production of the Company’s products requires custom-made equipment from its suppliers. To ensure that it can secure the required customized equipment, the Company often needs to make full prepayment for its intended purchases. As a standard practice in the petroleum extraction industry, the Company generally must submit a bid in order to secure the sales contract. The bidding process generally takes between one month to one year and the timing depends on the size of the overall project, which timing and size are generally controlled by its client. In order to secure timely purchase delivery and to meet its product delivery schedule, the Company normally prepays for the purchase advances if the Company believes that it is more than likely to win the bid for the sales contract which is accounted as pre-contract costs. After winning the bid and securing the sale contract, the Company normally needs to deliver its products approximately within one week to six months. Based on the Company’s historical experience, the Company generally is able to realize its purchase advances on the customized equipment that it orders. If it subsequently confirms that the Company is unable to secure the planned contracts with a customer after making the advance payments for these planned contracts, the Company evaluates the probable recoverability of the pre-contract cost and charges to expenses when the Company determines that the recovery of such pre-contract cost is improbable.

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

The US GAAP accounting standards regarding fair value of financial instruments and related fair value measurements define fair value, establish a three-level valuation hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

The three levels of inputs are defined as follows:

 

Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.  

 

Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable.

 

Accounting guidance also describes three main approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach and (3) cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be required to replace an asset.

 

The Company measures certain financial assets, including investments under the equity method on other-than-temporary basis, intangible assets and fixed assets at fair value when an impairment charge is recognized.

 

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for trade accounts receivable, other receivables, purchase advances, trade accounts payable, accrued liabilities, advances from customers, investment payable, short-term bank loan and short-term borrowings approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments.

 

Purchase Advances, net

 

Purchase advances are the amounts prepaid to suppliers for business activities, such as standard raw materials, supplies and services. These types of prepayments will be expensed when those products or services have been rendered or consumed.

 

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Revenue Recognition

 

In accordance with ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, revenue is recognized when all of the following five steps are met: (i) identify the contract(s) with the customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; (v) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. The core principle underlying the new revenue recognition Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) is that the Company recognizes revenue to represent the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in such exchange. The Company identifies contractual performance obligations and determines whether revenue should be recognized at a point in time or over time, based on when goods or services are provided to a customer. 

 

Disaggregation of Revenues

 

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

 

The following items represent the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source. In accordance with ASC 606-10-50-5, the Company selects categories to present disaggregated revenue that depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows are affected by economic factors and delivery conditions of products and fulfillment of obligations.

 

The Company’s disaggregation of revenues for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020 is disclosed in Note 29 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Automation Products and Software; Equipment and Accessories

 

The Company generates revenues primarily through delivery of standard or customized products and equipment, including automation products, furnaces and related accessories. Revenue is recognized when products are delivered, and acceptance reports are signed off by customers.

 

The sale of automation products or our specialized equipment when combined with services represent a single performance obligation for the development and construction of a single asset. The Company may also provide design or installation services to clients as there may be such obligation in contracts. The promises to transfer the goods and provision of services are not separately identifiable, which is evidenced by the fact that the Company provides significant services of integrating the goods and services into a single deliverable for which the customer has contracted. For such sales arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue using input method, based on the relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs for the contract. Such method is adopted because the Company believes it best depicts the transfer of goods and services to the customer.

 

Oilfield Environmental Protection Service

 

The Company provides wastewater treatment and oily sludge disposal service to oilfield and chemical industry companies and generates revenue from special equipment, self-developed chemical products and supporting service, transfer and treatment of oily sludge. Revenue is recognized when contract obligations have been performed. For such sales arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue using input method, based on the relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs for the contract. Such method is adopted because the Company believes it best depicts the transfer of services to the customer.

 

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Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations

 

Contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company will allocate revenues to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers or using expected cost-plus margin.

 

Contract Balances

 

Contract balances typically arise when a difference in timing between the transfer of control to the customer and receipt of consideration occurs.

 

The following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Contract assets   ¥ 4,633,940     ¥ 31,537,586     $ 4,460,933  
Contract liabilities   ¥ 120,000     ¥ 3,486,033     $ 493,093  

 

Contract Assets, net - The Company recognizes an asset from the costs incurred to fulfill a contract when those costs meet all of the following criteria: (i) the costs relate directly to a contract or to an anticipated contract that the Company can specifically identify; (ii) the costs generate or enhance resources of the Company that will be used in satisfying (or in continuing to satisfy) performance obligations in the future; and (iii) the costs are expected to be recovered.

 

  - Pre-Contract Costs - Pre-contract costs are the amounts prepaid to suppliers for purchases of customized equipment in anticipation of obtaining planned contracts for the Company’s hardware and software revenues. If it subsequently confirms that the Company is unable to secure the planned contracts with a customer after making the advance payments for these planned contracts, the Company evaluates the probable recoverability of the pre-contract cost and charges to expenses when the Company determines that the recovery of such pre-contract cost is improbable.

 

  - Executed Contract Costs - Direct costs, such as material, labor, depreciation and amortization and subcontracting costs and indirect costs allocable to contracts include the costs of contract supervision, tools and equipment, supplies, quality control and inspection, insurance, repairs and maintenance for quality assurance purposes before clients’ initial acceptance. Once products are delivered, installed and debugged for intended use and accepted by a client, which may last from weeks to months (this process is decided by the client’s individual project construction arrangement), the Company records revenue based on the contract or the final clients’ acceptance. Minor costs for repair during the maintenance period after initial acceptance are recorded as cost of goods sold as they are incurred. All other general and administrative costs and selling costs are charged to expenses as incurred. The Company generally ships its products approximately one week to six months after production begins and the timing depends on the size of the overall project.

 

Contract liabilities are recognized for contracts where payment has been received in advance of performance under the contract. The Company’s contract liabilities, which are reflected in its consolidated balance sheets as advance from customers, consist primarily of the Company’s unsatisfied performance obligations as of the balance sheet dates. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue after control of the products or services is transferred to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met. 

 

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Performance Obligations

 

Performance obligations include delivery of products and provision of services. The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with its customer are satisfied. This occurs when the control of the goods and services have been transferred to the customer. Accordingly, revenue for sale of goods is generally recognized upon shipment or delivery depending on the shipping terms of the underlying contract, and revenue for provision of services is recognized over the service period. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods and providing services.

 

Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling activities to fulfill the Company’s promise to transfer the goods are included in revenues, and costs incurred by the Company for the delivery of goods are classified as cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Sales, value added, and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. The Company generally offers assurance-type warranties for its products. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors that affect the warranty liability include historical product-failure experience and estimated repair costs for identified matters. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. The amount accrued for expected returns and warranty claims was immaterial as of June 30, 2020. The amount of revenue recognized during the year ended June 30, 2020 that was previously included within the contract liability balances was ¥Nil.

 

Practical Expedients Elected

 

Incremental Costs of Obtaining a Contract - The Company has elected the practical expedient permitted in ASC 340-40-25-4, which permits an entity to recognize incremental costs to obtain a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period will be less than one year and not significant.

 

Significant Financing Component - The Company has elected the practical expedient permitted in ASC 606-10-32-18, which allows an entity to not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if a contract has a duration of one year or less. As the Company’s contracts are typically less than one year in length, consideration will not be adjusted. The Company’s contracts include a standard payment term of 90 days to 360 days; consequently, there is no significant financing component within contracts.

 

Trade Accounts and Other Receivables, net

 

Accounts receivable are carried at original invoiced amount less a provision for any potential uncollectible amounts. Accounts are considered past due when the related receivables are more than a year old. Provision is made against trade accounts and other receivables to the extent they are considered to be doubtful. Accounts are written off after extensive efforts at collection. Other receivables arise from transactions with non-trade customers.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense with graded vesting on a straight–line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The Company has elected to recognize compensation expenses using the Black-Scholes valuation model estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value.

 

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Recently enacted accounting pronouncements

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement,” to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements related to recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements by removing amounts and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels, and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The new standard requires disclosure of the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-17, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities". The new standard changes how entities evaluate decision-making fees under the variable interest entity guidance. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance. The standard should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings at the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses.” ASU 2018-19 clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. Instead, impairment of receivables arising from operating leases should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842, Leases. The Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The Board is issuing this Update as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards (the Simplification Initiative). The objective of the Simplification Initiative is to identify, evaluate, and improve areas of GAAP for which cost and complexity can be reduced while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. The specific areas of potential simplification in this Update were submitted by stakeholders as part of the Simplification Initiative. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815 – 40)” (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The ASU is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary complexity in U.S. GAAP. The ASU’s amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2020-06 will have on the Company’s 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 consolidated financial position, statements of operations and cash flows.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following consolidated results of operations include the results of operations of the Company and its variable interest entities (“VIEs”), BHD and Nanjing Recon, and subsidiaries of these VIEs.

 

Our historical reporting results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

 

Year Ended June 30, 2020 Compared to Year Ended June 30, 2019

 

During the year ended June 30, 2020, our business and orders experienced a significant decrease as compared to the same period of last year, as our business was affected by COVID-19 in two aspects: 1) for those contracts signed and ongoing, we could not deliver our products or perform our service as scheduled as there were restrictions on travel or onsite work with our clients. As a result, we could not deliver the products or complete the services and recognize revenue as expected; and 2) affected by the COVID-19, decreased oil price and economic environment, expenditure of our clients and budgets for the coming year decreased and may continue to maintain at a lower level for a period. We expect this trend will continue during the whole calendar year 2020.

 

Revenue

 

    For the Years Ended  
    June 30,  
                Increase /     Percentage  
    2019     2020     (Decrease)     Change  
Automation product and software   ¥ 63,577,177     ¥ 51,413,830     ¥ (12,163,347 )     (19.1 )%
Equipment and accessories     23,951,132       14,222,623       (9,728,509 )     (40.6 )%
Oilfield environmental protection     14,856,018       124,198       (14,731,820 )     (99.2 )%
Total revenue   ¥ 102,384,327     ¥ 65,760,651     ¥ (36,623,676 )     (35.8 )%

 

Our total revenues for the year ended June 30, 2020 were approximately ¥65.8 million ($9.3 million), a decrease of approximately ¥36.6 million ($5.2 million) or 35.8% from ¥102.4 million for the same period in 2019. The overall decrease in revenue was due to the decreased revenue from all three segments during the year ended June 30, 2020.

 

  (1) Revenue from automation product and software decreased by ¥12.2 million ($1.7 million) or 19.1%. The decreased revenue was mainly due to the postponed acceptance of several projects and the decreased automation business projects from Shenhua Group and decreased orders from Xinjiang East Hope New Energy Co., Ltd. (“East Hope”). As affected by the COVID-19, some of Shenhua Group’s projects were postponed and there were less expenditures budgeted by Shenhua Group, so revenue from this operation decreased. We explored the new client of East Hope last year, while this year we didn’t get more orders from this client, so revenue from this client was rare. Management will continue to explore more clients and we believe automation business will still remain as a major contribution of the Company’s revenue as we believe there is an increasing attention by companies that want to adopt effective online and industrial automotive solutions and IoTs in China, which is the area we are good at.  

 

  (2) Revenue from equipment and accessories decreased by ¥9.7 million ($1.4 million) or 40.6%. Due to the significant drop in oil price during the year ended June 30, 2020, our customers stopped drilling new wells, which resulted in a decrease in demand of our equipment and accessories.

 

  (3) Revenue from oilfield environmental protection decreased by ¥14.7 million ($2.1 million) or 99.2%.  As mentioned above, we have won contracts of over 3,200 tons of oily sludge treatment and also have delivered the products. As of June 30, 2020, we billed our customers ¥6.0 million ($0.9 million) in total and ¥2.7 million ($0.4 million) was received and recorded as advance from customers.   Affected by late acceptance inspection of Gansu production project, orders were not fulfilled thus revenue was not recognized during the year ended June 30, 2020. We expect those orders to be fulfilled and related revenue could be recognized and reflected in our financial data by end of the calendar year 2020.

 

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Cost of revenue

 

    For the Years Ended  
    June 30,  
                Increase /     Percentage  
    2019     2020     (Decrease)     Change  
Automation product and software   ¥ 49,273,350     ¥ 37,924,301     ¥ (11,349,049 )     (23.0 )%
Equipment and accessories     14,948,376       7,529,691       (7,418,685 )     (49.6 )%
Oilfield environmental protection     7,860,599       55,266       (7,805,333 )     (99.3 )%
Business and sales related tax     436,638       644,997       208,359       47.7 %
Total cost of revenue   ¥ 72,518,963     ¥ 46,154,255     ¥ (26,364,708 )     (36.4 )%

 

Our cost of revenues decreased from ¥72.5 million for the year ended June 30, 2019 to ¥46.2 million ($6.5 million) for the same period in 2020, a decrease of ¥26.4 million ($3.7 million) or 36.4%. The overall decrease in cost of revenue was mainly due to the decreased cost of revenue from all three segments during the year ended June 30, 2020, which was in line with the decrease in revenue.

  

Gross Profit

 

    For the Years Ended  
    June 30,  
    2019     2020     Increase /     Percentage  
    Gross Profit     Margin %     Gross Profit     Margin %     (Decrease)     Change  
Automation product and software   ¥ 14,221,022       22.4 %   ¥ 13,155,916       25.6 %   ¥ (1,065,106 )     (7.5 )%
Equipment and accessories     8,911,504       37.2 %     6,538,961       46.0 %     (2,372,543 )     (26.6 )%
Oilfield environmental protection     6,732,838       45.3 %     (88,481 )     (71.2 )%     (6,821,319 )     (101.3 )%
Total gross profit and margin %   ¥ 29,865,364       29.2 %   ¥ 19,606,396       29.8 %   ¥ (10,258,968 )     (34.4 )%

 

Our gross profit decreased to ¥19.6 million ($2.8 million) for the year ended June 30, 2020 from ¥29.9 million for the same period in 2019. Our gross profit as a percentage of revenue maintained the same level of 29.8% for the year ended June 30, 2020 compared to 29.2% for the same period in 2019. Management values the margin as a key metric of the healthy operation and competitiveness, so we continue to improve our business structure and gross profit and margin. Affected by the negative economic environment of fiscal year 2020, the margin percentage was not improved obviously. However, management believes the Company’s business structure has been much more reasonable and robust and the improvement will be reflected in coming years’ operation results.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, gross profit from automation product and software was approximately ¥14.2 million and ¥13.2 million ($1.9 million), respectively, representing a decrease of approximately ¥1.1 million ($0.2 million) or 7.5%. The decrease in gross profit from automation product and software was in line with the decrease in revenue.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, gross profit from equipment and accessories was approximately ¥8.9 million and ¥6.5 million ($0.9 million), respectively, representing a decrease of approximately ¥2.4 million ($0.3 million) or 26.6%, the decrease in gross profit was less than the decreased in sales, due to higher margin equipment sales as discussed above.

 

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Our negative gross profit from oilfield environmental protection was approximately ¥88,481 ($12,515) for the year ended June 30, 2020 as compared to gross profit of ¥6.7 million for the same period last year, representing a decrease of approximately ¥6.8 million ($1.0 million) or 101.3%. The decrease in gross profit from oilfield environmental protection was primarily attributable to the decrease in revenue, as discussed above.

 

Operating Expenses

 

    For the Years Ended  
    June 30,  
                Increase /     Percentage  
    2019     2020     (Decrease)     Change  
Selling and distribution expenses   ¥ 9,076,266     ¥ 4,417,413     ¥ (4,658,853 )     (51.3 )%
% of revenue     8.9 %     6.7 %     (2.2 )%     -  
General and administrative expenses     41,288,351       26,120,099       (15,168,252 )     (36.7 )%
% of revenue     40.3 %     39.7 %     0.6 %     -  
Provision for doubtful accounts     610,776       2,203,531       1,592,755       260.8 %
% of revenue     0.6 %     3.4 %     2.8 %     -  
Research and development expenses     3,133,545       7,042,385       3,908,840       124.7 %
% of revenue     3.1 %     10.7 %     7.6 %     -  
Operating expenses   ¥ 54,108,938     ¥ 39,783,428     ¥ (14,325,510 )     (26.5 )%

 

Selling and Distribution Expenses. Selling and distribution expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenditures of the Company’s sales and marketing departments, sales commissions, costs of marketing programs including traveling expenses, advertising and trade shows, and rental expense, as well as shipping charges. Selling expenses decreased by 51.3% or ¥4.7 million ($0.7 million) for the year ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This decrease was primarily due to the decrease in traveling expenses as well as entertainment expenses as we tried to control our operating expenditures, and the restriction on travelling and outdoor activities imposed by PRC government due to the COVID-19 during the year ended June 30, 2020. The decrease was also due to the decrease in shipping charges and service fee which was in line with the overall decrease in sales. Selling expenses were 6.7% of total revenues for the year ended June 30, 2020 and 8.9% of total revenues in the same period of 2019.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of costs in human resources, facilities costs, depreciation expenses, professional advisor fees, audit fees, stock-based compensation expense and other miscellaneous expenses incurred in connection with general operations. General and administrative expenses decreased by 36.7% or ¥15.2 million ($2.1 million), from ¥41.3 million in the year ended June 30, 2019 to ¥26.1 million ($3.7 million) in the same period of 2020. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to the decrease in stock-based compensation expense during the year ended June 30, 2020. General and administrative expenses accounted for 39.7% of total revenues in the year ended June 30, 2020 and 40.3% of total revenues for the same period of last year.

 

Provision for doubtful accounts. Provision for doubtful accounts is the estimated amount of bad debt that will arise as a result of lower collectability from account receivables, other receivables and purchase advances. We recorded a provision for doubtful accounts of ¥0.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to a provision for doubtful accounts of ¥2.2 ($0.3 million) million for the same period in 2020. The increase in provision for doubtful accounts was mainly resulted by additional provision made for long outstanding account receivables and other receivables. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in China, many companies were adversely affected during this period. Collection of our outstanding balances were delayed under such background. Most of our clients are large companies with strong capability to resist such risk. We evaluated and communicated with our clients and we believe those balances are still safe. The collection was only delayed, but we still record allowance according to our accounting policy based on our best estimates. We have collected some portion of those balances before the date of this annual report and we believe the remaining balance will continue to be collected.

 

Research and development (“R&D”) expenses. R&D expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenditures for research and development projects. R&D expenses increased from approximately ¥3.1 million for the year ended June 30, 2019 to ¥7.0 million ($1.0 million) for the same period of 2020. This increase was primarily due to more research and development expense spent on design of new automation platform systems. R&D expenses accounted for 10.7% of total revenues in the year ended June 30, 2020 and 3.1% of total revenues for the same period of last year.

 

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Net Loss

 

    For the Years Ended  
    June 30,  
                Increase /     Percentage  
    2019     2020     (Decrease)     Change  
Loss from operations   ¥ (24,243,574 )   ¥ (20,177,032 )   ¥ 4,066,542       (16.8 )%
Other income (expense), net     (1,140,355 )     336,750       1,477,105       (129.5 )%
Loss before income taxes     (25,383,929 )     (19,840,282 )     5,543,647       (21.8 )%
Provision for income taxes     398,477       282,322       (116,155 )     (29.1 )%
Net loss     (25,782,406 )     (20,122,604 )     5,659,802       (22.0 )%
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest     (426,501 )     (875,903 )     (449,402 )     105.4 %
Net loss attributable to Recon Technology, Ltd   ¥ (25,355,905 )   ¥ (19,246,701 )   ¥ 6,109,204       (24.1 )%

 

Loss from operations. Loss from operations was ¥20.2 million ($2.9 million) for the year ended June 30, 2020, compared to a loss of ¥24.2 million for the same period of 2019. This ¥4.1 million ($0.6 million) decrease in loss from operations was primarily due to a decrease in general and administrative expenses and selling and distribution expenses, partially offset by decrease in gross profit and increase in R&D expenses as discussed above.

 

Other income (expense), net. Other income, net was ¥0.3 million ($0.05 million) for the year ended June 30, 2020, compared to other expense, net of ¥1.1 million for the same period of 2019. The ¥1.5 million ($0.2 million) decrease in other expense, net was primarily due to the decreased loss from investment in unconsolidated entity of ¥1.4 million ($0.2 million) during the year ended June 30, 2020, as we recorded an income from investment in unconsolidated entity of ¥0.4 million ($0.07 million) during the year ended June 30, 2020 as compared to a loss from investment in unconsolidated entity of ¥1.0 million for the same period last year.

 

Net loss. As a result of the factors described above, net loss was ¥20.1 million ($2.8 million) for the year ended June 30, 2020, a decrease of ¥5.7 million ($0.8 million) from net loss of ¥25.8 million for the same period of 2019.

 

Year Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Year Ended June 30, 2018

 

Revenue

 

    For the Years Ended  
    June 30  
                Increase /     Percentage  
    2018     2019     (Decrease)     Change  
Automation product and software   ¥ 18,989,924     ¥ 63,577,177     ¥ 44,587,253       234.8 %
Equipment and accessories     63,960,425       23,951,132       (40,009,293 )     (62.6 )%
Oilfield environmental protection     1,761,697       14,856,018       13,094,321       743.3 %
Total revenue   ¥ 84,712,046     ¥ 102,384,327     ¥ 17,672,281       20.9 %

 

Our total revenues for the year ended June 30, 2019 were approximately ¥102.4 million ($14.9 million), an increase of approximately ¥17.7 million ($2.6 million) or 20.9% from ¥84.7 million for the year ended June 30, 2018. The overall increase in revenue was mainly due to the increased revenue from the automation products and software and oilfield environmental protection segments, offsetting by a decreased revenue from equipment and accessories segments.

 

  (1) Revenue from automation product and software increased by ¥44.6 million ($6.5 million) or 234.8%. The increased revenue was mainly due to the automation business projects from Shenhua Group and automation control system projects for East Hope, a polysilicon producer in China and a wholly-owned subsidiary of East Hope Group, one of the top 500 Chinese Enterprises for its new energy project.

 

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  (2) Revenue from equipment and accessories decreased by ¥40.0 million ($5.8 million) or 62.6%. For the year ended June 30, 2018, to occupy the market, we accepted some low-margin contracts, resulting in higher revenue. We didn’t continue this type of temporary business in the same period of fiscal year 2019 and the revenue from furnaces decreased dramatically. We believe this decision will not hurt our business materially as our normal business cycle has been established and margins from furnaces segment increased, even with less revenue. We expect revenue from this segment will rebound in the coming year.

 

  (3) Revenue from oilfield environmental protection increased by ¥13.1 million ($1.9 million) or 743.3% as requirements of oilfield companies increased and the customers’ demand for environmental protection increased. Revenue from this segment includes sales to our related party, Urumqi Yikeli Automatic Control Equipment Co., Ltd. (“Urumqi Yikeli”) amounted to ¥3.7 million ($0.5 million) during the year ended June 30, 2019. As required by local market regulatory authorities, only several qualified contractors were allowed to provide waste water treatment business in Xin Jiang area. Urumqi Yikeli is one of those contractors. We provide waste water treatment solutions and chemicals to Urumqi Yikeli to access into the Xin Jiang market. Urumqi Yikeli is a related party to us as one major shareholder of Yikeli is also a minority shareholder of our Gan Su BHD.

 

Cost of revenue

 

    For the Years Ended  
    June 30,  
                Increase /     Percentage  
    2018     2019     (Decrease)     Change  
Automation product and software   ¥ 16,943,002     ¥ 49,273,350     ¥ 32,330,348       190.8 %
Equipment and accessories     62,010,361       14,948,376       (47,061,985 )     (75.9 )%
Oilfield environmental protection     1,326,598       7,860,599       6,534,001       492.5 %
Business and sales related tax     281,900       436,638       154,738       54.9 %
Total cost of revenue   ¥ 80,561,861     ¥ 72,518,963     ¥ (8,042,898 )     (10.0 )%

 

Our cost of revenues decreased from ¥80.6 million for the year ended June 30, 2018 to ¥72.5 million ($10.6 million) for the same period in 2019, a decrease of ¥8.0 million ($1.2 million) or 10.0%. This decrease was mainly caused by a significant decrease in cost of revenue incurred in equipment and accessories.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2019, cost of revenue from automation product and software was approximately ¥17.0 million ($2.5 million) and ¥49.3 million ($7.2 million), respectively, representing an increase of approximately ¥32.3 million ($4.7 million) or 190.8%. The increase in cost of revenue from automation product and software was primarily attributable to increased business of China Energy and East Hope contracts.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2019, cost of revenue from equipment and accessories was approximately ¥62.0 million ($9.1 million) and ¥14.9 million ($2.2 million), respectively, representing a decrease of approximately ¥47.1 million ($6.9 million) or 75.9%. The decrease in cost of revenue from equipment and accessories was primarily attributable to quickly decreased sales of heating related products with low margin to general industry clients.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2019, cost of revenue from oilfield environmental protection was approximately ¥1.3 million ($0.19 million) and ¥7.9 million ($1.1 million), respectively, representing an increase of approximately ¥6.5 million ($1.0 million) or 492.5%. The increase in cost of revenue was mainly due to the increased oily sludge treatment processing projects during the year ended June 30, 2019. We expect this part will increase in the coming year as our new subsidiary Gan Su BHD enters into operation.

 

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Gross Profit

 

    For the Years Ended  
    June 30,  
    2018     2019     Increase /     Percentage  
    Gross Profit     Margin %     Gross Profit     Margin %     (Decrease)     Change  
Automation product and software   ¥ 1,953,531       10.3 %   ¥ 14,221,022       22.4 %   ¥ 12,267,491       628.0 %
Equipment and accessories     1,845,025       2.9 %     8,911,504       37.2 %     7,066,479       383.0 %
Oilfield environmental protection     351,629       20.0 %     6,732,838       45.3 %     6,381,209       1,814.8 %
Total gross profit and margin %   ¥ 4,150,185       4.9 %   ¥ 29,865,364       29.2 %   ¥ 25,715,179       619.6 %

 

Our gross profit increased to ¥29.9 million ($4.3 million) for the year ended June 30, 2019 from ¥4.2 million for the same period in 2018. Our gross profit as a percentage of revenue increased to 29.2% for the year ended June 30, 2019 from 4.9% for the same period in 2018. As our business shifted from lower margin equipment during transition period to normal operation, our profit margin increased as revenue recovered and percentage of normal business with higher margin increased. As our business improved with industry recovering and enhancement of our cost control, our margin improved to normal level, while the margin of last year was lower because we undertook some exploiting business with higher level of resource input leading to a lower margin than usual.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2019, gross profit from automation product and software was approximately ¥2.0 million ($0.3 million) and ¥14.2 million ($2.1 million), respectively, representing an increase of approximately ¥12.3 million ($1.8 million) or 628.0%. The increase in gross profit from automation product and software was primarily due to 1) more revenue generated from oilfield automation services projects and East Hope with higher gross margin; and 2) higher percentage of business from China Energy with only simple treatment which resulted in higher margin compared to the same period of last year.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2019, gross profit from equipment and accessories was approximately ¥1.8 million ($0.26 million) and ¥8.9 million ($1.3 million), respectively, representing an increase of approximately ¥7.1 million ($1.0 million) or 383.0%, which was mainly contributed to higher percentage of normal profitable equipment sales.

 

For the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2019, gross profit from oilfield environmental protection was approximately ¥0.4 million ($0.05 million) and ¥6.7 million ($1.0 million), respectively, representing an increase of approximately ¥6.4 million ($0.9 million) or 1,814.8%. The increase in gross profit from oilfield environmental protection was primarily attributable to the increase in revenue, as discussed above.

 

Operating Expenses

 

    For the Years Ended  
    June 30,  
                Increase /     Percentage  
    2018     2019     (Decrease)     Change  
Selling and distribution expenses   ¥ 8,013,353     ¥ 9,076,266     ¥ 1,062,913       13.3 %
% of revenue     9.5 %     8.9 %     (0.6 )%     -  
General and administrative expenses     34,687,317       41,288,351       6,601,034       19.0 %
% of revenue     40.9 %     40.3 %     (0.6 )%     -  
Provision for (reversal of) doubtful accounts     (841,242 )     610,776       1,452,018       (172.6 )%
% of revenue     (1.0 )%     0.6 %     1.6 %     -  
Research and development expenses     3,215,653       3,133,545       (82,108 )     (2.6 )%
% of revenue     3.8 %     3.1 %     (0.7 )%     -  
Operating expenses   ¥ 45,075,081     ¥ 54,108,938     ¥ 9,033,857       20.0 %

 

Selling and Distribution Expenses. Selling and distribution expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenditures of the Company’s sales and marketing departments, sales commissions, costs of marketing programs including traveling expenses, advertising and trade shows, and rental expense, as well as shipping charges. Selling expenses increased by ¥1.1 million ($0.2 million) for the year ended June 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. This increase was primarily due to an increase in salaries and related expenditures s as we expanded our market to new basements of China Energy projects and new industries. Selling expenses were 8.9% of total revenues for the year ended June 30, 2019 and 9.5% of total revenues in the same period of 2018.

 

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General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of costs in human resources, facilities costs, depreciation expenses, professional advisor fees, audit fees, stock-based compensation expense and other miscellaneous expenses incurred in connection with general operations. General and administrative expenses increased by 19.0% or ¥6.6 million ($1.0 million), from ¥34.7 million in the year ended June 30, 2018 to ¥41.3 million ($6.0 million) in the same period of 2019. The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly due to an increase in stock-based compensation expense and audit fees, while the increase was partially offset by the decrease in investor relationship expenses during the year ended June 30, 2019. General and administrative expenses accounted 40.3% of total revenues in the year ended June 30, 2019 and 40.9% of total revenues for the same period of last year.

 

Provision for (reversal of) doubtful accounts. Provision for doubtful accounts is the estimated amount of bad debt that will arise as a result of lower collectability from account receivables, other receivables and purchase advances. We recorded reversal of provision for doubtful accounts of ¥0.8 million for the year ended June 30, 2018 and recorded provision for doubtful accounts of ¥0.6 million ($0.1 million) for the same period in 2019. The increase in provision for doubtful accounts was mainly resulted by the provision made for long outstanding account receivables. Management plans to continue to monitor account receivables to maintain the provision at a lower risk level.

 

Research and development (“R&D”) expenses. Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenditures for research and development projects. Research and development expenses decreased slightly from approximately ¥3.2 million for the year ended June 30, 2018 to ¥3.1 million ($0.5 million) for the same period of 2019. The R&D expenses incurred were relatively stable during the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2019 as the Company was focusing on the transformation of advanced R&D results into projects. The Company expects its R&D will maintain at current levels in the coming year.

  

Net Loss

 

    For the Years Ended  
    June 30,  
                Increase /     Percentage  
    2018     2019     (Decrease)     Change  
Loss from operations   ¥ (40,924,896 )   ¥ (24,243,574 )   ¥ 16,681,322       (40.8 )%
Other expense, net     (4,434,108 )     (1,140,355 )     3,293,753       (74.3 )%
Loss before income taxes     (45,359,004 )     (25,383,929 )     19,975,075       (44.0 )%
Provision for income taxes     16,230       398,477       382,247       2,355.2 %
Net loss     (45,375,234 )     (25,782,406 )     19,592,828       (43.2 )%
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest     (1,302,913 )     (426,501 )     876,412       (67.3 )%
Net loss attributable to Recon Technology, Ltd   ¥ (44,072,321 )   ¥ (25,355,905 )   ¥ 18,716,416       (42.5 )%

 

Loss from operations. Loss from operations was ¥24.2 million ($3.5 million) for the year ended June 30, 2019, compared to a loss of ¥40.9 million for the same period of 2018. This ¥16.7 million ($2.4 million) decrease in loss from operations was primary due to an increase in gross profit, partial offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses and selling and distribution expenses as discussed above.

 

Other expense. Other expense, net was ¥1.1 million ($0.2 million) for the year ended June 30, 2019, compared to other expense, net of ¥4.4 million for the same period of 2018. The ¥3.3 million ($0.5 million) decrease in other expense, net was primarily due to the decreased impairment loss from investment in unconsolidated entity of ¥4.0 million ($0.6 million) and an increase in subsidy income of ¥0.8 million ($0.1 million), the decrease was partially offset by an increase in loss from investment in unconsolidated entity of ¥1.0 million ($0.1 million) and an increase in interests expense of ¥0.7 million ($0.1 million) for the year ended June 30, 2019

 

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Net loss. As a result of the factors described above, net loss was ¥25.4 million ($3.7 million) for the year ended June 30, 2019, a decrease of 20.0 million ($2.9 million) from net loss of ¥45.4 million for the same period of 2018.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of June 30, 2020, we had cash in the amount of approximately ¥30.3 million ($4.3 million). As of June 30, 2019, we had cash in the amount of approximately ¥4.5 million.

 

Indebtedness. As of June 30, 2020, except for approximately ¥9.5 million ($1.3 million) of short-term bank loans, ¥0.2 million ($0.03 million) of short-term borrowings from a third party, ¥10.2 million ($1.4 million) of short-term borrowings from related parties, ¥8.2 million ($1.2 million) of long-term borrowings from a related party, ¥1.0 million  ($0.1 million) of short-term lease payable and ¥0.9  million ($0.1 million) of long-term lease payable due to third parties, ¥1.0 million ($0.1 million) of short-term lease payable and ¥0.4 million ($0.1 million) of long-term lease payable due to related parties, ¥2.5 million ($0.4 million) of contractual purchase commitments, and a liability of severance payments of ¥3.9 million  ($0.6 million) which is very unlikely to be incurred in the foreseeable future, we did not have any other finance leases, guarantees or other material contingent liabilities.

 

Holding Company Structure. We are a holding company with no operations of our own. All of our operations are conducted through our Domestic Companies. As a result, our ability to pay dividends and to finance any debt that we may incur is dependent upon the receipt of dividends and other distributions from the Domestic Companies. In addition, Chinese legal restrictions permit payment of dividends to us by our Domestic Companies only out of their respective accumulated net profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Under Chinese law, our Domestic Companies are required to set aside a portion (at least 10%) of their after-tax net income (after discharging all cumulated loss), if any, each year for compulsory statutory reserve until the amount of the reserve reaches 50% of our Domestic Companies’ registered capital. These funds may be distributed to shareholders at the time of each Domestic Company’s wind-up.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. In addition, we have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our own shares and classified as shareholders’ equity, or that are not reflected in our financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. Moreover, we do not have any variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.

 

Capital Resources. To date we have financed our operations primarily through cash flows from operations, short-term bank loans, short-term and long-term borrowings due to related parties. As of June 30, 2020, we had total assets of ¥194.4 million ($27.5 million), which includes cash of ¥30.3 million ($4.3 million), net accounts receivable of ¥51.3 million ($7.3 million) and net contract assets of ¥31.5 million ($4.5 million), and working capital of ¥64.1 million ($9.1 million). Shareholders' equity amounted to ¥110.0 million ($15.6 million).

 

Cash from Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities was ¥5.2 million ($0.7 million) for the year ended June 30, 2020. This was a decrease of approximately ¥27.0 million ($3.8 million) compared to net cash used in operating activities of approximately ¥32.2 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease in net cash used in operating activities was mainly due to a decrease in account receivables as we strengthened our effort in collection of accounts receivable and decrease in revenue, the decrease was partially offset by the decrease in net income as discussed above, a decrease in restricted shares issued for management as no new share plans were granted to our management, as well as increase in contract assets due to the increase in pre-contract costs incurred in anticipation of obtaining planned contracts for the Company’s revenue, as the progress of these contracts were delayed by the COVID-19. The net cash used in operating activities for the year ended June 30, 2020 was primarily attributable to the net loss available to the Company in the amount of ¥20.1 million ($2.8 million) due to the reasons discussed above, reconciled by restricted shares issued for management resulting in expenses of ¥7.9 million ($1.1 million), and an decrease in trade account receivable and increase in trade accounts payable, partly offset by an increase in contract assets.

 

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Cash from Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was approximately ¥2.1 million ($0.3 million) for the year ended June 30, 2020. This was a decrease of approximately ¥11.4 million ($1.6 million) compared to net cash used in investing activities of approximately ¥13.5 million for the same period in 2019. This decrease was due to the increased repayment from loans to third parties as well as decrease in additional investment in unconsolidated entity and decrease in prepayments for constructions in process, partly offset by an increase in payment made for loans to third parties.

 

Cash from Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to ¥33.2 million ($4.7 million) for the year ended June 30, 2020, as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of ¥3.5 million for the same period in 2019. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities was mainly due to the increase in proceeds from sales of common stock as well as proceeds from short-term bank loans during the year ended June 30, 2020 to meet our current and future working capital needs. During the year ended June 30, 2020, we received ¥17.4 million ($2.5 million) in short-term borrowings from related parties, repaid ¥16.2 million ($2.3 million) in short-term borrowings to related parties, received ¥9.5 million ($1.3 million) in short-term bank loans, repaid ¥2.5 million ($0.4 million) in short-term bank loans, received ¥26.1 million ($3.7 million) from sale of common stock, net of issuance costs and repaid ¥1.0 million ($0.1 million) in short-term borrowings to one third-party.

 

Working Capital. Total working capital as of June 30, 2020 amounted to ¥64.1 million ($9.1 million), compared to ¥55.7 million as of June 30, 2019. Total current assets as of June 30, 2020 amounted to ¥129.3 million ($18.3 million), an increase of ¥31.5 million ($4.4 million) compared to approximately ¥97.8 million at June 30, 2019. The increase in total current assets at June 30, 2020 compared to June 30, 2019 was mainly due to an increase in cash, contract assets, partially offset by a decrease in trade account receivable.

 

Current liabilities amounted to ¥65.2 million ($9.2 million) at June 30, 2020, in comparison to ¥42.1 million at June 30, 2019. This increase of current liabilities was attributable mainly to an increase in trade accounts payable, short-term bank loans and advance from customers.

 

Capital Needs. With the uncertainty of the current market, our management believes it is necessary to enhance collection of outstanding accounts receivable and other receivables, and to be cautious on operational decisions and project selection. Our management believes that our current operations can satisfy our daily working capital needs. We may also raise capital through public offerings or private placements of our securities to finance our development of our business and to consummate any merger and acquisition, if necessary.

 

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

Below is a table setting forth all our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2020, which consists of our short-term loan agreements, operating lease obligations, loans from third parties and due to related party:

 

    Payment Due by Period  
Contractual Obligations    Total     Less 
than 
1 year
    1 – 3
years
    3 – 5
years
    More 
than 
5 years
 
Short-term debt obligations   ¥ 19,950,746     ¥ 19,950,746     ¥ -     ¥ -     ¥ -  
Operating lease obligations     3,273,071       2,002,221       1,270,850       -       -  
Due to related parties     4,498,318       4,498,318       -       -       -  
Purchase obligation     2,526,259       2,526,259       -       -       -  
Long-term debt obligations     8,226,599       847,346       1,868,175       2,230,676       3,280,402  
Total   ¥ 38,474,993     ¥ 29,824,890     ¥ 3,139,025     ¥ 2,230,676     ¥ 3,280,402  

 

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Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

 

Executive Officers and Directors

 

The following table sets forth our executive officers and directors, their ages and the positions held by them:

 

Name   Age   Position Held
Mr. Yin Shenping   50   Chief Executive Officer and Director
Ms. Liu Jia   37   Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Chen Guangqiang   57   Chief Technology Officer and Director
Mr. Bi Yongquan   42   Director and Chairman
Mr. Zhao Shudong   74   Independent Director
Mr. Nelson N.S. Wong   58   Independent Director (Audit Committee Chair)
Mr. Hu Jijun   55   Independent Director
Dr. Duan Yonggang   56   Independent Director

 

Yin Shenping. Mr. Yin has been our Chief Executive Officer and a director since the Company’s inception. In 2003, Mr. Yin founded Nanjing Recon, a Chinese company that provides services to automate and enhance the extraction of petroleum in China, and has been the Chief Executive Officer since that time. Prior to founding Nanjing Recon, Mr. Yin served as a sales manager for Fujian Haitian Network Company from 1992 through 1994. Mr. Yin has founded and operated a number of companies engaged in the IT industry including: Xiamen Hengda Haitian Computer Network Co., Ltd. (1994), Baotou Hengda Haitian Computer Network Co., Ltd. (1997), Beijing Jingke Haitian Electronic Technology Development Co., Ltd. (1999), and Jingsu Huasheng Information Technology Co., Ltd. (2000). In 2000, Mr. Yin merged the former Nanjing Kingsley Software Engineering Co., Ltd. into Nanjing Recon. Mr. Yin received his bachelor’s degree in 1991 from Nanjing Agricultural University in information systems. Mr. Yin was chosen as a director of the Company because as one of the founders of the Company, we believe his knowledge of the Company and years of experience in our industry give him the ability to guide the Company as a director.

 

Liu Jia. Ms. Liu has served as our Chief Financial Officer since 2008. Ms. Liu received her bachelor’s degree in 2006 from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, School of Economics and Management and her master’s degree in industrial economics in 2009 from Beijing Wuzi University. Ms. Liu is a certified U.S. CPA.

 

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Chen Guangqiang. Mr. Chen has served as our Chief Technology Officer and director since our inception. Mr. Chen was a geological engineer for the Fourth Oil Extraction Plant of Huabei Oilfield from 1985 through 1993. From 1993 through 1999, Mr. Chen was a chief engineer for Xinda Company, CNPC Development Bureau. From 1999 through 2003, Mr. Chen served as the general manager of Beijing Adar. Mr. Chen received his bachelor’s degree in 1985 from Southwest Petroleum Institute. Mr. Chen was appointed to the position of director because he is one of the founders of the Company and we believe we can benefit from his many years of engineering experience and management experience in the oil extraction industry.

 

Bi Yongquan. Mr. Bi has served as our director since January 2018. Mr. Bi founded Dalian Boqi Xinhai Group Ltd. Co. (“Boqi Group”) and its subsidiaries including Dalian Boqi Agriculture Technology Development Ltd. Co. and Dalian Boqi Culture Media Ltd. Co. in July 2008. He also founded Dalian Boqi Zhengji Pharmacy Franchise Ltd. Co. in July 2008 and Boqi Finance Lease (Liaoning) Ltd. Co., another subsidiary of Boqi Group, in November 2009. He has been the Chairman of each of these companies since their incorporation. Mr. Bi entered into a securities purchase agreement with us on November 20, 2017 to purchase 3 million shares for $4.8 million. Mr. Bi received a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2000 and a master’s degree in management in 2003, both from Dongbei University of Finance and Economics. Mr. Bi was appointed to the position of director and Chairman of the board because we believe we can benefit from his investment skills and management experience.

 

Nelson N.S. Wong. Mr. Wong joined our board of directors in 2008. Prior to joining our Board, in 1990 Mr. Wong joined the Vigers Group, a real estate company that provides services in valuation, corporate property services, investment advisory services, general practice surveying, building surveying, commercial, in both retail and industrial agency, and property and facilities management. Mr. Wong became the Vice Chairman and CEO of the Vigers Group in 1993. In 1995 Mr. Wong established the ACN Group, a business consulting firm, where he has worked continuously and continues to serve as the Chairman and Managing Partner. Mr. Wong received a bachelor’s degree in arts from the PLA Institute of International Relations in Nanjing in 1983. Mr. Wong was appointed to the position of director because we believe we can benefit from his leadership skills and management experience.

 

Hu Jijun. Mr. Hu joined our board of directors in 2008. Prior to joining our Board, from 1988 to 2003, Mr. Hu served in a variety of positions at No. 2 test-drill plant, including technician of installation, assets equipment work, electrical installation, control room production dispatcher, Deputy Chief Engineer of the Technology Battalion, and Deputy Director of Production. From 2003 to 2005 he served as Head of the Integrated Battalion and he is currently the Head of the Transport Battalion, Senior Electric Engineer. Mr. Hu graduated as an automated professional from the China University of Petroleum in 1988. Mr. Hu was appointed to the position of a director because we believe his years of experience and knowledge gained while working at our No. 2 test-drill plant will prove beneficial to the guidance of the Company.  

 

Zhao Shudong. Mr. Zhao joined our board of directors in 2013. Mr. Zhao spent over 30 years working in the oilfield industry prior to retiring from full-time work in 2006. From 1970 to 1976, Mr. Zhao worked as a technician in the Daqing oilfield. From 1976 to 1982, Mr. Zhao served as the vice director of the Hubei Oilfield Generalized Geologic Technical Research Institute. Mr. Zhao then spent 11 years as a director and section chief at the Scientific and Technological Development Department of the Huabei Petroleum Administrative Bureau. He was subsequently appointed Chief Geologist of the bureau, a position he held from 1993 to 1999. From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Zhao served as the General Manager of the Huabei Oilfield Company of CNPC. Mr. Zhao studied at the Northeast Petroleum Institute from 1965 to 1970. Mr. Zhao was elected as a director because of his extensive experience in the oilfield industry.

 

Duan Yonggang. Dr. Duan has served as our director since March 2020. Dr. Duan has been teaching and researching in the oil-gas field development engineering area for a long time. From November 2004, Dr. Duan has been a professor at Southwest Petroleum University in Sichuan, China. He is the director of the oil well technology center of petroleum engineering school of Southwest Petroleum University. In addition, Dr. Duan is also a researcher and Ph.D. supervisor. He has published over 60 articles on top academic journals and participated in writing six books. He was named an expert with outstanding contributions and an oil-gas safety expert in Sichuan Province, China. Dr. Duan received his bachelor’s degree in oil production in 1984, and his master degree in oil-gas field development engineering in 1988, both from Southwest Colleague. Dr. Duan received his Ph.D. degree in oil-gas field development engineering in 2009 from Southwest Petroleum University. Dr. Duan was chosen as a director because he is an expert in the oilfield area.

 

Employment Agreements

 

We have employment agreements with each of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Financial Officer. With the exception of the employment agreement with our Chief Financial Officer, each of these employment agreements provides for an indefinite term. Such employment agreements may be terminated (1) if the employee gives written notice of his or her intention to resign, (2) the employee is absent from three consecutive meetings of the board of directors, without special leave of absence from the other members of the board of directors, and the board of directors passes a resolution that such employee has vacated his office, or (3) the death, bankruptcy or mental incapacity of the employee. The employment agreement for our Chief Financial Officer provides for a one-year term, which expired on March 12, 2017, and the parties have continued to operate under the terms of this agreement since its expiration. Such employment agreement may be terminated if Ms. Liu gives thirty days’ written notice of her intention to resign, or if the board of directors determines she can no longer perform her duties as Chief Financial Officer and provides her with thirty days’ written notice of termination.

 

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Under Chinese law, we may only terminate employment agreements without cause and without penalty by providing notice of non-renewal one month prior to the date on which the employment agreement is scheduled to expire. If we fail to provide this notice or if we wish to terminate an employment agreement in the absence of cause, then we are obligated to pay the employee one month’s salary for each year we have employed the employee. We are, however, permitted to terminate an employee for cause without penalty to our company, where the employee has committed a crime or the employee’s actions or inactions have resulted in a material adverse effect to us.

 

B. Compensation

 

The following table shows the annual compensation paid by us to Yin Shenping, our Chief Executive Officer, Liu Jia, our Chief Financial Officer, and Chen Guangqiang, our Chief Technology Officer, for the years ended June 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018. No other employee or officer received more than $100,000 in total compensation in 2020, 2019 and 2018.

 

Summary Executive Compensation Table

 

Name and principal position   Year   Salary     Bonus     Option
Awards
    Restricted Stock
Awards
    Total  
Yin Shenping,
Principal Executive Officer
  2020   $ 120,000     $ 0     $     $ 0     $ 120,000  
    2019   $ 120,000     $ 29,125     $     $ 129,000 (1)   $ 278,125  
    2018   $ 120,000     $ 30,212     $     $ 0     $ 150,212  
Liu Jia
Chief Financial Officer
  2020   $ 80,000     $ 0     $     $ 0     $ 80,000  
    2019   $ 80,000     $ 21,844     $     $ 103,200 (1)   $ 205,044  
    2018   $ 80,000     $ 22,659     $     $ 0     $ 102,659  
Chen Guangqiang,
Chief Technology Officer
  2020   $ 120,000     $ 0     $     $ 0     $ 120,000  
    2019   $ 141,844     $ 29,125     $     $ 129,000 (1)   $ 299969  
    2018   $ 144,472     $ 30,212     $     $ 0     $ 174,684  

 

(1) On August 21, 2018, the Company granted 20,000 restricted shares to Mr. Yin at an aggregate grant date fair value of $129,000, 20,000 restricted shares to Mr. Chen at an aggregate grant date fair value of $129,000, and 16,000 restricted shares to Ms. Liu at an aggregate grant date fair value of $103,200, based on the stock closing price of $6.45 at August 21, 2018. These restricted shares will vest over three years with one-third of the shares vesting every year from the grant date.

 

Director Compensation

 

All directors hold office until the expiration of their respective terms and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. There are no family relationships among our directors or executive officers. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. Employee directors and non-voting observers do not receive any compensation for their services. We pay $8,000 to each independent director annually for their service as directors. In addition, non-employee directors are entitled to receive compensation for their actual travel expenses for each board of directors meeting attended.

 

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Summary Director Compensation Table

 

Name(1)   Fees earned
or
paid in cash
    Option
Awards
    Total(2)  
Nelson N.S. Wong   $ 8,000     $ 0     $ 8,000  
Hu Jijun   $ 8,000     $ 0     $ 8,000  
Zhao Shudong   $ 8,000     $ 0     $ 8,000  
Bi Yongquan   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Duan Yonggang(3)   $ 4,000     $ 0     $ 4,000  

 

(1) Compensation for our directors Yin Shenping and Chen Guangqiang, who also serve as executive officers, is fully disclosed in the executive compensation table.

 

(2) None of the directors received any ordinary share awards, nonqualified deferred compensation earnings or non-equity incentive plan compensation in fiscal year 2019.

 

(3) Dr. Yonggang Duan began to serve as the Company’s independent director since March 2020.

 

The following table summarizes, as of June 30, 2020, the outstanding options, restricted share units and shares that we granted to our current directors and executive officers and to other individuals as a group, reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split.

 

    Ordinary shares                    
    underlying options                    
    awarded/Restricted     Exercise price              
Name   Share Units/Shares     (US$/share)     Date of grant     Date of expiration  
Yin Shenping      20,000             8/21/2018       8/21/2021  
Liu Jia     6,400       8.25       1/31/2015       1/31/2025  
      16,000             8/21/2018       8/21/2021  
 Chen Guangqiang     20,000             8/21/2018       8/21/2021  
Bi Yongquan     20,000             8/21/2018       8/21/2021  
 Nelson N.S. Wong     5,000       8.25       1/31/2015       1/31/2025  
      10,000             8/21/2018       8/21/2021  
 Hu Jijun     5,000       8.25       1/31/2015       1/31/2025  
      10,000             8/21/2018       8/21/2021  
Zhao Shudong     1,800       14.8       3/26/2012       3/26/2022  
      3,600       8.25       1/31/2015       1/31/2025  
      10,000             8/21/2018       8/21/2021  
Other Individuals as a Group     27,120       14.8       3/26/2012       3/26/2022  
      60,000       8.25       1/31/2015       1/31/2025  
      60,000             10/13/2017       12/13/2020  
Total     274,920                          

 

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C. Board Practices

 

board of directors and Board Committees

 

Our board of directors currently consists of seven members. There are no family relationships between any of our executive officers and directors.

 

The directors are divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as the then total number of directors permits. Class I directors faced re-election at our annual general meeting of shareholders in 2020 and every three years thereafter. Class II directors faced re-election at our annual general meeting of shareholders in 2021 and every three years thereafter. Class III directors faced re-election at our annual general meeting of shareholders in 2022 and every three years thereafter.

 

If the number of directors changes, any increase or decrease will be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly as possible. Any additional directors of a class elected to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in such class will hold office for a term that coincides with the remaining term of that class. Decreases in the number of directors will not shorten the term of any incumbent director. These board provisions could make it more difficult for third parties to gain control of the Company by making it difficult to replace members of our board of directors.

 

A director may vote in respect of any contract or transaction in which he is interested, provided, however, that the nature of the interest of any director in any such contract or transaction shall be disclosed by him at or prior to the board of directors consideration and any vote on that matter. A general notice or disclosure to the directors, or otherwise contained in the minutes of a meeting or a written resolution of the directors or any committee thereof that a director is a shareholder of any specified firm or company and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction with such firm or company shall be sufficient disclosure and after such general notice it shall not be necessary to give special notice relating to any particular transaction.

 

There are no membership qualifications for directors. Further, there are no share ownership qualifications for directors unless so fixed by us in a general meeting.

 

The board of directors maintains a majority of independent directors who are deemed to be independent under the definition of independence provided by NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 4200(a)(15). Mr. Zhao, Mr. Wong, Mr. Hu and Dr. Duan are our independent directors.

 

We do not have a lead independent director because of the foregoing reason because we believe our independent directors are encouraged to freely voice their opinions on a relatively small company board.

 

Our board of directors plays a significant role in our risk oversight. The board of directors makes all relevant Company decisions. As such, it is important for us to have our Chief Executive Officer serve on the Board as he plays a key role in the risk oversight of the Company. As a smaller reporting company with a small board of directors, we believe it is appropriate to have the involvement and input of all of our directors in risk oversight matters.

 

Currently, three committees have been established under the board: the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating committee. All of these committees consist solely of independent directors.

 

The audit committee is responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company and audits of the financial statements of the Company, including the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent auditors. Mr. Wong qualifies as the audit committee financial expert and serves as the chair of the audit committee.

 

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The compensation committee of the board of directors reviews and makes recommendations to the board regarding our compensation policies for our officers and all forms of compensation, and also administers our incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans (but our board retains the authority to interpret those plans). Mr. Hu serves as the chair of the compensation committee.

 

The nominating committee of the board of directors is responsible for the assessment of the performance of the board, considering and making recommendations to the board with respect to the nominations or elections of directors and other governance issues. The nominating committee considers diversity of opinion and experience when nominating directors. Mr. Zhao serves as the chair of the nominating committee.

 

There are no other arrangements or understandings pursuant to which our directors are selected or nominated.

 

Duties of Directors

 

Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a fiduciary duty to the Company to act in good faith in their dealings with or on behalf of the Company and exercise their powers and fulfill the duties of their office honestly. This duty has four essential elements:

 

  a duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the Company;

 

  a duty not to personally profit from opportunities that arise from the office of director;

 

  a duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and

 

  a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended.

 

In general, Cayman Islands law imposes various duties on directors of a company with respect to certain matters of management and administration of the Company. In addition to the remedies available under general law, the Companies Law imposes fines on directors who fail to satisfy some of these requirements. However, in many circumstances, an individual is only liable if he is knowingly guilty of the default or knowingly and willfully authorizes or permits the default. In comparison, under Delaware law, the business and affairs of a corporation are managed by or under the direction of its board of directors. In exercising their powers, directors are charged with a fiduciary duty of care to protect the interests of the corporation and a fiduciary duty of loyalty to act in the best interests of its shareholders. In addition, under Delaware law, a party challenging the propriety of a decision of the directors bears the burden of rebutting the applicability of the presumptions afforded to directors by the “business judgment rule.” If the presumption is not rebutted, the business judgment rule protects the directors and their decisions, and their business judgments will not be second guessed. If the presumption is rebutted, the directors bear the burden of demonstrating the entire fairness of the relevant transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delaware courts subject directors’ conduct to enhanced scrutiny in respect of defensive actions taken in response to a threat to corporate control and approval of a transaction resulting in a sale of control of the corporation.

 

Limitation of Director and Officer Liability

 

Pursuant to our Memorandum and Articles of Association, every director or officer and the personal representatives of the same shall be indemnified and held harmless out of our assets and funds against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by him or her in or about the conduct of our business or affairs or in the execution or discharge of his or her duties, powers, authorities or discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by him in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning us or our affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere. No such director or officer will be liable for: (a) the acts, receipts, neglects, defaults or omissions of any other such Director or officer or agent; or (b) any loss on account of defect of title to any of our properties; or (c) account of the insufficiency of any security in or upon which any of our money shall be invested; or (d) any loss incurred through any bank, broker or other similar person; or (e) any loss occasioned by any negligence, default, breach of duty, breach of trust, error of judgment or oversight on his or her part; or (f) any loss, damage or misfortune whatsoever which may happen in or arise from the execution or discharge of the duties, powers authorities, or discretions of his or her office or in relation thereto, unless the same shall happen through his or her own dishonesty, gross negligence or willful default.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has been convicted in a criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors, or has been a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the past ten years that resulted in a judgment, decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities or commodities laws, any laws respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud in connection with any business entity or been subject to any disciplinary sanctions or orders imposed by a stock, commodities or derivatives exchange or other self-regulatory organization, except for matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement.

 

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D. Employees

 

As of June 30, 2020, we employed a total of 134 full-time in the following functions:

 

    Number of Employees  
Department   June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2018
 
Senior Management     10       10       7  
Human Resource & Administration     22       21       19  
Finance     18       16       10  
Research & Development     32       32       30  
Procurement and production     25       29       5  
Sales & Marketing     27       21       19  
Total     134       129       90  

 

Our employees are not represented by a labor organization or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have not experienced any work stoppages.

 

We are required under PRC law to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of our after-tax profit. In addition, we are required by PRC law to cover employees in China with various types of social insurance. In fiscal year 2020, we contributed approximately $127,930 to the employee benefit plans and social insurance. In fiscal year 2019, we contributed approximately $167,277 to the employee benefit plans and social insurance. In fiscal year 2018, we contributed approximately $127,371 to the employee benefit plans and social insurance. The effect on our liquidity by the payments for these contributions is immaterial. We believe that we are in material compliance with the relevant PRC employment laws.

 

E. Share Ownership

 

For information regarding the share ownership of our directors and senior management, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — A. Major Shareholders.”

 

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Share and Share Options

 

Share Option Pool

 

In connection with our initial public offering, we established a pool for share options as our 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (“2009 Incentive Plan”) for the Domestic Companies’ and our employees. This pool initially contained options to purchase up to 158,073 (790,362 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) of our ordinary shares. The options will vest at a rate of 20% per year for five years and have an exercise price of the market price of our shares on the date the options are granted. To date, we issued 112,800 (564,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) options and 45,273 (226,362 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) shares out of this employee share option pool. We initially granted 58,600 (293,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) options in 2009. We held a shareholder meeting in December 2010 and announced the resignation of three directors, and as a result, 20,000 (100,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) options were forfeited and went back in the pool. In 2012, we granted an additional 83,000 (415,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) options and 8,800 (44,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) options were forfeited and went back to the pool. In the three months ended June 30, 2014, 29,680 (148,400 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) vested options from 2012 grants were exercised. During the year ended June 30, 2020, 53,600 options were forfeited and as of June 30, 2020, we have 29,520 options outstanding under the 2009 Incentive Plan, reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split.

 

On January 29, 2015, the Company held its 2014 annual general meeting of shareholders, during which the Company’s shareholders approved the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (“2015 Incentive Plan”). Pursuant to the 2015 Incentive Plan, we were initially authorized to issue up to an aggregate of 140,000 (700,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) ordinary Shares. Additionally, commencing on the first business day in fiscal year ending June 30, 2016 and on the first business day of each fiscal year thereafter while the 2015 Incentive Plan is in effect, the maximum number of Ordinary Shares available for issuance under this 2015 Incentive Plan during that fiscal year shall be increased such that, as of such first business day, the maximum aggregate number of Ordinary Shares available for issuance under this 2015 Incentive Plan during that fiscal year shall be equal to Fifteen Percent (15%) of the number of total issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares of the Company as recorded by the Company’s transfer agent on the last business day of the prior fiscal year. The Company granted options to purchase 80,000 (400,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) Ordinary Shares to its employees and non-employee director on January 31, 2015 under the 2015 Incentive Plan. As of June 30, 2020, we have 80,000 options outstanding under this 2015 Incentive Plan, reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split.

 

As of June 30, 2020, we have an aggregate of 109,520 options outstanding under our incentive plans, reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split.

  

Executive Stock Grants

 

On December 13, 2013, the Company granted 19,036 (95,181 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) restricted shares to Mr. Yin Shenping and 27,036 (135,181 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) restricted shares to Mr. Chen Guangqiang at an aggregate value of ¥4,207,496 ($688,782), based on the stock closing price of $14.95 (adjusted reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) at December 13, 2013. These restricted shares will be vested over three years with one-third of the shares vesting every year from the grant date.

 

On January 31, 2015, the Company granted 30,000 restricted shares to Mr. Yin and 30,000 restricted shares to Mr. Chen at an aggregate value of ¥3,038,558($495,000), based on the stock closing price of $8.25 (adjusted reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) at January 31, 2015. These restricted shares were vested over three years with one-third of the shares vesting every year from the grant date.

 

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On July 11, 2015, the Company’s board approved to reserve 160,000 (800,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) shares and options under the 2015 Incentive Plan. On October 18, 2015, 160,000 (800,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) restricted shares were granted to staff under this plan at an aggregate value of ¥4,677,608 ($704,000), based on the stock closing price of $4.40 (adjusted reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) at October 16, 2015. These restricted shares were vested over three years with one-third of the shares vesting every year from the grant date.

 

On July 23, 2016, the Company’s board approved the reservation of 175,200 (876,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) shares and options. On July 27, 2016, 175,200 (876,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) restricted shares were granted to staff pursuant to this authorization. These restricted shares were vested over three years with one-third of the shares vesting every year from the grant date.

 

On December 9, 2016, the Company’s board approved management's new plan based on future performance for the three fiscal years from 2017 to 2019. The Company also agreed on front-issuing of shares based on the optimism situation, thus non-vested 602,000 (3,010,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) shares were issued to management on January 23, 2017. The fair value of the restricted shares was $4,063,500 based on the closing stock price $6.75 (adjusted reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) at December 9, 2016. Prior to the filing of the annual report for the years ending June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, certain number of shares granted under this plan may not be sold, transferred, hypothecated, voted or otherwise used for any purpose, and any shares that are not earned as stated above will be automatically cancelled without payment by the transfer agent of the Company.

 

On October 13, 2017, the Company’s board approved a grant of 180,000 (900,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) restricted shares to its employees as compensation cost for awards. The fair value of the restricted shares was $919,800 based on the closing stock price $5.11 (adjusted reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) at October 13, 2017. These restricted shares will vest over three years with one-third of the shares vesting every year from the grant date.

 

On August 27, 2018, the Company’s board approved a grant of 391,200 (1,956,000 before the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split) restricted stock to certain employees and directors under the Company’s 2015 Incentive Plan according to a vesting schedule as a reward and compensation to encourage as an incentive for their future dedication to the Company. Fair value of these restricted stocks are $2,523,240 based on the closing price of the resolution of the board on August 27, 2018, with a vesting period of three years from the date of the grant.

 

As of June 30, 2020, we have 320,801 non-vested restricted stocks outstanding, reflecting the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split.

 

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Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

 

A. Major Shareholders

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of the date of this report, for each person known by us to beneficially own 5% or more of our ordinary shares, and all of our executive officers and directors individually and as a group. It reflects the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split we effected on December 27, 2019. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Except as indicated below, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares shown as beneficially owned by them. Percentage of beneficial ownership is based on shares, which consists of 6,715,772 shares outstanding as of October 9, 2020, and 108,920 shares subject to options that are exercisable and 190,395 restricted shares issued and to be vested within 60 days after October 9, 2020. These shares do not include 487,060 restricted shares which have been granted to FGS individual shareholders and are subject to cancellation. The 299,315 shares subject to options and restricted shares are deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of the individual holding such shares, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage for any other person shown in the table. Our major shareholders do not possess voting rights that differ from our other shareholders. The address of each of the below shareholders is c/o Recon Technology Ltd, Room 1902, Building C, King Long International Mansion, 9 Fulin Road, Beijing 100107 China.

 

    Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership
    Percentage
Ownership
 
Yin Shenping (1)     641,637       9.15 %
Chen Guangqiang (2)     618,662       8.82 %
Hu Jijun (3)     18,667       * %
Nelson Wong (4)     18,667       * %
Zhao Shudong(5)     21,667       * %
Liu Jia (6)     91,267       1.3 %
Bi Yongquan (7)     613,334       8.74 %
Duan Yonggang     -       - %
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (eight members)**     2,023,901       28.85 %

 

(1) Includes 6,667 restricted shares that vested on August 21, 2020 but were not issued yet.

 

(2) Includes 6,667 restricted shares that vested on August 21, 2020 but were not issued yet.

 

(3) Includes 3,333 restricted shares that vested on August 21, 2020 but were not issued yet.

 

(4) Includes 3,333 restricted shares that vested on August 21, 2020 but were not issued yet.

 

(5) Include 1,800 options that are exercisable and 3,333 restricted shares that vested on August 21, 2020 but were not issued yet.

 

(6) Includes 6,667 restricted shares that vested on August 21, 2020 but were not issued yet.

 

(7) Includes 5,333 restricted shares that vested on August 21, 2020 but were not issued yet.
   
* Less than 1%.
** No other 5% shareholder.

 

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B. Related party transactions

 

Transactions with Related Persons

 

Sales to related party consisted of the following:

 

    For the years ended June 30,  
    2018     2019     2020     2020  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Urumqi Yikeli Automatic Control Equipment Co., Ltd.   ¥ 577,009     ¥ 3,726,894     ¥ -     $ -  
Total revenues from related parties   ¥ 577,009     ¥ 3,726,894     ¥ -     $ -  

 

Other payables consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Related Party   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Expenses paid by the major shareholders   ¥ 2,029,908     ¥ 3,752,353     $ 530,764  
Due to family member of one owner     -       485,000       68,602  
Due to management staff for costs incurred on behalf of Recon     260,965       260,965       36,913  
Total   ¥ 2,290,873     ¥ 4,498,318     $ 636,279  

 

The Company also had short-term borrowings` from related parties. Below is a summary of the Company’s short-term borrowings due to related parties as of June 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Short-term borrowings due to related parties:   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder, 5.65% annual interest, due on December 19, 2019   ¥ 5,008,640     ¥ -     $ -  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder, 5.65% annual interest, due on March 27, 2020     4,001,885       -       -  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder, 5.65% annual interest, due on December 19, 2020             5,008,640       708,463  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder, 4.55% annual interest, due on March 25, 2021             4,002,106       566,090  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder, interest-free, due on September 24, 2020     -       450,000       63,652  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder's family member, interest-free, due on December 31, 2020     -       770,000       108,915  
Total short-term borrowings due to related parties   ¥ 9,010,525     ¥ 10,230,746     $ 1,447,120  

 

The Company also had long-term borrowings from a related party. Below is a summary of the Company’s long-term borrowings due to a related party as of June 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Long-term borrowings due to related party:   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Long-term borrowing from a Founder, monthly payments of ¥126,135 inclusive of interest at 8.90%, ten years loan, due in November 2027.   ¥ 8,977,001     ¥ 8,226,599     $ 1,163,638  
Less: current portion     (780,797 )     (847,346 )     (119,856 )
Total long-term borrowings due to related party   ¥ 8,196,204     ¥ 7,379,253     $ 1,043,782  

 

Leases from related parties - The Company has various agreements for the lease of office space owned by the Founders and their family members. The terms of the agreement state that the Company will continue to lease the property at a monthly rent of ¥120,000 with annual rental expense at ¥1.44 million ($0.20 million). The details of leases from related parties are as below:

 

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            Monthly Rent     Monthly Rent  
Lessee   Lessor   Rent Period   RMB     USD  
Nanjing Recon   Yin Shenping   April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2022   ¥ 40,000     $ 5,658  
BHD   Chen Guangqiang   Jan 1, 2020- Dec 31, 2020     22,500       3,183  
BHD   Mr Chen's family member   Jan 1, 2020- Dec 31, 2020     47,500       6,719  
Recon-BJ   Yin Shenping   July 1, 2020-Jun 1 ,2021     10,000       1,414  

 

Expenses paid by the owner on behalf of Recon - Shareholders of our VIEs paid certain operating expenses for the Company. As of June 30, 2019 and 2020, ¥2,029,908 and ¥3,752,353 ($530,764) was due to them, respectively.

 

Guarantee/collateral related parties – The Company’s founders provide guarantee and collateral for the Company’s short-term bank loans.

 

Other than as described herein, no transactions required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K have occurred since the beginning of the Company’s last fiscal year.

  

Director Independence

 

The board of directors maintains a majority of independent directors who are deemed to be independent under the definition of independence provided by NASDAQ Stock Market Rule 4200(a)(15). Mr. Wong, Mr. Hu, Mr. Zhao and Dr. Duan are our independent directors.

 

C. Interests of experts and counsel

 

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

Item 8. Financial Information

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

Please refer to Item 18.

 

Legal and Administrative Proceedings

 

We are currently not a party to any material legal or administrative proceedings and are not aware of any pending or threatened material legal or administrative proceedings against us. We may from time to time become a party to various legal or administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business.

 

Dividend Policy

 

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares. We anticipate that we will retain any earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of our business. Therefore, we do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions and future prospects and other factors the board of directors may deem relevant.

 

Because we are a holding company with no operations of our own and all of our operations are conducted through our Chinese subsidiary, our ability to pay dividends and to finance any debt that we may incur is dependent upon dividends and other distributions paid. In addition, Chinese legal restrictions permit payment of dividends to us by our Chinese subsidiary only out of its accumulated net profit, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Under Chinese law, our subsidiary is required to set aside a portion (at least 10%) of its after-tax net income (after discharging all cumulated loss), if any, each year for compulsory statutory reserve until the amount of the reserve reaches 50% of our subsidiaries’ registered capital. These funds may be distributed to shareholders at the time of its wind-up. See “Holding Company Structure.”

  

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Payments of dividends by our subsidiary in China to the Company are also subject to restrictions including primarily the restriction that foreign invested enterprises may only buy, sell and/or remit foreign currencies at those banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business after providing valid commercial documents. There are no such similar foreign exchange restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

 

B. Significant Changes

 

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

 

We completed our initial public offering on July 29, 2009. The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our ordinary shares as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market. These prices have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-five Reverse Stock Split which became effective on December 27, 2019.

  

    High     Low  
Annual Highs and Lows                
Year Ended June 30, 2019   $ 8.75     $ 3.15  
Year Ended June 30, 2020   $ 5.55     $ 1.04  
                 
Quarterly Highs and Lows                
Quarter Ended September 30, 2018   $ 8.75     $ 5.53  
Quarter Ended December 31, 2018   $ 6.67     $ 3.15  
Quarter Ended March 31, 2019   $ 6.10     $ 3.40  
Quarter Ended June 30, 2019   $ 5.30     $ 3.61  
Quarter Ended September 30, 2019   $ 4.70     $ 3.15  
Quarter Ended December 31, 2019   $ 4.50     $ 2.20  
Quarter Ended March 31, 2020   $ 3.47     $ 1.11  
Quarter Ended June 30, 2020   $ 5.55     $ 1.04  
Quarter Ended September 30, 2020   $ 1.41     $ 0.75  
                 
Monthly Highs and Lows                
April 2020   $ 4.00     $ 1.47  
May 2020   $ 5.55     $ 1.75  
June 2020   $ 2.22     $ 1.04  
July 2020   $ 1.41     $ 1.04  
August 2020   $ 1.30     $ 0.98  
September 2020   $ 1.28     $ 0.75  

 

As of September 30, 2020, there were approximately 33 holders of record of our ordinary shares. This excludes our ordinary shares owned by shareholders holding ordinary shares under nominee security position listings. On September 30, 2020, the last sales price of our ordinary shares as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market was $0.935 per ordinary share. 

 

B. Plan of distribution

 

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

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C. Markets

 

Our Ordinary Shares are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “RCON.”

 

D. Selling shareholders

 

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

E. Dilution

 

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

F. Expenses of the issue

 

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

Item 10. Additional Information

 

A. Share capital

 

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

B. Memorandum and articles of association

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material headed “Description of Share Capital” in our Registration Statement on Form S-3, File no. 333- 213702, filed with the SEC on September 29, 2016.

 

C. Material contracts

 

We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and otherwise described elsewhere in this annual report.

 

D. Exchange controls

 

Foreign Currency Exchange

 

The principal regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations. Under the PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, may be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. By contrast, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans or foreign currency is to be remitted into China under the capital account, such as a capital increase or foreign currency loans to our PRC subsidiaries.

 

In August 2008, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142, regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency-registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB may be used. In addition, SAFE promulgated Circular 45 on November 9, 2011 in order to clarify the application of SAFE Circular 142. Under SAFE Circular 142 and Circular 45, the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable government authority and may not be used for equity investments within the PRC. In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of such RMB capital may not be changed without SAFE’s approval, and such RMB capital may not in any case be used to repay RMB loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used.

  

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In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment, which substantially amends and simplifies the current foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts, such as pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts and guarantee accounts, the reinvestment of RMB proceeds by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and dividends by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.

 

We typically do not need to use our offshore foreign currency to fund our PRC operations. In the event we need to do so, we will apply to obtain the relevant approvals of SAFE and other PRC government authorities as necessary.

 

SAFE Circular 75

 

Under the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75, issued by SAFE on October 21, 2005 and its implementation rules, a PRC resident (whether a natural or legal person) is required to complete an initial registration with its local SAFE branch before incorporating or acquiring control of an offshore special purpose vehicle, or SPV, with assets or equity interests in a PRC company, for the purpose of offshore equity financing. The PRC resident is also required to amend the registration or make a filing upon (1) the injection of any assets or equity interests in an onshore company or undertaking of offshore financing, or (2) the occurrence of a material change that may affect the capital structure of a SPV. SAFE also subsequently issued various guidance and rules regarding the implementation of SAFE Circular 75, which imposed obligations on PRC subsidiaries of offshore companies to coordinate with and supervise any PRC-resident beneficial owners of offshore entities in relation to the SAFE registration process.

 

Regulation of Dividend Distribution

 

The principal laws, rules and regulations governing dividend distribution by foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC are the Company Law of the PRC, as amended, the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law and its implementation regulations and the Equity Joint Venture Law and its implementation regulations. Under these laws, rules and regulations, foreign-invested enterprises may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profit, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Both PRC domestic companies and wholly-foreign owned PRC enterprises are required to set aside as general reserves at least 10% of their after-tax profit, until the cumulative amount of such reserves reaches 50% of their registered capital. A PRC company is not permitted to distribute any profits until any losses from prior fiscal years have been offset. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with distributable profits from the current fiscal year.

 

E. Taxation

 

The following sets forth the material Cayman Islands, Chinese and U.S. federal income tax consequences related to an investment in our Ordinary Shares. It is directed to U.S. Holders (as defined below) of our Ordinary Shares and is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report, all of which are subject to change. This description does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our Ordinary Shares, such as the tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws.

 

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The following brief description applies only to U.S. Holders (defined below) that hold Ordinary Shares as capital assets and that have the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. This brief description is based on the tax laws of the United States in effect as of the date of this annual report and on U.S. Treasury regulations in effect or, in some cases, proposed, as of the date of this annual report, as well as judicial and administrative interpretations thereof available on or before such date. All of the foregoing authorities are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.

  

The brief description below of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to “U.S. Holders” will apply to you if you are a beneficial owner of shares and you are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes,

 

  an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

  a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

  an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

  a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

WE URGE POTENTIAL PURCHASERS OF OUR SHARES TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX
ADVISORS CONCERNING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR SHARES.

 

People’s Republic of China Enterprise Taxation

 

The following brief description of Chinese enterprise laws is designed to highlight the enterprise-level taxation on our earnings, which will affect the amount of dividends, if any, we are ultimately able to pay to our shareholders. See “Dividend Policy.”

 

We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and we gain substantial income by way of dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiaries. The EIT Law and its implementation rules provide that China-sourced income of foreign enterprises, such as dividends paid by a PRC subsidiary to its equity holders that are non-resident enterprises, will normally be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of 10%, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a preferential tax rate or a tax exemption.

 

Under the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of China with a “de facto management body” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,” which means that it is treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. Although the implementation rules of the EIT Law define “de facto management body” as a managing body that actually, comprehensively manage and control the production and operation, staff, accounting, property and other aspects of an enterprise, the only official guidance for this definition currently available is set forth in SAT Notice 82, which provides guidance on the determination of the tax residence status of a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise, defined as an enterprise that is incorporated under the laws of a foreign country or territory and that has a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as its primary controlling shareholder. Although Recon does not have a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as our primary controlling shareholder and is therefore not a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise within the meaning of SAT Notice 82, in the absence of guidance specifically applicable to us, we have applied the guidance set forth in SAT Notice 82 to evaluate the tax residence status of Recon and its subsidiaries organized outside the PRC.

 

According to SAT Notice 82, a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having a “de facto management body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its worldwide income only if all of the following criteria are met: (i) the places where senior management and senior management departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management of the enterprise perform their duties are mainly located within the territory of China; (ii) financial decisions (such as money borrowing, lending, financing and financial risk management) and personnel decisions (such as appointment, dismissal and salary and wages) are decided or need to be decided by organizations or persons located within the territory of China; (iii) main property, accounting books, corporate seal, the board of directors and files of the minutes of shareholders’ meetings of the enterprise are located or preserved within the territory of China; and (iv) one half (or more) of the directors or senior management staff having the right to vote habitually reside within the territory of China.

  

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We believe that we do not meet some of the conditions outlined in the immediately preceding paragraph. For example, as a holding company, the key assets and records of the Company, including the resolutions and meeting minutes of our board of directors and the resolutions and meeting minutes of our shareholders, are located and maintained outside the PRC. In addition, we are not aware of any offshore holding companies with a corporate structure similar to ours that has been deemed a PRC “resident enterprise” by the PRC tax authorities. Accordingly, we believe that Recon and its offshore subsidiaries should not be treated as a “resident enterprise” for PRC tax purposes if the criteria for “de facto management body” as set forth in SAT Notice 82 were deemed applicable to us. However, as the tax residency status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body” as applicable to our offshore entities, we will continue to monitor our tax status.

 

The implementation rules of the EIT Law provide that, (i) if the enterprise that distributes dividends is domiciled in the PRC or (ii) if gains are realized from transferring equity interests of enterprises domiciled in the PRC, then such dividends or gains are treated as China-sourced income. It is not clear how “domicile” may be interpreted under the EIT Law, and it may be interpreted as the jurisdiction where the enterprise is a tax resident. Therefore, if we are considered as a PRC tax resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes, any dividends we pay to our overseas shareholders which are non-resident enterprises as well as gains realized by such shareholders from the transfer of our shares may be regarded as China-sourced income and as a result become subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%.

 

See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in China — Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a ‘Resident Enterprise’ of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.”

 

Any gain or loss recognized by you generally will be treated as United States source gain or loss. However, if we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes and PRC tax were imposed on any gain, and if you are eligible for the benefits of the tax treaty between the United States and PRC, you may elect to treat such gain as PRC source gain under such treaty and, accordingly, you may be able to credit the PRC tax against your United States federal income tax liability.

 

Cayman Islands Taxation

 

The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to our company 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 a party to any double tax treaties. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

  

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United States Federal Income Taxation

 

The following does not address the tax consequences to any particular investor or to persons in special tax situations such as:

 

  banks;

 

  financial institutions;

 

  insurance companies;

 

  regulated investment companies;

 

  real estate investment trusts;

 

  broker-dealers;

 

  traders that elect to mark-to-market;

 

  U.S. expatriates;

 

  tax-exempt entities;

 

  persons liable for alternative minimum tax;

 

  persons holding our Ordinary Shares as part of a straddle, hedging, conversion or integrated transaction;

 

  persons that actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting shares;

 

  persons who acquired our Ordinary Shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee share option or otherwise as consideration; or

 

  persons holding our Ordinary Shares through partnerships or other pass-through entities.

 

Prospective purchasers are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the application of the U.S. Federal tax rules to their particular circumstances as well as the state, local, foreign and other tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Ordinary Shares.

 

Taxation of Dividends and Other Distributions on our Ordinary Shares

 

Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, the gross amount of distributions made by us to you with respect to the Ordinary Shares (including the amount of any taxes withheld therefrom) will generally be includable in your gross income as dividend income on the date of receipt by you, but only to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). With respect to corporate U.S. Holders, the dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from other U.S. corporations.

 

With respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individual U.S. Holders, dividends will be taxed at the lower capital gains rate applicable to qualified dividend income, provided that (1) the Ordinary Shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, or we are eligible for the benefits of an approved qualifying income tax treaty with the United States that includes an exchange of information program, (2) we are not a passive foreign investment company (as discussed below) for either our taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year, and (3) certain holding period requirements are met. Under U.S. Internal Revenue Service authority, Ordinary Shares are considered for purpose of clause (1) above to be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States if they are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with respect to our Ordinary Shares, including the effects of any change in law after the date of this annual report.

 

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Dividends will constitute foreign source income for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. If the dividends are taxed as qualified dividend income (as discussed above), the amount of the dividend taken into account for purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit limitation will be limited to the gross amount of the dividend, multiplied by the reduced rate divided by the highest rate of tax normally applicable to dividends. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, dividends distributed by us with respect to our Ordinary Shares will constitute “passive category income” but could, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, constitute “general category income.”

 

To the extent that the amount of the distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles), it will be treated first as a tax-free return of your tax basis in your Ordinary Shares, and to the extent the amount of the distribution exceeds your tax basis, the excess will be taxed as capital gain. We do not intend to calculate our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, a U.S. Holder should expect that a distribution will be treated as a dividend even if that distribution would otherwise be treated as a non-taxable return of capital or as capital gain under the rules described above.

  

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Taxation of Dispositions of Ordinary Shares

 

Subject to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, you will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of a share equal to the difference between the amount realized (in U.S. dollars) for the share and your tax basis (in U.S. dollars) in the Ordinary Shares. The gain or loss will be capital gain or loss. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual U.S. Holder, who has held the Ordinary Shares for more than one year, you will generally be eligible for reduced tax rates.   The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any such gain or loss that you recognize will generally be treated as United States source income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company

 

A non-U.S. corporation is considered a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if either:

 

  at least 75% of its gross income is passive income; or

 

  at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during a taxable year) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”).

 

We will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets and earning our proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, at least 25% (by value) of the stock.

 

Based on the market price of our Ordinary Shares, the value of our assets and the composition of our assets and income, we believe that we were not a PFIC for our taxable year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 or 2017. However, given the factual nature of the analyses and the lack of guidance, no assurance can be given. We do not expect to be a PFIC for our taxable year ending December 31, 2018. However, because PFIC status is a factual determination for each taxable year which cannot be made until the close of the taxable year, our actual PFIC status will not be determinable until the close of the taxable year and, accordingly, there is no guarantee that we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year or any future taxable year.

 

We must make a separate determination each year as to whether we are a PFIC. As a result, our PFIC status may change from year to year. In particular, because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test will generally be determined based on the market price of our Ordinary Shares, our PFIC status will depend in large part on the market price of our Ordinary Shares. Accordingly, fluctuations in the market price of the Ordinary Shares may cause us to become a PFIC. In addition, the application of the PFIC rules is subject to uncertainty in several respects including the composition of our income and assets in a given year. If we are a PFIC for any year during which you hold Ordinary Shares, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which you hold Ordinary Shares. However, if we cease to be a PFIC, you may avoid some of the adverse effects of the PFIC regime by making a “deemed sale” election with respect to the Ordinary Shares.

 

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If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold Ordinary Shares, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any “excess distribution” that you receive and any gain you realize from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge) of the Ordinary Shares, unless you make a “mark-to-market” election as discussed below. Distributions you receive in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions you received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the Ordinary Shares will be treated as an excess distribution. Under these special tax rules:

 

  the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the Ordinary Shares;

 

  the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and

 

  the amount allocated to each other year will be subject to the highest tax rate in effect for that year and the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year.

 

The tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year of disposition or “excess distribution” cannot be offset by any net operating losses for such years, and gains (but not losses) realized on the sale of the Ordinary Shares cannot be treated as capital, even if you hold the Ordinary Shares as capital assets.

 

A U.S. Holder of “marketable stock” (as defined below) in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election for such stock to elect out of the tax treatment discussed above. If you make a mark-to-market election for the Ordinary Shares, you will include in income each year an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Ordinary Shares as of the close of your taxable year over your adjusted basis in such Ordinary Shares. You are allowed a deduction for the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the Ordinary Shares over their fair market value as of the close of the taxable year. However, deductions are allowable only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains on the Ordinary Shares included in your income for prior taxable years. Amounts included in your income under a mark-to-market election, as well as gain on the actual sale or other disposition of the Ordinary Shares, are treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment also applies to the deductible portion of any mark-to-market loss on the Ordinary Shares, as well as to any loss realized on the actual sale or disposition of the Ordinary Shares, to the extent that the amount of such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included for such Ordinary Shares. Your basis in the Ordinary Shares will be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amounts. If you make a valid mark-to-market election, the tax rules that apply to distributions by corporations which are not PFICs would apply to distributions by us, except that the lower applicable capital gains rate for qualified dividend income discussed above under “— Taxation of Dividends and Other Distributions on our Ordinary Shares” generally would not apply.

 

The mark-to-market election is available only for “marketable stock”, which is stock that is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter (“regularly traded”) on a qualified exchange or other market (as defined in applicable U.S. Treasury regulations), including the Nasdaq Capital Market. If the Ordinary Shares are regularly traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market and if you are a holder of Ordinary Shares, the mark-to-market election would be available to you were we to be or become a PFIC.

 

Alternatively, a U.S. Holder of stock in a PFIC may make a “qualified electing fund” election with respect to such PFIC to elect out of the tax treatment discussed above. A U.S. Holder who makes a valid qualified electing fund election with respect to a PFIC will generally include in gross income for a taxable year such holder’s pro rata share of the corporation’s earnings and profits for the taxable year. However, the qualified electing fund election is available only if such PFIC provides such U.S. Holder with certain information regarding its earnings and profits as required under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations. We do not currently intend to prepare or provide the information that would enable you to make a qualified electing fund election. If you hold Ordinary Shares in any year in which we are a PFIC, you will be required to file U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 8621 regarding distributions received on the Ordinary Shares and any gain realized on the disposition of the Ordinary Shares.

 

You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to your investment in our Ordinary Shares and the elections discussed above.

 

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Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Dividend payments with respect to our Ordinary Shares and proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of our Ordinary Shares may be subject to information reporting to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and possible U.S. backup withholding at a current rate of 28%. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a U.S. Holder who furnishes a correct taxpayer identification number and makes any other required certification on U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or who is otherwise exempt from backup withholding. U.S. Holders who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide such certification on U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the U.S. information reporting and backup withholding rules.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, and you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and furnishing any required information. We do not intend to withhold taxes for individual shareholders.

 

Under the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010, certain United States Holders are required to report information relating to ordinary shares, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for ordinary shares held in accounts maintained by certain financial institutions), by attaching a complete Internal Revenue Service Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets, with their tax return for each year in which they hold ordinary shares. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the U.S. information reporting and backup withholding rules.

 

F. Dividends and paying agents

 

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

G. Statement by experts

 

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

 

H. Documents on display

 

We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these requirements, the Company files reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.

 

I. Subsidiary Information

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to excess cash invested in short-term instruments with original maturities of less than a year and long-term held-to-maturity securities with maturities of greater than a year. Investments in both fixed rate and floating rate interest earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates fall. Due in part to these factors, our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates, or we may suffer losses in principal if we have to sell securities that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. We have not been, and do not expect to be, exposed to material interest rate risks, and therefore have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest risk exposure.

 

In fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018, we had and RMB 21.04 million (approximately $2.98 million), RMB 20.49 million (approximately $2.98 million) and RMB 16.60 million (approximately $2.51 million) of weighted outstanding bank loans, with weighted average effective interest rate of 6.17%, 7.07% and 5.41% respectively.

 

As of June 30, 2020, if interest rates increased/decreased by 1%, with all other variables having remained constant, and assuming the amount of bank borrowings outstanding at the end of the year was outstanding for the entire year, profit attributable to equity owners of our company would have been RMB 12,540 (approximately $1,781) lower/higher, respectively, mainly as a result of higher/lower interest expense from our short-term borrowings.

 

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Foreign Exchange Risk

 

Our functional currency is the RMB, and our financial statements are presented in the RMB. Therefore, the change in the value of RMB relative to the U.S. dollar will not affect our financial results reported in the RMB.

 

However, any significant revaluation of RMB against U.S. dollar may materially the value of, and any dividends payable on, our Ordinary Shares in U.S. dollars in the future. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in China — Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect the value of our securities.”

 

Commodity Risk

 

As a provider of hardware, software, and on-site services, our Company is exposed to the risk of an increase in the price of raw materials. We historically have been able to pass on price increases to customers by virtue of pricing terms that vary with changes in steel prices, but we have not entered into any contract to hedge any specific commodity risk. Moreover, our Company does not purchase or trade on commodity instruments or positions; instead, it purchases commodities for use.

 

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

 

With the exception of Items 12.D.3 and 12.D.4, this Item 12 is not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F. As to Items 12.D.3 and 12.D.4, this Item 12 is not applicable, as the Company does not have any American Depositary Shares.

 

PART II

 

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

 

We do not have any material defaults in the payment of principal, interest, or any installments under a sinking or purchase fund.

 

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Securities Holders and Use of Proceeds

 

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders

 

Item 5, “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” from our annual report on Form 10-K filed on September 28, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 15. Controls and Procedures

 

  (a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

As of June 30, 2020, our company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of and with the participation of management, including our Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) were ineffective in timely alerting them to information required to be included in the Company’s U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) filings.

  

  (b) Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting.

  

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

(1)    pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets;

 

(2)    provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that the Company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of its management and directors; and

 

(3)    provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the 2013 framework set forth in the report entitled Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, or COSO. The COSO framework summarizes each of the components of a company’s internal control system, including (i) the control environment, (ii) risk assessment, (iii) control activities, (iv) information and communication, and (v) monitoring. Our management has implemented and tested our internal control over financial reporting based on these criteria. Based on the assessment and material weakness identified, the Company’s management concluded that, as of June 30, 2020, its internal control over financing reporting was not effective.

 

The specific material weaknesses identified by the Company’s management as of June 30, 2020 are described as follows: 

 

We did not have sufficient skilled accounting personnel who are either qualified as Certified Public Accountants in the U.S. or who have received education from U.S. institutions or other educational programs that would provide enough relevant education relating to U.S. GAAP. While our CFO is a U.S. Certified Public Accountant, our controller is not, and they have limited experience with U.S. GAAP. Further, our operating subsidiaries are based in China, and in accordance with PRC laws and regulations, are required to comply with PRC GAAP, rather than U.S. GAAP. Thus, the accounting skills and understanding necessary to fulfill the requirements of U.S. GAAP-based reporting, including the preparation of consolidated financial statements, are inadequate, and determined to be a material weakness.

 

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While we have developed the scope of our internal audit function, it has not yet been fully implemented as we have not been able to hire sufficient qualified resources to do so. And due to limited availability of qualified resources, we may not be able to make sufficient hiring within a short period of time. 

 

We recently completed our designs of our internal controls, assessments for all of our financial reporting cycles and assessment of adoption of new revenue recognition standards during fiscal year 2020, and we are unable to declare effectiveness of our controls due to lack of sufficient time to obtain evidence of operating effectiveness as of June 30, 2020 due to lack of monitoring of our internal controls (lack of self-testing of internal controls) and lack of enough training and adjustment of our internal procedures to provide enough supporting documents as required. Also, as effected by COVID-19, we are behind our schedule of staff hiring plan and have not completed our internal control improvement plan. Therefore, we determined that the lack of time to evaluate our design and operating effectiveness are material weaknesses. It should be noted, however, that (a) many actions had been undertaken to enhance the control environment during the year; and (b) there are other remedial activities that are scheduled to take place in fiscal year 2021.

 

As a result, the Company has developed remedial actions to strengthen its accounting and financial reporting functions as well as the internal audit function. Such plan will require the hiring of additional resources and the deployment of other corporate resources for the accounting department in relation to the financial reporting process and internal audit department. Such additional resources will include the establishment of a work force dedicated to the task of correcting past financial irregularities and maintaining correct financial reporting on an on-going basis. To strengthen the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, the Company needs to engage outside consultants that are skilled in SEC reporting and Section 404 compliance to assist in the implementation of the following remedial actions as of the date of this report:

 

  Continuous assessment of our internal procedure of operation as we develop new business and new subsidiaries;

 

  Development and formalization of key accounting and financial reporting policies and procedures;

 

  Identification and documentation of key controls by business process;

 

  Enhancement of existing disclosures policies and procedures;

 

  Formalization of periodic communication between management and the audit committee; and

 

  Implementation of policies and procedures intended to enhance management monitoring and oversight by the Audit Committee.

 

In addition to the foregoing efforts, the Company expects to implement the following remedial actions during fiscal year 2020:

 

  Formalization of a periodic staff training program to enhance their awareness of the key internal control activities.

 

  Develop a comprehensive training and development plan, for our finance, accounting and internal audit personnel, including our Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and others, in the principles and rules of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements and the application thereof.

 

  Hire a full-time employee who possesses the requisite U.S. GAAP experience and education.

 

  Monitoring of internal controls by performing self-testing of various key controls.

 

Despite the material weaknesses reported above, our management believes that our consolidated financial statements included in this report fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented and that this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report.

 

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This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

  (c) Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm.

 

Not applicable.

  

  (d) Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management continues to focus on internal control over financial reporting. As of June 30, 2020, the Company has completed certain documentation of our internal controls and will be implementing the following remedial initiatives:

 

  Improved the design and documentation related to multiple levels of review over financial statements included in our SEC filings;

 

  Expanded the design and assessment test work over the monitoring function of entity level controls;

 

  Enhanced documentation retention policies over test work related to our continuous management assessments of internal control effectiveness; and

 

  Expanded documentation practices and policies related to various key controls to provide support and audit trails for both internal management assessment as well as external auditor testing.

 

Item 15T. Controls and Procedures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 16. [Reserved]

 

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

The Company’s board of directors has determined that Mr. Nelson Wong qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with applicable Nasdaq Capital Market standards. The Company’s board of directors has also determined that Mr. Wong and the other members of the Audit Committee are all “independent” in accordance with the applicable Nasdaq Capital Market standards.

 

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to the Company’s directors, officers, employees and advisors. The Code of Ethics is attached it as an exhibit to this annual report. We have also posted a copy of our code of business conduct and ethics on our website at www.recon.cn.

 

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Friedman LLP was appointed by the Company to serve as its independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal years 2020 and 2019.

 

Fees Paid To Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Audit Fees

 

During fiscal years 2020 and 2019, Friedman LLP’s audit fees were $170,000 and $170,000, respectively.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

The Company paid $21,000 and $0 to Friedman LLP for audit-related services in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

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Tax Fees

 

The Company has not incurred any tax fees from Friedman LLP for tax services in fiscal years 2020 and 2019.

 

All Other Fees

 

The Company has not incurred any other fees from Friedman LLP other fees in fiscal years 2020 and 2019.

 

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies

 

Before Friedman LLP was engaged by the Company to render audit or non-audit services, the engagement was approved by the Company’s audit committee. All services rendered by Friedman LLP have been so approved.

 

Percentage of Hours

 

The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountants’ engagement to audit our consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 2020 that were attributed to work performed by persons other than Friedman LLP’s full-time permanent employees was less than 20%.

 

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Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

Neither the Company nor any affiliated purchaser has purchased any shares or other units of any class of the Company’s equity securities registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.

 

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

 

We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands and our corporate governance practices are governed by applicable Cayman Islands law. In addition, because our ordinary shares are listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, we are subject to Nasdaq’s corporate governance requirements.

 

As noted above in the risk factor titled “We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public companies.”, The Nasdaq Capital Market allows foreign private issuers like our Company to opt to follow rules that apply in the issuer’s home country instead of a given Nasdaq rule. NASDAQ Listing Rule 5615(a)(3) permits a foreign private issuer like us to follow home country practices in lieu of certain requirements of Listing Rule 5600, provided that such foreign private issuer discloses in its annual report filed with the SEC each requirement of Rule 5600 that it does not follow and describes the home country practice followed in lieu of such requirement.

 

NASDAQ Rule 5635 requires shareholder approval for the issuance of securities: (i) in connection with the acquisition of stock or assets of another Company; (ii) when it would result in a change of control; (iii) when a stock option or purchase plan is to be established or materially amended or other equity compensation arrangement made or materially amended, pursuant to which stock may be acquired by officers, directors, employees, or consultants; or (iv) in connection with a transaction other than a public offering involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance of common stock at a price less than market value. Our Cayman Islands counsel, Campbells, has provided a letter to NASDAQ certifying that under Cayman Islands law and our Memorandum and Articles of Association , we are not prohibited from issuing shares without first obtaining shareholder approval where such issuance of securities otherwise requires shareholder approval under NASDAQ Rule 5635. Accordingly, we intend to comply with the requirements of Cayman Islands law in determining whether shareholder approval is required.

 

Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure

 

Not applicable.

 

PART III

 

Item 17. Financial Statements

 

See Item 18.

 

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Item 18. Financial Statements

 

Our consolidated financial statements are included at the end of this annual report, beginning with page F-1.

 

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Item 19. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description of Exhibit   Included   Form   Filing Date
                 
1.1.1   Second Amended and Restated Articles of Association of the Registrant   By Reference   S-3   2016-09-19
                 
1.1.2   Second Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association of the Registrant   By Reference   S-3   2016-09-19
                 
2.1   Specimen Share Certificate   By Reference   6-K   2020-1-17
                 
2.2   Form of Amended and Restated Warrant   By Reference   6-K   2020-06-30
                 
4.1   2009 Stock Incentive Plan   By Reference   S-1/A   2009-06-10
                 
4.2   2015 Stock Incentive Plan   By Reference   10-K   2016-09-28
                 
4.3   Translation of Exclusive Technical Consulting Service Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co., Ltd. and Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.4   Translation of Power of Attorney for rights of Chen Guangqiang in Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.5   Translation of Power of Attorney for rights of Yin Shenping in Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.6   Translation of Power of Attorney for rights of Li Hongqi in Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.7    Translation of Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co. Ltd., Chen Guangqiang and Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.8   Translation of Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co. Ltd., Yin Shenping and Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.9   Translation of Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co. Ltd., Li Hongqi and Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.10    Translation of Equity Interest Pledge Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co., Ltd., Chen Guangqiang and Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.11   Translation of Equity Interest Pledge Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co., Ltd., Yin Shenping and Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
 

 

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4.12   Translation of Equity Interest Pledge Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co., Ltd., Li Hongqi and Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.13   Translation of Exclusive Technical Consulting Service Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co., Ltd. and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.14   Translation of Power of Attorney for rights of Chen Guangqiang in Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.15   Translation of Power of Attorney for rights of Yin Shenping in Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.16   Translation of Power of Attorney for rights of Li Hongqi in Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12

 

4.17   Translation of Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co. Ltd., Chen Guangqiang and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.18   Translation of Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co. Ltd., Yin Shenping and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.19   Translation of Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co. Ltd., Li Hongqi and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.20   Translation of Equity Interest Pledge Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co., Ltd., Chen Guangqiang and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.21   Translation of Equity Interest Pledge Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co., Ltd., Yin Shenping and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.22   Translation of Equity Interest Pledge Agreement between Recon Technology (Jining) Co., Ltd., Li Hongqi and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   S-1/A   2008-08-12
                 
4.23   Translation of the Investment Agreement between Recon Technology, Ltd., Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd. and six individuals   By Reference   6-KA   2018-08-28
                 
4.24   Translation of the Supplemental Agreement between Recon Technology, Ltd., Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd. and six individuals   By Reference   6-KA   2018-08-28
                 

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4.25   Translation of Exclusive Technical Consulting Service Agreement dated April 1, 2019 between Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   6-K   2019-04-24
                 
4.26   Translation of Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement dated April 1, 2019 among Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. and Fan Zhang, Shenping Yin, Donglin Li, Zhiqiang Feng and Guangqiang Chen   By Reference   6-K   2019-04-24
                 
4.27   Translation of Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement dated April 1, 2019 between Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Fan Zhang, Shenping Yin, Donglin Li, Zhiqiang Feng and Guangqiang Chen about Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   6-K   2019-04-24
                 
4.28   Translation of Exclusive Technical Consulting Service Agreement dated April 1, 2019 between Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   6-K   2019-04-24
                 
4.29   Translation of Amended and Restated Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreement dated April 1, 2019 among Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd. and Shenping Yin, Guangqiang Chen and Degui Zhai   By Reference   6-K   2019-04-24
                 
4.30   Translation of Amended and Restated Equity Interest Pledge Agreement dated April 1, 2019 between Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and Shenping Yin, Guangqiang Chen and Degui Zhai about Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd.   By Reference   6-K   2019-04-24
                 
4.31   Translation of Financial Support Commitment Letter from Two Major Shareholders dated August 31, 2019   By Reference    20-F    2019-10-01
                 
4.32   Translation of Supplemental Agreement to the Investment Agreement with respect to Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. dated September 24, 2019   By Reference    20-F    2019-10-01
                 
4.33   Translation of Supplemental Agreement to the Investment Agreement with respect to Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. dated March 17, 2020   By Reference   6-K   2020-03-18
                 
4.34   Placement Agency Agreement, dated May 7, 2020, between the Company and Maxim Group LLC   By Reference   6-K   2020-05-26
                 
4.35   Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated May 21, 2020, between the Company and the Purchasers   By Reference   6-K   2020-05-26
                 
4.36   Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated June 26, 2020, between the Company and the Purchasers   By Reference   6-K   2020-06-30

 

89

 

 

8.1   List of subsidiaries of the Company   Herewith        
                 
11.1   Code of Ethics of the Company   By Reference   10-K   2009-09-28
                 
12.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a)   Herewith        
                 
12.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a)   Herewith        
                 
13.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code   Herewith        
                 
13.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code   Herewith        
                 
15.1   Press release dated October 9, 2020 regarding earnings for the year ended June 30, 2020     Herewith        
                 
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document.            
                 
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.            

 

101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.            
                 
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.            
                 
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document.            
                 
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.            

 

90

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

    Recon Technology, Ltd.
     
  By:   /s/ Yin Shenping
    Name: Yin Shenping
    Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: October 9, 2020

 

91

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

 

  PAGE
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-1
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2019 and 2020 F-2
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020 F-3
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020 F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020 F-5
   
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

 

To the Board of Director and

Stockholders of Recon Technology, Ltd

  

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Recon Technology, Ltd and Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended June 30, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

/s/ Friedman LLP

 

Friedman LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2011.

New York, New York

October 9, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

F-1

 

  

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    As of June 30     As of June 30     As of June 30  
    2019     2020     2020  
ASSETS   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Current assets                        
Cash   ¥ 4,521,325     ¥ 30,336,504     $ 4,291,042  
Notes receivable     3,073,680       4,180,885       591,378  
Trade accounts receivable, net     68,535,282       48,244,015       6,824,026  
Trade accounts receivable- related party, net     3,409,912       3,068,920       434,093  
Inventories, net     1,270,523       1,985,723       280,877  
Other receivables, net     5,665,593       6,350,802       898,309  
Loans to third parties     4,960,000       3,200,377       452,687  
Purchase advances, net     1,343,576       178,767       25,286  
Contract assets, net     4,633,940       31,537,586       4,460,933  
Prepaid expenses     192,837       198,294       28,048  
Prepaid expenses - related parties     217,600       -       -  
Total current assets     97,824,268       129,281,873       18,286,679  
                         
Property and equipment, net     3,661,321       29,756,879       4,209,055  
Construction in progress     21,524,994       -       -  
Land use right, net     1,307,887       1,280,648       181,145  
Investment in unconsolidated entity     31,078,971       31,541,850       4,461,536  
Long-term other receivables, net     440,015       3,640       515  
Prepayments for construction in progress     1,144,098       -       -  
Operating lease right-of-use assets (including ¥Nil and ¥803,503 ($113,654) from a related party as of June 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively)     -       2,549,914       360,681  
Total Assets   ¥ 156,981,554     ¥ 194,414,804     $ 27,499,611  
                         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                        
                         
Current liabilities                        
Short-term bank loans   ¥ 2,500,000     ¥ 9,520,000     $ 1,346,586  
Trade accounts payable     14,089,293       23,034,347       3,258,163  
Other payables     2,246,410       2,609,486       369,107  
Other payable- related parties     2,290,873       4,498,318       636,279  
Contract Liabilities     120,000       3,486,033       493,093  
Accrued payroll and employees' welfare     1,384,529       1,917,635       271,246  
Investment payable     6,400,000       6,400,000       905,268  
Taxes payable     2,180,847       1,108,288       156,765  
Short-term borrowings     1,081,096       200,000       28,290  
Short-term borrowings - related parties     9,010,525       10,230,746       1,447,120  
Long-term borrowings - related party - current portion     780,797       847,346       119,856  
Operating lease liabilities - current (including ¥Nil and ¥450,728 ($63,755) from a related party as of June 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively)     -       1,328,976       187,981  
Total Current Liabilities     42,084,370       65,181,175       9,219,754  
                         
Operating lease liabilities - non-current (including ¥Nil and ¥352,775 ($49,899) from a related party as of June 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively)     -       1,210,088       171,165  
Long-term borrowings - related party     8,196,204       7,379,253       1,043,782  
Total Liabilities     50,280,574       73,770,516       10,434,701  
                         
Commitments and Contingencies                        
                         
Equity                        
Common stock, ($ 0.0925 U.S. dollar par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 4,361,634 shares and 7,202,832 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2020, respectively)*     2,712,773       4,577,233       647,441  
Additional paid-in capital     250,624,798       282,505,455       39,959,870  
Statutory reserve     4,148,929       4,148,929       586,858  
Accumulated deficit     (164,780,885 )     (184,027,586 )     (26,030,358 )
Accumulated other comprehensive gain     2,909,936       2,825,731       399,694  
Total stockholders’ equity     95,615,551       110,029,762       15,563,505  
Non-controlling interests     11,085,429       10,614,526       1,501,405  
Total equity     106,700,980       120,644,288       17,064,910  
Total Liabilities and Equity   ¥ 156,981,554     ¥ 194,414,804     $ 27,499,611  

 

* Retrospectively restated for effect of stock split on December 27, 2019

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-2

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

    For the years ended June 30,  
    2018     2019     2020     2020  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     USD  
Revenues                                
Revenues - third party   ¥ 84,135,037     ¥ 98,657,433     ¥ 65,760,651     $ 9,301,722  
Revenues - related party     577,009       3,726,894       -       -  
Revenues     84,712,046       102,384,327       65,760,651       9,301,722  
                                 
Cost of revenues                                
Cost of revenues - third party     80,097,834       70,316,198       46,154,255       6,528,433  
Cost of revenues - related party     464,027       2,202,765       -       -  
Cost of revenues     80,561,861       72,518,963       46,154,255       6,528,433  
                                 
Gross profit     4,150,185       29,865,364       19,606,396       2,773,289  
                                 
Selling and distribution expenses     8,013,353       9,076,266       4,417,413       624,835  
General and administrative expenses     34,687,317       41,288,351       26,120,099       3,694,644  
Provision for (net recovery of) doubtful accounts     (841,242 )     610,776       2,203,531       311,685  
Research and development expenses     3,215,653       3,133,545       7,042,385       996,132  
Operating expenses     45,075,081       54,108,938       39,783,428       5,627,296  
                                 
Loss from operations     (40,924,896 )     (24,243,574 )     (20,177,032 )     (2,854,007 )
                                 
Other income (expenses)                                
Subsidy income     371,650       1,149,016       1,210,318       171,197  
Interest income     68,028       40,391       54,746       7,744  
Interest expense     (897,521 )     (1,589,045 )     (1,451,890 )     (205,367 )
Income (loss) from investment in unconsolidated entity     -       (959,905 )     462,879       65,473  

Impairment loss of investment in unconsolidated entity

    (4,037,736 )     -       -       -  
Foreign exchange transaction gain (loss)     (4,068 )     56,603       (17,720 )     (2,506 )
Other income     65,539       162,585       78,417       11,092  
Other income (expense), net     (4,434,108 )     (1,140,355 )     336,750       47,633  
Loss before income tax     (45,359,004 )     (25,383,929 )     (19,840,282 )     (2,806,374 )
Income tax expenses     16,230       398,477       282,322       39,934  
Net loss     (45,375,234 )     (25,782,406 )     (20,122,604 )     (2,846,308 )
                                 
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests     (1,302,913 )     (426,501 )     (875,903 )     (123,895 )
Net loss attributable to Recon Technology, Ltd   ¥ (44,072,321 )   ¥ (25,355,905 )   ¥ (19,246,701 )   $ (2,722,413 )
                                 
Comprehensive loss                                
Net loss     (45,375,234 )     (25,782,406 )     (20,122,604 )     (2,846,308 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     1,765,249       1,393,843       (84,205 )     (11,911 )
Comprehensive loss     (43,609,985 )     (24,388,563 )     (20,206,809 )     (2,858,219 )
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests     (1,302,913 )     (426,501 )     (875,903 )     (123,895 )
Comprehensive loss attributable to Recon Technology, Ltd   ¥ (42,307,072 )   ¥ (23,962,062 )   ¥ (19,330,906 )   $ (2,734,324 )
                                 
Loss per common share - basic and diluted   ¥ (19.19 )   ¥ (6.49 )   ¥ (4.16 )   $ (0.59 )
Weighted - average shares -basic and diluted     2,296,693       3,908,833       4,624,615       4,624,615  

 

* Retrospectively restated for effect of stock split on December 27, 2019.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

                                  Accumulated                          
                                  Other                          
                Additional     Statutory     Accumulated     Comprehensive     Stockholders'     Non-controlling     Total     Total  
    Common Stock     Paid-in Capital     Reserve     deficit     income (loss)     Equity     Interest     Equity     Equity  
    Number of
Shares*
    Amount
(RMB)
    (RMB)     (RMB)     (RMB)     (RMB)     (RMB)     (RMB)     (RMB)     (USD)  
Balance, June 30, 2017     1,982,355     ¥ 1,261,288     ¥ 123,436,043     ¥ 4,148,929     ¥ (95,352,659 )   ¥ (249,156 )   ¥ 33,244,445     ¥ 8,464,843     ¥ 41,709,288     $ 5,899,701  
Capital contribution in non-controlling interests     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       3,700,000       3,700,000       523,358  
Restricted shares issued for services     180,000       112,321       2,938,575       -       -       -       3,050,896       -       3,050,896       431,544  
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs     1,318,500       785,871       64,218,660       -       -       -       65,004,531       -       65,004,531       9,194,770  
Shares issued for unpaid salary to management     44,254       27,137       1,527,771       -       -       -       1,554,908       -       1,554,908       219,939  
Restricted shares issued for management     152,734       92,893       14,528,945       -       -       -       14,621,838       -       14,621,838       2,068,232  
Stock based payments     -       -       840,286       -       -       -       840,286       -       840,286       118,857  
Net loss for the year     -       -       -       -       (44,072,321 )     -       (44,072,321 )     (1,302,913 )     (45,375,234 )     (6,418,242 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     -       -       -       -       -       1,765,249       1,765,249       -       1,765,249       249,691  
Balance, June 30, 2018     3,677,843     ¥ 2,279,510     ¥ 207,490,280     ¥ 4,148,929     ¥ (139,424,980 )   ¥ 1,516,093     ¥ 76,009,832     ¥ 10,861,930     ¥ 86,871,762     $ 12,287,850  
                                                                                 
Capital contribution in non-controlling interests     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       650,000       650,000       91,941  
Restricted shares issued for services     25,000       15,902       829,879       -       -       -       845,781       -       845,781       119,634  
Issuance of common stock in exchange of shares of FGS, net of issuance costs     487,057       307,981       21,125,815       -       -       -       21,433,796       -       21,433,796       3,031,771  
Restricted shares issued for management     171,734       109,380       11,530,961       -       -       -       11,640,341       -       11,640,341       1,646,505  
Stock based payments     -       -       9,647,863       -       -       -       9,647,863       -       9,647,863       1,364,672  
Net loss for the year     -       -       -       -       (25,355,905 )     -       (25,355,905 )     (426,501 )     (25,782,406 )     (3,646,870 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     -       -       -       -       -       1,393,843       1,393,843       -       1,393,843       197,156  
Balance, June 30, 2019     4,361,634     ¥ 2,712,773     ¥ 250,624,798     ¥ 4,148,929     ¥ (164,780,885 )   ¥ 2,909,936     ¥ 95,615,551     ¥ 11,085,429     ¥ 106,700,980     $ 15,092,659  
                                                                                 
Capital contribution in non-controlling interests     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       405,000       405,000       57,286  
Stock issuance     2,591,112       1,701,005       24,065,350       -       -       -       25,766,355       -       25,766,355       3,644,603  
Restricted shares issued for services     -       -       33,927       -       -       -       33,927       -       33,927       4,799  
Restricted shares issued for management     250,086       163,455       7,781,380       -       -       -       7,944,835       -       7,944,835       1,123,782  
Net loss for the year     -       -       -       -       (19,246,701 )     -       (19,246,701 )     (875,903 )     (20,122,604 )     (2,846,308 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     -       -       -       -       -       (84,205 )     (84,205 )     -       (84,205 )     (11,911 )
Balance, June 30, 2020     7,202,832     ¥ 4,577,233     ¥ 282,505,455     ¥ 4,148,929     ¥ (184,027,586 )   ¥ 2,825,731     ¥ 110,029,762     ¥ 10,614,526     ¥ 120,644,288     $ 17,064,910  

 

* Retrospectively restated for effect of stock split on December 27, 2019. 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS    

 

    For the years ended  
    2018     2019     2020     2020  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Cash flows from operating activities:                                
Net loss   ¥ (45,375,234 )   ¥ (25,782,406 )   ¥ (20,122,604 )   $ (2,846,308 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                                
Depreciation and amortization     1,119,049       1,124,011       1,609,700       227,689  
Gain from disposal of equipment     (78,285 )     -       (89,156 )     (12,611 )
Provision for (net recovery of) doubtful accounts     (841,242 )     610,776       2,203,531       311,685  
Provision for slow moving inventories     65,245       65,380       56,817       8,037  
Amortization of right of use assets     -       -       1,408,551       199,237  
Reversal of interests expense     -       -       (81,096 )     (11,471 )
Restricted shares issued for management and employees     15,462,124       21,288,204       7,944,835       1,123,782  
Loss (income) from investment in unconsolidated entity     -       959,905       (462,879 )     (65,473 )
Impairment loss of investment in unconsolidated entity     4,037,736       -       -       -  
Restricted shares issued for services     3,050,896       845,781       33,927       4,799  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                                
Notes receivable     2,116,998       922,282       (1,107,205 )     (156,612 )
Trade accounts receivable     11,972,175       (40,461,376 )     18,428,088       2,606,619  
Trade accounts receivable-related party     -       (3,409,912 )     -       -  
Inventories     (5,012,984 )     (1,197,529 )     (1,124,935 )     (159,120 )
Other receivable     (1,717,096 )     (928,882 )     (206,146 )     (29,159 )
Purchase advance     (296,903 )     5,784,669       1,210,309       171,196  
Contract assets     (127,325 )     7,554,745       (26,938,013 )     (3,810,332 )
Prepaid expense     318,759       316,845       (5,457 )     (772 )
Prepaid expense - related parties     -       (217,600 )     217,600       30,779  
Operating lease liabilities     -       -       (1,419,402 )     (200,772 )
Trade accounts payable     (2,706,304 )     (400,034 )     8,205,660       1,160,675  
Other payables     (179,507 )     (861,620 )     (23,600 )     (3,338 )
Other payables-related parties     (102,563 )     (920,584 )     2,207,445       312,239  
Deferred revenue     (1,174,585 )     -       -       -  
Advance from customers     27,756       (37,856 )     3,366,033       476,119  
Accrued payroll and employees' welfare     140,828       784,095       533,109       75,407  
Accrued expenses     -       -       9,425       1,333  
Taxes payable     (269,358 )     1,748,934       (1,085,213 )     (153,501 )
Net cash used in operating activities     (19,569,820 )     (32,212,172 )     (5,230,676 )     (739,873 )
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                                
Investment in unconsolidated entity     (4,037,736 )     (4,205,080 )     -       -  
Purchases of property and equipment     (1,503,410 )     (1,735,956 )     (85,974 )     (12,161 )
Proceeds from disposal of equipment     32,000       -       900       127  
Payments for land use right     (1,361,969 )     -       -       -  
Repayments from loans to third parties     435,250       1,000,000       11,239,623       1,589,824  
Payments made for loans to third parties     (1,960,000 )     (4,000,000 )     (9,480,000 )     (1,340,928 )
Payments and prepayments for construction in progress     (9,157,103 )     (4,606,823 )     (3,782,912 )     (535,086 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (17,552,968 )     (13,547,859 )     (2,108,363 )     (298,224 )
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                                
Proceeds from short-term bank loans     45,000       2,500,000       9,520,000       1,346,586  
Repayments of short-term bank loans     (45,000 )     -       (2,500,000 )     (353,620 )
Proceeds from short-term borrowings     4,600,000       1,081,096       200,000       28,290  
Repayments of short-term borrowings     (4,900,000 )     -       (1,000,000 )     (141,448 )
Proceeds from short-term borrowings-related parties     20,188,318       5,000,000       17,415,000       2,463,319  
Repayments of short-term borrowings-related parties     (21,332,036 )     (5,000,000 )     (16,195,000 )     (2,290,753 )
Proceeds from long-term borrowings-related party     10,000,000       -       -       -  
Repayments of long-term borrowings-related party     (371,975 )     (684,191 )     (747,630 )     (105,751 )
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of issuance costs     65,004,531       -       26,141,051       3,697,603  
Refund of capital contribution by a non-controlling shareholder     -       (200,000 )     -       -  
Capital contribution by non-controlling shareholders     3,700,000       850,000       405,000       57,286  
Net cash provided by financing activities     76,888,838       3,546,905       33,238,421       4,701,512  
                                 
Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash     1,765,249       1,393,873       (84,203 )     (11,906 )
                                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash     41,531,299       (40,819,253 )     25,815,179       3,651,509  
Cash at beginning of year     3,809,279       45,340,578       4,521,325       639,533  
Cash at end of year   ¥ 45,340,578     ¥ 4,521,325     ¥ 30,336,504     $ 4,291,042  
                                 
Supplemental cash flow information                                
Cash paid during the year for interest   ¥ 868,042     ¥ 1,542,381     ¥ 1,400,462     $ 198,093  
Cash paid (received) during the year for taxes   ¥ (22,671 )   ¥ 2,002     ¥ 282,322     $ 39,934  
                                 
Non-cash investing and financing activities                                
Shares issued to settle salary payable   ¥ 1,554,908     ¥ -     ¥ -     $ -  
Issuance of common stock in exchange of shares of FGS, net of issuance costs   ¥       ¥ 21,433,796     ¥ -     $ -  
Investment payable in exchange of interest of FGS   ¥ -     ¥ 6,400,000     ¥ -     $ -  
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations   ¥ -     ¥ -     ¥ 1,228,963     $ 173,834  
Inventories used for fixed assets   ¥ -     ¥ -     ¥ 409,735     $ 57,956  
Payable for construction in progress   ¥ 3,096,781     ¥ 5,694,980     ¥ 732,513     $ 103,613  
Receivable for disposal of property and equipment   ¥ 81,900     ¥ -     ¥ 110,000     $ 15,559  
Payable for issuance cost of common stock   ¥ -     ¥ -     ¥ 374,696     $ 53,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

F-5

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

Organization – Recon Technology, Ltd (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on August 21, 2007 as a limited liability company. The Company provides specialized equipment, automation systems, tools, chemicals and field services to energy industry companies mainly in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”).

 

The Company, along with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Recon Investment Ltd. (“Recon-IN”) and Recon Hengda Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Recon-BJ”), conducts its business through the following PRC legal entities (“Domestic Companies”) that are consolidated as variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and operate in the Chinese energy industry:

 

  1. Beijing BHD Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd. (“BHD”),

 

  2. Nanjing Recon Technology Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Recon”).

 

The Company has signed Exclusive Technical Consulting Service Agreements with each of the Domestic Companies, which are its VIEs, and Equity Interest Pledge Agreements and Exclusive Equity Interest Purchase Agreements with their shareholders. Through these contractual arrangements, the Company has the ability to substantially influence each of the Domestic Companies’ daily operations and financial affairs, appoint their senior executives and approve all matters requiring shareholder approval. As a result of these contractual arrangements, which enable the Company to control the Domestic Companies, the Company is considered as the primary beneficiary of each Domestic Company. Thus, the Company is able to absorb 90% of net interest or 100% of net loss of those VIEs.

 

On February 21, 2019, the Company’s board of directors approved transferring the VIEs and VIE-controlled companies from Jining Recon Technology Ltd. (“Recon-JN”) to Recon-BJ. At the time, both Recon-JN and Recon-BJ were the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries in China. On April 1, 2019, the Company completed the VIE transfer process and then completed the dissolution of Recon-JN on April 10, 2019, and subsequently completed the dissolution of Recon Technology Co., Limited (“Recon HK”) on May 15, 2020. The Company does not expect any negative impact of this process on its operations.

 

On December 17, 2015, Huang Hua BHD Petroleum Equipment Manufacturing Co. LTD, a fully owned subsidiary established by BHD was organized under the laws of the PRC, focusing on the design, assemble and manufacture of hearing equipment.

 

Gan Su BHD Environmental Technology Co., Ltd (“Gan Su BHD”) was established on May 23, 2017, with registered capital of ¥50 million. The paid in capital was ¥20,735,000 ($2,932,927) as of June 30, 2020. BHD owns an interest of 51% of Gan Su BHD, which is focusing on oilfield sewage treatment and oily sludge disposal projects.

 

Qing Hai BHD New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (“Qinghai BHD”) was established on October 16, 2017, with registered capital of ¥50 million. The paid in capital was ¥4,200,000 ($594,082) as of June 30, 2020. BHD owned an interest of 55% of Qinghai BHD previously; however, based on an agreement signed by the shareholders of Qinghai BHD dated October 23, 2018, each of the other two individual shareholders agreed to reduce 10% of their equity interests. As a result, Qinghai BHD returned ¥200,000 paid in capital back to one of the individual shareholders. After the new arrangement, BHD owns a total interest of 75% of Qinghai BHD. The remaining paid in capital should be contributed by BHD and the other individual shareholder is ¥33,300,000 ($4,710,223) and ¥12,500,000 ($1,768,102), respectively. Based on its charter dated September 29, 2017, the remaining paid in capital will be injected before September 29, 2036.

 

Nature of Operations – The Company engages in (1) providing equipment, tools and other components and parts related to oilfield production and other energy industries companies, including simple installations in connection with some projects; (2) services to improve production and efficiency of exploited oil wells, (3) developing and selling its own specialized industrial automation control and information solutions, and (4) design, test and implement solution of sewage and oily sludge treatment, production and sales of related integrated equipment and project services.

 

Impact of Covid-19 - In January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency as the coronavirus outbreak continued to spread beyond China. In compliance with the government health emergency rules in place, the Company temporarily closed offices in varies provinces in China and ceased production operations since Chinese New Year. The Company gradually resumed operation and production since March, 2020. In short term, the Company’s business was affected negatively. However, at this stage, the Company doesn’t expect a significant impact on the Company’s operations and financial results in a long run.

 

F-6

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2. LIQUIDITY

 

As disclosed in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company had recurring net losses for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020. In assessing its liquidity, management monitors and analyzes the Company’s cash on-hand and its ability to generate sufficient revenue sources in the future to support its operating and capital expenditure commitments. The Company’s liquidity needs are to meet its working capital requirements, operating expenses and capital expenditure obligations. Direct offering and debt financing in the forms of loans payable and loans from related parties have been utilized to finance the working capital requirements of the Company.

 

Despite those negative financial trends, the Company has positive working capital and management has plans to enhance its liquidity:

 

  1) The Company has been enhancing the collection of current receivable balances. As of September 30, 2020, about ¥28.2 million ($4.0 million)  has been collected.

 

  2) The Company is mainly financed through borrowing from shareholders and senior management, as well as public offerings. On August 31, 2019, two major shareholders of the Company signed a 3-year commitment letter to support the Company and whenever the Company has liquidity difficulty, they will provide working capital to support daily operation of the Company.

 

  3) The Company may also consider financing directly from commercial bank by contract pledge or discount of notes receivable.

 

Management believes that the foregoing measures collectively will provide sufficient liquidity for the Company to meet its future liquidity and capital obligations.

 

NOTE 3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and have been consistently applied.

 

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, all the subsidiaries and VIEs of the Company. All transactions and balances between the Company and its subsidiaries and VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Variable Interest Entities - A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company performs ongoing assessments to determine whether an entity should be considered a VIE and whether an entity previously identified as a VIE continues to be a VIE and whether the Company continues to be the primary beneficiary.

 

Assets recognized as a result of consolidating VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims against the Company’s general assets. Conversely, liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs.

 

Currency Translation - The Company’s functional currency is the Chinese Yuan (“RMB”) and the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been expressed in Chinese Yuan. The consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended June 30, 2020 have been translated into United States dollars (“U.S. dollars”) solely for the convenience of the readers. The translation has been made at the rate of ¥7.0697 = US$1.00, the approximate exchange rate prevailing on June 30, 2020. These translated U.S. dollar amounts should not be construed as representing Chinese Yuan amounts or that the Chinese Yuan amounts have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars.

 

F-7

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Estimates and Assumptions - The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP, which requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates are adjusted to reflect actual experience when necessary. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include allowance for doubtful accounts related to trade accounts receivable, other receivables and purchase advances, allowance for inventory, the useful lives of property and equipment, valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, impairment assessment for long-lived assets, the discount rate for lease and investment and the fair value of share- based payments. The use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process; actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The key assumptions underlying the Company’s accounting for material arrangements and the reasonably likely material effects of resolving any uncertainties on the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to purchase advances. The production of the Company’s products requires custom-made equipment from its suppliers. To ensure that it can secure the required customized equipment, the Company often needs to make full prepayment for its intended purchases. As a standard practice in the petroleum extraction industry, the Company generally must submit a bid in order to secure the sales contract. The bidding process generally takes between one month to one year and the timing depends on the size of the overall project, which timing and size are generally controlled by its client. In order to secure timely purchase delivery and to meet its product delivery schedule, the Company normally prepays for the purchase advances if the Company believes that it is more than likely to win the bid for the sales contract which is accounted as pre-contract costs. After winning the bid and securing the sale contract, the Company normally needs to deliver its products approximately within one week to six months. Based on the Company’s historical experience, the Company generally is able to realize its purchase advances on the customized equipment that it orders. If it subsequently confirms that the Company is unable to secure the planned contracts with a customer after making the advance payments for these planned contracts, the Company evaluates the probable recoverability of the pre-contract cost and charges to expenses when the Company determines that the recovery of such pre-contract cost is improbable.

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments - The US GAAP accounting standards regarding fair value of financial instruments and related fair value measurements define fair value, establish a three-level valuation hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

The three levels of inputs are defined as follows:

 

Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.  

Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable.

 

Accounting guidance also describes three main approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach and (3) cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be required to replace an asset.

 

The Company measures certain financial assets, including investments under the equity method on other-than-temporary basis, intangible assets and fixed assets at fair value when an impairment charge is recognized.

 

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for trade accounts receivable, other receivables, purchase advances, trade accounts payable, accrued liabilities, advances from customers, investment payable, short-term bank loan and short-term borrowings approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments.

 

Cash - Cash includes cash on hand consisting of coins, currency, undeposited checks, money orders and drafts, demand deposits in banks, certain short-term highly liquid investments and cash in transit.

 

Trade Accounts and Other Receivables, Net - Accounts receivable are carried at original invoiced amount less a provision for any potential uncollectible amounts. Accounts are considered to be under certain credit risk when the related receivables are more than a year old. Provision is made against trade accounts and other receivables to the extent they are considered to be doubtful. Accounts are written off after extensive efforts at collection. Other receivables arise from transactions with non-trade customers.

 

Notes Receivable - Notes receivable represent short-term notes receivable issued by reputable financial institutions that entitle the Company to receive the full-face amount from the financial institutions at maturity, which generally range from three to six months from the date of issuance. 

 

F-8

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Purchase Advances, Net - Purchase advances are the amounts prepaid to suppliers for business activities, such as standard raw materials, supplies and services. These types of prepayments will be expensed when those products or services have been rendered or consumed.

 

Inventories, Net - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, on a first-in-first-out basis. The methods of determining inventory costs are used consistently from year to year. Allowance for inventory obsolescence is provided when the market value of certain inventory items is lower than the cost. 

 

Property and Equipment, Net - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation on motor vehicles and office equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from two to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the assets.

 

Items   Useful life
Motor vehicles   5-10 years
Office equipment   2-5 years
Production equipment   10-20 years

 

Land Use Rights, Net - According to the Chinese laws and regulations regarding land use rights, land in urban districts is owned by the State, while land in the rural areas and suburban areas, except otherwise provided for by the State, is collectively owned by individuals designated as resident farmers by the State. In accordance with the legal principle that land ownership is separate from the right to the use of the land, the government grants individuals and companies the rights to use parcels of land for a specified period of time. Land use rights which are usually prepaid, are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided over the life of the land use rights, using the straight-line method. The estimated useful life is 50 years, based on the term of the land use rights.

 

Long-Lived Assets - Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is determined based on the estimated discounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. There were no impairments at June 30, 2019 and 2020.

 

Long-term Investments

 

  -

Cost method investment - For an investee over which the Company does not have significant influence and a controlling interest, the Company carries the investment at cost and recognizes income for any dividend received from the distribution of the investee’s earnings.

 

The Company reviews its cost method investment for impairment whenever an event or circumstance indicates that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. The Company considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of its cost method investment. An impairment charge is recorded if the carrying amount of an investment exceeds its fair value and such excess is determined to be other-than-temporary.

 

  -

Equity method investment - For an investee over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have a controlling interest, the Company accounted for those using the equity method. Significant influence is generally considered to exist when the Company has an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%. Other factors, such as representation on the investee’s board of directors, voting rights and the impact of commercial arrangements, are also considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate.

 

An impairment charge is recorded if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary. The Company recorded ¥4,037,736 impairment loss on its equity method investment in unconsolidated entity during the year ended June 30, 2018. The Company did not record impairment losses on its equity method investment for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2020. No investment income or loss was recorded for the year ended June 30, 2018, and the Company recorded ¥959,905 investment loss and ¥462,879 ($65,473) investment income on its equity method investment in unconsolidated entity for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2020.

 

F-9

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Revenue Recognition - In accordance with ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, revenue is recognized when all of the following five steps are met: (i) identify the contract(s) with the customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; (v) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. The core principle underlying the new revenue recognition Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) is that the Company recognizes revenue to represent the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in such exchange. The Company identifies contractual performance obligations and determines whether revenue should be recognized at a point in time or over time, based on when goods or services are provided to a customer.

 

Disaggregation of Revenues

 

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

 

The following items represent the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source. In accordance with ASC 606-10-50-5, the Company selects categories to present disaggregated revenue that depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows are affected by economic factors and delivery conditions of products and fulfillment of obligations.

 

The Company’s disaggregation of revenues for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020 is disclosed in Note 29.

 

Automation Products and Software; Equipment and Accessories

 

The Company generates revenues primarily through delivery of standard or customized products and equipment, including automation products, furnaces and related accessories. Revenue is recognized when products are delivered, and acceptance reports are signed off by customers.

 

The sale of automation products or specialized equipment when combined with services represent a single performance obligation for the development and construction of a single asset. The Company may also provide design or installation services to clients as there may be such obligation in contracts. The promises to transfer the goods and provision of services are not separately identifiable, which is evidenced by the fact that the Company provides significant services of integrating the goods and services into a single deliverable for which the customer has contracted. For such sales arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue using input method, based on the relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs for the contract. Such method is adopted because the Company believes it best depicts the transfer of goods and services to the customer.

 

Oilfield Environmental Protection Service

 

The Company provides wastewater treatment and oily sludge disposal service to oilfield and chemical industry companies and generates revenue from special equipment, self-developed chemical products and supporting service, transfer and treatment of oily sludge. Revenue is recognized when contract obligations have been performed. For such sales arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue using input method, based on the relationship between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs for the contract. Such method is adopted because the Company believes it best depicts the transfer of services to the customer.

 

Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations

 

Contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company will allocate revenues to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We generally determine standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers or using expected cost-plus margin.

 

F-10

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Contract Balances

 

Contract balances typically arise when a difference in timing between the transfer of control to the customer and receipt of consideration occurs.

 

The following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:

 

   

June 30,

2019

   

June 30,

2020

   

June 30,

2020

 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Contract assets   ¥ 4,633,940     ¥

31,537,586

    $ 4,460,933  
Contract liabilities   ¥ 120,000     ¥ 3,486,033     $ 493,093  

 

Contract Assets, net - The Company recognizes an asset from the costs incurred to fulfill a contract when those costs meet all of the following criteria: (i) the costs relate directly to a contract or to an anticipated contract that the Company can specifically identify; (ii) the costs generate or enhance resources of the Company that will be used in satisfying (or in continuing to satisfy) performance obligations in the future; and (iii) the costs are expected to be recovered.

 

  - Pre-Contract Costs - Pre-contract costs are the amounts prepaid to suppliers for purchases of customized equipment in anticipation of obtaining planned contracts for the Company’s hardware and software revenues. If it subsequently confirms that the Company is unable to secure the planned contracts with a customer after making the advance payments for these planned contracts, the Company evaluates the probable recoverability of the pre-contract cost and charges to expenses when the Company determines that the recovery of such pre-contract cost is improbable.

 

  - Executed Contract Costs - Direct costs, such as material, labor, depreciation and amortization and subcontracting costs and indirect costs allocable to contracts include the costs of contract supervision, tools and equipment, supplies, quality control and inspection, insurance, repairs and maintenance for quality assurance purposes before clients’ initial acceptance. Once products are delivered, installed and debugged for intended use and accepted by a client, which may last from weeks to months (this process is decided by the client’s individual project construction arrangement), the Company records revenue based on the contract or the final clients’ acceptance. Minor costs for repair during the maintenance period after initial acceptance are recorded as cost of goods sold as they are incurred. All other general and administrative costs and selling costs are charged to expenses as incurred. The Company generally ships its products approximately one week to six months after production begins and the timing depends on the size of the overall project.

 

Contract liabilities - Contract liabilities are recognized for contracts where payment has been received in advance of performance under the contract. The Company’s contract liabilities consist primarily of the Company’s unsatisfied performance obligations as of the balance sheet dates. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue after control of the products or services is transferred to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met.

 

Performance Obligations - Performance obligations include delivery of products and provision of services. The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with its customer are satisfied. This occurs when the control of the goods and services have been transferred to the customer. Accordingly, revenue for sale of goods is generally recognized upon shipment or delivery depending on the shipping terms of the underlying contract, and revenue for provision of services is recognized over the service period. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods and providing services.

 

Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling activities to fulfill the Company’s promise to transfer the goods are included in revenues, and costs incurred by the Company for the delivery of goods are classified as cost of sales in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Sales, value added, and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. The Company generally offers assurance-type warranties for its products. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors that affect the warranty liability include historical product-failure experience and estimated repair costs for identified matters. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. The amount accrued for expected returns and warranty claims was immaterial as of June 30, 2020. The amount of revenue recognized during the year ended June 30, 2020 that was previously included within contract liability balances was ¥Nil.

 

F-11

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Practical Expedients Elected

 

Incremental Costs of Obtaining a Contract - The Company has elected the practical expedient permitted in ASC 340-40-25-4, which permits an entity to recognize incremental costs to obtain a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period will be less than one year and not significant.

 

Significant Financing Component - The Company has elected the practical expedient permitted in ASC 606-10-32-18, which allows an entity to not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if a contract has a duration of one year or less. As the Company’s contracts are typically less than one year in length, consideration will not be adjusted. The Company’s contracts include a standard payment term of 90 days to 180 days; consequently, there is no significant financing component within contracts.

 

Share-Based Compensation - Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense with graded vesting on a straight–line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The Company has elected to recognize compensation expenses using the Black-Scholes valuation model estimated at the grant date based on the award’s fair value.

 

Research and Development Expenses - Research and development expenses relating to improving development efficiency and the quality of the Company’s products and services, including s design of downhole automation platform systems and chemical products used for waste water treatment, are expensed as incurred.

 

Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling cost incurred to ship products to customers are included in selling and distribution expenses. Shipping and handling expenses were ¥1,170,358, ¥749,719 and ¥257,573 ($36,433) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. 

 

Leases - Before July 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC Topic 840 (“ASC 840”), Leases, and each lease is classified at the inception date as either a capital lease or an operating lease. The Company adopted ASC Topic 842, “Leases” on July 1, 2019 and used the alternative modified retrospective transition approach which permits the effects of adoption to be applied at the effective date. The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. The Company elected the ‘package of practical expedients’, which permits the Company not to reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company also elected the short-term lease exemption and combining the lease and non-lease components practical expedients. The most significant impact upon adoption relates to the recognition of new Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets for office space operating leases. As the implicit rate in lease is not readily determinable for the Company’s operating leases, the Company generally uses the incremental borrowing rate based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease payments at commencement date. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option.

 

Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  

 

Investment Payable - Investment payable is comprised of obligations due to the investee for the purchase of equity interest in the ordinary course of investment.

 

Income Taxes - Provisions for income taxes are based on taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred taxes. Deferred taxes are provided on differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, and tax carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. The Company has not been subject to any income taxes in the United States or the Cayman Islands.

 

The Company may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position would be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company has no uncertain tax position as of June 30, 2019 and 2020.

 

As of June 30, 2020, the tax years ended December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2019 for the Company’s People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) subsidiaries remain open for statutory examination by PRC tax authorities.

 

F-12

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Loss per Share - Loss Per Share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. Diluted EPS are computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of ordinary shares and dilutive potential ordinary share equivalents outstanding.

 

Potentially dilutive ordinary shares consist of ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of ordinary stock options, restricted shares and warrants (using the treasury stock method). The effect from options, restricted shares and warrants would have been anti-dilutive due to the fact that the Company incurred a net loss for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

 

Warrants -In connection of the issuance of common stocks, the Company may issue options or warrants to purchase common stock. Warrants classified as equity are initially recorded at fair value and subsequent changes in fair value are not recognized as long as the warrants continue to be classified as equity.

 

Reclassification -Advance from customers has been reclassified from other payables and reflected in its consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows as advance from customers. Contract assets have been reclassified from purchase advance and inventories and reflected in consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows as contract assets. These reclassifications have no effect on the results of operations previously reported.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement,” to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements related to recurring or nonrecurring fair value measurements by removing amounts and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels, and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The new standard requires disclosure of the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-17, "Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities". The new standard changes how entities evaluate decision-making fees under the variable interest entity guidance. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance. The standard should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings at the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The Board is issuing this Update as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards (the Simplification Initiative). The objective of the Simplification Initiative is to identify, evaluate, and improve areas of GAAP for which cost and complexity can be reduced while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. The specific areas of potential simplification in this Update were submitted by stakeholders as part of the Simplification Initiative. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company expects that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815 – 40)” (“ASU 2020-06”). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The ASU is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary complexity in U.S. GAAP. The ASU’s amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2020-06 will have on the Company’s 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 consolidated financial position, statements of operations and cash flows.

 

F-13

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 4. TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

 

Accounts receivable, net consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Third Parties   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Trade accounts receivable   ¥ 72,180,616     ¥ 53,752,527     $ 7,603,194  
Allowance for doubtful accounts     (3,645,334 )     (5,508,512 )     (779,168 )
Total third-parties, net   ¥ 68,535,282     ¥ 48,244,015     $ 6,824,026  

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Related Party   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Urumqi Yikeli Automatic Control Equipment Co., Ltd.   ¥ 3,409,912     ¥ 3,409,912     $ 482,326  
Allowance for doubtful accounts     -       (340,992 )     (48,233 )
Total related-party, net   ¥ 3,409,912     ¥ 3,068,920     $ 434,093  

 

Net recovery of provision made for doubtful accounts of accounts receivables due to third parties was ¥1,013,100 for the year ended June 30, 2018, provision made for doubtful accounts of accounts receivable due from third parties was ¥392,929 and ¥2,204,170 ($311,775) for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

Provision made for doubtful accounts of accounts receivable due from related-party was ¥0 and ¥340,992 ($48,233) for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The Company records allowance for doubtful accounts of related-party according to its general accounting policy, while the Company also makes great efforts to prevent any not-collection of receivables from related party. As of the date of this report, the outstanding balance  was received in full by the Company, the collection schedule of which if affected by COVID-19.

 

Movement of allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Beginning balance   ¥ 3,252,405     ¥ 3,645,334     $ 515,626  
Charge to expense     392,929       2,204,170       311,775  
Ending balance   ¥ 3,645,334     ¥ 5,849,504     $ 827,401  

 

NOTE 5. NOTES RECEIVABLE

 

Notes receivables represented the non-interest-bearing commercial bills the Company received from the customers for the purpose of collection of sales amounts, which generally ranged from three to six months from the date of issuance. As of June 30, 2019 and 2020, notes receivable were ¥3,073,680 and ¥4,180,885 ($591,378), respectively, As of June 30, 2019 and 2020, no notes were guaranteed or collateralized.

 

F-14

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 6. OTHER RECEIVABLES, NET

 

Other receivables, net consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Third Party   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Business advances to officers and staffs (A)   ¥ 1,013,971     ¥ 1,141,829     $ 161,510  
Deposits for projects     1,400,892       1,381,081       195,351  
VAT recoverable     3,803,556       3,746,435       529,926  
Others     1,348,913       1,614,133       228,316  
      7,567,332       7,883,478       1,115,103  
Less: Long term portion (B)     (440,015 )     (3,640 )     (515 )
Allowance for doubtful accounts     (1,461,724 )     (1,529,036 )     (216,279 )
Other receivable - current portion   ¥ 5,665,593     ¥ 6,350,802     $ 898,309  

 

  (A) Business advances to officers and staffs represent advances for business travel and sundry expenses related to oilfield or on-site installation and inspection of products through customer approval and acceptance.

  

  (B) Long-term portion are mainly tender deposits for large-scale projects or rental contracts. These funds may not be collected back until projects are finished or contracts are completed.

 

Provision for doubtful accounts of other receivables was ¥109,302, ¥259,766 and ¥67,312 ($9,522) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

Movement of allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Beginning balance   ¥ 901,930     ¥ 1,461,724     $ 206,757  
Charge to expense     259,766       67,312       9,522  
Add: reversal of bad debt allowance     300,028       -       -  
Ending balance   ¥ 1,461,724     ¥ 1,529,036     $ 216,279  

 

NOTE 7. LOANS TO THIRD PARTIES

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Working fund to third party companies   ¥ 4,960,000     ¥ 3,200,377     $ 452,687  
Allowance for doubtful accounts     -       -       -  
Total loans to third parties   ¥ 4,960,000     ¥ 3,200,377     $ 452,687  

 

Loans to third-parties are mainly used for short-term funding to support the Company’s external business partners. These loans bear no interest and have terms of no more than one year. The Company periodically reviews the loans to third parties as to whether their carrying values remain realizable. During the year ended June 30, 2020, the balance of June 30, 2019 has been fully collected, and the Company made additional loans amount of ¥9,480,000 ($1,340,928) to a third-party company with the maturity date of December 31, 2020. The loans are non-interest bearing and can be repaid any time before their maturity dates and ¥6,279,623 ($888,241) was collected by the Company as of June 30, 2020.

 

F-15

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 8. PURCHASE ADVANCES, NET

 

The Company purchased products and services from third parties during the normal course of business. Purchase advances, net consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Third Party   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Prepayment for others   ¥ 1,592,076     ¥ 381,767     $ 54,000  
Allowance for doubtful accounts     (248,500 )     (203,000 )     (28,714 )
Total purchase advances, net   ¥ 1,343,576     ¥ 178,767     $ 25,286  

 

Provision for doubtful accounts of purchase advances was ¥62,556 and ¥191,472 for the years ended June 30, 2018 and 2019, respectively, net recovery of provision made for doubtful accounts of purchase advances was ¥45,500 ($6,436) for the year ended June 30, 2020.

 

The Company recorded allowance for these advances and will continue to try to collect or get inventories delivered. These payments were advanced for certain customized equipment of the planned projects. As those projects were delayed or canceled or there is rare chance to be profitable, the Company decided to suspend those projects and recorded allowances related to advanced payments for those projects as the Company may not be able to receive those funds back. Management is still making efforts to collect partially or negotiate with venders for some other alternative solutions to minimize the Company’s loss.

 

Movement of allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Beginning balance   ¥ 452,632     ¥ 248,500     $ 35,150  
Charge to (reversal of) expense     191,472       (45,500 )     (6,436 )
Less: write-off     (395,604 )     -       -  
Ending balance   ¥ 248,500     ¥ 203,000     $ 28,714  

 

NOTE 9. INVENTORIES, NET

 

Inventories, net consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Small component parts   ¥ 57,060     ¥ 57,270     $ 8,101  
Purchased goods and raw materials     226,868       310,393       43,905  
Work in process and goods on site     533,924       133,132       18,831  
Finished goods     452,671       1,484,928       210,040  
Allowance for slow moving inventory     -       -       -  
Total inventories, net   ¥ 1,270,523     ¥ 1,985,723     $ 280,877  

 

Provisions for slow moving inventory was ¥65,245, ¥65,380 and ¥56,817 ($8,037) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

F-16

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Movement of allowance for slow-moving inventories is as follows:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Beginning balance   ¥ 1,399,524     ¥ -     $ -  
Charge to cost of sales     65,380       56,817       8,037  
Less: Selling of slow-moving items     (1,464,904 )     (56,817 )     (8,037 )
Ending balance   ¥ -     ¥ -     $ -  

 

NOTE 10. CONTRACT ASSETS, NET

 

Contract assets, net consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Third Party   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Contract assets   ¥ 4,796,153     ¥ 31,677,348     $ 4,480,702  
Impairment of contract assets     (162,213 )     (139,762 )     (19,769 )
Total contract assets, net   ¥ 4,633,940     ¥ 31,537,586     $ 4,460,933  

 

Impairment of contract asset was ¥56,072 for the year ended June 30, 2018, net recovery of impairment of contract asset was ¥233,391 and ¥22,451 ($3,176) for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

Movement of impairment of contract assets is as follows:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Beginning balance   ¥ 395,604     ¥ 162,213     $ 22,945  
Reversal of expense     (233,391 )     (22,451 )     (3,176 )
Ending balance   ¥ 162,213     ¥ 139,762     $ 19,769  

 

NOTE 11. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

 

    June 30, 
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Motor vehicles   ¥ 4,923,152     ¥ 4,741,366     $ 670,657  
Office equipment and fixtures     1,350,235       1,436,210       203,149  
Production equipment     2,580,628       30,181,761       4,269,154  
Total property and equipment     8,854,015       36,359,337       5,142,960  
Less: Accumulated depreciation     (5,192,694) )     (6,602,458 )     (933,905 )
Property and equipment, net   ¥ 3,661,321     ¥ 29,756,879     $ 4,209,055  
Construction in progress   ¥ 21,524,994     ¥ -     $ -  

 

On August 4, 2017, Gan Su BHD purchased the land use right of state-owned construction land in Yumen, Gan Su, in the amount of ¥1,361,969 ($192,648). The land use right was intended to establish production line of the oily sludge disposal projects. As of June 30, 2020, the main construction of the project has completed, and the total cost incurred in the project was ¥27.2 million ($3.8 million). Currently, Gan Su BHD has received its hazardous waste operating permit. The project has been ready for its intended use and put into production in January 2020, and at the same time, the cost of the project was transferred from construction in progress to production equipment.

 

F-17

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Depreciation expenses was ¥1,092,206, ¥1,096,772 and ¥1,582,461 ($223,836) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

  

Gain from property and equipment disposal was ¥78,285, ¥Nil and ¥89,156 ($12,611) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

NOTE 12. LAND USE RIGHTS, NET

 

Land use rights consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Land use rights   ¥ 1,361,969     ¥ 1,361,969     $ 192,648  
Less: accumulated amortization     (54,082 )     (81,321 )     (11,503 )
Land use rights, net   ¥ 1,307,887     ¥ 1,280,648     $ 181,145  

 

As of June 30, 2019 and 2020, no land use rights are collateralized or pledged.

 

Amortization expenses was ¥26,843, ¥27,239 and ¥27,239 ($3,853) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

The estimated future amortization expenses are as follows:

 

Twelve months ending June 30,    RMB     U.S. Dollars  
2021   ¥ 27,239     $ 3,853  
2022     27,239       3,853  
2023     27,239       3,853  
2024     27,239       3,853  
2025     27,239       3,853  
Thereafter     1,144,453       161,880  
Total   ¥ 1,280,648     $ 181,145  

 

NOTE 13. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITY

 

Investment in unconsolidated entity consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd   ¥ 31,078,971     ¥ 31,541,850     $ 4,461,536  

 

On August 21, 2018, the Company entered into a definitive investment agreement and a supplemental agreement (collectively, the “Agreement”) with Future Gas Station (Beijing) Technology, Ltd (“FGS”) and the other shareholders of FGS. Following full performance under the Agreement, Recon will own 43% of FGS. As consideration for increasing its affiliates’ interest in FGS from 8% to 43%, the Company will (1) pay a total of RMB 10 million in cash to FGS and (2) issue 487,057 restricted ordinary shares of the Company (the “Restricted Shares”) to the other shareholders of FGS within 30 days after FGS finalizes recording the Company’s corresponding interest at the local governmental agency. If FGS does not reach certain performance goals, the Company has the right to cancel all of the Restricted Shares and without further payment. The Restricted Shares are also subject to lock-up period requirements that vary for each of FGS shareholders, from one year to three years following issuance of the Restricted Shares. FGS has finalized recording Recon’s corresponding interest at the local governmental agency, and Recon has issued 487,057 Restricted Shares in total to the other shareholders of FGS in August 2018.

 

On September 24, 2019, the Company signed an extension agreement with FGS and the other shareholders of FGS to postpone the Agreement to provide extra period for FGS to further fulfill the goals mentioned on the supplemental agreement. During the original contract period, FGS adjusted its operation model with an advanced improvement of its App and business model. Objected user and average Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) of FGS’s App have been exceeded. FGS will need an extension to deploy its business in more provinces to complete a goal of 200 more gas stations.

 

F-18

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

On March 17, 2020, the Company signed a new supplemental agreement with FGS and the other shareholders of FGS to extend another 12 months to February 2021 for FGS and its shareholders to fulfill the goals mentioned on the supplemental agreement.

 

As of June 30, 2020, the Company has the investment amount of ¥35,579,586 ($5,032,666) in FGS, of which RMB 8.0 million was paid in cash, and owns 43% of the equity interests of FGS. The investments are accounted for using the equity method because the Company has significant influence, but no control of FGS. The Company recorded ¥4,037,736 impairment loss during the year ended June 30, 2018, which was included in “Impairment loss of investment in unconsolidated entity” in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company recorded a loss of ¥959,905 and an income of ¥462,879 ($65,473) for the years ended June 30, 2019 and 2020 from the investment, respectively, which was included in “Gain (loss) from investment in unconsolidated entity” in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. As of the date of this report, the Company is still obliged to pay RMB 6.4 million to FGS. 

 

NOTE 14. LEASES

 

Effective July 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new lease accounting standard. Adoption of this standard resulted in the recording of operating lease ROU assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities of ¥1,228,963 ($173,834) and ¥1,228,963 ($173,834), respectively, as of July 1, 2019 with no impact on accumulated deficit. Financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2019, are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance.

 

The Company leases office spaces and factories under non-cancelable operating leases, with terms ranging from one to three years. The Company considers those renewal or termination options that are reasonably certain to be exercised in the determination of the lease term and initial measurement of right of use assets and lease liabilities. Lease expense for lease payment is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.

 

The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

 

The table below presents the operating lease related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheets.

 

    June 30, 2020  
    RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Rights of use lease assets   ¥ 2,549,914     $ 360,681  
      -       -  
Operating lease liabilities – current     1,328,976       187,981  
Operating lease liabilities – non-current     1,210,088       171,165  
Total operating lease liabilities   ¥ 2,539,064     $ 359,146  

 

The weighted average remaining lease terms and discount rates for all of operating leases were as follows as of June 30, 2020:

 

    June 30, 2020  
Remaining lease term and discount rate:        
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)     2.57  
Weighted average discount rate     5 %

 

Operating lease costs and short-term lease costs for the year ended June 30, 2020 were ¥1,348,742 ($190,777) and ¥1,142,417 ($161,593), respectively.

 

F-19

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following is a schedule, by years, of maturities of lease liabilities as of June 30, 2020:

 

Twelve months ending June 30,

  RMB     U.S. Dollars  
2021   ¥ 1,423,402     $ 201,338  
2022     970,850       137,325  
2023     300,000       42,434  
Total lease payments     2,694,252       381,097  
Less: imputed interest     (144,338 )     (20,416 )
Less: prepayments     (10,850 )     (1,535 )
Present value of lease liabilities     2,539,064       359,146  
Less: operating lease liabilities – current     (1,328,976 )     (187,981 )
Operating lease liabilities – non-current   ¥ 1,210,088     $ 171,165  

 

NOTE 15. OTHER PAYABLES

 

Other payables consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Third Parties   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Service   ¥ 1,341,617     ¥ 1,685,449     $ 238,404  
Distributors and employees     219,095       273,968       38,752  
Accrued expenses     393,274       402,699       56,961  
Others     292,424       247,370       34,990  
Total   ¥ 2,246,410     ¥ 2,609,486     $ 369,107  

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Related Parties   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Expenses paid by the major shareholders   ¥ 2,029,908     ¥ 3,752,353     $ 530,764  
Due to family member of the owner of BHD     -       485,000       68,602  
Due to management staff for costs incurred on behalf of the Company     260,965       260,965       36,913  
Total   ¥ 2,290,873     ¥ 4,498,318     $ 636,279  

 

NOTE 16. TAXES PAYABLE

 

Taxes payable consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
VAT payable   ¥ 1,732,736     ¥ 660,278     $ 93,395  
Income tax payable     440,031       440,030       62,241  
Other taxes payable     8,080       7,980       1,129  
Total taxes payable   ¥ 2,180,847     ¥ 1,108,288     $ 156,765  

 

F-20

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 17. SHORT-TERM BANK LOANS

 

Short-term bank loans consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Bank of Nanjing (1)   ¥ 2,500,000     ¥ 2,500,000     $ 353,620  
Beijing Rural Commercial Bank (2)     -       6,000,000       848,689  
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (3)     -       1,020,000       144,277  
Total short-term bank loans   ¥ 2,500,000     ¥ 9,520,000     $ 1,346,586  

 

  (1) On June 12, 2019, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Bank of Nanjing to borrow ¥2,500,000 as working capital for one year, with maturity date of June 10, 2020. The loan bears a fixed interest rate of 5.655% per annum. The loan was subsequently repaid in full upon maturity. On June 1, 2020, the Company entered into another loan agreement with Bank of Nanjing to borrow ¥2,500,000 ($353,620) as working capital for one year, with maturity date of May 21, 2021. The loan bears a fixed interest rate of 4.35% per annum. The loans are guaranteed by one of the founders of the Company.

 

  (2) On April 23, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Beijing Rural Commercial Bank to borrow ¥6,000,000 ($848,689) as working capital for one year. The Company made the withdraw in an amount of ¥6,000,000 ($848,689) on April 30, 2020, which will be due on April 29, 2021. The loan bears a fixed interest rate of 5.655% per annum. The loan is guaranteed by one of the founders of the Company and he also pledged self-owned housing property with carrying value of approximately RMB 15.6 million ($2,207,440) as collateral for this loan.

 

  (3) On May 22, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China to borrow ¥1,020,000 ($144,277) as working capital for six months, with maturity date of November 18, 2020. The loan bears a fixed interest rate of 4.45% per annum.

 

Interest expense for the short-term bank loans was ¥Nil, ¥2,749 and ¥203,049 ($28,721) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

NOTE 18. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

 

Short-term borrowings due to third parties consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Short-term borrowings due to third parties:   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Short-term borrowing, 10% annual interest, due on September 8, 2019*   ¥ 1,081,096     ¥ -     $ -  
Short-term borrowing, 15% annual interest, due on June 23, 2021             200,000       28,290  
Total short-term borrowings due to third party   ¥ 1,081,096     ¥ 200,000     $ 28,290  

 

Interest expense for short-term borrowings due to third parties was ¥Nil, ¥81,096 and ¥Nil for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

*The principle of this short-term borrowing was repaid in full by the Company on August 31, 2019. The interest expense accrued for this loan was subsequently waived by the lender, as a result, the Company reversed the interest expense of ¥81,096 ($11,471) during the year ended June 30, 2020.

 

F-21

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Short-term borrowings due to related parties consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Short-term borrowings due to related parties:   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder, 5.65% annual interest, due on December 19, 2019*   ¥ 5,008,640     ¥ -     $ -  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder, 5.65% annual interest, due on March 27, 2020*     4,001,885       -       -  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder, 5.65% annual interest, due on December 19, 2020             5,008,640       708,463  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder, 4.55% annual interest, due on March 25, 2021             4,002,106       566,090  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder, interest-free, due on September 24, 2020*     -       450,000       63,652  
Short-term borrowing from a Founder's family member, interest-free, due on December 31, 2020 **     -       770,000       108,915  
Total short-term borrowings due to related parties   ¥ 9,010,525     ¥ 10,230,746     $ 1,447,120  

 

No short-term borrowings due to related parties were guaranteed or collateralized at June 30, 2019 and 2020.

 

Interest expense for short-term borrowings due to related parties was ¥325,185, ¥508,474 and ¥506,358 ($71,623) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

* The Company repaid the loans in full on maturity date. 

 

** During the year ended June 30, 2020, the Company entered into a series of loan agreements with a Founder and a Founder’s family member for a total amount of ¥8,415,000 ($1,190,287) as working capital for six months to one year. All loans are non-interest bearing and can be repaid before their maturity dates. By June 30, 2020, the Company has repaid a total of ¥7,195,000 ($1,017,720) and the remaining balance of ¥1,220,000 ($172,567) is outstanding as of June 30, 2020.

 

NOTE 19. LONG-TERM BORROWINGS DUE TO RELATED PARTY

 

Long-term borrowings due to related party consisted of the following:

 

    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
Long-term borrowings due to related party:   RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Long-term borrowing from a Founder, monthly payments of ¥126,135 inclusive of interest at 8.90%, ten years loan, due in November 2027.   ¥ 8,977,001     ¥ 8,226,599     $ 1,163,638  
Less: current portion     (780,797 )     (847,346 )     (119,856 )
Total long-term borrowings due to related party   ¥ 8,196,204     ¥ 7,379,253     $ 1,043,782  

 

No long-term borrowings due to related party were guaranteed or collateralized at June 30, 2019 and 2020.

 

Interest expense for long-term borrowings due to related party was ¥546,676, ¥826,895 and ¥763,220 ($107,956) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

The future maturities of long-term borrowings due to related party at June 30, 2020 are as follows:

 

Twelve months ending June 30,   RMB     U.S. Dollars  
2021   ¥ 847,346     $ 119,856  
2022     892,701       126,271  
2023     975,474       137,979  
2024     1,065,921       150,773  
2025     1,164,755       164,752  
Thereafter     3,280,402       464,007  
Total   ¥ 8,226,599     $ 1,163,638  

 

F-22

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 20. ORDINARY SHARES

 

Stock offering 

 

On August 21, 2018, the Company entered into a definitive investment agreement and a supplemental agreement (collectively, the “Agreement”) with FGS and the other shareholders of FGS. Following full performance under the Agreement, Recon will own 43% of FGS. As consideration for increasing its affiliates’ interest in FGS from 8% to 43%, the Company will (1) pay a total of RMB 10 million in cash to FGS and (2) issue 487,057 restricted ordinary shares of the Company (the “Restricted Shares”) to the other shareholders of FGS within 30 days after FGS finalizes recording the Company’s corresponding interest at the local governmental agency. If FGS does not reach certain performance goals, the Company has the right to cancel without further payment part or all of the Restricted Shares. The Restricted Shares are also subject to lock-up period requirements that vary for each FGS shareholder, from two and a half years to four and a half years following issuance of the Restricted Shares under the supplemental agreement dated March 17, 2020. FGS has finalized recording Recon’s corresponding interest at the local governmental agency, and Recon issued 487,057 Restricted Shares in total to the other shareholders of FGS at a price of $6.4375 per restricted share on September 21, 2018.

 

On December 10, 2019, the Company’s Board approved to effect a one-for-five reverse stock split of its ordinary shares (the “Reverse Stock Split”) with the market effective date of December 27, 2019, such that the number of the Company’s ordinary shares is decreased from 100,000,000 to 20,000,000 and the par value of each ordinary share is increased from US$0.0185 to US$0.0925. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, each five pre-split ordinary shares outstanding were automatically combined and converted to one issued and outstanding ordinary share without any action on the part of the shareholder. No fractional ordinary shares were issued to any shareholders in connection with the reverse stock split. Each shareholder was entitled to receive one ordinary share in lieu of the fractional share that would have resulted from the reverse stock split. As of December 26, 2019 (immediately prior to the effective date), there were 23,049,639 ordinary shares outstanding, and the number of ordinary shares outstanding after the Reverse Stock Split is 4,611,720, taking into account of the effect of rounding fractional shares into whole shares. In addition, all options and any other securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split (to the extent they don’t provide otherwise) will be appropriately adjusted by dividing the number of ordinary shares into which the options and other securities are exercisable by 5 and multiplying the exercise price thereof by 5, as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.

 

On May 21, 2020 and June 26, 2020, the Company and certain institutional investors (the “Purchasers”) entered into certain securities purchase agreements, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to such Purchasers an aggregate of 911,112 and 1,680,000 ordinary shares, respectively, par value $0.0925 per share in a registered direct offering and warrants to purchase up to 911,112 and 1,680,000 Ordinary Shares in a concurrent private placement, respectively, for gross proceeds of approximately $2.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other estimated offering expenses of approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The net proceeds from these purchase agreements were approximately $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

 

Appropriated Retained Earnings

 

According to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Company is required to transfer a certain portion of its net profit, as determined under PRC accounting regulations, from current net income to the statutory reserve fund. In accordance with the PRC Company Law, companies are required to transfer 10% of their profit after tax, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations, to the statutory reserves until such reserves reach 50% of the registered capital or paid-in capital of the companies. As of June 30, 2019 and 2020, the balance of total statutory reserves was ¥4,148,929 and ¥4,148,929 ($586,858), respectively.

 

F-23

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 21. COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS ISSUED TO INVESTORS

 

In May and June 2020, the Company consummated two offerings (See Note 20). In connection with the offering, the Company issued to the investors warrants to purchase an aggregate of 911,112 common shares at an exercise price of $2.25 per common share, which was amended to $1.25 per common share on the second offering on June 30, 2020. These warrants are exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, commencing on May 26, 2020 and expire on November 25, 2025. The fair value of these warrants, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, on the date of issuance was $1,689,389. Variables used in the option-pricing model include (1) risk-free interest rate at the date of grant (0.40%), (2) expected warrant life of 5.5 years, (3) expected volatility of 99.50%, and (4) expected dividend yield of 0. As of June 30, 2020, all these warrants were outstanding.

 

In June 2020, the Company issued to the investors warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,680,000 common shares at an exercise price of $1.25 per common share. These warrants are exercisable at any time, and from time to time, in whole or in part, commencing on June 30, 2020 and expire on December 30, 2025. The fair value of these warrants, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, on the date of issuance was $1,639,333. Variables used in the option-pricing model include (1) risk-free interest rate at the date of grant (0.35%), (2) expected warrant life of 5.5 years, (3) expected volatility of 104.26%, and (4) expected dividend yield of 0. As of June 30, 2020, all these warrants were outstanding.

 

NOTE 22. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock-Based Awards Plan

 

The following is a summary of the stock options activity:

 

Stock Options   Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
 
Outstanding as of June 30, 2018     163,120     $ 15.20  
Granted     -       -  
Forfeited     -       -  
Exercised     -       -  
Outstanding as of June 30, 2019     163,120     $ 15.20  
Granted     -       -  
Forfeited     -       -  
Exercised     -       -  
Expired     53,600       25.75  
Outstanding as of June 30, 2020     109,520     $ 10.02  

 

The following is a summary of the status of options outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2020:

 

Outstanding Options     Exercisable Options  
Average Exercise
Price
    Number     Average
Remaining
Contractual
life (Years)
    Average Exercise
Price
    Number     Average
Remaining
Contractual
life (Years)
 
$ 14.80       29,520       1.74     $ 14.80       29,520       1.74  
$ 8.25       80,000       4.59     $ 8.25       80,000       4.59  
          109,520                                  

 

The Share-based compensation expense recorded for stock options granted was ¥840,286, ¥Nil and ¥Nil for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. No unrecognized share-based compensation for stock options as of June 30, 2020. 

 

F-24

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Restricted Shares to Senior Management

 

As of June 30, 2020, the Company has granted restricted shares of common stock to senior management and employees as follows:

 

On October 18, 2015, the Company granted 160,000 restricted shares to its employees and non-employee director as compensation cost for awards. The fair value of the restricted shares was $704,000 based on the closing stock price $4.40 at October 18, 2015. These restricted shares were vested over three years with one-third of the shares vesting every year from the grant date. As of June 30, 2017, 3,800 shares were forfeited and went back to the incentive pool due to some staffs’ resignation. All granted shares under this plan are fully vested on October 18, 2018.

 

On July 27, 2016, the Company granted 175,200 restricted shares to its employees and non-employee director as compensation cost for awards. The fair value of the restricted shares was $963,600 based on the closing stock price $5.50 at July 27, 2016. The Company also re-granted the previously forfeited 3,800 to its employees. These restricted shares will vest over three years with one-third of the shares vesting every year from the grant date. All granted shares under this plan are fully vested on July 27, 2019.

 

On December 9, 2016, the Company approved management's new plan based on future performance for the three fiscal years from 2017 to 2019. The Company also agreed on front-issuing of shares based on the optimism situation, thus non-vested 602,000 shares were issued to management on January 23 2017. The fair value of the restricted shares was $4,063,500 based on the closing stock price $6.75 at December 9, 2016. 160,000 shares were vested during the year ended June 30, 2018 based on the financial results for the year ended June 30, 2017. 192,000 shares were vested during the year ended June 30, 2019 based on the financial results for the year ended June 30, 2018. 250,000 shares were vested during the year ended June 30, 2019 based on the financial results for the year ended June 30, 2019.

 

On October 13, 2017, the Company granted 180,000 restricted shares to its employees as compensation cost for awards. The fair value of the restricted shares was $919,800 based on the closing stock price $5.11 at October 13, 2017. These restricted shares will vest over three years with one-third of the shares vesting every year from the grant date. As of June 30, 2020, 120,000 shares were vest and 60,000 will not be vested until October 13, 2020.

 

On August 21, 2018, the Company granted 391,200 restricted shares to its employees as compensation cost for awards. The fair value of the restricted shares was $2,523,240 based on the closing stock price $6.45 at August 21, 2018. These restricted shares will vest over three years with one-third of the shares vesting every year from the grant date. The first 130,400 shares were vested on August 21, 2019. The remaining 260,800 will not be vested until August 21, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

 

1,563,667, 858,667 and 250,086 restricted shares were issued and outstanding for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, for all the plans mentioned above.

 

The share-based compensation expense recorded for restricted shares issued for management was ¥14,621,838, ¥21,288,204 and ¥7,944,835 ($1,123,782) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The total unrecognized share-based compensation expense of restricted shares issued for management and employees as of June 30, 2020 was approximately ¥7.40 million ($1.05 million), which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.07 years.  

 

F-25

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Restricted Shares for service

 

As of June 30, 2020, the Company has granted restricted ordinary shares to consultants as follows:

 

On March 31, 2017, the Company approved the grant of 40,000 restricted shares with a value of $256,020 based on the closing stock price of $6.4005 on March 31, 2017 to designees of an independent consulting firm as payment for accounting management and consulting service. The vesting period of these shares was two-year from the date of contract. The 40,000 restricted shares were issued on November 17, 2017 and September 13, 2018, respectively.

 

On April 5, 2017, the Company approved the grant of 60,000 restricted shares with a value of $390,000 based on the closing stock price of $6.50 on April 5, 2017 to a company as payment for promotion PR/IR service. The vesting period of these shares was one year from the date of contract. 60,000 restricted shares were vested and no shares were issued as of date of this report.

 

On April 24, 2017, the Company approved the grant of 100,000 restricted shares with a value of $555,050 to a company to prepare research report for online gas selling platform. The fair value of those restricted shares was based on the closing stock price of $5.505 on June 15, 2017 when the service was fully rendered to the Company. All granted shares under this plan are fully vested by June 15, 2017 and issued on November 17, 2017.

 

On August 27, 2018, the Company approved the grant of 5,000 restricted shares with a value of $32,000 based on the closing stock price of $6.40 on August 27, 2018 to a company as payment for promotion PR/IR service. The vesting period of these shares was one year from the date of contract. 5,000 restricted shares were issued under this plan on August 27, 2018 and all granted shares under this plan are fully vested by August 27, 2019.

 

The Share-based compensation expense recorded for restricted shares issued for service was ¥3,050,896, ¥845,781 and ¥33,927 ($4,799) for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.  The total unrecognized share-based compensation expense of restricted shares issued for service as of June 30, 2020 was approximately ¥Nil.

 

Following is a summary of the restricted shares granted:

 

Restricted stock grants   Shares  
Non-vested as of June 30, 2018     808,400  
Granted     396,200  
Vested     (382,956 )
Non-vested as of June 30, 2019     821,644  
Granted     -  
Vested     (500,844 )
Non-vested as of June 30, 2020     320,800  

 

The following is a summary of the status of restricted stock at June 30, 2020:

 

Outstanding Restricted Shares  
Fair Value per
Share
    Number     Average
Remaining
Amortization
Period (Years)
 
$ 5.11       60,000       0.29  
$ 6.45       260,800       1.14  
          320,800          

 

F-26

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 23. INCOME TAX

 

The Company is not subject to any income taxes in the United States or the Cayman Islands and had minimal operations in jurisdictions other than the PRC. BHD and Nanjing Recon are subject to PRC’s income taxes as PRC domestic companies. The Company follows Implementing Rules for the Enterprise Income Tax Law (“Implementing Rules”), which took effect on January 1, 2008 and unified the income tax rate for domestic-invested and foreign-invested enterprises at 25%.

 

Nanjing Recon was approved as a government-certified high-technology company and is subject to a reduced income tax rate of 15% through November 30, 2019. Nanjing Recon reapplied for a high-technology company certificate, and the new certificate was approved as November 22, 2019 and will expire on November 22, 2022.

 

As approved by the domestic tax authority in the PRC, BHD was recognized as a government-certified high-technology company on November 25, 2009 and is subject to a reduced income tax rate of 15% through November 25, 2018. BHD reapplied for a high-technology company certificate, and the new certificate was approved as October 31, 2018 and will expire on October 31, 2021.

  

Loss before provision for income taxes consisted of:

 

    June 30, 
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Outside China areas   ¥ (28,447,953 )   ¥ (10,160,525 )   $ (1,437,190 )
China     3,064,024       (9,679,757 )     (1,369,184 )
Total   ¥ (25,383,929 )   ¥ (19,840,282 )   $ (2,806,374 )

 

Deferred tax asset, net is composed of the following:

 

    June 30, 
2019
    June 30,
2020
    June 30,
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Deferred tax assets:                        
Allowance for doubtful receivables   ¥ 832,515     ¥ 1,180,160     $ 166,932  
Impairment loss from investment in unconsolidated entity     605,660       605,660       85,669  
Net operating loss carryforwards     7,456,198       10,441,633       1,476,950  
Less: Valuation allowance     (8,894,373 )     (12,162,660 )     (1,720,386 )
Total deferred tax assets   ¥ -     ¥ 64,793     $ 9,165  
Deferred tax Liability:                        
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets   ¥ -     ¥ (64,793 )   $ (9,165 )
Total deferred tax liability   ¥ -     ¥ (64,793 )     (9,165 )
Deferred tax assets, net   ¥ -     ¥ -     $ -  

 

Following is a reconciliation of income tax expense at the effective rate to income tax at the calculated statutory rates:

 

    For the years ended June 30,  
    2018     2019     2020     2020  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Income tax benefits calculated at PRC statutory rates   ¥ (5,679,505 )   ¥ (6,318,111 )   ¥ (4,960,454 )   $ (701,646 )
Nondeductible expenses and others     (65,427 )     (56,127 )     232,213       32,846  
Effect of tax rate differential     2,009,486       6,378,169       2,008,824       284,144  
Benefit of revenue exempted from enterprise income tax     (55,748 )     (279,352 )     (266,548 )     (37,703 )
Change in valuation allowances     3,869,157       673,898       3,268,287       462,293  
Tax refund     (61,733 )     -       -       -  
Provision for income tax   ¥ 16,230     ¥ 398,477     ¥ 282,322     $ 39,934  

 

F-27

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Company’s income tax expense is comprised of the following:

 

    For the years ended June 30,  
    2018     2019     2020     2020  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Current income tax provision   ¥ 16,230     ¥ 398,477     ¥ 282,322     $ 39,934  
Expense for income tax   ¥ 16,230     ¥ 398,477     ¥ 282,322     $ 39,934  

 

NOTE 24. NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

 

Non-controlling interest consisted of the following:

 

    As of June 30, 2019  
          Nanjing     Gan Su     Qinghai              
    BHD     Recon     BHD     BHD     Total     Total  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Paid-in capital   ¥ 1,651,000     ¥ 200,000     ¥ 4,350,000     ¥ -     ¥ 6,201,000     $ 903,040  
Unappropriated retained earnings     3,477,493       3,616,002       (1,351,699 )     (826,664 )     4,915,132       715,783  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (18,850 )     (11,853 )     -       -       (30,703 )     (4,471 )
Total non-controlling interests   ¥ 5,109,643     ¥ 3,804,149     ¥ 2,998,301     ¥ (826,664 )   ¥ 11,085,429     $ 1,614,352  

 

    As of June 30, 2020  
          Nanjing     Gan Su     Qinghai              
    BHD     Recon     BHD     BHD     Total     Total  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Paid-in capital   ¥ 1,651,000     ¥ 200,000     ¥ 4,755,000     ¥ -     ¥ 6,606,000     $ 934,406  
Unappropriated retained earnings     3,477,493       3,616,002       (2,100,871 )     (953,395 )     4,039,229       571,342  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (18,850 )     (11,853 )     -       -       (30,703 )     (4,343 )
Total non-controlling interests   ¥ 5,109,643     ¥ 3,804,149     ¥ 2,654,129     ¥ (953,395 )   ¥ 10,614,526     $ 1,501,405  

 

The Company received capital contribution from non-controlling shareholders of Gan Su BHD amounted to ¥3,500,000, ¥850,000 and ¥405,000 ($57,286) during the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The Company received capital contribution from non-controlling shareholders of Qing Hai BHD amounted to ¥200,000 during the year ended June 30, 2018 and returned ¥200,000 paid in capital back to one of the individual shareholders of Qing Hai BHD during the year ended June 30, 2019. No capital contribution was received from non-controlling shareholders during the year ended June 30, 2020.

 

NOTE 25. CONCENTRATIONS

 

For the year ended June 30, 2018, CNPC represented approximately 45% and another customer represented approximately 43% of the Company’s revenue. At June 30, 2018, CNPC accounted for 29% and another two customers accounted for 22% and 14% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable, net, respectively.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2019, CNPC represented approximately 39% and another two customers represented approximately 24% and 12% of the Company’s revenue, respectively. At June 30, 2019, CNPC accounted for 31% and another three customers accounted for 18%, 14% and 10% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable, net, respectively.

 

For the year ended June 30, 2020, CNPC represented approximately 39% and another two customers represented approximately 31% and 17% of the Company’s revenue, respectively. At June 30, 2020, CNPC accounted for 36% and another two customers accounted for 11% and 10% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable, net, respectively.

 

F-28

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 26. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCY

 

(a) Contingency

 

The Labor Contract Law of the PRC requires employers to assure the liability of severance payments if employees are terminated and have been working for the employers for at least two years prior to January 1, 2008. The employers will be liable for one month of severance pay for each year of the service provided by the employees. As of June 30, 2020, the Company estimated its severance payments of approximately ¥3.9 million ($0.6 million) which has not been reflected in its consolidated financial statements, because management cannot predict what the actual payment, if any, will be in the future. 

 

(b) Purchase commitment

 

The total future minimum purchase commitment under the non-cancellable purchase contracts as of June 30, 2020 are payable as follows:

 

Twelve months ending June 30,

  Minimum purchase commitment  
2021   ¥ 2,526,259     $ 357,335  
Thereafter     -       -  
Total minimum payments required   ¥ 2,526,259     $ 357,335  

 

(c) Office Leases Commitment - short term

 

The Company entered into several non-cancellable operating lease agreements for office spaces and factories. Future payments under such leases were included in lease liabilities as disclosed in Note 14, other than those within under lease agreements within one year which are disclosed as follows as of June 30, 2021:

 

Twelve months ending June 30,   RMB     U.S. Dollars  
2021   ¥ 578,819     $ 81,873  
Total   ¥ 578,819     $ 81,873  

 

NOTE 27. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

 

Sales to related partysales to related party consisted of the following:

 

    For the years ended June 30,  
    2018     2019     2020     2020  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Urumqi Yikeli Automatic Control Equipment Co., Ltd.   ¥ 577,009     ¥ 3,726,894     ¥ -     $ -  
Total revenues from related party   ¥ 577,009     ¥ 3,726,894     ¥ -     $ -  

 

Prepaid expenses - related partiesprepaid expenses - related parties consisted of the following:

 

    June 30, 
2019
    June 30, 
2020
    June 30, 
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Founders   ¥ 132,600     ¥ -     ¥ -  
Founders' family member     85,000       -       -  
Total prepaid expenses - related parties   ¥ 217,600     ¥ -     $ -  

 

Leases from related parties - The Company has various agreements for the lease of office space owned by the Founders and their family members. The terms of the agreement state that the Company will continue to lease the property at a monthly rent of ¥120,000 with annual rental expense at ¥1.44 million ($0.20 million).

 

The details of leases from related parties are as below:

 

            Monthly Rent     Monthly Rent  
Lessee   Lessor   Rent Period   RMB     USD  
Nanjing Recon   One of the Founders   April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2022   ¥ 40,000     $ 5,658  
BHD   One of the Founders   Jan 1, 2020- Dec 31, 2020     22,500       3,183  
BHD   Founders' family member   Jan 1, 2020- Dec 31, 2020     47,500       6,719  
Recon-BJ   One of the Founders   July 1, 2020-Jun 1 ,2021     10,000       1,414  

 

As of June 30, 2020, the operating lease ROU assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities of leases from related parties was ¥803,503 ($113,654) and ¥803,503 ($113,654), respectively.

  

F-29

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Guarantee/collateral related parties – The Company’s founders provide guarantee and collateral for the Company’s short-term bank loans (see Note 17).

 

NOTE 28. Variable Interest Entities

 

VIEs are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision-making ability. All VIEs and their subsidiaries with which the Company is involved must be evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary of the risks and rewards of the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE for financial reporting purposes.

 

Summary information regarding consolidated VIEs is as follows:

 

    June 30, 
2019
    June 30, 
2020
    June 30, 
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
ASSETS                        
Current Assets                        
Cash   ¥ 444,763     ¥ 6,388,098     $ 903,585  
Notes receivable     3,073,680       4,180,885       591,378  
Trade accounts receivable, net     68,535,282       44,031,079       6,228,114  
Trade accounts receivable- related party, net     3,409,912       3,068,920       434,093  
Inventories, net     1,270,523       1,985,723       280,877  
Other receivables, net     5,496,813       6,342,009       897,065  
Loans to third parties     4,960,000       3,200,377       452,687  
Purchase advances, net     1,343,576       75,195       10,636  
Contract assets, net     4,633,940       31,537,586       4,460,933  
Prepaid expenses     -       42,294       5,982  
Prepaid expenses - related parties     217,600       -       -  
Total current assets     93,386,089       100,852,166       14,265,350  
                         
Property and equipment, net     3,661,321       29,756,879       4,209,055  
Construction in progress     21,524,994       -       -  
Land use right, net     1,307,887       1,280,648       181,145  
Investment in unconsolidated entity     4,000,000       4,000,000       565,793  
Long-term other receivables, net     440,015       3,640       515  
Prepayments for construction in progress     1,144,098       -       -  
Right of use assets     -       2,549,914       360,681  
Total Assets   ¥ 125,464,404     ¥ 138,443,247     $ 19,582,539  
                         
LIABILITIES                        
Short-term bank loan   ¥ 2,500,000     ¥ 9,520,000     $  1,346,586  
Trade accounts payable     14,089,293       18,903,080        2,673,805  
Other payables     946,941       1,115,209       157,744  
Other payable- related parties     1,532,662       3,113,460       440,393  
Advance from customers     120,000       3,486,033       493,093  
Accrued payroll and employees' welfare     988,785       850,841       120,350  
Taxes payable     2,180,805       1,108,265       156,762  
Short-term borrowings     1,081,096       200,000       28,290  
Short-term borrowings - related parties     9,010,525       10,230,746       1,447,120  
Long-term borrowings - related party - current portion     780,797       847,346       119,856  
Operating lease liabilities - current     -       1,328,976       187,981  
Total current liabilities     33,230,904       50,703,956       7,171,980  
                         
Operating lease liabilities - non-current     -       1,210,088       171,165  
Long-term borrowings - related party     8,196,204       7,379,253       1,043,782  
Total Liabilities   ¥ 41,427,108     ¥ 59,293,297     $ 8,386,927  

 

F-30

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The financial performance of VIEs reported in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended June 30, 2018 includes revenues of ¥84,712,046, operating expenses of ¥22,441,733, and net loss of ¥22,734,249. The financial performance of VIEs reported in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended June 30, 2019 includes revenues of ¥102,384,327, operating expenses of ¥21,501,642, and net income of ¥3,500,635. The financial performance of VIEs reported in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss for the year ended June 30, 2020 includes revenues of ¥45,681,441 ($6,461,555), operating expenses of ¥20,811,514 ($2,943,750), and net loss of ¥10,563,458 ($1,494,181).

 

NOTE 29. SEGMENT REPORTING

 

ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments on a basis consistent with the Company’s internal organizational structure as well as information about geographical areas, business segments and major customers in financial statements for details on the Company’s business segments. The Company uses the “management approach” in determining reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source for determining the Company’s reportable segments. Management, including the chief operating decision maker, reviews operation results by the revenue of different products. Based on management’s assessment, the Company has determined that it has three operating segments: automation product and software, equipment and accessories and oilfield environmental protection.

 

The following tables present summary information by segment for the years ended June 30, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively:

 

    For the year ended June 30,  
    2018     2019     2020     2020  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Automation product and software   ¥ 18,989,924     ¥ 63,577,177     ¥ 51,413,830     $ 7,272,390  
Equipment and accessories     63,960,425       23,951,132       14,222,623       2,011,764  
Oilfield environmental protection     1,761,697       14,856,018       124,198       17,568  
Total revenue   ¥ 84,712,046     ¥ 102,384,327     ¥ 65,760,651     $ 9,301,722  

 

    For the year ended June 30, 2020  
    Automation
product and
software
    Equipment
and
accessories
    Oilfield
environmental
protection
    Total  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB  
Revenue   ¥ 51,413,830     ¥ 14,222,623     ¥ 124,198     ¥ 65,760,651  
Cost of revenue and related tax     38,257,914       7,683,662       212,679       46,154,255  
Gross profit   ¥ 13,155,916     ¥ 6,538,961     ¥ (88,481 )   ¥ 19,606,396  
Depreciation and amortization   ¥ 98,756     ¥ 683,522     ¥ 827,422     ¥ 1,609,700  
Total capital expenditures   ¥ 85,975     ¥ -     ¥ 3,782,911     ¥ 3,868,886  
                                 
Timing of revenue recognition                                
Goods transferred at a point in time   ¥ 10,871,301     ¥ 14,222,623     ¥ -     ¥ 25,093,924  
Services rendered over time     40,542,529       -       124,198       40,666,727  
Total revenue   ¥ 51,413,830     ¥ 14,222,623     ¥ 124,198     ¥ 65,760,651  

 

    For the year ended June 30, 2019  
    Automation
product and
software
    Equipment
and
accessories
    Oilfield
environmental
protection
    Total  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB  
Revenue   ¥ 63,577,177     ¥ 23,951,132     ¥ 14,856,018     ¥ 102,384,327  
Cost of revenue and related tax     49,356,155       15,039,628       8,123,180       72,518,963  
Gross profit   ¥ 14,221,022     ¥ 8,911,504     ¥ 6,732,838     ¥ 29,865,364  
Depreciation and amortization   ¥ 78,760     ¥ 1,018,012     ¥ 27,239     ¥ 1,124,011  
Total capital expenditures   ¥ 162,060     ¥ 1,573,896     ¥ 4,606,823     ¥ 6,342,779  
                                 
Timing of revenue recognition                                
Goods transferred at a point in time   ¥ 24,514,246     ¥ 23,951,132     ¥ -     ¥ 48,465,378  
Services rendered over time     39,062,931       -       14,856,018       53,918,949  
Total revenue   ¥ 63,577,177     ¥ 23,951,132     ¥ 14,856,018     ¥ 102,384,327  

 

F-31

 

 

RECON TECHNOLOGY, LTD

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

    For the year ended June 30, 2018  
    Automation
product and
software
    Equipment
and
accessories
    Oilfield
environmental
protection
    Total  
    RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB  
Revenue   ¥ 18,989,924     ¥ 63,960,425     ¥ 1,761,697     ¥ 84,712,046  
Cost of revenue and related tax     17,036,393       62,115,400       1,410,068       80,561,861  
Gross profit   ¥ 1,953,531     ¥ 1,845,025     ¥ 351,629     ¥ 4,150,185  
Depreciation and amortization   ¥ 48,127     ¥ 1,044,079     ¥ 26,843     ¥ 1,119,049  
Total capital expenditures   ¥ 100,327     ¥ 1,403,083     ¥ 10,519,072     ¥ 12,022,482  
                                 
Timing of revenue recognition                                
Goods transferred at a point in time   ¥ 2,993,596     ¥ 63,960,425     ¥ -     ¥ 66,954,021  
Services transferred over time     15,996,328       -       1,761,697       17,758,025  
Total revenue   ¥ 18,989,924     ¥ 63,960,425     ¥ 1,761,697     ¥ 84,712,046  

 

    June 30, 
2019
    June 30, 
2020
    June 30, 
2020
 
    RMB     RMB     U.S. Dollars  
Total assets:                        
Automation product and software   ¥ 71,337,589     ¥ 81,743,307     $ 11,562,437  
Equipment and accessories     50,800,483       61,578,632       8,710,183  
Oilfield environmental protection     34,843,482       51,092,865       7,226,991  
Total Assets   ¥ 156,981,554     ¥ 194,414,804     $ 27,499,611  

 

NOTE 30. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On June 29, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Bank of Nanjing to borrow ¥1,500,000 ($212,172) as working capital for one year. The Company made the withdrawal in an amount of ¥1,500,000 ($212,172) on July 1, 2020, which will be due on June 27, 2021. The loan bears a fixed interest rate of 4.35% per annum. The loan is guaranteed by one of the founders of the Company.

 

F-32

 

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