UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

(Mark One)

¨   REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (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 December 31, 2015
    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: 001-33429

 

Acorn International, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Not applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Cayman Islands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

19/F, 20th Building, 487 Tianlin Road, Shanghai 200233

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

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
American Depositary Shares, each representing
twenty ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per
share		   New York Stock Exchange

 

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: 76,531,135

 

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 transaction 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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes    ¨ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. 

Large accelerated filer ¨    Accelerated filer ¨  Non-accelerated filer x

 

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

 US 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 Exchange Act). ¨ Yes x No

 

 

 

 

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
INTRODUCTION 3
     
PART I   5
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS 5
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE 5
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION 5
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY 35
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 59
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS 59
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES 72
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 80
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 83
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING 85
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 86
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 92
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES 93
     
PART II   93
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES 93
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS 93
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 94
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT 95
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS 95
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 95
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES 95
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS 95
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT 95
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 96
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE 96
     
PART III   97
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 97
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 97
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS 98
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-1

 

 2 

 

  

INTRODUCTION

 

Except where the context otherwise requires and for purposes of this annual report only, references to:

 

  • “ordinary shares” are to our ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share;

 

  • “ADSs” are to our American depositary shares, each of which represents twenty ordinary shares;

 

  • “ADRs” are to American depositary receipts, which, if issued, evidence our ADSs;

 

  • “$”, “US$”, “USD” and “U.S. dollars” are to the legal currency of the United States;

 

  • “China” and the “PRC” are to the People’s Republic of China, excluding Taiwan and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau;

 

  • “variable interest entities,” or “VIEs,” refer to Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd., Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. and Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd., the domestic PRC companies in which we do not have equity interests but whose financial results have been consolidated into our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP due to our having effective control over, and our being the primary beneficiary of, the three companies;

 

  • “consolidated affiliated entities” refer to our variable interest entities and their direct and indirect subsidiaries;

 

  • “RMB” and “Renminbi” are to the legal currency of China; and

 

  • “we”, “us”, “our”, “our company” and “our Group” refer to Acorn International, Inc., its predecessor entities, subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities, as the context may require.

 

This annual report on Form 20-F includes our audited consolidated statements of operation data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, and audited consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2015.

 

We completed the initial public offering of our ADSs in May 2007. Our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ATV”.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those listed under “Risk Factors,” which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward- looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigations Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “aim”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “is/are likely to”, “may”, “plan”, “potential”, “will” or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements included in this annual report relate to, among others:

 

  • anticipated operating results for 2016;

 

  • our ability to reduce our losses, generate cash flows and fund our operations;

 

  • our goals and strategies, our expansion plans and our success in developing our business model;

 

  • expected trends in our direct sales platform and our distribution network, and in our margins and certain cost or expense items as a percentage of our net revenues;

 

  • our future business development, financial condition and results of operations;

 

  • our ability to introduce successful new products and attract new customers;

 

  • our ability to maintain and build our brand and revenue for our direct sales products, particularly following our decisions to terminate the purchase of TV airtime for TV direct sales;

 

  • our ability to manage our featured product lines;

 

  • competition from companies in a number of industries, including internet companies that provide direct sales marketing in China for consumer products;

 

•our ability to effectively control our cost of sales and efficiently access media channels;

 

•PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to our businesses;

 

•general economic and business condition in China and elsewhere; and

 

•assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing.

 

 3 

 

  

The forward-looking statements made in this annual report relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this annual report. We would like to caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and you should read these statements in conjunction with the risk factors disclosed in “Item 3.D. Key Information — Risk Factors.” Those risks are not exhaustive. We operate in an emerging and evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should read thoroughly this annual report and the documents that we refer to with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. All forward-looking statements included herein attributable to us or other parties or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

 4 

 

  

PART I 

 

ITEM 1.IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2.OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3.KEY INFORMATION

 

A.Selected Financial Data

  

The following selected consolidated statements of operations data for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, and are included elsewhere in this annual report. Our selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012, and our consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this annual report. Our selected consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. Our historical results for any period are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period. The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements and related notes and Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in this annual report.

 

 5 

 

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015 
   (in thousands, except share and per share data) 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Data                    
Revenues:                         
Direct sales, net  $291,525   $193,615   $136,416   $45,233   $19,406 
Distribution sales, net   70,533    48,959    48,295    49,522    28,140 
Total revenues, net   362,058    242,574    184,711    94,755    47,546 
                          
Cost of revenues:                         
Direct sales   160,360    96,472    57,445    24,353    13,388 
Distribution sales   45,584    35,475    35,046    32,570    21,499 
Total cost of revenues   205,944    131,947    92,491    56,923    34,887 
Gross profit   156,114    110,627    92,220    37,832    12,659 
                          
Operating (expenses) income:                         
Advertising expenses   (68,563)   (58,338)   (51,731)   (16,233)   (2,204)
Other selling and marketing expenses                         
    (59,854)   (50,346)   (54,874)   (40,177)   (25,185)
General and administrative expenses(1)                         
    (31,681)   (27,071)   (30,681)   (28,417)   (27,839)
Other operating income, net   5,084    3,277    2,615    2,121    1,712 
Total operating expenses   (155,014)   (132,478)   (134,671)   (82,706)   (53,516)
Income (loss) from operations   1,100    (21,851)   (42,451)   (44,874)   (40,857)
Other income (expense), net   7,822    5,755    3,394    1,954    1,017 
Income tax expense   (3,111)   (1,822)   (646)   (1,171)   (183)
Equity in losses of affiliates   (772)   —    (206)   (235)   (227)
Net income (loss)(2)(3)   5,039    (17,918)   (39,908)   (44,326)   (40,250)
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests   (84)   8    (12)   3    (91)
Net income (loss) attributable to Acorn International, Inc. shareholders   5,123    (17,926)   (39,896)   (44,329)   (40,159)
Income (loss) per ordinary share:                         
Basic and Diluted  $0.06   $(0.20)  $(0.47)  $(0.54)  $(0.51)
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating income (loss) per ordinary share                         
Basic   89,629,395    89,965,979    84,115,169    82,690,613    79,226,404 
Diluted   89,796,835    89,965,979    84,115,169    82,690,613    79,226,404 

 

 

 6 

 

 

   As of December 31, 
   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015 
   (in thousands) 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Data                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $111,180   $90,975   $82,552   $34,686   $12,147 
Prepaid advertising expenses   11,655    8,563    3,215    6,162    475 
Total assets   245,676    207,397    175,354    125,732   240,719 
Deferred revenue   —    904    787    667    548 
Total liabilities   48,781    27,596    39,082    34,060    62,006 
Ordinary shares   

946

    

946

    

949

    

952

    

890

 
Additional paid-in capital   

160,633

    

161,057

    

161,500

    

161,925

    

161,308

 
Retained earnings   

15,960

    

(1,966

)   

(41,862

)   

(86,191

)   

(126,349

)
Accumulated other comprehensive income   

30,321

    

30,721

    

35,285

    

34,585

    

162,580

 
Treasury stock   

(11,464

)  

(11,464

)  

(20,109

)  

(20,109

)  

(20,109

)
Non-controlling interests   

499

    

507

    

509

    

510

    

392

 
Total equity   

196,895

    

179,801

    

136,272

    

91,672

    

178,713

 
Total liabilities and equity  $245,676   $207,397   $175,354   $125,732   $240,719 

 

Note:  Accumulated other comprehensive income in 2015 primarily reflects our unrealized gain on available-for-sales securities. See Notes 8 and 9 to our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
   (in thousands, except percentages) 
Selected Operating Data               
Number of inbound calls generated through direct sales platforms   3,702    1,204    92 
Conversion rate for inbound calls to product purchase orders   31.2%   13.0%   11.5%
Total TV direct sales program minutes   115    131    3 

 

Note:  Beginning in 2014, we reduced our TV advertising purchases for infomercials and in the first quarter of 2015 we discontinued our TV direct sales operations.

 

 

(1)Includes share-based compensation of:

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015 
           (in thousands)         
General and administrative expenses  $(130)  $(424)  $(446)  $(428)  $(71)

 

(2)Includes:

 

       For the years ended December 31,     
   2011   2012   2013   2014   2015 
           (in thousands)         
Share-based compensation  $(130)  $(424)  $(446)  $(428)  $(71)
(Loss) Gain on change in fair value of derivative assets   306    —    —    —    — 

 

(3)Net income (loss) for the periods presented reflect effective tax rates, which may not be representative of our long- term expected effective tax rates in light of the tax holidays and exemptions enjoyed by certain of our PRC subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities. See Item 5.A, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Taxation”.

 

Exchange Rate Information

 

We have published our financial statements in U.S. dollars. Our business is primarily conducted in China and substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Renminbi. Periodic reports will be made to shareholders and will be expressed in U.S. dollars using the then current exchange rates. The conversion of Renminbi into U.S. dollars in this annual report is based on the official base exchange rate published by the People’s Bank of China. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in Renminbi are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange as of the balance sheet date; equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates and revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated using the average rate for the year as published by the People’s Bank of China. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars in this annual report were made at $1.00 to RMB6.4936, which was the prevailing rate on December 31, 2015. The prevailing rate on May 13, 2016 was $1.00 to RMB6.5246. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. The PRC government imposes controls over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange and through restrictions on foreign trade.

 

 7 

 

  

The following table sets forth various information concerning exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar for the periods indicated. These rates are provided solely for your convenience and are not necessarily the exchange rates that we used in this annual report or will use in the preparation of our periodic reports or any other information to be provided to you.

 

Period  Noon Buying Rate 
   Period End   Average(1)   Low   High 
   (RMB per U.S. Dollar) 
2011   6.3009    6.4445    6.6349    6.3009 
2012   6.2855    6.3085    6.3495    6.2670 
2013   6.0969    6.1896    6.2898    6.0969 
2014   6.1190    6.1428    6.1710    6.0930 
2015   6.4936    6.2284    6.4936    6.1079 
October   6.3495    6.3486    6.3614    6.3231 
November   6.3962    6.3666    6.3962    6.3154 
December   6.4936    6.4476    6.4936    6.3851 
2016                    
January   6.5516    6.5526    6.5646    6.5032 
February   6.5237    6.5349    6.5118    6.5539 
March   6.4480    6.5027    6.5500    6.4480 
April   6.4589    6.4877    6.5120    6.4579 
May (through May 13, 2016)   6.5246    6.5066    6.5246    6.4565 

 

(1)Annual average for any given year is calculated by using the average of the exchange rates on the end of each month during such year. Monthly average for any given month is calculated by using the average of the daily rates during such month.

 

B.Capitalization and Indebtedness

  

Not applicable.

 

C.Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

D.Risk Factors

 

Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry

 

If various measures to reduce operating expenses or generate additional cash flows are unsuccessful, we may continue to experience significant net losses and negative cash flows.

 

We had a net loss of approximately $39.9 million, $44.3 million and $40.2 million in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. In our 2014 annual report filed with the U.S. SEC in May 2015, we indicated that there was substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern. In response, we began implementing, a series of initiatives, some of which are ongoing, designed to liquidate our non-core assets, stabilize our core businesses, reduce our expenses and losses, and generate additional cash flow. Among other related actions:

 

  · in 2015 and in early 2016, we sold a number of non-core properties in Shanghai and Beijing for a total consideration of approximately $14.5 million;

 

  · we are in the process of transferring to a third party our land use rights to a piece of land in the Qingpu district of Shanghai and selling a warehouse and factory constructed by us which is located on that land (which if completed could close in 2016);

 

  · in the first quarter of 2015, we discontinued our TV direct sales channel and related TV adverting time purchases in response to various increasingly restrictive PRC regulations on TV advertising time (in 2014 we had already began reducing our TV advertising expenditures in response to increasing PRC regulation and TV advertising pricing);

 

  · we consolidated our four call center facilities into one call center in Wuxi, China with significant related headcount reductions;

 

  · in the first four months of 2016, we have sold approximately 5.9 million shares in Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd. for aggregate consideration of RMB94.6 million, or $14.6 million; and

 

  · we have subleased excess warehouse space to third parties, resulting in a decrease in associated costs and an increase in non-operating revenue in 2015.

 

Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability and positive cash flow from operating activities depends on various factors, including our ability to grow revenue and control our costs and expenses, the effectiveness of our selling and marketing activities, consumer acceptance of our products and the growth and maintenance of our customer base. We may fail to achieve or sustain profitability or positive cash flow from operating and other activities. See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results—Overview” and “—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 

 8 

 

 

We do not believe our 2015 results of operation are comparable to our historical operating results or are necessarily a reliable indicator of our future operating results, making it difficult for you to evaluate our business or future prospects; our 2016 total net revenues may be lower than 2015 total net revenues.

 

Our 2015 operating results were impacted by, among other factors, our decision to deemphasize our TV direct sales channel beginning in 2014 and then to discontinue those operations in the first quarter of 2015; our cash generation and cost cutting efforts and related charges and expenses; the streamlining of our business model; and the pendency of a legal dispute between two groups of our shareholders relating to the management and direction of our company and the related diversion of our management’s attention from our business and litigation-related prohibitions on our pursuing transactions outside our ordinary course of business. Our 2016 results may be impacted by these events and our ongoing efforts to evolve our business model.

 

Historically, a significant portion of our revenues were generated through TV direct sales and one of our largest expenses was our purchase of TV advertising time (which typically was 90% dedicated to TV infomercial time). Consistent with deemphasizing in 2014, and then discontinuing in the first quarter of 2015, our TV direct sales channel, TV direct sales revenues decreased from $56.2 million in 2013 to $5.7 million in 2014 and further to $0.3 million in 2015 (or approximately 30.4%, 6.0% and 0.7% of our total gross revenues in those periods). We also believe that product sales through our distribution channel are also adversely impacted by decreased advertising expenditures.

 

Our 2015 operating results include various charges and expenses in connection with efforts to generate cash and cut costs, including $4.9 million of severance costs in connection with our headcount reduction.

 

In addition, as a result of the shareholder dispute that is more generally described in “Item 8A Financial Information—Consolidated financial statements and other financial information—Legal Proceedings”, we incurred substantial direct costs associated with ongoing legal proceedings in the Cayman Islands, including fees and expenses of various professionals to advise us on this matter, including legal advisors, as well as substantial indirect costs to us resulting from the dispute, including potentially (in some cases), but not limited to derivative law suits in China separate from but related to the dispute, inappropriate severance payments, excess payment to third-party vendors and suppliers, distraction of management and staff from the core business to focus, and lost opportunities. We estimate that the total direct costs associated with the legal proceedings related to the shareholder dispute were approximately $0.4 million for 2015. Although the shareholder dispute was generally resolved in May 2015, we may experience ongoing related disputes or expenses.

 

As more fully described below under “Historical disputes regarding control of our strategic direction and control of our board of directors could adversely impact our business, operating results and prospects” and in “Item 7 Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions— Transitional Services and Separation Agreement”, we entered into settle arrangements with Mr. Yang and Mr. Roche and exchanged certain liability releases. Other than those arrangements, we have not entered into any agreements settling any claims or provided or received any releases from any of the directors or shareholders involved in the dispute with respect to the matters leading up to or resulting from the dispute. We may be subject to indemnification claims or legal proceedings with respect to these matters which may result in corresponding fees and expenses (including attorney’s fees) which would negatively impact our future financial results.

 

The overall impact of these events (including discontinuing our TV direct sales platform) on our future operating results depends on, among other things, our success in reshaping our business model, our ability to promote our products through our other existing platforms and distribution networks, our ability to establish new direct sales platforms or distribution networks, and the degree to which distribution sales of our products are impacted by the cessation of our TV direct sales programs.

 

Our evolving business model and the evolution of China’s direct sales industry makes it difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects.

 

Our business model has varied throughout our operating history in response to changes in the direct sales industry and the regulatory environment in China. In response to regulatory changes our direct sales model now consists of outbound marketing and Internet sales. Also, as the direct sales industry has evolved we have begun to focus on sourcing other branded products to complement our own proprietary-branded product lines, including Ozing electronic learning products and Youngleda health products, for distribution through our direct sales channel and our distribution channel.

 

The evolution of our business model makes it difficult for you to evaluate our business and future prospects. Our longer term goal is to become one of the leading marketing and branding companies in China that markets and distributes our proprietary, self-owned brands and products as well as well-established and promising new third-party brands and products. To achieve this goal, we need to continue to grow our business across platforms and product lines. Our ability to successfully implement our strategy is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including:

 

 9 

 

 

  • our relatively short history in the Internet business;

 

  • our ability to maintain awareness of our brands, generate sales and develop customer loyalty through our direct sales platform, particularly following our termination of TV direct sales;

 

  • our ability to anticipate and adapt to new media platforms and technological developments;

 

  • changes in government regulations, industry consolidation and other significant competitive and market dynamics;

 

  • our ability to upgrade our technology or infrastructure to keep pace with our current and future direct sales platforms; and

 

  • the potential need in the future for additional capital to finance our expansion of these business operations, which may not be available on reasonable terms or at all; and

 

  • the need to recruit additional skilled employees, including technicians and managers at different levels.

 

There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively manage these risks or execute our business strategies, which could have a material adverse effect on our growth, results of operations and business prospects.

 

Our operating results fluctuate from period to period, making them difficult to predict.

 

Our operating results are highly dependent upon, and will fluctuate based on, the following product-related factors:

 

  • the mix of products selected by us for marketing through our direct sales platforms and our nationwide distribution network and their average selling prices;

 

  • negative publicity about our products;

 

  • new product introductions by us or our competitors and our ability to identify new products;

 

  • the availability of competing products and possible reductions in the sales price of our products over time in response to competitive offerings or in anticipation of our introduction of new or upgraded offerings;

 

  • seasonality with respect to certain of our products, such as our electronic learning products, for which sales are typically higher around our first and third fiscal quarters corresponding with the end and beginning of school semesters in China, respectively;

 

  • the market of certain featured products becoming saturated over time;

 

  • discounts offered to our distributors as part of incentive plans to stimulate sales;

 

  • the success of our distributors in promoting and selling our products locally;

 

  • the potential negative impact distributor sales may have on our own direct sales efforts; and

 

  • depletion of our pool of quality names or data for outbound marketing.

 

In addition, factors not directly relating to our products which could cause our operating results to fluctuate in a particular period or in comparison to a prior period include:

 

  • new laws, regulations or rules promulgated by the PRC government governing the consumer products marketing and branding industries;

 

  • natural disasters, such as the severe snow storms or earthquake experienced by China in 2008;

 

  • the amount and timing of operating expenses incurred by us, including our media procurement expenses, inventory-related losses, bad debt expense, product returns and options grants to our employees;

 

  • gains and losses related to our sale of non-core assets and our investments in marketable and other securities; and

 

  • the level of advertising and other promotional efforts by us and our competitors in a particular period.

 

Due to these and other factors, our operating results will vary from period to period, will be difficult to predict for any given period, may be adversely affected from period to period and may not be indicative of our future performance. If our operating results for any period fall below our expectations or the expectations of investors or any market analyst that may issue reports or analyses regarding our ADSs, the price of our ADSs is likely to decrease.

 

Changes in the quoted prices for Shanghai Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd., or Yimeng,  on the China National Equities Exchange and Quotations, or NEEQ, will cause the carrying value of our Yimeng shares to vary impacting our comprehensive net income; and our ability to sell our Yimeng shares at desired prices or in desired volumes will be impacted by related developments in the NEEQ market and the market for Yimeng shares.

 

In July 2015, Yimeng listed on the NEEQ and at December 31, 2015 our 10.34% ownership stake in Yimeng was valued at $181.2 million.   Beginning in January 2016, we started to sell Yimeng shares on the NEEQ.  Through April 30, 2016, we reduced our ownership stake in Yimeng to 9.0% and at April 30, 2015 our remaining ownership stake (consisting of approximately 39.3 million Yimeng shares) was valued at $92.7 million. Our management will consider additional sales of Yimeng shares as it deems appropriate.

 

The NEEQ is a new over-the-counter (OTC) market in China listing companies not otherwise eligible for listing on China’s other markets including the Shanghai and Beijing Main Boards.  Both the NEEQ and Yimeng’s shares on the NEEQ have experienced significant volatility and limited liquidity.    Since Yimeng’s July 2015 listing, the daily quoted price for its shares has fluctuated with a high of RMB26.25 on December 31, 2015 and a low of RMB1.18 on August 21, 2015.   Similarly, weekly trading volumes have ranged from a high of 69,700,000 shares in the week ended November 27, 2015 to a low of 510,000 shares in the week ended September 11, 2015.  As of April 30, Yimeng had approximately 437.5 million shares outstanding. We may be unable to sell our Yimeng shares at prices equal to the then-quoted price and or in desired volumes. Sales of Yimeng shares by us or others could also impact the price of Yimeng shares due to the limited trading volume. Actions by Yimeng may also restrict our ability to sell Yimeng shares.   For example, Yimeng has publicly announced that it is engaged in a counseling period for listing on China’s Shanghai Mainboard.  As a result, with the permission of the Mainboard, Yimeng may de-list its shares on the NEEQ which could result in there being no potential public market for Yimeng shares for an extended period of time (possibly for as long as four years).

 

Our best-selling featured product lines, such as our electronic learning product line, account for, and are expected to continue to account for, the substantial majority of our sales. Featured products sales may decline, these products may have limited product lifecycles, and we may fail to introduce new products to offset declines in sales of our featured products.

 

We have become increasingly dependent on our electronic learning device product line which is one of our oldest product lines and accounted for 22.1%, 46.5% and 51.7% of our gross revenue in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In addition, our five best-selling featured product lines accounted for 87.5%, 89.7% and 94.4% of our gross revenues in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Our featured products may fail to maintain or achieve sufficient consumer market popularity and sales may decline due to, among other factors, the introduction of competing products, entry of new competitors, customer dissatisfaction with the value or quality offered by our products, negative publicity or market saturation. Consequently, our future sales success depends on our ability to successfully identify, develop, introduce and distribute in a timely and cost- effective manner new and upgraded products.

 

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Our product sales for a given period will depend upon, among other things, a positive customer response to our direct sales efforts, our effective management of product inventory, the stage of our products’ lifecycles during the period or our add-on services provided in connection with our products. Positive customer responses depend on many factors, including the appeal of the products and services being marketed, the effectiveness of our direct sales platforms and the viability of competing products. Our new products may not receive market acceptance. In addition, from time to time, we experience delays in the supply of our products to customers due to production delays or shortages or inadequate inventory management, and we lose potential product sales as a result. Furthermore, during a product’s lifecycle, problems may arise regarding regulatory, intellectual property, product liability or other issues which may affect the continued viability of the product for sale.

 

If we fail to identify and introduce additional successful products, including those to replace existing featured products suffering from declining sales or approaching the end of their product lifecycle, our gross revenues may not grow or may decline and our market share and value of our brand may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, any change in the provision of our add-on services, such as the internet interactive services provided for our featured electronic learning products, could materially and adversely affect the perception and acceptance of our products, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our failure to quickly identify and adapt to changing industry conditions may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

 The online and offline consumer marketing and sales industries are subject to changing consumer preferences and industry conditions. Consequently, we must stay abreast of emerging fashion, lifestyle, design, technological and other industry and consumer trends. This requires timely collection of market feedback, accurate assessments of market trends, deep understanding of industry dynamics and flexible manufacturing capabilities.

 

 We must also maintain relationships with suppliers who can adapt to fast-changing consumer preferences. If one or more of our existing suppliers cannot meet these requirements effectively, we will need to find and source from new suppliers, which may be costly and time-consuming. We or our suppliers may overestimate customer demand, face increased overhead expenditures without a corresponding increase in sales and incur inventory write-downs, which will adversely affect our results of operations.

 

 If we cannot offer appealing products on our websites or through our other direct sales platforms, our customers may purchase fewer products from us or stop purchasing products from us altogether. Our reputation may also be negatively impacted. If we do not anticipate, identify and respond effectively to consumer preferences or changes in consumer trends at an early stage, we may not be able to generate our desired level of sales. Failure to properly address these challenges may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our business depends significantly on the strength of our product brands and corporate reputation; our failure to develop, maintain and enhance our product brands and corporate reputation may materially and adversely affect the level of market recognition of, and trust in, our products.

 

In China’s fragmented, developing and increasingly competitive consumer market, product brands and corporate reputation have become critical to the success of our new products and the continued popularity of our existing products. Our brand promotion efforts, particularly our brand promotion activities, may be materially and adversely affected by our suspending purchases of TV airtime for TV direct sales programs, and our other promotion activities may prove to be expensive and may fail to either effectively promote our product brands or generate additional sales.

 

In addition, our product brands, corporate reputation and product sales could be harmed if, for example:

 

  • our advertisements, or the advertisements of the owners of the third-party brands that we market or those of our distributors, are deemed to be misleading or inaccurate;

 

  • our products fail to meet customer expectations;

 

  • we provide poor or ineffective customer service;

 

  • our products contain defects or otherwise fail;

 

  • consumers confuse our products with inferior or counterfeit products; or

 

  • consumers find our outbound marketing intrusive or annoying.

 

Furthermore, some of our customers reported that they have received phone calls from certain unidentified third parties impersonating our staff. These unidentified individuals called our customers to request that they (i) modify their order because the ordered product was out of stock or (ii) reject an ordered product upon delivery because it was damaged. In some cases, these unidentified individuals delivered counterfeit or inferior products to our customers. After our internal investigation and the investigation conducted by relevant PRC authorities, a group of impersonators were arrested by the police and were sentenced by the court in August 2011. Since 2011, we have identified other occurrences involving individuals impersonating our staff and calling our customers to achieve similar results, and in each case we identified such activities, have taken steps necessary to thwart and prosecute the impersonators. Although we continue to take steps reasonably aimed at preventing such events from recurring, including periodic internal investigations, there can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively prevent the recurrence of such events in the future, and in case such events recurs in the future, it could materially adversely affect our reputation among our customers and potential customers and our result of operations.

 

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We rely on our nationwide distribution network for a substantial portion of our revenues. Failure to maintain good distributor relations could materially disrupt our distribution business and harm our net revenues.

 

Our distribution sales account for a substantial and increasing portion of our net revenues. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, 26.1%, 52.3%, and 59.2% respectively, of our net revenues were generated through our distributors across China. Our largest distributor accounted for approximately 3.0%, 4.5%, and 14.2% of our gross revenues in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. We do not maintain long-term contracts with our distributors. Maintaining relationships with existing distributors and replacing any distributor may be difficult or time consuming. In addition, we are in the process of rationalizing and streamlining our distribution network to adapt to our evolving business model. If we cannot negotiate favorable terms regarding our distribution agreement with our existing distributors, they may discontinue their relationships with us and we may not be able to identity and attract new distributors or find suitable replacement of our existing distributors. Our failure to maintain good relationships with our distributors could materially disrupt our distribution business and harm our net revenues.

 

We may be unable to effectively manage our nationwide distribution network. Any failure by our distributors to operate in compliance with our distribution agreements and applicable law may result in liability to us, may interrupt the effective operation of our distribution network, may harm our brands and our corporate image and of which may result in decreased sales.

 

We have limited ability to manage the activities of our distributors, who operate independently from us. In addition, our distributors or the retail outlets to which they sell our products may violate our distribution agreements with them or the sales agreements between our distributors and the retail outlets. Such violations may include, among other things:

 

  • failure to meet minimum sales targets for our products or minimum price levels for our products in accordance with relevant agreements;

 

  • failure to properly promote our products through local marketing media, including Internet and local print media, violation of our media content requirements, or failure to meet minimum required media spending levels;

 

  • selling products that compete with our products, including product imitations, or selling our products outside their designated territories, possibly in violation of the exclusive distribution rights of other distributors;

 

  • providing poor customer service; or

 

  • violating PRC law in the marketing and sale of our products, including PRC restrictions on advertising content or product claims.

 

In particular, we have discovered that some of the retail outlets to which our distributors sell our products are selling imitation products that compete with our products, such as our Babaka branded posture correction product. Although we continue to rigorously monitor this situation and require our distributors to abide by their contractual obligation to eliminate any such violation by the retail outlets, we may be unable to police or stop violations such as the selling of imitation products by retail outlets.

 

If we determine to fine, suspend or terminate our distributors for acting in violation of our distribution agreements, or if the distributors fail to address material violations committed by any of their retail outlets, our ability to effectively sell our products in any given territory could be negatively impacted. In addition, these and similar actions could negatively affect our brands and our corporate image, possibly resulting in loss of customers and a decline in sales.

 

We may not realize the anticipated benefits of our potential future joint ventures, acquisitions or investments or be able to integrate any acquired employees, businesses, products, which in turn may negatively affect their performance and respective contributions to our results of operations.

 

From time to time, we conduct acquisitions, make investments or enter into joint ventures or other investment structures with other entities as a means of developing new products, acquiring managerial expertise or further expanding our complementary distribution network infrastructure. In addition to the two joint ventures and other minority investments that we currently maintain, we may continue to enter into similar joint ventures or make other acquisitions or investments when proper opportunities occur. Risks related to our existing and future joint ventures, acquisitions and investments include, as applicable:

 

  • our ability to enter into, exit or acquire additional interests in our joint ventures or other acquisitions or investments may be restricted by or subject to various approvals under PRC law or may not otherwise be possible, may result in a possible dilutive issuance of our securities or may require us to secure financing to fund those activities;

 

  • we may disagree with our joint venture partner(s) or other investors on how the venture or business investment should be managed and/or operated;

 

  • to the degree we wish to do so, we may be unable to integrate and retain acquired employees or management personnel; incorporate acquired products, or capabilities into our business; integrate and support pre-existing manufacturing or distribution arrangements; consolidate duplicate facilities and functions; or combine aspects of our accounting processes, order processing and support functions; and

 

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  • the joint venture or investment could suffer losses and we could lose our total investment, which would have a negative effect on our operating results.

 

Any of these events could distract our management’s attention and result in our not obtaining the anticipated benefits of our joint ventures, acquisitions or investments and, in turn, negatively affect the performance of such joint ventures, acquisitions and investments and their respective contributions to our results of operations.

 

Our business could be disrupted and our business prospects could be adversely affected due to the recent loss of one of our co-founders, Mr. Don Dongjie Yang, and if we were to lose the services of our other co-founder, Mr. Robert W. Roche, our business could be further disrupted.

 

Mr. Roche and Mr. Yang, have each played an important role in the growth and development of our business since its inception. In connection with the shareholder dispute involving Mr. Roche and Mr. Yang (as described in greater detail in “Item 8A Financial Information—Consolidated financial statements and other financial information—Legal Proceedings” and “Item 7 Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions— Transitional Services and Separation Agreement”), in March 2015 the Cayman Islands court issued an order requiring us to convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, or an “EGM,” on May 4, 2015. These events, among other things, resulted in (i) the election of Mr. Roche as our executive chairman and chief executive officer and (ii) the removal of Mr. Yang as a company director, our executive chairman and our chief executive officer.

 

Following his removal as a director and officer, we entered into a Transitional Service and Separation Agreement, or the TSSA, with Mr. Yang whereby he agreed to, among other things, provide us with various services to facilitate a management transition and the transfer of our consolidated affiliated variable interest entities (or “VIEs”) from Mr. Yang to two individuals, Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, who are employees of Borrelli Walsh (a specialist corporate advisory, recovery, restructuring and forensic accounting firm), as the VIE’s replacement nominee shareholders. In consideration for Mr. Yang’s years of services and obligations under the TSSA, we agreed to pay Mr. Yang $750,000 as a severance payment. Half of the payment was made in June 2015 and the other half is payable subject to the perfection of the various filings and approvals necessary to transfer the VIE interests to Mr. Song and Ms. Zong. Under the TSSA, Mr. Yang also agreed to a one-year non-compete and non-solicit undertaking.

 

We historically relied heavily on Mr. Yang’s expertise in our business operations and relationships with our employees and we may be unable to suitably replace him. In addition, while Mr. Yang agreed in the TSSA to various (i) confidentiality undertakings and (ii) non-solicit and non-compete undertakings (which expire on May 27, 2016), we may be unable to enforce these undertakings given uncertainties with China’s legal system. Our failure to suitably replace Mr. Yang or his joining a competitor or operating a competing business could materially harm our business and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

In light of the foregoing, our future success is now more dependent upon Mr. Roche’s continuing services. If Mr. Roche is unable or unwilling to continue in his present position, we may be unable to replace him easily or at all, our business could be severely disrupted, and our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. We do not maintain key-man life insurance on Mr. Roche.

 

If we are unable to attract, retain and motivate key personnel or hire qualified personnel, or if such personnel do not work well together, our growth prospects and profitability will be harmed.

 

 Our business is supported and enhanced by a team of highly skilled employees who are critical to maintaining the quality and consistency of our business and reputation. It is important for us to attract qualified employees, especially marketing personnel, supply chain managers, call center operators and employees with high levels of experience in Internet-related sales.

 

During 2015 and continuing into 2016, we have effected a substantial reduction in our work force across all functions of our operations and restructured our senior management, which reductions are primarily driven by cost control efforts as well as restructuring and streamlining our business structure and operation. In addition, through voluntary attrition, certain key personnel have recently left, and we have yet to recruit replacements. The reductions and adjustments in our workforce and the loss of such key personnel could seriously harm the moral of existing employees and our ability to attract prospective employees in key areas of need or retain current key personnel in critical areas of operations, which could disrupt our business and operations and negatively affect our financial performance.

 

We must also provide continuous training to our employees so that they have up-to-date knowledge of various aspects of our operations and can meet our demand for high quality services. If we fail to do so, the quality of our services may deteriorate in one or more of the markets where we operate, which may cause a negative perception of our brand and adversely affect our business. Finally, disputes between us and our employees may arise from time to time and if we are not able to properly handle our relationship with our employees, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

In fulfilling sales through our direct sales platforms, we face customer acceptance, delivery, payment and collection risks that could adversely impact our direct sales net revenues and overall operating results. We are dependent on China Express Mail Service Corporation, or EMS and local delivery companies, to make our product deliveries and from time to time we have been required to write off certain accounts receivable from them.

 

We rely on EMS, the largest national express mail service operated by the China Post Office, and certain local delivery companies such as Yuantong and Zhai-ji-song to deliver products sold through our direct sales platforms. EMS and local delivery companies made deliveries of products representing 26.4% and 49.9% of our sales in 2013, respectively, 11.3% and 36.4% of our sales in 2014, respectively, and 16.4% and 24.4% of our sales in 2015, respectively. Although we offer credit/debit card and other payment options for our customers, substantially all of the products that we sell through our direct sales platforms are delivered and paid for by customers on a cash on delivery, or COD, basis. We rely on EMS and local delivery companies to remit customer payment collections to us. Of the total attempted product deliveries by EMS and local delivery companies on a COD basis, approximately 68%, 68% and 54% were successful in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Reasons for delivery failure primarily include customer refusal to accept a product upon delivery or failure to successfully locate the delivery address. Although we continue to explore alternative payment methods and expand our credit card payment options, we expect to continue to be dependent on COD customer payments for the foreseeable future.

 

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EMS typically requires two to three weeks to remit to us the COD payments received from our customers. Of our total accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2013, $1.1 million or 18.7% was due from EMS. As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, no single delivery company accounted for more than 10% of our total accounts receivables. In addition, from time to time, we have been required to write off certain EMS accounts receivable due to a difference between EMS’s collections according to our records and cash amounts actually received by EMS according to their records. The total amount of EMS-related accounts receivable written off in 2013 and 2014 was approximately $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively. While we did not record any write-off in connection with EMS-related accounts receivable in 2015, we may be required to make such write-off in the future. We do not maintain a long-term contract with EMS or local delivery companies. Failure or inability to renew our contract with EMS or local delivery companies could disrupt our business and operations and negatively affect our financial performance.

 

We expect competition in China’s consumer market to intensify. If we do not compete successfully against new and existing competitors, we may lose our market share, and our profitability may be adversely affected.

 

Competition from current or future competitors could cause our products to lose market acceptance or require us to significantly reduce our prices or increase our promotional activities to maintain and attract customers. Many of our current or future competitors may have longer operating histories, better brand recognition and consumer trust, strong media management capabilities, better media and supplier relationships, a larger technical staff and sales force and/or greater financial, technical or marketing resources than we do. We face competition from the following companies operating in our value chain:

 

  • numerous domestic and international sellers of consumer branded products that sell their products in China and which compete with our products, such as our Ozing electronic learning products which compete with electronic learning products from BBG, Noah, Readboy, and other brands, and our mobile phone products which compete with similar products sold by local and international mobile phone manufacturers; and

 

  • other Internet and e-commerce companies in China that offer consumer products online via an Internet platform, such as Tmall, JD.COM, Dang Dang Wang and Yihaodian.

 

We also compete with companies that make imitations of our products at substantially lower prices, such as our Babaka branded posture correction products, which may be sold in department stores, pharmacies and general merchandise stores.

 

Interruption or failure of our telephone system and management information systems could impair our ability to effectively sell and deliver our products or result in a loss or corruption of data, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact our results of operations.

 

In 2015, we consolidated our four call centers into our call center located in Wuxi, China. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, approximately 73.9%, 47.7% and 29.7% of our total net revenues, respectively, were generated through our direct sales platforms with orders processed by our call centers. Our call center relies heavily on our telephone and management information systems, or MIS, to receive customer calls at our call center, process customer purchases, arrange product delivery and assess the effectiveness of advertising placements and consumer acceptance of our products, among other things. We may experience difficulties or call center interruptions due to our consolidation activities. As our business evolves and our MIS requirements change, we may need to modify, upgrade and replace our systems. We work closely with third-party vendors and our related party vendors to provide telephone service tailored to our specific needs. We are and will continue to be substantially reliant on these third-party vendors for the provision of maintenance, modifications, upgrades and replacements to our systems. If these third-party vendors can no longer provide these services, it may be difficult, time consuming and costly to replace them. Any such modification, upgrading or replacement of our systems may be costly and could create disturbances or interruptions to our operations. Similarly, undetected errors or inadequacies in our telephone and MIS may be difficult or expensive to timely correct and could result in substantial service interruptions.

 

From time to time, our computer systems may experience short periods of power outage resulted from unexpected damage of the facilities where our computers system locate, natural disasters or other reasons. Any telephone or MIS failure (including as a result of natural disaster or power outage), particularly during peak or critical periods, could inhibit our ability to receive calls and complete orders or evaluate the effectiveness of our promotions or consumer acceptance of our products or otherwise operate our business. These events could, in turn, impair our ability to effectively sell and deliver our products or result in the loss or corruption of customer, supplier and distributor data, which could damage our reputation and negatively impact our results of operations.

 

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The provision of our add-on services via third party service providers may be beyond our control and negatively impact our customer experience, and we may not be able to continue to provide such services if we are deemed to be providing online education service, which could substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations and expose us to liabilities.

 

In order to provide internet interactive services to users of our electronic learning products or mobile apps, we maintain a large team of service providers with an aim to respond to inquiries from our customers on their inquiries on a real time basis. However, we may not be able to properly control or monitor the quality of these third party service providers engaged by us. If our third party service providers fail to provide quality services that meet the expectation of our customers or fail to continuously provide their services, it could damage our reputation and adversely affect our customer’s experience. Moreover, if our provision of such add-on services were to be deemed by relevant PRC government authorities to be providing online education services, we may not be able to continue to product such services as we would need to obtain relevant licenses and permits from relevant PRC government authorities. If any such circumstances happen, it could substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations and expose us to liabilities.

 

Failure to protect personal and confidential information of our customers could damage our reputation and substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations and expose up to liability.

 

We collect and store personally identifiable information of our customers in our database through which we sell and market our products. We may not be able to prevent our employees or other third parties, such as hackers, criminal organizations, our external service providers and business partners, from stealing or leaking information provided by our customers to us. In addition, significant capital and other resources may be required to protect against security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches. The methods used by hackers and others engaged in online criminal activities are increasingly sophisticated and constantly evolving. Even if we are successful in adapting to and preventing new security breaches, any perception by the public that the privacy of customer information are becoming increasingly unsafe or vulnerable to attack could inhibit the growth of online business generally, which in turn may reduce our customers’ confidence and materially and adversely affect our business and prospects. Moreover, we are required to comply with laws and regulations in connection with protection of electronic personal information of our customers in China and we may be obligated to comply with the privacy and data security laws of foreign countries where our customers reside. Our exposure to the PRC and foreign countries’ privacy and data security laws impacts our ability to collect and use personal data, increases our legal compliance costs and may expose us to liability. As such laws proliferate, there may be uncertainty regarding their application or interpretation, which consequently increases our exposure to potential compliance costs and liability. Even if a claim of noncompliance against us does not ultimately result in liability, investigating or responding to a claim may present significant costs and demands on our management.

 

We could be liable for breaches of security of our service and third-party payment systems, which may have a material and adverse effect on our reputation and business.

 

In recent years, we have generated an increasingly significant proportion of our net revenues from payments collected through third-party online payment systems, which are primarily generated from our Internet sales. In such transactions, confidential information, such as customers’ debit and credit card numbers and expiration dates, personal information and billing addresses, is transmitted over public networks and security of such information is essential for maintaining customer confidence. While we have not experienced any breach of our security to date, current security measures may prove to be inadequate. In addition, we expect that an increasing number of our sales will be conducted over the Internet as a result of our expanding customer base and the growing use of online payment systems. We also expect that associated online criminal activities will likely increase accordingly. We strive to be prepared to increase our security measures and efforts in order to maintain customer confidence in the reliability of our online payment systems. However, we may not be able to prevent future breaches of our security, which may have a material and adverse effect on our reputation and business.

 

We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our product brand, reputation and competitive position. In addition, we may have to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation. Such litigation may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

 

We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and unfair competition laws, as well as nondisclosure agreements and other methods to protect our intellectual property rights. In particular, we rely on the trademark law in China to protect our product brands. We currently maintain 568 trademark registrations in China which expire between 2016 and 2025. We are in the process of extending the trademarks which are expected to expire in the near future. Separately, we are in the process of applying for registration or transfer of approximately 114 trademarks among our group companies in China. The legal regime in China for the protection of intellectual property rights is still at a relatively early stage of development. Despite many laws and regulations promulgated and other efforts made by China over the years to enhance its regulation and protection of intellectual property rights, private parties may not enjoy intellectual property rights in China to the same extent as they would in many western countries, including the United States, and enforcement of such laws and regulations in China has not achieved the levels reached in those countries. Although the PRC State Council approved the State Outlines on the Protection of Intellectual Property on April 9, 2008 in an effort to protect intellectual property, the steps we have taken may still be inadequate to prevent the misappropriation of our intellectual property.

 

We may be unable to enforce our proprietary rights in connection with these trademarks before such registrations or transfers are approved by the relevant authorities and it is possible that such registrations or transfers may not be approved at all. In addition, manufacturers or suppliers in China may imitate our products, copy our various brands and infringe our intellectual property rights. We have discovered unauthorized products in the marketplace that are counterfeit reproductions of our products sold by the retailers within our nationwide distribution network and by third parties in retail stores and on websites. The counterfeit products that we found include our Babaka posture correction products, our Yierjian fitness products, Vibrashape fitness products, cosmetic products and our health products.

 

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It is difficult and expensive to police and enforce against infringement of intellectual property rights in China. Imitation or counterfeiting of our products or other infringement of our intellectual property rights, including our trademarks, could diminish the value of our various brands, harm our reputation and competitive position or otherwise adversely affect our net revenues. We may have to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation. Such litigation may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.

 

We have in the past been, currently are, and in the future may again be, subject to intellectual property rights infringement claims by third parties, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend or litigate, divert our attention and resources, or require us to enter into licensing agreements. These licenses may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

 

We have in the past been, currently are, and in the future may again be, the subject of claims for infringement, invalidity, or indemnification relating to other parties’ proprietary rights. The defense of intellectual property suits, including copyright infringement suits, and related legal and administrative proceedings can be costly and time consuming and may significantly divert the efforts and resources of our technical and management personnel. Furthermore, an adverse determination in any such litigation or proceeding to which we may become a party could cause us to pay damages, seek licenses from third parties, pay ongoing royalties, redesign our products or become subject to injunctions, each of which could prevent us from pursuing some or all of our businesses and result in our customers or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase or use of our products, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may from time to time be involved in legal or other disputes, or become a party to legal, administrative or other proceedings which, if adversely decided, could lead to significant liabilities and materially adversely affect us.

 

We may from time to time be involved in disputes with various parties involved in our daily operations, including but not limited to our suppliers, customers and distributors. These disputes may lead to legal, administrative or other proceedings to which we are a party, and defense of which may increase our expenses and divert management attention and resources. For example, in September 2015, Beijing Mai-La-Ke Technology Center, or the Mai-La-Ke, the previous holder of the trademark of our Oxygen-generating devices, filed a suitcase in the Haidian People’s Court in Beijing against Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd and Beijing Acorn Younglide Science and Technology Co., Ltd., alleging that the two defendants should provide relevant data of selling our Oxygen-generating devices from November 2000 to November 2005 in order for them to claim for 50% of the net profit for the period based on a previous agreement with the two defendants. This case was opened to hearing twice in Beijing on October 12, 2015 and March 16, 2016, respectively, but has not reached any judgment yet. According to our PRC counsel, risks of losing this case is low. However, if the court holds that the above agreement is valid, we, namely the two defendants may be subject to a large amount of compensation.

 

We were also the subject of the legal dispute between our shareholders as described immediately below.

 

Any adverse outcome in any legal, administrative or other similar proceedings that we are a party could lead to significant liabilities and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Historical disputes regarding control of our strategic direction and control of our board of directors could adversely impact our business, operating results and prospects.

 

From mid-2014 through mid-2015, we and our board of directors were involved in a protracted dispute between various shareholders for the control of our strategic direction and our board of directors. The alignment of the various parties to this dispute generally fell across two lines, with Mr. Robert W. Roche, our co-founder and our executive chairman and chief executive officer, and shareholders that are allied with him, in one camp, and the other camp comprised of our other largest shareholders, Mr. Don Dongjie Yang, our other co-founder and our former executive chairman and chief executive officer, and SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P.

 

As described in greater detail in Item 8.A, “Financial Information—Consolidated statements and other financial information— Legal Proceedings,” this dispute involved, among other things (i) the improper removal of Mr. Roche by our then-board of directors, comprising Mr. Robert W. Roche, Mr. Don Dongjie Yang, Mr. Andrew Y. Yan, Mr. Gordon Xiaogang Wang, Mr. Jing Wang and Mr. William Liang, from his role as executive chairman in August 2014 and, as a result, his preclusion from involvement in our day-to-day operations and management, (ii) various efforts by Mr. Roche (which were rejected by our then-board of directors) to call an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, or EGM, for the purpose of removing certain of our directors, (iii) Mr. Roche, through a shareholder of our company controlled by him, filing a petition in the Cayman Islands in September 2014, seeking a winding up of the company (or, in the alternative, other remedies), (iv) a cross-petition brought by shareholders of our company controlled or aligned with Mr. Yang also seeking a winding up of the company (or, in the alternative, other remedies) based on, among other things, allegations that Mr. Roche engaged in conduct and/or threatened to engage in conduct harmful to the company, and (v) four new directors being elected in December 2014 at our annual general meeting over Mr. Roche’s objection.

 

In March 2015, the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, or the Cayman Islands Court, found in Mr. Roche’s favor and made an order dismissing the cross-petition and, in lieu of making a winding-up order, granting Mr. Roche certain of the alternative remedies he (through Acorn Composite Corporation) sought by directing that we call an EGM that was held on May 4, 2015 for the purpose of considering resolutions: (i) to remove four then current directors from our board; (ii) to elect to our board of directors three new individuals nominated by Mr. Roche; and (iii) to amend our articles of association to allow shareholders who, together hold not less than 30% of our issued shares, to convene an EGM unilaterally. The EGM was held on May 4, 2015 with each of the resolutions passed. Following the EGM, our board elected Mr. Roche as our executive chairman and chief executive officer.

 

In addition, the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands also found that certain of these directors “acted in bad faith and exercised their powers, both in connection with Mr. Roche’s removal from office and in connection with the AGM and the related refusal to convene and EGM, for an improper purpose”.

 

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On May 27, 2015, we entered into the TSSA with Mr. Yang in connection with his resignation as a director and officer of the Company (as described in greater detail in “Item 7 Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions— Transitional Services and Separation Agreement”). Among other things, pursuant to the terms of the TSSA:

 

  · we acquired all the ordinary shares in our company (6,518,656 ordinary shares) held by Mr. Yang through his wholly-owned company, D.Y. Capital, Inc., for nominal aggregate consideration of $1.00. At the time, these shares represented approximately 7.3% of our total outstanding ordinary shares, and were equivalent to 325,933 ADSs (with one ADS equivalent to twenty ordinary shares). Based on the closing price for our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange on May 27, 2015 (the last trading day before our announcement of the TSAA), the acquired shares had a value of approximately $3.3 million. Promptly following acquisition, we cancelled the shares reducing our outstanding ordinary shares; and

 

  · each of the company, Mr. Yang and our and his respective associated entities and persons gave a mutual waiver and release of all claims that may have against one another for any matters arising or occurring prior to May 27, 2015 (the date of the TSSA).

 

In 2015, our board approved the settlement with Mr. Roche and in January 2016, we entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Roche and ACCI, a company wholly owned by Mr. Roche, for the purpose of settling (i) various amounts incurred by ACCI and/or its associated companies on behalf of and for the benefit of securing the commercial and business interests of our company prior to his 2014 removal from the office; and (ii) damages and legal fees incurred by Mr. Roche arising from that removal. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, we reimbursed Mr. Roche approximately $0.9 million for various costs incurred by him and ACCI in connection with securing certain business contracts for our company and for the employment-related damages and legal fees incurred by Mr. Roche from August 2014 to April 2015.

 

The May 4, 2015 EGM and related events, including the TSSA and the settlement agreement with Mr. Roche, may not serve to completely resolve the dispute. Other than the TSSA with Mr. Yang and the settlement agreement with Mr. Roche, we have not entered into any similar releases or agreements settling any claims we or any other person may have in connection with the dispute or matters leading up to the dispute, with any of the other directors that were involved in the dispute, and therefore we may be subject to ongoing legal proceedings with them in the future.

 

Although no appeal has been brought as of the date of this annual report, it is possible an appeal of all or part of the Cayman Islands Court’s order may occur with the winding up of our company being one of the possible remedies sought. Continuing ramifications of the dispute may also include a public perception that our future direction, strategy or leadership is uncertain, potentially causing us to lose business opportunities, or harming our ability to attract new investors or business partners, and causing our ADS price to experience periods of volatility or stagnation. The dispute has resulted in, and, if it continues or if other related shareholder activities ensue, could result in disruption to our operations and diversion of the attention of management and our employees as a result of responding to these matters, which has been and may continue to be costly and time-consuming. This could result in our business being adversely affected. We have retained the services of various professionals to advise us on this matter, including legal advisors, the costs of which may negatively impact our future financial results. We also may be subject to claims for indemnification related to these matters, and we cannot predict the impact that indemnification claims may have on our business, cash position or financial results.

 

Mr. Robert Roche, our chief executive officer and executive chairman, is a significant shareholder, which makes it possible for him to have significant influence over the outcome of all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval and which influence may be alleged to conflict with our interests and the interests of our other shareholders.

 

As of April 30, 2016, Mr. Roche beneficially owned approximately 50.0% of our outstanding ordinary shares giving him substantial influence over the outcome of all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval. Our current memorandum and articles of association provide that the chairman of our board of directors or any one or more shareholders who collectively own at least 30% of our outstanding ordinary shares may convene an EGM, or an extraordinary meeting of our shareholders, to vote on matters proposed for consideration at such EGM. As a 30.0% plus shareholder and chairman of our board of directors, Mr. Roche has the ability to unilaterally convene an EGM. This influence may conflict with the interests of our other shareholders. In addition, such concentration of ownership and influence by Mr. Roche may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their ADSs as part of any contemplated sale of our company and may reduce the price of our ADSs or could create actual or perceived governance instabilities that could adversely affect the price of our ADSs.

 

We have limited general business insurance coverage and we may be subject to losses that might not be covered by our existing insurance policies, which may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of resources.

 

Insurance companies in China offer limited business insurance products and do not, to our knowledge, offer business liability insurance. While business interruption insurance is available to a limited extent in China, we have determined that the risks of disruption, cost of such insurance and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for us to subscribe for such insurance.

 

Except the insurance for certain of our inventory at Zhai-ji-song warehouse, we currently do not have any business liability, disruption or litigation insurance coverage for our operations in China. Any business disruption or litigation may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of resources.

 

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Our sale of our and other parties’ products could subject us to product liability claims, potential safety-related regulatory actions or product recalls. These events could damage our brand and reputation and the marketability of the products that we sell, divert our management’s attention and result in lower net revenues and increased costs.

 

The manufacture and sale of our products, in particular, our oxygen generating and neck massager product lines in our health product category, and our sale of other parties’ products could each expose us to product liability claims for personal injuries. For example, at early 2016, we received a complaint from one customer who chipped his front teeth by accident when improperly playing our fitness products Yierjian. We paid this customer of RMB2,000 as compensation. Also, if these products are deemed by the PRC authorities to fail to conform to product quality and personal safety requirements in China, we could be subject to PRC regulatory action. Violation of PRC product quality and safety requirements by our or others’ products sold by us may subject us to confiscation of the products, imposition of penalties or an order to cease sales of the violating products or to cease operations pending rectification. If the offense is determined to be serious, our business license could be suspended and imposition of criminal liabilities. Any product liability claim or governmental regulatory action could be costly and time-consuming to defend. If successful, product liability claims may require us to pay substantial damages. Also, a material design, manufacturing or quality failure in our and other parties’ products sold by us, other safety issues or heightened regulatory scrutiny could each warrant a product recall by us and result in increased product liability claims. Furthermore, customers may not use the products sold by us in accordance with our product usage instructions, possibly resulting in customer injury. All of these events could materially harm our brand and reputation and marketability of our products, divert our management’s attention and result in lower net revenues and increased costs.

 

Any disruption of our or our manufacturing service providers’ manufacturing operations could negatively affect the availability of our products and our net revenues derived therefrom.

 

We manufactured approximately 7.3% of the products we sell in terms of revenues in 2015, with the balance provided by third-party suppliers and manufacturers in China. We purchase the materials we need to manufacture our products, including our electronic learning product line, from outside suppliers in China. We typically purchase all production materials, including critical components such as flash memory, chipsets and LCD display screens for our electronic learning products, on a purchase order basis and do not have long-term contracts with our suppliers.

 

If we fail to develop or maintain our relationships with our suppliers, we may be unable to manufacture our products, and we could be prevented from supplying our products to our customers in the required quantities. Problems of this kind could cause us to experience loss of market share and result in decreased net revenues. In addition, the failure of a supplier to supply materials and components that meet our quality, quantity and cost requirements in a timely manner could impair our ability to manufacture our products or increase our costs, particularly if we are unable to obtain these materials and components from alternative sources on a timely basis or on commercially reasonable terms.

 

Other risks for the products manufactured by us, include, among others:

 

  • having too much or too little production capacity;

 

  • being unable to obtain raw materials on a timely basis or at commercially reasonable prices, which could adversely affect the pricing and availability of our products;

 

  • experiencing quality control problems;

 

  • accumulating obsolete inventory;

 

  • failing to timely meet demand for our products; and

 

  • experiencing delays in manufacturing operations due to understaffing during the peak seasons and holidays.

 

Currently, products manufactured and supplied by third parties for us include our mobile phones, cosmetics, fitness products, collectibles and other products. Some of our products are supplied by third-party manufacturers based on designs or technical requirements provided by us. These manufacturers may fail to produce products that conform to our requirements. In addition, for products manufactured or supplied by third-party manufacturers, we indirectly face many of the risks described above and other risks. For example, our third-party manufacturers may not continue to supply products to us of the quality and/or in the quantities we require. It may also be difficult or expensive for us to replace a third-party manufacturer.

 

We may incur impairment losses on our investments in equity securities.

 

We have made non-controlling investments in the equity securities of a number of companies. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles that we are subject to, if there is a decline in the fair value of the shares we hold in these companies, or any other company we invest in, over a period of time, and we determine that the decline is other-than-temporary, we will need to record an impairment loss for the applicable fiscal period. We may incur expenses related to the impairment of existing or future equity investments. Any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

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Our asset impairment reviews may result in future write-downs.

 

We are required, among other things, to test intangible assets and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. In connection with our business acquisitions, we make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of goodwill and intangible assets. In assessing the useful lives of the intangible assets, we must make assumptions regarding their fair value, the recoverability of those assets and our ability to successfully develop and ultimately commercialize acquired technology. If those assumptions change in the future when we conduct our periodic reviews in accordance with applicable accounting standards, we may be required to record impairment charges.

 

We may not be able to properly implement the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and this failure could have a material adverse impact on our ability to provide financial information in a timely and reliable manner.

 

As a public company in the United States, we are subject to provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we include a report from management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in our annual reports on Form 20-F. In 2014, our management identified several material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting. While our management concluded that these material weaknesses were remediated in 2015, and that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015, there is no assurance that our management will conclude that our internal controls are effective in future periods. If we are unable to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, which could result in a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our reporting processes and could materially and adversely affect the trading price of our ADSs.

 

Our businesses and growth prospects are dependent upon the expected growth in China’s consumer retail markets. Any future slowdown or decline in China’s consumer retail markets could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

All of our revenues are generated by sales of consumer products in China. The success of our business depends on the continued growth of China’s consumer retail markets. The consumer retail markets in China are characterized by rapidly changing trends and continually evolving consumer preferences and purchasing patterns and power. China’s consumer retail market is expected to grow in line with expected growth in consumer disposable income and the economy in China generally. However, projected growth rates for the Chinese economy and China’s consumer retail markets may not be realized. Any slowdown or decline in China’s consumer retail markets would have a direct adverse impact on us and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Industry

 

PRC regulations relating to our industry are evolving. Any adverse or unanticipated regulatory changes, particularly those regarding the regulation of our direct sales business, could significantly harm our business or limit our ability to operate.

 

We and our distributors are subject to various laws regulating our advertising and any violation of these laws by us or our distributors could result in fines and penalties, harm our product brands and result in reduced net revenues.

 

PRC advertising laws and regulations require advertisers and advertising operators to ensure that the content of the advertising they prepare, publish or broadcast is fair and accurate, is not misleading and is in full compliance with applicable laws. Specifically, we, as an advertiser or advertising operator, and our distributors, as advertisers, are each required to independently review and verify the content of our respective advertising for content compliance before displaying the advertising through print media, radio or Internet portals. Moreover, the PRC unfair competition law prohibits us and our distributors from conveying misleading, false or inaccurate information with respect to quality, function, use, or other features of products, through advertising. Violation of these laws or regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertising, orders to publish an advertisement correcting the misleading information and criminal liabilities. In circumstances involving serious violations, the PRC government may suspend or revoke a violator’s business license.

 

For advertising related to certain types of our products, such as those products constituting medical devices and health related products, we and our distributors must also file the advertising content with the provincial counterpart of the China’s State Administration for Food and Drug, or SAFD, or other competent authorities, and obtain required permits and approvals for the advertising content from the SAFD or other competent authorities, in each case, before publication or broadcasting of the advertising. In addition, pursuant to the Food Safety Law of the PRC effective from June 1, 2009 and amended on April 24, 2015, the contents of food advertisements should be true and no disease-prevention or remedial function should be mentioned. We endeavor to comply, and encourage our distributors to comply, with such requirements. However, we and our distributors may fail to comply with these and other laws. Commencing on January 1, 2008, advertisings related to medical devices and health related foods are subject to the credit rating administration. The provincial counterpart of SAFD is responsible for collecting, recording, identifying and publishing the credit rating information of the advertiser. The credit rating of every advertiser will fall into good credit, dishonor credit or material dishonor credit and this rating is reviewed each year. An advertiser who receives a rating of dishonor credit or material dishonor credit may be ordered to improve its rating within a specified time limit and its business activities may be subject to special scrutiny if necessary. Therefore, any violations by us or our distributors relating to our oxygen generating devices and neck massaging products may result in SAFD imposing on us or our distributors a dishonor credit or material dishonor credit rating. Our and our distributors’ past and future violations and a dishonor credit or material dishonor credit rating imposed upon us, if any, could seriously harm our corporate image, product brands and operating results.

 

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In addition, the PRC Advertising Law, as recently amended in April 2015, outlines the regulatory framework for the advertising industry and requires advertisers, advertising operators and advertising distributors to ensure that the contents of the advertisements they prepare or distribute are true and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. For example, pursuant to PRC Advertising Law, advertisements must not contain, among other prohibited contents, terms such as “the state-level”, “the highest grade”, “the best” or other similar words. In addition, where a special government review is required for certain categories of advertisements before publishing, the advertisers, advertising operators and advertising distributors are obligated to confirm that such review has been performed and the relevant approval has been obtained. Pursuant to the PRC Advertising Law, the use of internet to distribute advertisements shall not affect the normal use of the internet by users. Particularly, advertisements distributed on internet pages such as pop-up advertisements shall be indicated with conspicuous mark for close to ensure the close of such advertisements by one click. Where internet information service providers know or should know that illegal advertisements are distributed using their services, they shall prevent such advertisements from being distributed. Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertisements and orders to publish an advertisement correcting the misleading information. In the case of serious violations, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce or its local branches may force the violator to terminate its advertising operation or even revoke its business license. Furthermore, advertisers, advertising operators or advertising distributors may be subject to civil liability if they infringe on the legal rights and interests of third parties.

 

Moreover, government actions and civil claims may be filed against us for misleading or inaccurate advertising, fraud, defamation, subversion, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement or other violations due to the nature and content of our advertising produced by us or our distributors. We have been fined by the relevant authorities for certain advertising that was considered misleading or false by the authorities. Historically, such fines have not been significant and related investigations into our advertising practices did not consume significant amounts of our management resources. In some cases, we were required to accept product returns. We may have to expend significant resources in the future in defending against such actions and these actions may damage our reputation, result in reduced net revenues, negatively affect our results of operations, and even result in our business licenses being suspended or revoked and in criminal liability for us and our officers and directors.

 

If the PRC government takes the view that we did not obtain the necessary approval for our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising under Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2004 Revision), we could be subject to penalties.

 

On September 24, 2007, we acquired 100% of the legal ownership of Shanghai Advertising, which had been one of our affiliated entities, through Shanghai Acorn Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd., or Acorn Consulting. At the time of our acquisition, the advertising industry was a restricted industry for foreign investment under the Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2004 Revision). Strictly speaking, Acorn Consulting, as a domestic subsidiary of foreign invested enterprises, might have been required under PRC law to obtain the approval of the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, or its local counterpart to invest in restricted industries, such as the advertising industry. However, on October 31, 2007, the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, and MOFCOM jointly issued the Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2007 Revision) which identified the advertising industry as permitted industry for foreign investment. On December 24, 2011 the NDRC and MOFCOM jointly issued the Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2011 Revision) as amended on March 10, 2015, under which the advertising industry continues to remain as permitted industry. As a permitted industry, approval of MOFCOM or its local counterpart is no longer required for a foreign invested enterprise or its domestic subsidiary to invest in advertising unless required by other specific PRC laws and regulations. Based upon the published interpretation on the website of Shanghai Foreign Investment Commission, or SFIC, MOFCOM’s local counterpart in Shanghai, and oral advice we received from SFIC prior to the acquisition, we believe that it was not necessary for us to seek such approval at the time when we made the acquisition. However, because our acquisition occurred prior to, yet approaching, the removal of the advertising industry from the restricted list for foreign investment, and we did not receive the approval of SFIC, we may be deemed not in strict compliance with the then effective rules and could be subject to penalties. We were advised by SFIC in an anonymous consultation prior to the acquisition that this acquisition was a purely domestic acquisition without any foreign-related issues. Based on the advice of SFIC, Pudong Administration of Industry and Commerce in Shanghai accepted the registration of such acquisition and issued a new business license to Shanghai Advertising on September 24, 2007. In addition, our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance, has advised us that it is unlikely that we would be required by the PRC regulatory authorities, in particular SAIC and MOFCOM or their local counterparts, to seek such approval to make up for our deficiency, or that any penalties would be imposed upon us for failure to obtain such approval.

 

However, we cannot assure you that SAIC or MOFCOM will not take a different view from ours and we would not be subject to penalties that, if imposed, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operation.

 

If the PRC government takes the view that our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising does not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in advertising under Administrative Regulation on Foreign-Invested Advertising Enterprises, we could be subject to severe penalties.

 

Direct investment by foreign investors in the advertising industry in China is subject to the Administrative Regulation on Foreign-Invested Advertising Enterprises jointly promulgated by MOFCOM and SAIC on March 2, 2004 and further revised on October 1, 2008. Under this advertising regulation, foreign investors are required to have had at least three years of experience in directly operating an advertising business outside of China before they may receive approval to own 100% of an advertising business in China. Foreign investors that do not have three years of experience are permitted to invest in advertising businesses, provided that such foreign investors have at least two years of direct operations in the advertising business outside of China and that such foreign investors may not own 100% of advertising businesses in China. Furthermore, all foreign invested advertising companies must obtain approval from SAIC or MOFCOM or their local counterparts. On June 29, 2015, the Administrative Regulation on Foreign-Invested Advertising Enterprises was abolished.

 

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On September 24, 2007, we acquired 100% of the legal ownership of Shanghai Advertising, which had been one of our affiliated entities, through Acorn Consulting. Pudong Administration of Industry and Commerce in Shanghai did not require us to show that Acorn Consulting had the requisite years of operating experience in an advertising business outside of China either before or after it accepted the registration of the acquisition and issued a new business license to Shanghai Advertising. Furthermore, we have been advised by our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance, that, according to an anonymous consultation with SFIC, because our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising was completed through Acorn Consulting, a domestic subsidiary of a foreign invested enterprise, the acquisition was not subject to the requirement that foreign investors have the requisite years of operating experience in an advertising business outside of China.

 

Since our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising occurred prior to the revocation of Administrative Regulation on Foreign-Invested Advertising Enterprises, if the PRC government determines that our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising violated the then-effective requirements on foreign investment or re-investment in advertising businesses in China, as neither Acorn Consulting nor its shareholders have the requisite years of experience in the advertising industry required of foreign investors, we could be subject to severe penalties including among others, the revocation of the business licenses of our related subsidiaries, discontinuance of our advertising operations, the imposition of conditions with which we or our PRC subsidiaries may be unable to comply, or the restructuring of Shanghai Advertising. The imposition of any of these penalties could result in a material adverse effect on our ability to do business.

 

We may not fully comply with regulations on electronic information protection which may subject us to administrative penalties.

 

Recently China has been imposing more stringent requirements on electronic information protection. In particular, on December 28, 2012, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Decision on Strengthening Internet Information Protection, or Internet Information Protection Rules, which required that, among other things, internet service providers and other entities must obtain consent from relevant persons before collecting and using personal electronic information during business activities and must make public rules on collecting and using personal information; personal electronic information collected must be strictly kept confidential and must not be divulged, tampered with, damaged, sold or illegally provided to others; anyone is not allowed to send commercial electronic information to an recipient without his or her consent or request, or after he or she has given an explicit refusal. The MIIT promulgated Provisions on Protecting Personal Information of Telecommunications and Internet Users on July 16, 2013 which provides detailed rules for standards on collection and use of users’ personal information by telecommunications business operators and internet information service providers and security measures on protecting users’ personal information. In addition, the Law on the Protection of Consumers’ Rights and Interests amended on October 25, 2013 and effective from March 15, 2014 provides that business operators may not send commercial information to consumers without their consent or request, or after the consumers have expressly refused to receive such information. Furthermore, the Measures for Punishments against Infringements on Consumer Rights and Interests promulgated on January 5, 2015 and effective from March 15, 2015 provides that a business operator must refrain from any of the following acts: (i) collecting or using the consumers' personal information without the consent of the consumers; (ii) divulging, selling or illegally providing others with the consumers' personal information collected; and (iii) sending commercial information to consumers without their consent or request, or after the consumers have expressly refused to receive such information.

 

During our business activities we have collected a large amount of our clients’ information, such as names, addresses and phone numbers and from time to time send to our clients promotion messages and mail in connection with our products through the contact information we have collected. After effectiveness of Internet Information Protection Rules, we have taken certain actions to comply with the requirements. However, given the limited interpretation on the rules, we cannot assure you that our business practices and the additional steps we take in response to the rules will be sufficient to fully comply with the Internet Information Protection Rules, and that all of our clients’ personal information are legally collected and used and fully protected in all respects. If relevant competent governmental authority holds that our business activities have violated Internet Information Protection Rules, we may be subject to certain administrative penalties, such as fines, and confiscating illegal gains.

 

If we fail to obtain permits or approvals applicable to our release, broadcasting and transmission of e-books and video and audio programs and internet information service, we may incur significant financial penalties and other government sanctions.

 

During operation of our business, we post information, including e-books and video and audio programs on our www.hjx.com website operated by us for the purpose of our customers’ download. Under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, the release, broadcasting and transmission of e-books and video and audio programs may be deemed as providing internet publication services as well as transmission of video and audio programs on the internet, which could require internet publication licenses and licenses for online transmission of audio-visual programs. However, our relevant operating entity has not obtained such licenses. We plan to apply for internet publication licenses but we cannot assure you that we will successfully obtain such licenses. In addition, our relevant operating entity is not qualified to obtain the licenses for online transmission of audio-visual programs under the current legal regime as it is not a wholly state-owned or state-controlled company. We plan to apply for licenses for online transmission of audio- visual programs when feasible to do so. Furthermore, according to relevant laws and regulations, as internet information service in our website of http://www.hjx.com is deemed an operating business, we need to obtain an ICP License from the relevant information industry authorities. On January 17, 2014, Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd., or Beijing HJX Technology, one of our affiliated entities, obtained an ICP License with a validity period of five years. However, due to management changes and our improper management of the original ICP License of Beijing HJX Technology, Beijing HJX Technology was not able to complete its annual inspection on such license, which may subject us to potential penalties. In conjunction with shifting our core business from Beijing to Shanghai, we are currently in the process of preparing application documents for a new ICP License under the name of our subsidiary Shanghai Network. Any failure to obtain the above licenses may subject our affected operating entity to various penalties, including confiscation of revenues, fines or the discontinuation of operations. Any such disruption in the business operations of our operating entity could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure

 

If the PRC government takes the view that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our direct sales business and internet interactive service in China do not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in these areas, we could be subject to severe penalties.

 

Our direct sales business is regulated by MOFCOM and SAIC. Foreign investment in direct sales business is highly restricted and must be approved by MOFCOM. To address these restrictions, two affiliated domestic entities of our Company, Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Network, and Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd., or Beijing Acorn, were structured to operate our direct sales business. Until we obtain MOFCOM’s approval to operate our direct sales business, we must continue to rely on these affiliated entities to sell our products to the customers. Furthermore, due to the aforesaid reason for direct sales business as well as certain restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of companies that engage in internet and other related businesses imposed by current PRC laws and regulations, including the provision of internet content, we have set up another consolidated affiliated entity, Beijing HJX Technology, to conduct internet interactive services through Beijing HJX Technology which held an ICP License, and direct sales of our Ozing electronic learning products through Shanghai HJX Electronic. Our three affiliated domestic entities are currently owned by two PRC citizens, Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, who are nominee shareholders engaged by us to hold the equity interests in our three affiliated domestic entities on our behalf. We have entered into contractual arrangements with these affiliated entities pursuant to which our wholly owned subsidiaries, Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., or Acorn Information, and Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., or Acorn Trade (Shanghai), provide technical support and operation and management services to these affiliated entities. In addition, we have entered into agreements with these affiliated entities and Mr. Song and Ms. Zong as their shareholders, providing us substantial ability to control each of these affiliated entities. For detailed descriptions of these contractual arrangements, see Item 4.C, “Information on the Company— Organizational Structure”.

 

As advised by our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance Law Offices, the ownership structures of (i) Acorn Information, Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn; and (ii) Acorn Trade (Shanghai) and Beijing HJX Technology are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations and our contractual arrangements among (i) Acorn Information, Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn and their shareholders; and (ii) Acorn Trade (Shanghai) and Beijing HJX Technology and their shareholders are valid, binding and enforceable. However, there are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws and regulations. If we, Acorn Information, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) or any of our affiliated entities are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required licenses, permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with these violations, including, among others:

 

  • revoking the business and operating licenses of Acorn Information, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) and our affiliated entities;

 

  • discontinuing or restricting the operations of Acorn Information, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) and our affiliated entities;

 

  • limiting our business expansion in China by way of entering into contractual arrangements;

 

  • imposing conditions or requirements with which we, Acorn Information, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) or our affiliated entities may be unable to comply;

 

  • requiring us or Acorn Information, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) or our affiliated entities to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations; or

 

  • restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds of the additional public offering to finance our business and operations in China.

 

Our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected if the PRC government were to carry out any of the aforementioned actions.

 

The contractual arrangements with our affiliated Chinese entities and its shareholders which relate to critical aspects of our operations, may not be as effective in providing operational control as direct ownership. In addition, these arrangements may be difficult and costly to enforce under PRC law.

 

We rely on contractual arrangements with our variable interest entities and their shareholders to operate our business in China. For a description of these contractual arrangements, see Item 4.C, “Information on the Company—Organizational Structure”. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us control over our consolidated affiliated entities. Direct ownership would allow us, for example, to directly exercise our rights as a shareholder to effect changes in the board of each affiliated entity, which, in turn, could effect changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management level. If our variable interest entities or their shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, our recourse to the assets held by our consolidated affiliated entities is indirect and we may have to incur substantial costs and expend significant resources to enforce such arrangements in reliance on legal remedies under PRC law. These remedies may not always be effective, particularly in light of uncertainties in the PRC legal system.

 

In addition, all of these contractual arrangements are governed by PRC laws and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in the PRC. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC laws and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal environment in the PRC is not as developed as in other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. In the event that we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant time delays or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, it would be very difficult to exert effective control over our variable interest entities, and our ability to conduct our business and our financial conditions and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected. See “—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The PRC legal system embodies uncertainties which could limit the available legal protections.”

 

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The shareholders of our variable interest entities may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd., and Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd. are our variable interest entities. Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, together hold 100% of the equity interest in Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn and Beijing HJX Technology.

 

The interests of Mr.  Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong as the shareholders of our variable interest entities may differ from the interests of our Company as a whole, as what is in the best interests of our variable interest entities may not be in the best interests of our Company. We cannot assure you that if conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these individuals will act in the best interests of our Company or that conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor. In addition, these individuals may breach or cause our variable interest entities and their subsidiaries to breach or refuse to renew the existing contractual arrangements with us.

 

Currently, we do not have arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest that the shareholders of our variable interest entities may encounter; provided that we could, at all times, exercise our option under the optional share purchase agreement to cause them to transfer all of their equity ownership in our variable interest entities to a PRC entity or individual designated by us as permitted by the then applicable PRC laws. In addition, if such conflicts of interest arise, we could also, in the capacity of attorney-in-fact of the then existing shareholders of our variable interest entities as provided under the power of attorney, directly appoint new directors of our variable interest entities. We rely on the shareholders of our variable interest entities to comply with the laws of China, which protect contractual rights and provide that directors and executive officers owe a duty of loyalty to our Company. The laws also require them to avoid conflicts of interest and not to take advantage of their positions for personal gains. The laws of the Cayman Islands provide that directors owe a duty of care and a duty of loyalty to act honestly in good faith with a view to the Company’s best interests. However, the legal frameworks of China and Cayman Islands do not provide guidance on how to resolve conflicts in the event of a conflict with another corporate governance regime.

 

If we cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or disputes between us and the shareholders of our variable interest entities, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings. Under the current contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if any consolidated affiliated entity or Mr.  Kuan Song or Ms.  Pan Zong fails to perform its or their respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and expend significant resources to enforce those arrangements, and rely on legal remedies under PRC law. These remedies may include seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, any of which may not be effective. For example, if either Mr.  Kuan Song or Ms.  Pan Zong refuses to transfer his or her equity interest in any affiliated entity to us or our designee when we exercise the purchase option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, or if either Mr.  Kuan Song or Ms. Pan Zong otherwise acts in bad faith toward us, we may have to take legal action to compel him or her to fulfill his or her contractual obligations. In addition, as each of our affiliated entity is jointly owned and effectively managed by Mr.  Kuan Song or Ms. Pan Zong, it may be difficult for us to change our corporate structure or to bring claims against any affiliated entity or Mr.  Kuan Song or Ms.  Pan Zong if any of them fails to perform its or his or her obligations under the related contracts or does not cooperate with any such actions by us.

 

We may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by our PRC consolidated affiliated entities that are important to the operation of our business if such entities go bankrupt or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.

 

As part of our contractual arrangements with our variable interest entities, such entities hold certain assets, such as patents for the proprietary technology that are essential to the operations of our platform and important to the operation of our business. If any of our variable interest entities goes bankrupt and all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of third party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of our variable interest entities undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, the unrelated third party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our ability to enforce the equity pledge agreements between us and PRC variable interest entities’ shareholder may be subject to limitations based on PRC laws and regulations.

 

Pursuant to the equity interest pledge agreements between our wholly owned subsidiaries in China and the shareholders of our variable interest entities, each shareholder of each variable interest entities agrees to pledge its equity interests in the variable interest entity to our subsidiary to secure the relevant variable interest entity’s performance of his obligations under the relevant contractual arrangements. The equity interest pledges of shareholders of variable interest entities under these equity pledge agreements have been registered with the relevant local branch of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or SAIC. We may change our variable interest entities structure in the future. We have released the pledge over the equity interests held by the two nominee shareholders. Such changes are expected to reduce the cost of operation within our Group. In addition, in the registration forms of the local branch of State Administration for Industry and Commerce for the pledges over the equity interests under the equity interest pledge agreements, the aggregate amount of registered equity interests pledged to our wholly owned subsidiaries in China represents 100% of the registered capital of our variable interest entities. The equity interest pledge agreements with each of variable interest entities’ shareholders provide that the pledged equity interest shall constitute continuing security for any and all of the indebtedness, obligations and liabilities under all of the principal service agreements and the scope of pledge shall not be limited by the amount of the registered capital of that variable interest entity. However, it is possible that a PRC court may take the position that the amount listed on the equity pledge registration forms represents the full amount of the collateral that has been registered and perfected. If this is the case, the obligations that are supposed to be secured in the equity interest pledge agreements in excess of the amount listed on the equity pledge registration forms could be determined by the PRC court as unsecured debt, which takes last priority among creditors.

 

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Our corporate structure may limit our ability to receive dividends from, and transfer funds to, our PRC subsidiaries, which could restrict our ability to act in response to changing market conditions and reallocate funds from one affiliated PRC entity to another in a timely manner.

 

We are a Cayman Islands holding company and substantially all of our operations are conducted through our 14 PRC subsidiaries and three variable interest entities. We may rely on dividends and other distributions from our PRC subsidiaries to provide us with our cash flow and allow us to pay dividends on the shares underlying our ADSs and meet our other obligations. Current regulations in China permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us only out of their accumulated distributable profits, if any, determined in accordance with their articles of association and PRC accounting standards and regulations. The ability of these subsidiaries to make dividends and other payments to us may be restricted by factors that include changes in applicable foreign exchange and other laws and regulations. In particular, under PRC law, these operating subsidiaries may only pay dividends after 10% of their net profit has been set aside as reserve funds, unless such reserves have reached at least 50% of their respective registered capital. Such reserve may not be distributed as cash dividends. In addition, if any of our 14 PRC operating subsidiaries incur debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Moreover, the profit available for distribution from our Chinese operating subsidiaries is determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in China. This calculation may differ from that performed in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a result, we may not have sufficient distributions from our PRC subsidiaries to enable necessary profit distributions to us or any distributions to our shareholders in the future, which calculation would be based upon our financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, distributions by our PRC subsidiaries to us other than as dividends may be subject to governmental approval and taxation.

 

In addition, any transfer of funds from our offshore company to our PRC subsidiaries, either as a shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, is subject to registration or approval of Chinese governmental authorities, including the relevant administration of foreign exchange and/or the relevant examining and approval authority. Therefore, it is difficult to change our capital expenditure plans once the relevant funds have been remitted from our offshore company to our PRC subsidiaries. These limitations on the free flow of funds between us and our PRC subsidiaries could restrict our ability to act in response to changing market conditions and reallocate funds from one Chinese subsidiary to another in a timely manner.

 

The contractual arrangements entered into among our consolidated affiliated entities and their shareholders and those arrangements entered into between us or one of our Chinese subsidiaries and our consolidated affiliated entities may be subject to audit or challenge by the Chinese tax authorities. A finding that we, Acorn Information, Acorn Trade (Shanghai), our consolidated affiliated entities or any of our Chinese subsidiaries owe additional taxes could substantially reduce our net earnings and the value of your investment.

 

Under PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. As a result of our corporate structure and the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, our PRC consolidated affiliated entities and their shareholders, we are effectively subject to the 5% PRC business tax and generally subject to 6% PRC value added tax and related surcharges on revenues generated by our subsidiaries from our contractual arrangements with our PRC consolidated affiliated entities. The current EIT Law became effective on January 1, 2008 and provides authority for the PRC tax authority to make special adjustments to taxable income as well as additional reporting requirements. In particular, an enterprise must submit its annual tax return together with information on related party transactions to the tax authorities. The tax authorities may impose reasonable adjustments on taxation if they have identified any related party transactions that are inconsistent with arm’s-length principles. In addition, the PRC tax authorities issued Implementation Measures for Special Tax Adjustments (Trial) on January 8, 2009 which set forth tax-filing disclosure and contemporaneous documentation requirements, clarify the definition of “related party”, guide the selection and application of transfer pricing methods, and outline the due process procedures for transfer pricing investigation and assessment. These transactions may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities within ten years after the taxable year during which the transactions are conducted. We may be subject to adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities were to determine that the contracts between us and our PRC consolidated affiliated entities were not on an arm’s length basis and therefore constitute a favorable transfer pricing arrangements. If this occurs, the PRC tax authorities could request that either of our PRC consolidated affiliated entities adjust its taxable income upward for PRC tax purposes. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions for PRC tax purposes recorded by us, our consolidated affiliated entities, or our PRC subsidiaries or an increase in taxable income, all of which could increase our tax liabilities. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on us, our consolidated affiliated entities or our PRC subsidiaries for under-paid taxes.

 

The draft PRC Foreign Investment Law, if enacted as proposed, may materially impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance, business operations and financial results.

 

The MOFCOM published a discussion draft of the proposed Foreign Investment Law in January 2015 aiming to, upon its enactment, replace the trio of existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The draft Foreign Investment Law embodies an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments. While the MOFCOM solicited public comments on this draft in January and February, 2015, substantial uncertainties exist with respect to its enactment timetable, interpretation and implementation. The draft Foreign Investment Law, if enacted as proposed, may materially impact the entire legal framework regulating the foreign investments in China and may materially impact viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance, business operations and financial results.

 

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Among other things, the draft Foreign Investment Law expands the definition of foreign investment and introduces the principle of ‘‘actual control’’ in determining whether a company is considered a foreign invested enterprise, or an FIE. The draft Foreign Investment Law specifically provides that entities established in China but ‘‘controlled’’ by foreign investors will be treated as FIEs, whereas an entity set up in a foreign jurisdiction would nonetheless be, upon market entry clearance by the MOFCOM or its local branches, treated as a PRC domestic investor provided that the entity is ‘‘controlled’’ by PRC entities and/or citizens. In this connection, ‘‘control’’ is broadly defined in the draft law to cover, among others, having the power to exert decisive influence, via contractual or trust arrangements, over the subject entity’s operations, financial matters or other key aspects of business operations. Once an entity is determined to be an FIE and its investment amount exceeds certain thresholds or its business operation falls within a ‘‘negative list’’, to be separately issued by the State Council in the future, market entry clearance by the MOFCOM or its local branches would be required. Otherwise, all foreign investors may make investments on the same terms as Chinese investors without being subject to additional approval from the government authorities as mandated by the existing foreign investment legal regime.

 

The ‘‘variable interest entity’’ structure, or VIE structure, has been adopted by many PRC-based companies, to obtain necessary licenses and permits in the industries that are currently subject to foreign investment restrictions in China. We also set up the VIE structure to do our business in China. Under the draft Foreign Investment Law, variable interest entities that are controlled via contractual arrangement would also be deemed as FIEs, if they are ultimately ‘‘controlled’’ by foreign investors. Therefore, for any companies with a VIE structure in an industry category that is on the ‘‘negative list,’’ the VIE structure may be deemed legitimate only if the ultimate controlling person(s) is/ are of PRC nationality (either PRC individual, or PRC government and its branches or agencies).Conversely, if the actual controlling person(s) is/are of foreign nationalities, then the variable interest entities will be treated as FIEs and any operation in the industry category on the ‘‘negative list’’ without market entry clearance may be considered as illegal.

 

However, the draft Foreign Investment Law has not taken a position on what actions shall be taken with respect to the existing companies with a VIE structure, although a few possible options were proffered. Under these options, a company with VIE structures and in the business on the ‘‘negative list’’ at the time of enactment of the new Foreign Investment Law has either the option or obligation to disclose its corporate structure to the authorities, while the authorities, after reviewing the ultimate control structure of the company, may either permit the company to continue its business by maintaining the VIE structure (when the company is deemed ultimately controlled by PRC citizens), or require the company to dispose of its businesses and/or VIE structure based on circumstantial considerations. Moreover, it is uncertain whether the business that our VIEs are operating will be subject to the foreign investment restrictions or prohibitions set forth in the ‘‘negative list’’ to be issued. If the enacted version of the Foreign Investment Law and the final ‘‘negative list’’ mandate further actions, such as MOFCOM market entry clearance, to be completed by companies with existing VIE structure like us, we face uncertainties as to whether such clearance can be timely obtained, or at all.

 

The draft Foreign Investment Law, if enacted as proposed, may also materially impact our corporate governance practice and increase our compliance costs. For instance, the draft Foreign Investment Law imposes stringent ad hoc and periodic information reporting requirements on foreign investors and the applicable FIEs. Aside from investment implementation report and investment amendment report that are required at each investment and alteration of investment specifics, an annual report is mandatory, and large foreign investors meeting certain criteria are required to report on a quarterly basis. Any company found to be non-compliant with these information reporting obligations may potentially be subject to fines and/or administrative or criminal liabilities, and the persons directly responsible may be subject to criminal liabilities.

 

Risks Relating to Doing Business in China

 

Our operations may be adversely affected by changes in China’s economic, political and social conditions.

 

All of our business operations are conducted in China and all of our revenues are derived from our marketing and sales of consumer products in China. Accordingly, our results of operations, financial condition, and future prospects are subject to a significant degree to economic, political and social conditions in China. The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth in the past three decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage foreign investment and sustainable economic growth and to guide the allocation of financial and other resources, which have for the most part had a positive effect on our business and growth. However, we cannot assure you that the PRC government will not repeal or alter these measures or introduce new measures that will not have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operation may be adversely affected by changes in tax regulations applicable to us.

 

Although the Chinese economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy since the late 1970s, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling the incurrence and payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Changes in any of these policies, laws and regulations could adversely affect the overall economy in China, which could harm our business.

 

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In particular, our business is primarily dependent upon the economy and the business environment in China. Our growth strategy is based upon the assumption that demand in China for our products will continue to grow with the growth of Chinese economy. However, the growth of the Chinese economy has been uneven across geographic regions and economic sectors, and experienced an economic slowdown in 2009 as a result of the global economic crisis. In addition, while the PRC economy has experienced significant growth in the past decades, that growth may not continue, as evidenced by the slowing of the growth of the Chinese economy since 2012. Any adverse changes in economic conditions in China, in the policies of the Chinese government or in the laws and regulations in China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China.. Such changes in China’s political or social conditions may also adversely affect our operations and financial results and may lead to reduction in demand for our services. In recent years, to encourage economic development, the PRC government has implemented various measures, many of which benefit the overall PRC economy, but may also have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations that are applicable to us. In addition, future measures to control the pace of economic growth may also cause a decrease in the level of economic activity in China, which in turn could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

The discontinuation of any of the preferential tax treatments and government subsidies available to us in China could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Under PRC laws and regulations effective until December 31, 2007, our operating subsidiaries, Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., or Shanghai HJX, Zhuhai Acorn Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Acorn Youngleda Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Youngleda and Yiyang Yukang Communication Equipment Co., Ltd., or Yiyang Yukang, enjoyed preferential tax benefits afforded to foreign-invested manufacturing enterprises and had been granted a two-year exemption from enterprise income tax beginning from their first profitable year and a 50% reduction of enterprise income tax rate for three years thereafter. The definition of a manufacturing enterprise under PRC law was vague and was subject to discretionary interpretation by the PRC authorities. If we were to be deemed not qualified in the past or if the tax preferential treatments enjoyed by us in accordance with local government rules or policies were deemed in violation of national laws and regulations and were abolished or altered, we would be subject to the standard statutory tax rate, which is 25% for calendar years starting on or after January 1, 2008, and we could be required to repay the income tax for the previous three years at the applicable non-preferential tax rate.

 

In addition, the new Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the New EIT Law and its implementing rules, which became effective on January 1, 2008, significantly curtails tax incentives granted to foreign-invested enterprises under the previous tax law. The New EIT Law (i) reduces the statutory rate of enterprise income tax from 33% to 25%, (ii) permits companies to continue to enjoy their existing tax incentives, subject to certain transitional phase-out rules, and (iii) introduces new tax incentives, subject to various qualification criteria. Under the phase- out rules, enterprises established before the promulgation date of the New EIT Law and which were granted preferential EIT treatment under the then effective tax laws or regulations may continue to enjoy their preferential tax treatments until their expiration. Additionally, our subsidiaries also received tax holidays and subsidies for certain taxes paid by us, as well as subsidies which formed part of the incentives provided by local government for our investment in local district. These incentives were granted by local government agencies and may be deemed inappropriate by the central government. Preferential tax treatments and incentives granted to us by PRC governmental authorities are subject to review and may be adjusted or revoked at any time in the future. The discontinuation or revocation of any preferential tax treatments and incentive currently available to us will cause our effective tax rate to increase, which will decrease our net income and materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. See Item 5.A, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Taxation”.

 

Under China’s New EIT Law, we may be classified as a “resident enterprise” of China. Such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.

 

The New EIT Law provides that enterprises established outside China whose “de facto management bodies” are located in China are considered “resident enterprises” and are generally subject to the uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate as to their global income. Under the implementation rules, “de facto management” is defined substantial and overall management and control over such aspects as the production and business, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In addition, two tax circulars issued by the State Administration of Taxation, or SAT, on April 22, 2009 and July 27, 2011 respectively regarding the standards used to classify certain Chinese-controlled enterprises established outside of China as “resident enterprises” clarified that dividends and other income paid by such “resident enterprises” will be considered to be PRC source income, subject to PRC withholding tax, currently at a rate of 10%, when recognized by non-PRC enterprise shareholders. These two circulars also subject such “resident enterprises” to various reporting requirements with the PRC tax authorities. Under the implementation rules to the New EIT Law, a “de facto management body” is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and other assets of an enterprise. In addition, the tax circulars mentioned above detail that certain Chinese-controlled enterprises will be classified as “resident enterprises” if the following are located or resident in China: senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; financial and personnel decision making bodies; key properties, accounting books, company seal, and minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings; and half or more of the senior management or directors having voting rights.

 

Currently, there are no detailed rules or precedents governing the procedures and specific criteria for determining “de facto management bodies” which are applicable to our company or our overseas subsidiary. The above two circulars only apply to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreign corporations like us. In the absence of detailed implementing regulations or other guidance determining that offshore companies controlled by PRC individuals or foreign corporations like us are PRC resident enterprises, we do not currently consider our company or any of our overseas subsidiaries to be a PRC resident enterprise.

 

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However, if the PRC tax authorities determine that our Cayman Islands holding company is a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow. First, we may be subject to 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 interest on offering proceeds and other non-China source income would be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%, in comparison to no taxation in the Cayman Islands. Second, although under the New EIT Law and its implementation rules dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiaries would qualify as “tax-exempt income”, we cannot guarantee that such dividends will not be subject to a 10% withholding tax, as the PRC foreign exchange control authorities, which enforce the withholding tax, have not yet issued guidance with respect to the processing of outbound remittances to entities that are treated as resident enterprises for PRC enterprise income tax purposes but not controlled by PRC enterprise or enterprise group like us. Finally, if our Cayman Islands holding company is deemed to be a PRC tax resident enterprise, a 10% withholding tax shall be imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC shareholders and with respect to gains derived from our non-PRC shareholders transferring our shares or ADSs. Similar results would follow if our BVI holding company is considered a PRC “resident enterprise”.

 

The PRC legal system embodies uncertainties which could limit the available legal protections.

 

The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which decided legal cases have little precedential value. In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of legislation over the past three decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investment in China. 11 of our 14 PRC operating subsidiaries are foreign invested enterprises incorporated in China. They are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China in general and laws and regulations applicable to foreign-invested enterprises in particular. However, these laws, regulations and legal requirements change frequently, and their interpretation and enforcement involve uncertainties. For example, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we enjoy either by law or contract. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. In addition, such uncertainties, including the inability to enforce our contracts, could materially and adversely affect our business and operations. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all) that may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. Furthermore, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries. Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system, particularly with regard to the media, advertising and retail industries, including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us, and our foreign investors, including you.

 

Governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to utilize our revenues effectively and affect the value of your investment.

 

The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our revenues in RMB. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior SAFE approval by complying with certain procedural requirements. Therefore, after complying with certain procedural requirements, Acorn International’s PRC subsidiaries are able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without prior approval from SAFE. However, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of our ADSs.

 

Because our revenues are generated in Renminbi and our results are reported in U.S. dollars, devaluation of the Renminbi could negatively impact our results of operations.

 

The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions and China’s foreign exchange policies. The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China. The PRC government allowed the Renminbi to appreciate more than 20% against the U.S. dollar between July 2005 and July 2008. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, the PRC government has allowed the Renminbi to appreciate slowly against the U.S. dollar again, though there have been periods when the U.S. dollar has appreciated against the Renminbi as well. In April 2012, the PRC government announced that it would allow more RMB exchange rate fluctuation. However, it remains unclear how this announcement might be implemented. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a more flexible currency policy, which could result in greater fluctuation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar. From June 2010 to January 2014, the RMB has appreciated against the U.S. dollar from approximately RMB6.82 per U.S. dollar to RMB6.05 per U.S. dollar, reaching a new historical height, followed by the RMB depreciating against the U.S. dollar to RMB6.48 per U.S. dollar on December 31, 2015. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.

 

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There remains significant international pressure on the Chinese government to adopt a flexible currency policy to allow the Renminbi to appreciate against the U.S. dollar. Significant revaluation of the Renminbi may have a material adverse effect on your investment. Substantially all of our revenues and costs are denominated in Renminbi. Any significant revaluation of Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our ADSs in U.S. dollars. To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into RMB for capital expenditures and working capital and other business purposes, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, a significant depreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar may significantly reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent of our earnings, which in turn could adversely affect the price of our ADSs, and if we decide to convert RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our common shares or ADSs, strategic acquisitions or investments or 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.

 

Very limited hedging options are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on your investment.

 

You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China based on United States or other foreign laws against us, our management or the experts named in the annual report.

 

We conduct all of our operations in China and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, almost all of our directors and executive officers reside within China. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside China upon some of our directors and senior executive officers, including with respect to matters arising under U.S. federal securities laws or applicable state securities laws. Moreover, our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance, has advised us that the PRC currently does not have treaties with the United States or many other countries providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgment of courts.

 

Regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may increase the administrative burden we face and create regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activity, and a failure by our shareholders who are PRC residents to make any required applications and filings pursuant to such regulations may prevent us from being able to distribute profits and could expose our PRC resident shareholders to liability under PRC law.

 

On July 4, 2014, the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, was promulgated by SAFE, which replaced the former circular commonly known as “Notice 75” promulgated by SAFE on October 21, 2005 and 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 subsidiary 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. Pursuant to the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving the Direct Investment-related Foreign Exchange Administration Policies, or SAFE Circular 13, promulgated by SAFE, starting from June 1, 2015, the registration (including initial registration and amendment registration) under SAFE Circular 37 will be directly reviewed and handled by local banks.

 

We have already notified our shareholders, and the shareholders of the offshore entities in our corporate group, who are PRC residents known by us to urge them to make the necessary applications and filings, as required under SAFE Circular 37. We understand that the relevant shareholders have registered their offshore investments in us with Shanghai SAFE, where most of our PRC subsidiaries are located. We are committed to complying, and to ensuring that our shareholders who are subject to the regulation comply, with the relevant rules. However, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders who are PRC residents will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by SAFE Circular 37 and SAFE Circular 13. In addition, SAFE Circular 37 and SAFE Circular 13 were recently promulgated, and it is unclear how these regulations and relevant rules will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant PRC government authorities. The failure or inability of our PRC resident shareholders to receive any required approvals or make any required registrations may limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, as a result of which our acquisition strategy and business operations and our ability to distribute profits to you could be materially and adversely affected.

 

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Upon the completion of our acquisition of Yiyang Yukang in December 2008, shareholders of Yiyang Yukang became our shareholders. To our knowledge, some of the prior shareholders of Yiyang Yukang did not file applications for SAFE registration, which may adversely affect our ability to distribute dividends to our shareholders as stated above. As advised by our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance, a separate registration in respect of Notice 75 which was effective at the moment of the above acquisition is not applicable to our acquisition of Yiyang Yukang.

 

A failure by us and PRC individuals who hold shares or share options granted pursuant to an employee share option or share incentive plan to comply with relevant PRC laws and regulations related to share option could expose us and our PRC individual option holders to liability under PRC law.

 

On March 28, 2007, SAFE issued the Operating Rules for Administration of Foreign Exchange for Domestic Individuals’ Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Stock Option Plans of Overseas Listed Companies, or Circular 78. On February 15, 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Listed Companies, or Circular 7, in replacement of Circular 78. According to Circular 7, individuals in the PRC (including PRC citizens and foreign individuals who have lived in China over one year) who intend to participate in the stock incentive plan of same overseas listed company shall jointly appoint a qualified PRC domestic agent or a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company (“a PRC Agency”) to conduct foreign exchange registration with SAFE, open bank accounts and transfer and exchange funds. In addition, an overseas entity shall be appointed to conduct the exercise of options, buying and selling of relevant stocks or equities and transfer of relevant funds. After such individuals’ foreign exchange income from participation in the stock incentive plan is remitted to the PRC, relevant banks shall distribute the above funds from the account opened and managed by the PRC Agency to such individuals’ foreign exchange accounts. We and our employees within PRC who have been granted share options, or PRC option holders, are subject to Circular 7 upon the listing of our ADSs on NYSE. If we or our PRC option holders fail to comply with these regulations, we or our PRC option/stock appreciation right holders may be subject to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions. Furthermore, pursuant to the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Collection of Individual Income Tax Related to Income from Share Option issued by the Ministry of Finance and the SAT on March 28, 2005 and the Notice on Issues of Individual Income Tax Concerning Share Incentive Plan issued by the SAT on August 24, 2009, as to an overseas listed company’s share option plan, the difference obtained by a PRC individual who has been granted share options between the exercise price below the fair market price of such share on the day when such individual excises his option shall be imposed individual income tax which shall be withheld by domestic entities of such overseas listed company. If we or our PRC employees fail to comply with the above regulations, we or our PRC option holders may be subject to failure of share option plan or/and a fine, and, in the serious case, may constitute a crime.

 

The enforcement of the PRC Labor Contract Law and other labor-related regulations in the PRC may adversely affect our business and our results of operations.

 

The PRC Labor Contract Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, and its implementing rules impose requirements concerning contracts entered into between a PRC employer and its employees and establish time limits for probationary periods. Because the Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules lack of clarity with respect to their implementation and potential penalties and fines, there may be a risk that certain of our employment policies and practices could be determined by relevant PRC authorities as being in violation of the Labor Contract Law or its implementing rules, which could result in penalties, fines or other sanctions. If we are subject to large penalties or fees related to the Labor Contract Law or its implementing rules, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, according to the Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules, under certain cases the employee terminated by us is entitled to receive a severance payment equal to the average monthly salary during the 12-month period immediately preceding to the termination for each year of service up to the date of termination. If we terminate a labor contract in any circumstance other than those specified under the PRC Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules, including termination without cause, we must either reinstate and continue to perform the employee’s employment contract or pay the employee damages calculated at twice the rate for calculating the severance payment, subject to the employee’s own request. If we terminate our employees’ labor contracts in large scale due to such reason as business restructuring, we have to pay to terminated employees a large amount of severance payment or damages. As such, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, the PRC Labor Contract Law and subsequently passed rules and regulations have tended to provide greater rights to employees and impose more onerous requirements on employers in China. As a result of regulations designed to enhance labor protection, our labor costs in China may increase in the future.

 

On December 28, 2012, the Labor Contract Law was amended to impose more stringent requirements on labor dispatch which became effective on July 1, 2013. For example, an employer shall strictly control the number of dispatched employees not to exceed certain percentage of its total number of employees. Moreover, the Interim Provisions on Labor Dispatch, or the Dispatch Rule, effective on March 1, 2014, provides that dispatched employees are only be allowed to work in temporary, ancillary and replaceable positions. The number of dispatched employees hired by an employer may not exceed 10% of its total labor force and the employer has a two-year transition period to comply with such requirement. Pursuant to the current Labor Contract Law, a labor-dispatching enterprise or an employer using dispatched workers who violates requirements of labor dispatching under the Labor Contract Law may be subject to fine by competent labor administrative authority and, if losses are caused to any dispatched employee, such labor- dispatching enterprise and employer shall assume liabilities jointly and severally. Currently, a majority of our call center employees are recruited as dispatched employees and such employees are not working in said temporary, ancillary and replaceable positions. Besides, the number of dispatched workers in certain of our PRC subsidiaries has exceeded 10% of their respective total number of employees as required by the Dispatch Rule. Therefore, we have to reduce the number of our dispatched workers to comply with the percentage limitation as required, which may result in an increase in our labor costs. If we fail to decrease the number of our dispatched workers, we may be subject to penalties by competent labor administrative authority. In addition, if our dispatched employees suffer losses arising from relevant labor-dispatching agency’s violation of the Labor Contract Law, we, as the enterprise engaging such employees, may be required by such dispatched employees to assume liabilities. We cannot assure you that, after assumption of such liability, we will successfully obtain reimbursement from relevant labor-dispatching agency.

 

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If the custodians or authorized users of controlling non-tangible assets of our company, including our corporate chops and seals, fail to fulfill their responsibilities, or misappropriate or misuse these assets, our business and operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Under PRC law, legal documents for corporate transactions are executed using the chops or seals of the signing entity or with the signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with the relevant branch of the Administration of Industry and Commerce.

 

Although we usually utilize chops to enter into contracts, the designated legal representatives of each of our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities have the apparent authority to enter into contracts on behalf of such entities without chops and bind such entities. All designated legal representatives of our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities are members of our senior management team who have signed employment agreements with us or our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities under which they agree to abide by various duties they owe to us. In order to maintain the physical security of our chops of our PRC entities, we generally store these items in secured locations accessible only by the authorized personnel in the legal or finance department of each of our subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities. Although we monitor such authorized personnel, there is no assurance that such procedures will prevent all instances of abuse or negligence. Accordingly, if any of our authorized personnel misuse or misappropriate our corporate chops or seals, we could encounter difficulties in maintaining control over the relevant entities and experience significant disruption to our operations. If a designated legal representative obtains control of the chops in an effort to obtain control over any of our PRC subsidiaries or consolidated affiliated entities, we or our PRC subsidiary and consolidated affiliated entity would need to pass a new shareholder or board resolution to designate a new legal representative and we would need to take legal action to seek the return of the chops, apply for new chops with the relevant authorities, or otherwise seek legal redress for the violation of the representative’s fiduciary duties to us, which could involve significant time and resources and divert management attention away from our regular business. In addition, the affected entity may not be able to recover corporate assets that are sold or transferred out of our control in the event of such a misappropriation if a transferee relies on the apparent authority of the representative and acts in good faith.

 

Our auditor, like other independent registered public accounting firms operating in China, is not permitted to be subject to inspection by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and as such, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit reports included in our annual reports filed with the SEC, as auditors of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess its compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards. Because our auditors are located in the Peoples’ Republic of China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities, our auditors are not currently inspected by the PCAOB. In May 2013, the PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the CSRC and the Ministry of Finance, which establishes a cooperative framework between the parties for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations undertaken by the PCAOB, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, or the Ministry of Finance in the United States and China, respectively. The PCAOB continues to be in discussions with the CSRC and the Ministry of Finance to permit joint inspections in China of audit firms that are registered with the PCAOB and audit Chinese companies that trade on U.S. exchanges.

 

Inspections of other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside China have identified deficiencies in those firms’ audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our auditor’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to PCAOB inspections, and to the extent that such inspections might have facilitated improvements in our auditor’s audit procedures and quality control procedures, investors may be deprived of such benefits. In addition, investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information and procedures and the quality of our financial statements, which may have a material adverse effect on our ADS price.

 

If additional remedial measures are imposed on the “big four” PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, in administrative proceedings brought by the SEC alleging the firms’ failure to meet specific criteria set by the SEC, with respect to requests for the production of documents, we could be unable to timely file future financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Starting in 2011 the Chinese affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms, (including our independent registered public accounting firm) were affected by a conflict between US and Chinese law. Specifically, for certain US listed companies operating and audited in mainland China, the SEC and the PCAOB sought to obtain from the Chinese firms access to their audit work papers and related documents. The firms were, however, advised and directed that under China law they could not respond directly to the US regulators on those requests, and that requests by foreign regulators for access to such papers in China had to be channeled through the CSRC.

 

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In late 2012 this impasse led the SEC to commence administrative proceedings under Rule 102(e) of its Rules of Practice and also under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 against the Chinese accounting firms, (including our independent registered public accounting firm). A first instance trial of the proceedings in July 2013 in the SEC's internal administrative court resulted in an adverse judgment against the firms. The administrative law judge proposed penalties on the firms including a temporary suspension of their right to practice before the SEC, although that proposed penalty did not take effect pending review by the Commissioners of the SEC. On February 6, 2015, before a review by the Commissioner had taken place, the firms reached a settlement with the SEC. Under the settlement, the SEC accepts that future requests by the SEC for the production of documents will normally be made to the CSRC. The firms will receive matching Section 106 requests, and are required to abide by a detailed set of procedures with respect to such requests, which in substance require them to facilitate production via the CSRC. If they fail to meet specified criteria, the SEC retains authority to impose a variety of additional remedial measures on the firms depending on the nature of the failure. Remedies for any future noncompliance could include, as appropriate, an automatic six-month bar on a single firm’s performance of certain audit work, commencement of a new proceeding against a firm, or in extreme cases the resumption of the current proceeding against all four firms.

 

In the event that the SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the United States with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in the PRC, which could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, including possible delisting. Moreover, any negative news about any such future proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding PRC-based, United States-listed companies and the market price of our ADSs may be adversely affected.

 

If our independent registered public accounting firm were denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and we were unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such a determination could ultimately lead to the delisting of our ADSs from the NYSE or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our ADSs in the United States.

 

We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics and other outbreaks, which could significantly disrupt our operations.

 

On May 12, 2008 and April 14, 2010, severe earthquakes hit part of Sichuan province in southeastern China and part of Qinghai province in western China, respectively, resulting in significant casualties and property damage. While we did not suffer any loss or experience any significant increase in cost resulting from these earthquakes, if a similar disaster were to occur in the future that affected Shanghai or another city where we have major operations, our operations could be materially and adversely affected due to loss of personnel and damages to property. In addition, a similar disaster affecting a larger, more developed area could also cause an increase in our costs resulting from the efforts to resurvey the affected area. Even if we are not directly affected, such a disaster could affect the operations or financial condition of our customers and suppliers, which could harm our results of operations.

 

In addition, our business could be materially and adversely affected by natural disasters or public health emergencies, such as the outbreak of avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, Ebola virus, or another epidemic. In April 2009, a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, commonly referred to as “swine flu,” was first discovered in North America and quickly spread to other parts of the world, including China. In early June 2009, the World Health Organization, or the WHO, declared the outbreak to be a pandemic, while noting that most of the illnesses were of moderate severity. The PRC Ministry of Health has reported several hundred deaths caused by influenza A (H1N1). In March 2013, a new virus subtype H7N9, commonly known as “bird flu” or “avian flu,” was discovered in eastern China. In April 2013, the WHO has identified H7N9 as “an unusually dangerous virus for humans” but the number of cases detected after April 2013 fell abruptly. Any outbreak of avian flu, SARS, influenza A (H1N1), or their variations, or other adverse public health epidemic in China may have a material and adverse effect on our business operations. These occurrences could require the temporary closure of our offices or prevent our staff from traveling to our customers’ offices to provide on-site services. Such closures could severely disrupt our business operations and adversely affect our results of operations.

 

Risks Relating to Our ADSs.

 

Our ADSs may be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange which would adversely impact our public float and the trading price for our ADSs.

 

We must comply with various listing standards to maintain our continued NYSE listing. For example, the average closing price for our ADSs may not fall below $1.00 over a 30 trading-day period. On two recent occasions we were notified by the NYSE that we were in violation of this listing standard.

 

On March 19, 2015, the NYSE notified us that the closing price of our ADSs for the consecutive 30 trading-day period ended on March 13, 2015 was $0.99 and therefore below the NYSE’s continued listing standard relating to minimum average closing share price. Subsequent increases in the closing prices of our ADSs allowed us to regain compliance with the minimum share price rule by April 2015 but on September 15, 2015, the NYSE again notified us that we were below the NYSE’s continued listing criteria because the average per share closing price of our ADS for the consecutive 30 trading-day period ended on September 11, 2015 has fallen below $1.00. We regained compliance with the NYSE continued listing criteria after we changed the ratio of ordinary shares per one ADS from 1 ADS representing three ordinary shares to one ADS representing twenty ordinary shares (equivalent to a three-for-twenty reverse ADS split).

 

Our efforts to maintain our ADS average closing price at or above $1.00 to satisfy the relevant continued listing requirements may not succeed. We also have no assurance that we will continue to be in compliance with other NYSE listing standards. In addition, we would be subject to immediate suspension and de-listing from the NYSE if our average market capitalization is less than $15 million over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. As of April 30, 2016, our market capitalization was approximately $22.4 million. On the other hand, if our shareholders’ equity falls below $50 million during any time when our average market capitalization over the previous consecutive 30 trading-day period is less than $50 million, the NYSE could take actions to delist our ADSs. As of December 31, 2015, we had shareholders’ equity of $178.7 million and, based on our management account, we expect a net income of approximately $6.9 million in the first quarter of 2016 primarily as a result of our disposal of certain non-core investments and assets in 2016.

 

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We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company or “PFIC” for U.S. federal income tax purposes for a given taxable year pursuant to an annual factual determination made after the close of that year; pursuant to a determination made in 2016 we believe we were classified as a PFIC for the 2015 taxable year.

 

Depending upon the value of our ADSs or ordinary shares and the nature of our assets and income over time, we could be classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We will be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year if either: (a) the average quarterly value of our gross assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50% of the average quarterly value of our total gross assets or (b) 75% or more of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income. According to these technical rules, we would likely become a PFIC for a given taxable year if our market capitalization were to decrease significantly while we hold substantial cash and cash equivalents in that year.

 

If we are classified as a PFIC in any taxable year in which you hold our ADSs or ordinary shares and you are a U.S. investor, subject to certain exceptions described in Item 10.E, “Additional Information—Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company,” you would generally be taxed at higher ordinary income rates, rather than lower capital gain rates, if you dispose of ADSs or ordinary shares for a gain in a later year, even if we are no longer a PFIC in that year. In addition, a portion of the tax imposed on your gain would be increased by an interest charge. Moreover, if we were classified as a PFIC in any taxable year, you would not be able to benefit from any preferential tax rate with respect to any dividend distribution that you may receive from us in that year or in the following year. Finally, you would also be subject to special U.S. tax reporting requirements.

 

Our PFIC status for the current taxable year 2016 will not be determinable until after the close of the taxable year ending December 31, 2016. Because we currently hold, and expect to continue to hold, a substantial amount of cash and other passive assets and, because the value of our assets is likely to be determined in large part by reference to the market prices of our ADSs or ordinary shares, which are likely to fluctuate, there can be no assurance that we will not be classified as a PFIC in 2015 and any future taxable year. Based on a determination made in 2016 with respect to the 2015 taxable year, we believe we were classified as a PFIC for the 2015 taxable year. U.S. investors are urged to consult their independent tax advisors about the application of the PFIC rules and certain elections that may help them relieve any adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for their particular circumstances for the 2015 taxable year. For more information regarding such elections, please consult Item 10.E, “Additional Information— Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company” and your independent tax advisor.

 

The sale, deposit, cancellation and transfer of the ADSs issued after an exercise of rights may be restricted under applicable U.S. securities laws.

 

If we offer holders of our ordinary shares any rights to subscribe for additional shares or any other rights, the depositary may make these rights available to holders of our ADSs if it is lawful and reasonably practicable to do so. However, the depositary may allow rights that are not distributed or sold to lapse. In that case, holders of our ADSs will receive no value for them. In addition, U.S. securities laws may restrict the sale, deposit, cancellation and transfer of the ADSs issued after exercise of rights. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not distribute rights to holders of ADSs unless the distribution and sale of rights and the securities to which these rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act with respect to holders of ADSs, or are registered under the provisions of the Securities Act. We can give no assurance that we can establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and we are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to these rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have a registration statement declared effective. Accordingly, holders of our ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution of their holdings as a result.

 

The trading prices of our ADSs may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.

 

The daily closing trading prices of our ADSs ranged from US$2.4695 to $19.2000 in 2015 (adjusted to reflect the November 2015 increase in our ordinary shares to 1 ADS ratio to 20:1) . The trading price of our ADSs is likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, like the performance and fluctuation in the market prices or the underperformance or deteriorating financial results of other similarly situated companies in China that have listed their securities in the United States in recent years. The securities of some of these companies have experienced significant volatility since their initial public offerings, including, in some cases, substantial price declines in the trading prices of their securities. The trading performances of these Chinese companies’ securities after their offerings may affect the attitudes of investors toward Chinese companies listed in the United States, which consequently may impact the trading performance of our ADSs, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, any negative news or perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practices or fraudulent accounting or other practices at other Chinese companies may also negatively affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinese companies in general, including us, regardless of whether we have engaged in such practices. Furthermore, securities markets may from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to our operating performance, which may have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ADSs.

 

In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for our ADSs may be highly volatile due to specific factors, including the following:

 

  • variations in our net revenues, earnings and cash flow;

 

  • announcements of new investments, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, or joint ventures;

 

  • announcements of new services and expansions by us or our competitors;

 

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  • changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;

 

  • failure on our part to realize monetization opportunities as expected;

 

  • additions or departures of key personnel or directors;

 

  • developments in our ongoing shareholder dispute;

 

  • any announcement regarding the NYSE listing status of our ADSs and actions proposed to be taken to preserve our NYSE listing;

 

•detrimental negative publicity about us, our competitors or our industry; and

 

•potential litigation or regulatory proceedings or changes.

 

Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which our ADSs will trade.

 

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our ADSs, the market price for our ADSs and trading volume could decline.

 

The trading market for our ADSs will be influenced by research or reports that industry or securities analysts publish about our business. If one or more analysts who cover us downgrade our ADSs, the market price for our ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market price or trading volume for our ADSs to decline.

 

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents may discourage a third party from acquiring us, which could limit our shareholders’ opportunities to sell their shares at a premium.

 

Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association include provisions that could limit the ability of others to acquire control of us, modify our structure or cause us to engage in change-of-control transactions. These provisions could have the effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of us in a tender offer or similar transaction.

 

For example, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix the powers and rights of these shares, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with our ordinary shares. Preferred shares could thus be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control or make removal of management more difficult. In addition, if our board of directors issues preferred shares, the market price of our ordinary shares may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares may be adversely affected.

 

We are a Cayman Islands company and, because judicial precedent regarding the rights of shareholders is more limited under Cayman Islands law than under U.S. law, our shareholders may have less protection of their shareholder rights than they would under U.S. law.

 

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Cayman Islands Companies Law 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 of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands, as well as from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. In addition, some states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands.

 

Unlike many jurisdictions in the United States, Cayman Islands law does not generally provide for shareholder appraisal rights on an approved arrangement and reconstruction of a company. This may make it more difficult for you to assess the value of any consideration you may receive in a merger or consolidation or to require that the offer or give you additional consideration if you believe the consideration offered is insufficient. Moreover, holders of our ADSs are not entitled to appraisal rights under Cayman Islands law. ADS holders that wish to exercise their appraisal or dissentient rights must convert their ADSs into ordinary shares by surrendering their ADSs to the depositary and paying the ADS depositary fee.

 

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Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our existing articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.

 

As a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States.

 

Judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable in our home jurisdiction.

 

We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and conduct substantially all of our operations in China through our subsidiaries established in China. Most of our directors and officers reside outside the United States and substantially all of the assets of those persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for our shareholders to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the Cayman Islands or in China in the event that our shareholders believe that their rights have been infringed under the applicable securities laws or otherwise. Even if our shareholders are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of China may render them unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers.

 

There are uncertainties as to whether Cayman Islands courts would:

 

•recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States; or

 

•entertain original actions brought against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.

 

There is no statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the Cayman Islands will generally recognize as a valid judgment, a final and conclusive judgment in personam obtained in the federal or state courts in the United States under which a sum of money is payable (other than a sum of money payable in respect of multiple damages, taxes or other charges of a like nature or in respect of a fine or other penalty) and would give a judgment based thereon, provided that (i) such courts had proper jurisdiction over the parties subject to such judgment, (ii) such courts did not contravene the rules of natural justice of the Cayman Islands, (iii) such judgment was not obtained by fraud, (iv) the enforcement of the judgment would not be contrary to the public policy of the Cayman Islands, (v) no new admissible evidence relevant to the action is submitted prior to the rendering of the judgment by the courts of the Cayman Islands, and (vi) there is due compliance with the correct procedures under the laws of the Cayman Islands.

 

The ability for shareholders to protect their rights as shareholders through the U.S. federal courts may be limited because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.

 

Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a derivative action in a federal court of the United States. As a result, our shareholders’ ability to protect their interests if they are harmed in a manner that would otherwise enable them to sue in a U.S. federal court may be limited.

 

The voting rights of holders of ADSs are limited in several significant ways by the terms of the deposit agreement.

 

Holders of our ADSs may only exercise their voting rights with respect to the underlying ordinary shares in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Under the deposit agreement, you must vote by giving voting instructions to the depositary. Upon receipt of voting instructions from a holder of ADSs in the manner set forth in the deposit agreement, the depositary will endeavor to vote the underlying ordinary shares in accordance with these instructions.

 

You will not be able to directly exercise your right to vote with respect to the underlying ordinary shares unless you withdraw the ordinary shares by surrendering your ADSs to the depositary and paying the ADS depositary fee. Under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and Cayman Islands law, the minimum notice period required for convening a general meeting of shareholders is ten days. When a general meeting is convened, holders of our ADSs may not receive sufficient notice of the meeting to permit the holders to withdraw their ordinary shares to allow them to cast their vote with respect to any specific matter at the meeting. In addition, the depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to holders of our ADSs or carry out the holders’ voting instructions in a timely manner. We make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary to extend voting rights to holders of our ADSs in a timely manner, but we cannot assure holders of our ADSs that they will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that they can instruct the depositary to vote their shares. Furthermore, the depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, holders of our ADSs may not be able to exercise their right to vote and may lack recourse if their ordinary shares are not voted as requested.

 

The depositary of our ADSs, except in limited circumstances, grants to us a discretionary proxy to vote the ordinary shares underlying the ADSs if holders of our ADSs do not vote at shareholders’ meetings, which could adversely affect the interests and the ability of our shareholders as a group to influence the management of our company.

 

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Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, the depositary gives us a discretionary proxy to vote our ordinary shares underlying the ADSs at shareholders’ meetings if holders of our ADSs do not vote, unless:

 

•we have failed to timely provide the depositary with our notice of meeting and related voting materials;

 

•we have instructed the depositary that\we do not wish a discretionary proxy to be given;

 

•we have informed the depositary that there is substantial opposition as to a matter to be voted on at the meeting;

 

•a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material adverse impact on shareholders; or

 

•voting at the meeting is made on a show of hands.

 

The effect of this discretionary proxy is that holders of our ADSs cannot prevent our ordinary shares underlying ADSs from being voted, absent the situations described above, and it may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence the management of our company. Holders of our ordinary shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.

 

Holders of ADSs may not receive distributions on our ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available.

 

The depositary of our ADSs pays holders of our ADSs the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian for our ADSs receives on our ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. Holders of our ADSs receive these distributions in proportion to the number of our ordinary shares their ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible if it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act but that are not properly registered or distributed pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary is not responsible for making a distribution available to any holders of ADSs if any government approval or registration is required for such distribution. We have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of our ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of our ADSs. This means that holders of our ADSs may not receive the distributions we make on our ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available. These restrictions may have a material and adverse effect on the value of the holders’ ADSs.

 

Holders of our ADSs may be subject to limitations on transfer of their ADSs.

 

ADSs, represented by American depositary receipts, are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADS holders on its books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of our ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary thinks it is necessary or advisable to do so in connection with the performance of its duty under the deposit agreement, including due to any requirement of law or any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement. As a result, you may be unable to transfer your ADSs when you wish to.

 

ITEM 4.INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

A. History and Development of the Company

 

We commenced operations in 1998 through Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd., or Beijing Acorn, and in 2000, two other operating companies, Shanghai Network, and Shanghai Acorn Trade and Development Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Trade, were established and commenced business operations. Prior to January 1, 2005, our business was operated through Beijing Acorn, Shanghai Network and Shanghai Trade, including their subsidiaries. To enable us to raise equity capital from investors outside of China, we established a holding company structure by incorporating China DRTV Inc., or China DRTV, in the British Virgin Islands on March 4, 2004. Commencing on January 1, 2005, our business was conducted through China DRTV and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities. In connection with our initial public offering, we incorporated Acorn International in the Cayman Islands on December 20, 2005 as our listing vehicle. On March 31, 2006, Acorn International became our ultimate holding company when it issued shares to the existing shareholders of China DRTV in exchange for all of the shares that these shareholders held in China DRTV. For additional information on our organizational structure, see Item 4.C, “Information on the Company— Organizational Structure”.

 

In May 2007, we completed our initial public offering, which involved the sale by us and certain of our shareholders of 8,855,000 ADSs, representing 26,565,000 ordinary shares. On November 30, 2015, we changed the ratio of our ADSs to ordinary shares from 1:3 to 1:20, which we believe was in the best interests of our shareholders as it assisted our Company in regaining compliance with the minimum average closing price continued listing standard of the NYSE.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 19/F, 20th Building, 487 Tianlin Road, Shanghai 200233, People’s Republic of China, and our telephone number is (86 21) 5151-8888. Our website address is www.acorninternationalir.com. The information on our website does not form a part of this annual report. Our agent for service of process in the United States is CT Corporation System, located at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011.

 

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B. Business Overview

 

Overview

 

We are a marketing and branding company in China with a proven track record of developing, promoting and selling a diverse portfolio of our proprietary-branded products, as well as well-established and promising new products from third parties. Our business is currently comprised of two main divisions, our direct sales platforms and our nationwide distribution network.

 

Under Mr. Roche’s stewardship since May 2015, we have reduced operating expenses and reduced cash outflow, focusing primarily on cost reduction and streamlining business operations of our Company. In addition, our cost reduction has been part of a broader restructuring in response to rationalizing our business model in light of the evolution of the business environment and competitive landscape in China. The business landscape in China has evolved in recent years and as a result, in addition to the desire to generate cash for the business, we are liquidating certain none-core assets and downsizing related business areas, such as warehousing, manufacturing and logistics, with an aim to enhance operational efficiency. Going forward, following our intense focus on cost reduction measures starting in May 2015, our management will continue to turn its attention to growing revenues. We plan to devote more resources to increasing our e-commerce sales and to expanding our existing nationwide distribution network of electronic learning products to help drive sales, build our brand and attract new customers.

 

Our direct sales business platform involves marketing and selling products directly to consumers in China through our outbound marketing platform (which until early 2015 included TV direct sales, or infomercials) and our Internet sales platform. Our outbound marketing platform includes our call center operations to directly market consumer products to individual customers in China, the majority of whom were previous TV direct sales purchasers who placed orders with us or made calls to our call center in the past 16 years. We also conduct our Internet sales business both through our official website and on the platforms of China’s leading e-commerce companies. We expect our Internet sales to have an increasing importance to our business in the future. Through our nationwide distribution network we distribute a select number of our products promoted by our direct sales platforms. Our distribution network covers all provinces in China through 29 distributors and allows us to reach over 2,200 retail outlets across China. We have developed several leading proprietary-branded product lines, including Ozing electronic learning products and Babaka posture-correction. In selecting new products to be offered via our diversified sales channels, we seek to identify offerings in underserved market segments with potential national appeal for which we believe our sales channels and marketing and branding expertise can create value. Featured products offered in 2015 included electronic learning products, health products, and collectibles products.

 

Our longer term goal is to become one of the leading marketing and branding company for developing, promoting and selling products in China and to capitalize on our integrated multi-channel platform with an aim to become partners of choice for both well-established and promising new businesses to market and distribute their products in China.

 

On May 4, 2015, Mr. Roche returned as our Chief Executive Officer to focus on restructuring and turning around the business, after his improper removal on August 26, 2014. Over the last three years, our total net revenues declined from $184.7 million in 2013 to $94.8 million in 2014 and $47.5 million in 2015 with net losses totaling $39.9 million in 2013, $44.3 million in 2014 and $40.2 million in 2015. Among other factors, these results reflect primarily the adverse impact of two events:

 

·increasingly restrictive government regulations on TV infomercials which drove a substantial reduction in our purchase of TV advertising time in 2014 and the termination of our TV direct sales operations in the first quarter of 2015. These actions, in turn, resulted in significantly lower direct sales and lower distribution sales (distribution sales often benefit from TV advertising exposure); and

 

·the pendency of a legal dispute between two groups of our shareholders relating to the management and direction of our company and the related diversion of our management’s attention from our business and litigation-related prohibitions on our pursuing transactions outside our ordinary course of business. This dispute resulted in a court case that was adjudicated and resulted in the following by May 2015 (i) a Cayman Islands court issued a final order in connection with the dispute, (ii) Robert Roche, our co-founder, Chairman and controlling shareholder, returned as our CEO and chairman; (iii) we held an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of our shareholders at which a significant change in the composition of our board of directors was approved by our shareholders and effected and (iv) a business operations and sales team headed by our former co-founder Mr. Don Dongjie Yang left the company in 2015.

 

Due to the impact of these events, we believe that our 2015 results of operation are not generally comparable to our prior year results or necessarily indicative of anticipated 2016 results.

 

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Our Complementary Direct Sales Platforms

 

We have established and maintained complementary direct sales platforms, which currently consist mainly of outbound marketing and Internet sales. Through our direct sales platforms, we sell and market our proprietary products as well as certain third-party products. Approximately 43.5%, 47.7% and 40.8% of our total net revenues in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, were generated from our direct sales platforms.

 

Historically, the core focus of our direct sales was our TV direct sales platform. Our TV direct sales platform primarily consisted of procuring TV airtime from both national and local TV channels in China to play three to ten minute infomercials demonstrating and explaining our product in an entertaining and appealing manner, and providing phone numbers for customers to call to make further inquiries or to purchase the product. However, a series of increasingly more restrictive regulations and rules on TV advertising in China and rising media costs significantly reduced our ability to effectively access TV airtime. As a result, we significantly reduced our purchases of airtime for our TV infomercials beginning in 2014 and by early 2015 we suspended the procurement of new TV time altogether. As a result, as a percentage of our total gross revenues, gross revenues generated by TV direct sales declines from 30.4% and 6.0% in 2013 and 2014, respectively, to approximately 0.7% in 2015.

 

Outbound Marketing. As of December 31, 2015, our database contained approximately 12.7 million names of individual customers, the majority of whom have placed orders to us or made calls to our call center in the past 16 years. As of December 31, 2015, our 71 specialized outbound marketing representatives utilize our customer database to target calls and text messages at customer subgroups identified as likely purchasers of particular products. We currently operate one call center in Wuxi which processes telephone orders generated by our direct sales platforms and gathers real-time data to help determine how we shall adjust our business operations and product offerings. Our outbound marketing sales accounted for approximately 29.7% of our total net revenues in 2015. We expect that the number of customers in our database will continue to grow and sales from outbound marketing will continue to form an important portion to our business in the future.

 

Internet Website. We sold over 250 kinds of products via our website in 2015, both through our official website and on the platforms of China’s leading e-commerce companies, of which 209 were our proprietary-branded products while the remainder were third-party products. In addition to our official website, we maintain e-shops on various e-commerce platforms in China, including T-mall.com, Taobao, JD.com, and Amazon to provide products and services to our end-customers. Our Internet website sales accounted for approximately 18.7% of our total net revenues in 2015. We expect that our Internet sales will continue to grow and will be of increasing importance to our business in the future.

 

Our Nationwide Distribution Network

 

In addition, our nationwide distribution network, coupled with local marketing and promotional efforts, helps us to further enhance the awareness of and demand for certain of our products, thereby broadening our customer reach and enhancing the penetration of those products on a nationwide basis.

 

We use our nationwide distribution network to distribute a selected number of our products promoted through our direct sales platforms. Our distribution network broadens our customer reach and enhances the penetration of those products on a nationwide basis. Our network covers all provinces in China through 29 distributors, which allows us to reach over 2,200 retail outlets across China. These retail outlets include bookstores, supermarkets, specialty retail chains and department stores. In addition to our ground distribution network, starting from 2013, we also engaged distributors on China’s leading e-commerce platforms to promote and market our products. For example we work closely with e-commerce websites such as VIPShop and JD.com to promote and sell our products on a wholesale basis. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, sales generated through our nationwide distribution network accounted for 26.1%, 52.3% and 59.2% of our net revenues, respectively. We typically provide our distributors (other than distributors on the e-commerce websites) with the exclusive right to distribute selected products in their respective territories. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, sales generated by our top five distributors accounted for 7.4%, 13.8% and 25.6% of our gross revenues, respectively.

 

Our distribution agreements with ground distributors are typically negotiated and entered into on an annual basis and are designed to provide incentives for our distributors to improve their sales performance, encourage them to promote our brands, and protect the value of those brands. For example, our distributors are required to meet the monthly and annual sales volume target for our selected featured products and, in the case of electronic learning products distribution, we provide sales incentives in the form of cash rebates to the distributors that meet or exceed our sales targets. We also require our distributors to ensure that the retail prices of our products sold through their retail outlets are not lower than the retail prices for the same products sold through our direct sales platforms, or the minimum retail prices set by us. Furthermore, distributors of our electronic learning products must also incur minimum marketing expenditures provided in our distribution agreements. We regularly monitor and review our distributors’ sales performance and their compliance with the terms of our agreements.

 

Our Products

 

We currently offer over 250 products which are sold primarily through our outbound marketing and online stores, as well as our nationwide distribution network. Our recently featured product categories include electronic learning products, collectibles products, health products, and mobile phone products, all of which are primarily sold through our comprehensive and complimentary direct sales platform, nationwide distribution network, or both. We periodically develop and introduce new and upgraded products under the same product brand to develop such brand into a product line.

 

In addition, to further expand our product offerings, we entered into an Insurance Business Cooperation Agreement with Sino- US United MetLife Insurance Co., Ltd., or MetLife, a joint venture company established by certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of MetLife Inc. and Shanghai Alliance Investment Ltd. Pursuant to the cooperation agreement effective on August 29, 2012, we, as a concurrent-business insurance agent of Metlife, are jointly marketing and selling short-term accident and health insurance products with Metlife through various channels under our other direct sales platform. Pursuant to our cooperation with Metlife, we received a service fee/commission of approximately $0.5 million from Metlife in 2015 and expect to further expand our insurance product operations going forward.

 

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Recent Featured Product Categories

 

We generally focus on marketing and selling four to six featured product lines at any one time through our direct sales platforms and a limited number of products through our nationwide distribution network. In 2015, we featured products in the following categories and under the following proprietary and third-party brands:

 

•Electronic Learning Products featuring the Ozing branded electronic learning device incorporating mobile internet interactive features, such as online tutoring services. Electronic learning products accounted for 22.1%, 46.5% and 51.7% of our total gross revenues in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Our primary Ozing branded product is a multi-functional handheld electronic device with a screen display that provides lessons for independent English learners. The retail prices for our electronic learning products ranged from RMB280 to RMB2,299 per unit in 2013, RMB188 to RMB1,761 per unit in 2014, and RMB23 to RMB3,321 (or approximately $4 to $551) per unit in 2015.

 

•Health Products featuring Babaka posture correction products. Health products accounted for 5.5%, 10.4% and 17.0% of our total gross revenues in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The retail prices for our health products ranged from RMB13 to RMB12,880 per unit in 2013, and RMB25 to RMB2,127 per unit in 2014 and RMB164 to RMB316 (or approximately $29 to $57) per unit in 2015.

 

•Collectibles Products Collectibles products accounted for 16.0%, 16.2% and 11.8% of our total gross revenues in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The retail prices for our collectibles products ranged from RMB25 to RMB65,999 per unit in 2013, RMB25 to RMB65,999 per unit in 2014, and RMB4 to RMB67,521 (or approximately $1 to $12,166) per unit in 2015.

 

•Mobile Phone Products Mobile phone products accounted for 14.0%, 6.3% and 10.6% of our total gross revenues in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The retail prices for the mobile phone products that we market ranged from RMB129 to RMB6,399 per unit in 2013, RMB129 to RMB5,942 per unit in 2014, and RMB82 to RMB2,382 (or approximately $13 to $367) per unit in 2015.

 

•Kitchen and Household Kitchen and household accounted for 14.6%, 10.3% and 3.3% of our total gross revenues in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The retail prices for the kitchen and household products that we market ranged from RMB1.2 to RMB692 per unit in 2014, and RMB4 to RMB448 (or approximately $1 to $69) per unit in 2015.

 

Our five best-selling products and product lines in 2013, 2014 and 2015 are set forth below:

 

      2013   2014   2015 
Product  Brand  Revenues   % of gross
revenues		   Rank   Revenues   % of gross
revenues		   Rank   Revenues   % of gross
revenues		   Rank 
      (in thousands, except percentages and ranks) 
Electronic learning products  Ozing  $40,903    22.1%   1   $44,138    46.5%   1   $24,638    51.7%   1 
Health products  Babaka, Zehom   —    —         9,876    10.4%   3    8,102    17.0%   2 
Collectibles products      29,643    16.0%   3    15,414    16.2%   2    5,646    11.8%   3 
Mobile phone products  Gionee,                  6,000    6.3%   5    5,032    10.6%   4 
   K-touch, U-king,                                             
   Lenovo, Nokia                                             
   and Konka   25,924    14.0%   5    —                          
Kitchen and Household products  Rose, True   27,008    14.6%   4    9,810    10.3%   4    1,591    3.3%   5 
Fitness products  Yierjian,                                             
   Vibrashape  $38,427    20.8%   2    —              —           
                                                 
Total top five     $161,905    87.5%       $85,238    89.7%       $45,009    94.4%     
Other products revenues     $23,245    12.5%       $9,716    10.3%       $2,644    5.6%     
Total gross revenues     $185,150    100.0%       $94,954    100.0%       $47,653    100.0%     
Total sales tax     $(439)            $(199)            $(107)          
Total revenues, net     $184,711             $94,755             $47,546           

 

Product Development

 

We employ a rigorous and systematic approach to identifying and developing products. Historically, our product development process comprised of product identification, pre-testing preparation and test-marketing through our TV direct sales platform. Under this process, we generally tested the market potential and customer appeal of our products by broadcasting our TV direct sales programs on specific channels for a designated period of time, and then closely evaluate customer feedback and sales of the relevant product through our call center.

 

In connection with discontinuing our TV direct sales platform, we have focused on other means of product identification and development, such as working with third parties to gauge consumer responsiveness to various products.

 

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Product Identification

 

We typically seek to identify consumer products that we believe offer good value and quality, can enrich customers’ lifestyle, are not widely available and can generate sufficient profit potential. Our success in developing leading product brands has provided us with access to a large pool of potential products from various suppliers and manufacturers in China. In addition to identifying new products through external sources, we also focus on our internal product development efforts relating to our existing product portfolio. These products, with their existing brand awareness and consumer acceptance, provide significant opportunities to introduce upgraded products and related new products under the same brand.

 

To better help us identify potential new products, we entered into an exclusive partnership agreement on July 21, 2011 with Oak Lawn Marketing International Inc. (formerly known as Global Infomercial Services, Inc.), or OLMI. Pursuant to the exclusive partnership agreement, OLMI will search for and identify products of interest that have been or are being sold in North America, South America, or Europe and help us obtain the rights to such products. In addition, we have historically cooperated with China Branding Group, or CBG, to market and sell certain celebrity branded or endorsed products, which was launched in 2014. Most of our agreements with CBG related to celebrity-branded products and programs with CBG expired during the second half of 2014, and we suspended all collaboration with CBG in October 2014. We are currently in discussions with CBG regarding renewing our business collaboration, although no definitive agreement has been reached and there can be no assurances that any definitive agreements will be entered into with CBG. Both OLMI and CBG are a related party to Mr. Robert W. Roche, our co-founder, executive chairman and chief executive officer. For details of our cooperation with CBG and OLMI, see Item 7.B, “Related Party Transactions”.

 

Pre-testing Preparation

 

During our pre-testing preparation phase, our product development team analyzes and identifies a product’s unique features and value proposition to formulate a marketing and distribution strategy, including setting a selling price for the test-marketing phase, a sales target and a weekly marketing plan. To ensure service quality and assist in gathering consumer feedback, our product development team concurrently provides our call center employees with training and sales scripts to assist them in receiving purchase order calls in response to our Internet or social media test-marketing activities.

 

Test Marketing

 

The test-marketing phase usually lasts from one week to three weeks, during which time our test advertising programs are published on selected Internet websites or social media. During the test-marketing phase, we gather, monitor and analyze real-time data, calls and consumer feedback collected by our research team and customer service team through designated test numbers. Using this data and feedback, we attempt to predict the demand, growth potential and anticipated selling prices of the products. In analyzing the data to determine whether we should move a product into full-scale marketing on our various direct sales platform, we focus on key benchmarks, including, most importantly, estimated profitability relative to our media expenses. We then determine whether the product has the potential to be developed into a proprietary branded product line so that its lifecycle can be prolonged.

 

Call Center Operations

 

Our sales operations and media purchase activities are supported by our call center located in Wuxi, which began operation in 2009. Sales representatives in our call center places outbound marketing calls to selected customers to market our products and are trained to identify, promote and act upon cross-selling and up-selling opportunities while processing customer orders. We regularly track and analyze real-time data generated through our call center operations to ensure the cost- effectiveness of our media purchases. We use call center-generated real time data to adjust our product mix and to maximize the profitability of our direct sales operations. As of December 31, 2015, we had 71 dedicated sales representatives and 23 customer service representatives. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, our call center processed an average of approximately 10,150, 3,298 and 252 incoming calls per day, respectively, with the decline in calls processed in 2014 and 2015 primarily attributable to the substantial reduction in our TV media spending as we wound down our TV direct sales platform and our closure of call centers in Shanghai and Beijing in August 2014 and June 2015, respectively.

 

Order Fulfillment

 

Many of the products sold through our various sales centers are delivered to our customers throughout China by EMS, the largest national express mail service operated by the China Post Office, and local delivery companies. We generally guarantee our products will be delivered to our customers within two to ten days of the date of receiving the order. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, of the total attempted product deliveries by EMS and local delivery companies on a cash-on-delivery, or COD, basis, approximately 68%, 68% and 54% were successful, respectively. Reasons for delivery failure primarily include customers’ refusal to accept a product upon delivery, which tend to occur more frequently with products that have higher average selling prices, or failure to successfully locate the delivery address. We are responsible for delivery and handling fees regardless of whether the delivery is successful. We have found that, in general, the shorter the delivery time, the lower the likelihood that the customer will refuse to accept the product upon delivery. As a result, local delivery companies enjoy higher delivery success rate than EMS due to a faster delivery time and better service quality. EMS and local delivery companies are responsible for returning to us any undelivered products. It generally takes EMS two to three weeks, and local delivery companies approximately seven days, to return undelivered products to us.

 

In 2013, 2014 and 2015, approximately 94.0%, 85% and 38.0% of our direct sales were settled on a COD basis by our customers. We recognize non-COD sales revenues when products are delivered to and accepted by our customer (e.g. FOB destination). For customers settling through COD, either EMS or the local delivery company is responsible for collecting and wiring to us these cash amounts on a periodic basis once collected. EMS and local delivery companies generally charge us delivery fees based upon weight of the products and distance of delivery. Additionally, EMS charges a processing fee based upon the sales price. One of our local delivery companies charge a lower processing fee based upon the sales price, while the other companies do not charge us such fee. It typically takes two to three weeks for us to receive payments from EMS compared to approximately seven days from local delivery companies. Of our total accounts receivable balance as of December 31, 2013 , $1.1 million or 18.7% was due from EMS. And as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, no accounts receivables from a single delivery company were more than 10% of our total accounts receivables.

 

In 2013, 2014 and 2015, approximately 26.4%, 11.3% and 16.4% of our net revenues resulted from products delivered by EMS, respectively, and approximately 49.9%, 36.4% and 24.4% of our net revenues resulted from products delivered by local delivery companies, respectively.

 

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Customer Service, Product Warranties and Return Policies

 

We believe emphasizing customer service will enhance our products brand image, facilitate cross-selling opportunities and generate customer loyalty and repeat purchasing behavior. Our customer service center within our Wuxi call center is currently staffed with approximately 23 customer service representatives. In addition, most of our distributors generally provide their own customer service in their respective territories.

 

Our customer service representatives are primarily responsible for answering our customers’ product-related inquiries, providing product information and handling product returns and customer complaints. To ensure superior customer service, we place significant emphasis on personnel selection and training. Our customer service representatives undergo product-specific training to allow them to answer product-related questions, proactively educate potential customers about the benefits of our products and promptly resolve customer problems. We also provide customer service training to some of our distributors for products sold through our nationwide distribution network.

 

Under our policies, our customers generally may return products to us within seven days after delivery if there is a quality defect or if a product fails to meet its specifications. In most cases, product exchanges are allowed within a month of delivery. Our warranties generally provide for repair of product defects within one year at no cost to the customers. Product returns from our multiple sales platforms were insignificant in 2013, 2014 and 2015. To the extent that the manufacturer of the defective product is a third party, the manufacturer is obligated to either repair the defective product or reimburse us for any related expenses. Our distributors are allowed to exchange any defective products they receive from us. The number of products exchanged by our distributors due to defects was insignificant in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

 

Supply and Inventory

 

Supply

 

We rely outsourced product manufacturers to produce our proprietary products (including our electronic learning products, oxygen generating devices and posture-correction products) and on third-party suppliers for our other products. 

 

We historically manufactured a substantial portion of our proprietary products.  However, beginning in 2015, we began to discontinue our manufacturing operations.  As of the date of this annual report, we have outsourced the manufacture of our key proprietary products to sixteen manufacturers who manufacture our products based on our design and to our specifications.  

 

Although we believe we could replace our contract manufacturers with qualified manufacturers on commercially reasonable terms within a reasonable period of time, any disruption of these arrangements could adversely impact our business. 

 

Inventory Control

 

We closely monitor our inventory and sales levels at all of our sales and marketing platforms. In general, before or during our test-marketing stage, we do not acquire any sizable inventory position in a product. We adjust our inventory levels based on the weekly sales forecasts we develop.

 

Majority-Owned Subsidiaries

 

To acquire managerial expertise and additional complementary distribution network infrastructure or secure exclusive product distribution rights, we have formed certain majority-owned subsidiaries. We currently have two majority-owned PRC operating subsidiaries, one of which is primarily engaged in developing electronic dictionaries. We may form other majority-owned subsidiaries in the future.

 

Competition

 

Because of our integrated vertical business model, we face competition from the following companies operating in our value chain:

 

•numerous domestic and international sellers of consumer branded products that sell their products in China and which compete with our products, such as our Ozing electronic learning products which compete with electronic learning products from BBG, Noah, Readboy, and other brands, and our mobile phone products which compete with similar products sold by local and international mobile phone manufacturers; and

 

•other Internet and e-commerce companies in China that offer consumer products online via an Internet platform, such as Dang Dang Wang, Yihaodian, Tmall and JD.COM.

 

We also compete with companies that make imitations of our products at substantially lower prices, such as our Babaka branded posture-correction products, which are often sold in department stores, pharmacies and general merchandise stores. See Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our product brand, reputation and competitive position. In addition, we may have to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation. Such litigation may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.”

 

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We believe we compete primarily on the basis of the effectiveness of our sales and distribution channels in reaching customers and generating customer appeal for our products. In addition, we believe we also compete primarily on the basis of our ability to identify and develop product brands, which helps to attract new product proposals from independent third parties and product suppliers who otherwise often lack the marketing or distribution capabilities and/or resources required to effectively market and sell their products or develop their own product brands. We also compete on the basis of product quality, price, and quality of our customer service, retail outlet coverage of our nationwide distribution network and speed of delivery. Many of our current or future competitors may have longer operating histories, better brand recognition, greater levels of consumer trust, stronger media management capabilities, better media and supplier relationships, a larger technical staff and sales force and/or greater financial, technical or marketing resources than we do.

 

Seasonality

 

Certain of our products are subject to seasonality, such as our electronic learning products. Sales for these products are typically higher around our first and third fiscal quarters which correspond to the end and beginning of school semesters in China, respectively. Other than seasonality related to these and certain of our other products, our business generally has not been seasonal.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, patent, unfair competition laws, as well as non-disclosure agreements and other methods to protect our intellectual property rights. We currently maintain 568 trademark registrations and are in the process of applying for registrations or transfer for approximately 114 trademarks in China. We own 12 invention, utilities and packaging design patents in China pertaining to our posture-correction products, kitchen and household products, fitness products, and oxygen generating device.

 

The legal regime in China for the protection of intellectual property rights is still at a relatively early stage of development. Despite many laws and regulations promulgated and other efforts made by China over the years to enhance its regulation and protection of intellectual property rights, private parties may not enjoy intellectual property rights in China to the same extent as they would in many western countries, including the United States, and enforcement of such laws and regulations in China have not achieved the levels reached in those countries. Therefore, it is difficult and expensive to police and enforce against infringement of intellectual property rights in China. Imitation or counterfeiting of our products or other infringement of our intellectual property rights, including our trademarks, could diminish the value of our various brands or otherwise adversely affect our net revenues. See Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our product brand, reputation and competitive position. In addition, we may have to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation. Such litigation may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.”

 

We have in the past been, currently are, and in the future may again be, the subject of claims for infringement, invalidity, or indemnification relating to other parties’ proprietary rights. For example, in April 2013, Beijing Ren’ai filed a suit in Shijiazhuang Intermediate People’s Court against Shanghai HJX and Beiguo Department Store Co., Ltd., or Beiguo, for the infringement over its copyrights, alleging that Shanghai HJX and Beiguo should stop infringing the copyrights, Shanghai HJX should apologize publicly, and the defendants should compensate aggregate loss of RMB500,000 and reasonable expenses of RMB2,358. Shijiazhuang Intermediate People’s Court held two hearings on July 26 and September 16 in 2013, and has not granted the judgment.

 

On November 6, 2015, we received the court judgment which prohibits Beiguo from infringing the copyrights and orders Beiguo to pay to the plaintiff, Beijing Ren’ai, a compensation in the amount of RMB30,000. Beiguo appealed on November 18, 2015 and the second open for hearing was held on April 7, 2016. The court confirmed the original judgment on April 13, 2016.

 

We believe that the above legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial conditions. See Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—We have in the past been, currently are, and in the future may again be, subject to intellectual property rights infringement claims and other litigations by third parties, which could be time-consuming and costly to defend or litigate, divert our attention and resources, or require us to enter into licensing agreements. These licenses may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.”

 

Management Information System

 

Our management information system and technology infrastructure is designed to support our key operations. Full redundancy design and data backup are built into our systems. We also have an uninterruptible power supply that can provide up to two hours of power in case of power outage to allow full functioning of our call center and customer services operations during that period.

 

Our major system modules and functions, which facilitate various aspects of our business, include the following:

 

•call center business management system, which facilitates automatic incoming call connection to available sales representatives or customer service representatives, data collection and organization of information received through call center representatives’ caller interactions, processing of after-sales service issues and monitoring of call center representatives for training and quality assurance purposes;

 

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•outbound marketing management system, which facilitates automatic outgoing dialing processes from a predetermined subgroup derived from our database and matches calls with available representatives;

 

•database management system, which facilitates the collection and updating of customer information;

  

•supply chain management system, or SCM, which aims to manage complex and dynamic supply and demand networks including our various suppliers and merchandise;

 

•short message service, or SMS, system, which supports SMS product order confirmation and advertising; and

 

•database backup.

 

We believe our information technology system is one of the key tools with which we are able to identify market trends and demands early.

 

Chinese Government Regulations

 

The PRC government extensively regulates the industries in which we operate our business. We operate our direct sales and advertising businesses in China under a legal regime consisting of the State Council, which is the highest authority of the executive branch of the PRC central government, and several ministries and agencies under its authority including, among others, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or SAIC, the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, the SAPPRFT, the State Administration for Food and Drug, or SAFD and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or MIIT. Meanwhile, we operate our Concurrent-Business Insurance Agency business under the regulations promulgated by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, or the CIRC.

 

In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance, except as disclosed in Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Industry— If the PRC government takes the view that we did not obtain the necessary approval for our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising under Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2004 Revision), we could be subject to penalties.”, and as disclosed in Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Industry— If the PRC government takes the view that we did not obtain the necessary approval for our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising under Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2004 Revision), we could be subject to penalties.”, (1) the ownership structures of our directly owned PRC subsidiaries comply with existing PRC laws and regulations; and (2) the ownership structure of our affiliated entities and our contractual arrangements with our affiliated entities and their shareholders are valid, binding and enforceable, and do not and will not result in a violation of existing PRC laws and regulations.

 

There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of existing or proposed PRC laws and regulations. We cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities would find that our corporate structure and our business operations comply with PRC laws and regulations. If the PRC government finds us to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations, we may be required to pay fines and penalties, obtain certain licenses, approvals, or permits and change, suspend or discontinue our business operations until we comply with applicable laws.

 

The following discussion sets forth a summary of what we believe are the most significant regulations or requirements that affect our business activities in China and our shareholders’ right to receive dividends and other distributions from us.

 

Regulatory Requirements for Foreign Participation

 

Direct Sales and Wholesale Distribution Businesses

 

Foreign investments in direct sales and wholesale businesses are both principally governed by the Administrative Measures on Foreign Investment in Commercial Sector promulgated by the MOFCOM, or the Commercial Sector Measures on April 16, 2004 as supplemented. The Commercial Sector Measures lowered the previous thresholds for foreign investors to enter the commercial sector in China and completely removed the previous restrictions on the location of and maximum foreign shareholding percentage in foreign-invested commercial enterprises as of December 11, 2004. Under the Commercial Sector Measures, the establishment of a foreign-invested direct sales (including direct sales via TV, telephones, mail and Internet) or wholesale distribution enterprise must obtain approval from MOFCOM or its authorized local counterparts. On September 12, 2008, MOFCOM authorized its Provincial counterparts to approve the establishment or modification of a foreign-invested commercial enterprise except the one engaged in direct sale via TV, phones, mail, internet, vender and other non-store methods or distribution of audio-visual products, books, newspapers and magazines which still should be approved by MOFCOM. On August 19, 2010, MOFCOM further authorized its Provincial counterparts to approve for the establishment of a foreign-invested enterprise to engage in direct sale via internet exclusively.

 

Under the PRC Law on Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprises (revised in 2001), the PRC Law on Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprises (revised in 2000), and the PRC Law on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises (revised in 2000), a foreign-invested enterprise is allowed to sell its self-produced products. Our distribution of our proprietary branded products is primarily conducted by our indirect subsidiaries which manufacture these proprietary branded products and sell such products as their self-produced products.

 

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Under the PRC laws, sellers of special products, such as medicine, medical devices and health protection products, are required to review the necessary manufacturing permits provided by the manufacturers.

 

Advertising Services

 

The advertising industry used to be a restricted industry for foreign investment under the Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2004 Revision). However, on October 31, 2007, the NDRC and MOFCOM jointly issued the Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2007 Revision) that identified the advertising industry as permitted industry for foreign investment. On December 24, 2011 the NDRC and MOFCOM jointly issued the Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2011 Revision) as amended on March 10, 2015, under which the advertising industry continues to remain as permitted industry. As a permitted industry, approval of MOFCOM or its local counterpart is no longer required for a foreign invested enterprise or its domestic subsidiary to invest in advertising unless required by other specific PRC laws and regulations.

 

Direct investment by foreign investors in the advertising industry in China is further subject to the Administrative Regulation on Foreign-Invested Advertising Enterprises jointly promulgated by MOFCOM and SAIC on March 2, 2004 and further revised on October 1, 2008. Under this advertising regulation, foreign investors are required to have had at least three years of experience in directly operating an advertising business outside of China before they may receive approval to own 100% of an advertising business in China. Foreign investors that do not have three years of experience are permitted to invest in advertising businesses, provided that such foreign investors have at least two years of direct operations in the advertising business outside of China and that such foreign investors may not own 100% of advertising businesses in China. Furthermore, all foreign invested advertising companies must obtain approval from SAIC or MOFCOM or their local counterparts. On June 29, 2015, the Administrative Regulation on Foreign-Invested Advertising Enterprise was revoked.

 

Our Direct Sales Operations

 

Due to the complicated and lengthy approval process and MOFCOM’s uncertain position towards approving investment in direct sale business by foreign investors under the Commercial Sector Measures, our direct sales business (other than direct sales of our Ozing electronic learning products) is currently conducted by our consolidated affiliated enterprises owned by Kuan Song and Pan Zong —Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn. Furthermore, due to the aforesaid reason as well as certain restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of companies that engage in internet and other related businesses imposed by current PRC laws and regulations, including the provision of internet content, we have set up another new consolidated affiliated enterprise, Beijing HJX Technology, and conducted internet interactive service through Beijing HJX Technology which held an ICP License. However, due to management changes and our improper management of the original ICP License of Beijing HJX Technology, Beijing HJX Technology was not able to complete its annual inspection on such license in 2015. We are currently in the process of preparing application documents for a new ICP License under the name of our subsidiary Shanghai Network to support of our shifting of core business from Beijing to Shanghai. The new consolidated affiliated enterprise is also owned by Kuan Song and Pan Zong. As domestic companies, these three companies are not subject to the Commercial Sector Measures and PRC laws and regulation on foreign investment into provision of internet content business, but they are controlled by us through a set of contractual arrangements.

 

In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance:

 

•The ownership structures of (i) Acorn Information, Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn and (ii) Beijing HJX Technology and Acorn Trade (Shanghai) are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations; and

 

•Our contractual arrangements among (i) Acorn Information, Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn and their respective shareholders, and (ii) Acorn Trade (Shanghai) and Beijing HJX Technology and their shareholders are valid, binding and enforceable, and do not and will not result in a violation of existing PRC laws and regulations.

 

We have been advised by our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance, however, that there are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws and regulations. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the PRC regulatory authorities, in particular MIIT, SAIC and MOFCOM, which regulate foreign investment in internet and direct sales businesses, will not in the future take a view that is contrary to the above opinions of our PRC legal counsel. If the current agreements that establish the above structure were found to be in violation of existing or future PRC laws or regulations, we may be required to restructure our ownership structure and direct sales and internet interactive service operations in China or to carry out other actions required by relevant PRC government authorities to comply with PRC laws and regulations, or we could be subject to severe penalties. See Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Industry—If the PRC government takes the view that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our TV and direct sales business and internet interactive service in China do not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in these areas, we could be subject to severe penalties”.

 

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Our Advertising Operations

 

On September 24, 2007, we acquired 100% of the legal ownership of Shanghai Advertising, which had been one of our affiliated entities, through Shanghai Acorn Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd., or Acorn Consulting. At the time of our acquisition, the advertising industry was still a restricted industry for foreign investment under the Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2004 Revision), and required the approval of Shanghai Foreign Investment Commission, or SFIC, MOFCOM’s local counterpart in Shanghai. However, we completed the registration of such acquisition with Pudong Administration of Industry and Commerce in Shanghai on September 24, 2007 without SFIC’s approval based on SFIC’s advice that this acquisition was a purely domestic acquisition without any foreign related issues. Our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance, has advised us that it is unlikely that we would be required by the PRC regulatory authorities, in particular SAIC and MOFCOM, both as regulators of foreign investment, to seek such approval to make up for our deficiency or any penalties would be imposed upon us for failure to obtain such approval. However, we cannot assure you that SAIC or MOFCOM will not take a different view from ours. See Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Industry— If the PRC government takes the view that we did not obtain the necessary approval for our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising under Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2004 Revision), we could be subject to penalties.”

 

We have been further advised by Commerce & Finance that, according to an anonymous consultation with SFIC, because our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising was completed through Acorn Consulting, a domestic subsidiary of foreign invested enterprises, the acquisition was not subject to the requirement that foreign investors have the requisite years of operating experience in an advertising business outside of China. Similarly, Pudong Administration of Industry and Commerce in Shanghai did not require us to show that Acorn Consulting had the requisite years of operating experience either before or after it accepted the registration of the acquisition and issued a new business license to Shanghai Advertising on September 24, 2007. However, we cannot assure you that the PRC government will not take a different view from ours. Since our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising occurred prior to the revocation of Administrative Regulation on Foreign-Invested Advertising Enterprises, if the PRC government determines that we did not obtain the requisite approval or that this acquisition violated the then-effective requirements on foreign investment or re-investment in advertising businesses in China, we may be subject to severe penalties including, among others, the revocation of the business licenses of our related subsidiaries, discontinuation of our advertising operations, the imposition of conditions with which we or our PRC subsidiaries may be unable to comply, and the restructuring of Shanghai Advertising. The imposition of any of these penalties could result in a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business. See Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Industry—If the PRC government takes the view that our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising does not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in advertising, we could be subject to severe penalties.”

 

Our Wholesale Distribution Operations

 

Historically, our wholesale distribution business was conducted through our two affiliated entities, Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn due to the complicated approval process and MOFCOM’s uncertain position toward approving investment in wholesale distribution business by foreign investors. On December 5, 2007, we received approval from Shanghai Qingpu People’s government approving our setup of Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., or Acorn Trade, a PRC subsidiary wholly-owned by China DRTV, to conduct our wholesale distribution business. A valid business license was issued by Shanghai Administration of Industry and Commerce on December 13, 2007.

 

Regulation of Manufacturing and Sale of Special Consumer Products

 

Some of the products we offer through our direct sales platforms and some of the proprietary branded products we manufacture and sell are categorized as medical devices. Therefore, we are required to comply with relevant PRC laws and regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of medical devices.

 

In the PRC, medical devices are classified into three different categories for regulation and supervision by SAFD, depending on the degree of risk associated with each medical device and the extent of regulation needed to ensure safety and proper operation of the product. Class I includes medical devices posing a low risk whose safety and effectiveness can be guaranteed through routine administration. Class II includes those with medium risk whose safety and effectiveness should be ensured by strict control and administration. Class III includes those devices that pose a relatively high risk whose safety and effectiveness should be ensured by taking special measures to conduct strict control and administration. All the medical devices that we manufacture belong to Class II above. Under the Administrative Measures on Supervision over Manufacture of Medical Device as amended in July 2014, manufacturers of Class II medical devices must apply to the provincial-level SAFD for a valid Medical Device Manufacturing Enterprise License. Under the Administrative Measures on Supervision over Operation of Medical Device which replaced the Administrative Measures on Medical Device Operation Enterprise License, or Medical Device Operation Enterprise License Measures, Class II medical device operators must make a filing with local branches of SAFD while, under Medical Device Operation Enterprise License Measures, a Medical Device Operation Enterprise License was required for Class II medical device operators. In addition, manufacturers of Class II medical devices must register their manufactured Class II medical devices with SAFD at the provincial level and obtain a Medical Device Registration Certificate. Violation of these provisions may result in fines, termination of operations, confiscation of illegal income, or in the most serious cases, criminal prosecution.

 

One of our subsidiaries, Shanghai HJX, and one of our affiliated entities, Shanghai Network, have made filing with competent branches of SAFD on March 11, 2015 in connection with their operation of Class II medical device, and have completed subsequent update of filing information on April 27, 2016. Another of our subsidiaries, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., holds valid Medical Device Operation Enterprise Licenses that will expire on March 20, 2018, which we obtained as required by Medical Device Operation Enterprise License Measures and have completed the filing update of sale license in May, 2015. In addition, Zhuhai Acorn Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. holds a Medical Device Manufacturing License expiring on November 3, 2020 and a Medical Device Registration Certificate for an oxygen generating device that expired on January 25, 2020. We are also in the process of renewing other expired licenses and certificates that are required for our operation and products.

 

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We have obtained a new Food Circulation License to sell pre-packaged food (including refrigerated foods and frozen foods) online under the name of Shanghai Network on April 28, 2016. We expect to expand market share under such service and receive additional cash flow to support our operations.

 

For the purposes of strengthening the supervision and management of medical devices and protecting human health and life safety, on May 20, 2011 the Ministry of Health (currently merged into National Health and Family Planning Commission) promulgated the Administrative Measures for the Recall of Medical Devices (Trial), or Recall Measures which provides that medical device manufacturing enterprises shall eliminate defects of products of certain types, models or batches that have already been launched into the market for sale by way of warning, examination, repair, re-labelling, revision and amendment of the instruction manual, software upgrade, exchange, withdrawal or destruction according to the prescribed procedures. The recall is classified into two categories, that is, voluntary recall and compelled recall. If a medical device manufacturing enterprise discovers that a medical device is defective after conducting investigation and evaluation, it shall immediately decide to recall such device. If, upon investigation and evaluation, the drug regulatory department finds any defect in medical device that manufacturing enterprise should have voluntarily recalled, the drug regulatory department shall compel the concerned enterprise to recall the concerned medical devices. If medical device manufactured by us is found any defects prescribed in Recall Measures, we shall be subject to recall of the defective medical device.

 

Regulation of Internet Content Providers

 

We currently operate www.xiangguo.com (redirected from www.chinadrtv.com) and www.hjx.com through which our customers can familiarize themselves with our products. We are required to comply with the Telecommunications Regulations promulgated by the State Council on September 25, 2000 and revised on July 29, 2014, the Administrative Measures on Internet Content Services issued by the State Council on September 25, 2000, the Administrative Measures on Telecommunications Business Operating Licenses promulgated by the MIIT in 2001 and revised in 2009, Measures for the Archival Administration of Non-operational Internet Content Services issued by the Ministry of Information Industry (now the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) on February 8, 2005 and the Administrative Measures on Internet Pharmaceuticals Information Services issued by SAFD on July 8, 2004 in our operation of the website.

 

Under the above regulations internet content providers must apply for a Telecommunications and Information Services Operating License, or ICP License, a Value-added Telecommunications Business Permit for Internet Information Service if they are deemed to be “operating business”. Internet content providers not deemed to be operating businesses are only required to file a registration with the relevant information industry authorities. The online dissemination of information regarding medical devices must also be approved by SAFD at the provincial level and validated by an Internet Pharmaceuticals Information Service Qualification Certificate issued by SAFD. Violation of these provisions will result in a warning, an order to rectify within a certain period, a fine, or the closing of the website.

 

As internet information service in the websites of www.chinadrtv.com and www.xiangguo.com are not deemed as an operating business, we only need to file with the relevant information industry authorities for record, which we have finished. Furthermore, as internet information service in the website of http://www.hjx.com is deemed as operating business, we need to obtain an ICP License from the relevant information industry authorities. On January 17, 2014, Beijing HJX Technology, one of our affiliated entities, obtained an ICP License with a validity period of five years. Due to management changes and our improper management of the original ICP License, Beijing HJX Technology was not able to complete its annual inspection on such license, which may subject us to potential penalties. We are in the process of preparing application documents for a new ICP License under the name of Shanghai Network to rectify the status.

 

Pursuant to Administrative Provisions for the Internet Audio-Video Program Service promulgated by SAPPRFT and MIIT on December 20, 2007, an entity shall obtain the Permit for Audio-Video Programs Transmitted through Information Network before providing service of production, edition and integration of audio-video programs, the supply of audio-video programs to the public via the Internet.

 

The internet publication service is classified as a prohibited industry for foreign investment under the Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2015 Revision). Pursuant to Administrative Provisions on Internet Publication Service jointly promulgated by MIIT and SAPPRFT on February 4, 2016, effective from March 10, 2016, any engagement in internet publication activities shall be subject to approval by SAPPRFT and internet publication providers shall acquire the Internet Publication Service License. The internet publication service refers to the provision of digitized works with characteristics of publication, such as editing, production or processing, to the public through information networks. Digitized works include (i) original digitized works such as knowledgeable and thoughtful texts, pictures, maps, games, animation, audio and video readings in literature, art, science and other fields; (ii) the works whose contents are consistent with those in published books, newspaper, periodicals, audio and video products, and electronic publications; (iii) the works such as online literature databases formed by way of selecting, compiling or collecting the above works, and (iv) other types of digitized works identified by the SAPPRFT. The Provisions further restricts the cooperation of internet publication providers and foreign invested enterprises, requiring the approval by the SAPPRFT in advance regarding the internet publication cooperation.

 

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Regulation of Internet Shopping

 

On June 24, 2010 MOFCOM promulgated the Outline of Promoting Healthy Development of Internet Shopping which requires relevant authorities to encourage enterprises to develop internet sales, expand internet shopping field, attach importance to rural internet shopping market, improve support service, protect legal interests of consumers and standardize internet market order.

 

On December 28, 2010 MOFCOM, MITT and other departments jointly issued the Notice on Implementing Scheme of Cracking Down Infringement on Intellectual Properties and Manufacture and Sale of Fake Commodity in Internet Shopping which, among other things, requires to strengthen supervision and control over internet shopping platform and transaction parties, set up access system for tradable commodity and intensify the fight against infringement on intellectual properties and manufacture and sale of fake commodity in internet shopping.

 

On January 5, 2011 the MOFCOM issued the Notice on Regulation of Promotion Activities in Internet Shopping, pursuant to which, among other things, (1) internet shopping enterprises shall ensure the quality of promotional commodity; (2) price fraud and false promotion is strictly forbidden; and (3) infringement on intellectual properties and manufacture and sale of fake commodity in promotion will be severely cracked down.

 

On January 26, 2014 SAIC promulgated Measures on the Administration of Internet Transactions which provide rules for internet product transactions and relevant services. Pursuant to these measures, except for several specified products, a consumer is entitled to return products sold by an internet product business operator within seven days upon the receipt of such products and is not required to provide any reason for such return. However, the products returned by a consumer shall be intact and in good condition.

 

Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights and Interests was amended by Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and took effect on March 15, 2014. Pursuant to the newly amended law, upon discovery of any defects in the goods or services that are likely to impact personal or property safety, enterprises or service providers shall take necessary actions such as recall of goods, and shall bear the necessary expenses incurred by such recall. Where enterprises sell goods via the Internet, or by television, phone, mail order, except for certain specified goods, consumers are entitled to return the goods delivered within seven days upon receipt of goods without providing any reason, provided that goods returned by a consumer shall be intact and in good condition. In addition, enterprises and their staff members shall strictly keep confidential the personal information of consumers collected, and shall not divulge, sell or illegally provide others with such personal information, enterprises shall not send commercial information to consumers without their consent or request or after the consumers have expressly refused to receive such information. Unless otherwise prescribed by law, enterprises that conduct fraudulent behavior in providing goods or services shall, on demand by consumers, compensate the losses suffered by the consumers by an amount that is three times to the purchase price paid by the consumers for the goods purchased or services received, or in a fixed amount of RMB500 if the total compensation is less than RMB500.

 

On January 5, 2015, SAIC promulgated Measures for Punishments against Infringements on Consumer Rights and Interests, effective from March 15, 2015. Pursuant to these measures, a business operator that sells goods via the Internet, television or phone, by mail order or otherwise, bears the obligations to accept the return of goods by consumers without reason, and shall not deliberately delay performing, or unjustifiably refuse to perform, such obligations.

 

On March 24, 2016, the Ministry of Finance, the General Administration of Customs, GAC, and SAT jointly issued the Circular on Tax Policy for Cross-Border E-commerce Retail Imports, pursuant to which, among other things, (1) the imported commodities retailed through the cross-border E-commerce shall, according to types of the goods, be levied tariff, imports value-added tax, and consumption tax; individuals who purchase the imported retail goods through cross-border E-commerce shall be taxpayers and the actual transaction prices shall be dutiable price; (2) E-commerce corporations, corporation specialized in e-commercial transaction platform or logistic enterprises shall be the withholding obligors and be responsible for deducting taxes; and (3) the lists of Imported Retail Commodities through Cross-Border E-commerce will be promulgated separately by the competent department of the Ministry of Finance. As of the date of this annual reports, the Ministry of Finance has issued two lists in connection to the Imported Retail Commodities. In addition, On April 6, 2016, GAC issued the Announcement on Matters relating to the Regulation of Cross-border E-commerce Retail Imports and Exports and further specify the regulation concerning cross-border e-commerce retail imports and exports, effective from April 8, 2016.

 

Regulations of Internet Information Protection

 

On December 28, 2012 the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Decision on Strengthening Internet Information Protection which provides that, among other things, internet service providers and other entities shall obtain consent from relevant persons before collecting and using personal electronic information during business activities and shall make public rules on collecting and using personal information; personal electronic information collected shall be strictly kept confidential and shall not be divulged, tampered with, damaged, sold or illegally provided to others; no person is allowed to send commercial electronic information to any recipient without the recipient’s consent or request, or after the recipient gives an explicit refusal.

 

On July 16, 2013 the MIIT promulgated Provisions on Protecting Personal Information of Telecommunications and Internet Users which provides detailed rules for standards on collection and use of users’ personal information by telecommunications business operators and internet information service providers and security measures on protecting users’ personal information.

 

The Law on the Protection of Consumers’ Rights and Interests amended on October 25, 2013 and effective from March 15, 2014 provides that business operators shall not send commercial information to consumers without their consent or request, or after the consumers have expressly refused to receive such information.

 

On January 5, 2015, SAIC promulgated Measures for Punishments against Infringements on Consumer Rights and Interests, effective from March 15, 2015. Pursuant to these measures, a business operator shall refrain from any of the following acts:

 

(1) collecting or using the consumers' personal information without the consent of the consumers;

(2) divulging, selling or illegally providing others with the consumers' personal information collected; and

(3) sending commercial information to consumers without their consent or request, or after the consumers have expressly refused to receive such information.

 

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Regulations of Concurrent-Business Insurance Agency

 

On August 4, 2000 the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, or the CIRC, promulgated the Interim Measures for the Administration of Concurrent-Business Insurance Agency, or the Interim Measures, effective as of the date of promulgation. A concurrent-business insurance agent shall obtain the License for Concurrent-Business Insurance Agency before its commencement of such business, and the scope of the agency business shall be subject to the types of insurance specified in the License for Concurrent- Business Insurance Agency.

 

On June 22, 2007 CIRC promulgated the Measures for the Administration of Insurance Licenses, effective on September 1, 2007. The insurance institutions within the territory of People’s Republic of China shall obtain an insurance license, including Concurrent-Business Insurance Agencies.

 

On September 25, 2009 CIRC promulgated the Measures for Penalizing Unlawful Conducts in Insurance Intermediary Business Operations, effective on October 1, 2009. In the event that, during the process of investigating and dealing with illegal conducts of insurance companies in relation to intermediary insurance business operations, CIRC becomes aware of illegal conducts of any insurance agents, brokers or insurance assessment institutions, it shall combine the investigation on both matters and deal with them as one case.

 

The CIRC issued the License for Concurrent-Business Insurance Agency to Shanghai Network on October 11, 2014. The license is valid for a period of three years and we should handle the insurance agency business specified in our license.

 

Regulation of Advertising Activities

 

The principal regulations governing advertising businesses in China include the Advertising Law (2015 Revision) and the Advertising Administrative Regulations (1987) and Implementing Rules on the Advertising Administrative Regulations (2004 Revision). SAPPRFT and SAIC are the main responsible regulatory authorities in China overseeing the entire advertising industry. SAIC has the authority to make administrative rules to regulate advertising activities, register or approve the establishment of advertising companies, and examine and oversee daily advertising activities to ensure relevant regulations are not violated. In addition to supervision by SAIC, SAPPRFT sets technical standards for broadcasting, regulates signal landings among different broadcasting networks and monitors the operations of all TV and radio stations. Due to the politically sensitive nature of China’s media industry, the contents of TV and radio programs must go through a lengthy approval process prior to broadcasting. Contents of advertisements, which are regulated to a lesser extent, must be approved by the TV or radio stations carrying the advertisements and proper advertising committee(s), effectively eliminating the possibility of broadcasting real-time, live advertising programs. The current regulations also prohibit private enterprises from owning or operating a TV or radio station.

 

Business License for Advertising Companies

 

Companies that engage in advertising activities must obtain from the SAIC or its local branches a business license with advertising business specifically included in the business scope. A company conducting advertising activities without such a license may be subject to penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income and an order to cease advertising operations. Our subsidiary Shanghai Advertising has obtained a business license with advertising specifically included in the business scope from the local branch of SAIC.

 

Advertising Airtime

 

Under PRC regulations, airtime used to broadcast TV direct sales programs and TV home shopping programs is typically considered to be advertising time. the Chinese government imposes strict regulations on TV station/channel ownership and operations, TV home shopping companies can only purchase blocks of airtime for product advertising as opposed to engaging in long-term channel leasing agreements as in some other countries. In addition to regulating TV station ownership, the SAPPRFT also sets regulatory standards on the amount of advertising time allowed on TV broadcasting. Since 2009, the SAPPRFT has issued a series of increasingly restrictive regulatory standards on the amount of advertising time allowed on TV broadcasting, including:

 

·the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of TV Direct Sales Advertising and Home Shopping Programs issued by the SAPPRFT on September 10, 2009 prohibiting the broadcast of TV direct sales advertising programs on some specialized TV channels, including news channels, international channels, and TV home shopping channels, and on satellite TV channels during the period from 6:00pm to 12:00am every day;

 

·the Administrative Measures on Advertising on Television or Radio issued by the SAPPRFT issued by the SAPPRFT on September 8, 2009 and effective as of January 1, 2010 which was amended in November 2011 requiring that the total airtime allocated to commercial advertising on each TV channel not exceed 12 minutes per hour and not exceed 18 minutes in total during the period from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, and prohibiting commercial advertising in whatever form during broadcasting of an episode (calculated as 45 minutes) of a television drama; and

 

·the Circular on Strengthening Administration of Infomercials Broadcast via Satellite TV Channels issued by the SAPPRFT on October 29, 2013 and effective as of January 1, 2014, requiring satellite TV channels to follow a series of additional provisions, such as not broadcasting (i) infomercials more than once per hour, (ii) infomercials which exceed three minutes in length or (iii) infomercials with same content or selling the same product more than three times per day.

 

Under current PRC law, advertising operators can only sell advertising airtime to advertisers and are not allowed to sell to other advertising operators.

 

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Advertising Content

 

PRC advertising laws and regulations set forth certain content requirements for advertisements in China, which include prohibition on, among other things, misleading content, superlative wording, socially destabilizing content, or content involving obscenities, superstition, violence, discrimination, or infringement of the public interest. Advertising for medical devices, fitness and other special products are subject to stricter regulation which prohibits any unscientific assertions or assurances in terms of effectiveness or usage, any statement on the recovery or response rate, comparison with other similar products in terms of effectiveness or safety, and any recommendation or certification by an endorser. Advertising relating to medical devices for personal use is subject to specific indications. In addition, all advertising relating to medical devices, fitness agrochemicals, as well as other advertisements that are subject to censorship by administrative authorities pursuant to relevant laws and regulations, must be submitted to the relevant administrative authorities for content review and approval prior to dissemination. Furthermore, SAPPRFT and SAIC have issued a circular temporarily prohibiting, after August 1, 2006, the advertising of pharmaceutical products, diet and slimming products, medical devices, breast enhancement products and height increasing products in the form of TV- and radio-based direct sales programs pending adoption of new government rules. On September 10, 2009, the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of TV Direct Sales Advertising and Home Shopping Programs was issued by the SAPPRFT, prohibiting the TV direct sales and home shopping programs to advertise pharmaceuticals, breast-enhancement products, diet and slimming products, and medical devices which are implantable or need instruction by experts. Meanwhile, the Administrative Measures on Advertising on Television or Radio, issued by the SAPPRFT on September 8, 2009 and effective as of January 1, 2010 which was amended in November 2011, prohibited the pharmaceutical and medical device or health related advertising program to contain the recovery rate or efficiency rate or certification by the doctors, experts, patients or public figures. Furthermore, Criteria for the Examination and Publication of Medical Device Advertisements were issued by the Ministry of Health (currently merged into National Health and Family Planning Commission), the SAIC, the SAFD and became effective on May 20, 2009, which provided strict regulation on medical device advertisements publication. According to the Circular Concerning Further Severely Punishing Illegal Advertisements of Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices and Health Food effective in February 2010, enterprises which published the illegal advertisements will be severely punished. On February 12, 2010 SAPPRFT promulgated the Notice on Further Strengthening Examination and Supervision on Advertising on Television and Radio, which requires that, among other things, in TV shopping advertisement: (1) no host is allowed to participate in advertisement; (2) exaggerative voice, intonation and gestures are prohibited; and (3) no form such as news report, interview and news materials and information is allowed to be used. On July 31, 2015, the Notice on Further Strengthening the Examination and Supervision of Advertisement of Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices and Health Food was issued by SAFD, which raises the standard of examining advertisements of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and health food in accordance with the new Advertising Law. See Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors— Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Industry—Governmental actions to regulate TV- and radio-based direct sales programs of medical devices and diet and slimming products will adversely impact sales of our branded neck massager product line and some of our other products and may adversely impact our future overall operating results”.

 

Entities whose products are to be advertised, or advertisers, entities offering advertising services such as linking advertisers with TV stations or newspapers, or advertising operators, and disseminators are all required by PRC laws and regulations to ensure that the content of advertising they produce or disseminate is true and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In providing advertising services, advertising operators and disseminators must review the prescribed supporting documents provided by advertisers and verify that the content of advertising complies with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, prior to disseminating advertisements for certain commodities which are subject to government censorship and approval, advertising disseminators are obligated to check the relevant approval documents for those advertisements. Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertising, orders to publish a correction of the misleading information and criminal punishment. In circumstances involving serious violations, SAIC or its local counterparts may revoke the violator’s licenses or permits for advertising business operations. Furthermore, advertisers, advertising operators, and disseminators may be subject to civil liability if they infringe on the legal rights and interests of third parties in the course of their advertising business.

 

Beginning on January 1, 2008, advertisers dealing with advertisements that relate to pharmaceuticals, medical devices and health related foods are subject to a credit rating. SAFD and its local branches will annually collect information relating to the advertiser’s record of compliance with the relevant advertising regulations in respect of the above products, and grade the credit of distributors based on the collected information. The credit rating of each advertiser will be either good credit, dishonor credit, or material dishonor credit. Any violations of related laws and regulations within one year by the advertising operator may result in a rating of dishonor credit or material dishonor credit for that year. Distributors with dishonor credit or material dishonor credit may be ordered to take corrective measures and may be subject to special supervision and/or public disclosure of their credit ratings.

 

In addition, PRC unfair competition law prohibits us and our distributors from conveying misleading, false or inaccurate information with respect to product quality, production, functionality, or other features, through advertising.

 

We have employed advertising industry professionals who will examine the content of our advertising and who will apply for the necessary approvals and permits for advertising certain special consumer products. In addition, our advertising channels, such as TV stations, newspapers, and radio stations, employ advertising inspectors who are trained to review advertising content for compliance with relevant laws and regulations. However, we cannot assure you that all of our advertising is in compliance with relevant PRC laws and regulations, nor can we assure you that the advertising our distributors place on local media networks complies with relevant PRC laws and regulations. In the past, we have been fined for certain advertising that is considered misleading or false by authorities. In some cases, we were required to accept product returns. From January 1, 2008, any violation of advertising regulations relating to our sleeping aid product and oxygen generating devices by us or our distributors may result in SAFD issuing a rating to us or our distributors of dishonor credit or material dishonor credit.

 

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Regulation on Foreign Exchange Control and Administration

 

Foreign exchange in China is primarily regulated by:

 

•The Foreign Currency Administration Rules (1996), as amended; and

 

•The Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), or the Administration Rules.

 

Under the Foreign Currency Administration Rules, Renminbi is convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions. Conversion of Renminbi into foreign currency for capital account items, such as direct investment, loans, investment in securities, and repatriation of funds, however, is still subject to the approval of SAFE.

 

Under the Administration Rules, foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell, and remit foreign currencies at banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange transactions after providing valid commercial documents and, in the case of capital account item transactions, only after obtaining approval from SAFE. Capital investments directed outside of China by foreign-invested enterprises are also subject to restrictions, which include approvals by SAFE, and the National Reform and Development Commission.

 

On November 19, 2012, the SAFE promulgated the Notice of the SAFE on Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Direct Investment, or the Notice, which came into force as of December 17, 2012. According to the Notice, (i) the opening of and payment into foreign exchange accounts under direct investment account are no longer subject to approval by the SAFE; (ii) reinvestment with legal income of foreign investors in China is no longer subject to approval by the SAFE; (iii) the procedures for capital verification and confirmation that foreign-funded enterprises need to go through are simplified.

 

On March 30, 2015 SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Administrative Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 19, which will take effect as of June 1, 2015. SAFE Circular 19 requires that, among other things, (i) capital and RMB fund converted from foreign currencies of a foreign invested enterprise shall not (a) directly or indirectly be used for expenditure beyond its business scope or prohibited by national laws and regulations; (b) directly or indirectly be used for investment into security unless otherwise provided by laws and regulations; (c) directly or indirectly be used for provision of entrusted RMB loans (unless it is within its business scope), repayment of inter-company borrowing (including third party advances) or repayment of bank RMB loans which have been sub-lent to third parties; (d) be used for payment of relevant expenses related to purchase of real properties not for self-use unless it is a foreign invested real properties enterprise; (ii) in addition to the transfer of equity investment payments in original currencies, foreign-invested enterprises whose main business is investment (including foreign-invested investment companies, foreign-invested venture capital enterprises and foreign-invested equity investment enterprises) are allowed to directly settle their foreign exchange capitals and transfer the same to, or transfer RMB fund in their account pending for foreign exchange settlement payment to, the account of an invested enterprise according to the actual amount of investment, provided that the relevant domestic investment project is real and compliant; (iii) ordinary foreign-invested enterprises other than those of the aforesaid types shall (a) be governed by the prevailing provisions on domestic re-investment if they make domestic equity investments by capital transfer in original currencies; or (b) transfer RMB funds converted from foreign exchange settlement, according to the actual amount of investment, to an account pending for foreign exchange settlement payment which has been opened by the invested enterprise after completion of domestic re-investment registration required by local branches of SAFE if they makes domestic equity investment with fund converted from foreign exchange settlement.

 

We receive substantially all of our revenue in Renminbi, which is currently not a freely convertible currency. Under our current structure, our income will be primarily derived from dividend payments from our subsidiaries in China.

 

The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions. The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, has been based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi will be permitted to fluctuate within a band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. This change in policy resulted initially in an approximately 2.0% appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a substantial liberalization of its currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.

 

Regulation of Foreign Exchange in Certain Onshore and Offshore Transactions

 

In January and April 2005, the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, issued two rules that require PRC residents to register with and receive approvals from SAFE in connection with their offshore investment activities. SAFE has announced that the purpose of these regulations is to achieve the proper balance of foreign exchange and the standardization of the cross-border flow of funds.

 

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On July 4, 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, which replaced the former circular commonly known as “Notice 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 subsidiary 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. Pursuant to the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving the Direct Investment-related Foreign Exchange Administration Policies, or SAFE Circular 13, promulgated by SAFE, starting from June 1, 2015, the registration (including initial registration and amendment registration) under SAFE Circular 37 will be directly reviewed and handled by local banks.

 

As a Cayman Islands company, and therefore a foreign entity, if Acorn International purchases the assets or an equity interest of a PRC company owned by PRC residents in exchange for our equity interests, such PRC residents will be subject to the registration procedures described in SAFE Circular 37 and SAFE Circular 13. Moreover, PRC residents who are beneficial holders of our shares are required to register with SAFE in connection with their investment in us.

 

As a result of the uncertainties relating to the interpretation and implementation of SAFE Circular 37 and SAFE Circular 13, we cannot predict how these regulations will affect our business operations or strategies. For example, our present or future PRC subsidiaries’ ability to conduct foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, may be subject to compliance with such SAFE registration requirements by relevant PRC residents, over whom we have no control. In addition, we cannot assure you that any such PRC residents will be able to complete the necessary approval and registration procedures required by the SAFE regulations. We require all shareholders in Acorn International who are PRC residents known by us to comply with any SAFE registration requirements and we understand that the relevant shareholders have registered their offshore investment in us with Shanghai SAFE, but we have no control over either our shareholders or the outcome of such registration procedures. Such uncertainties may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and adversely affect our business and prospects. See Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to China—Regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may increase the administrative burden we face and create regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our overseas and cross- border investment activity, and a failure by our shareholders who are PRC residents to make any required applications and filings pursuant to such regulations may prevent us from being able to distribute profits and could expose our PRC resident shareholders to liability under PRC law”.

 

Regulation of Overseas Listings

 

On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including MOFCOM, the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, or SASAC, the State Administration for Taxation, or SAT, SAIC, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, and SAFE, jointly adopted the Regulation on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the New M&A Rule, which became effective on September 8, 2006 and was amended on June 22, 2009. This New M&A Rule, among other things, purports to require offshore SPVs formed for listing purposes and controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals, such as our company, to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange.

 

Dividend Distributions

 

Pursuant to the Foreign Currency Administration Rules promulgated in 1996 and amended in 1997 and 2008, and various regulations issued by SAFE and other relevant PRC government authorities, the PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China.

 

The principal regulations governing the distribution of dividends paid by wholly foreign-owned enterprises and Sino-foreign joint equity enterprise enterprises include:

 

•The Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law (1986), as amended in 2000;

 

•The Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law Implementing Rules (1990), as amended in 2001 and 2014;

 

•The Sino-foreign Joint Equity Enterprise Law (1979), as amended in 2001;

 

•The Sino-foreign Joint Equity Enterprise Law Implementing Rules (1983), as amended in 2001 and 2014; and

 

•Company Law of the PRC (2014).

 

Under these regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a foreign-invested enterprise in China is required to set aside at least a certain percentage of its after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to its general reserves. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The board of directors of a foreign-invested enterprise has the discretion to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits to employee welfare and bonus funds. These funds, however, may not be distributed to equity owners except in the event of liquidation. In 2015, Acorn Information distributed cash dividends of RMB40 million to China DRTV.

 

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Regulations on Employee Share Options

 

In December 2006, the People’s Bank of China promulgated the Administrative Measures for Individual Foreign Exchange, which set forth the requirements for foreign exchange transactions by PRC individuals relating to current account items and capital account items. The Implementation Rules of the Administrative Measures for Individual Foreign Exchange issued on January 5, 2007 by SAFE specify approval requirements for PRC citizens who are granted shares or share options by an overseas listed company according to its employee stock ownership plan or stock option plan.

 

On March 28, 2007, SAFE issued the Operating Rules for Administration of Foreign Exchange for Domestic Individual’s Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Stock Option Plans of Overseas Listed Companies, or the Circular 78. On February 15, 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas-Listed Companies, or Circular 7, in replacement of the Circular 78. According to Circular 7, individuals in PRC (including PRC citizens and foreign individuals who have lived in China over one year) who intend to participate in the stock incentive plan of the same overseas listed company shall unifiedly appoint a qualified PRC domestic agent or a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company (“a PRC agency”) to conduct foreign exchange registration, open bank accounts and transfer and exchange funds and an overseas entity shall be appointed to conduct exercise of option, buying and selling of relevant stocks or equities and transfer of relevant funds. After such individuals’ foreign exchange income received from participation in the stock incentive plan is remitted to PRC, relevant banks shall distribute the above funds from the account opened and managed by the PRC agency to such individuals’ foreign exchange accounts. We and our employees within PRC who have been granted share options or stock appreciation rights, or PRC option/stock appreciation right holders, are subject to Circular 7 upon the listing of our ADSs on NYSE. If we or our PRC option/stock appreciation right holders fail to comply with these regulations, we or our PRC option/stock appreciation right holders may be subject to fines and other legal or administrative sanction.

 

Pursuant to the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Collection of Individual Income Tax Related to Income from Share Option issued by the Ministry of Finance and the SAT on March 28, 2005, Supplementary Notice on Payment of Individual Income Tax for Incomes Derived from Individual Stock Option issued by the SAT on September 30, 2006, the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Collection of Individual Income Tax for Income Derived from Share Appreciation Rights and Restricted Share Units issued by the SAT on January 7, 2009 and the Notice on Issues of Individual Income Tax Concerning Share Incentive Plan issued by the SAT on August 24, 2009, in connection with the share option plan of an overseas listed company, the difference received by a PRC individual who had been granted share options between the exercise price and the fair market price of such shares on the exercise date shall be imposed of individual income tax which shall be withheld by the PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company.

 

Regulations on Labor Protection

 

The PRC Labor Contract Law and its Implementation Rules became effective on January 1, 2008 and September 18, 2008, respectively, which set out specific provisions related to fixed-term and unlimited-term employment contracts, part-time employment, labor dispatch, probation, consultation with labor union, employment without a written contract, dismissal of employees, severance and collective bargaining. According to the PRC Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules, an employer may terminate the labor agreement of an employee under certain specified circumstances and in some cases, such termination can only be done after fulfillment of certain procedural requirements, such as 30 days’ prior notice or upon payment of one month’s salary in lieu of such notice. In certain cases, the terminated employee is entitled to receive a severance payment equal to the average monthly salary during the 12-month period immediately preceding to the termination (inclusive of all monetary income such as base salary, bonus, allowances, etc.), for each year of service up to the date of termination. If an employer terminate an labor contract in any circumstance other than those specified under the PRC Labor Contract Law and its implementing rules, including termination without cause, the employer must either reinstate and continue to perform the employee’s employment contract or pay the employee damages calculated at twice the rate for calculating the severance payment, subject to the employee’s own request. In the case that the employee requests for damages, the employer is not required to pay other severance or the remainder of the amount owed under the employment contract unless the employment contract has otherwise provided for. On December 28, 2012 the Labor Contract Law was amended to impose more stringent requirements on labor dispatch which became effective on July 1, 2013. Pursuant to amended Labor Contract Law, (i) it is strongly emphasized that dispatched employees shall be entitled to equal pay for equal work as a fulltime employee of an employer; (ii) labor contracts between employers and employees shall be the basic form of employment adopted by Chinese enterprises and employment by labor dispatching is only a supplementary form and shall apply only to temporary, ancillary or substitute works; and (iii) an employer shall strictly control the number of dispatched employees so that they do not exceed certain percentage of total number of employees and the specific percentage shall be prescribed by the labor administrative department of the State Council.

 

On January 24, 2014 the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security promulgated Interim Provisions on Labor Dispatching, effective from March 1, 2014 which provides that an employer shall strictly control the number of employees under labor dispatching arrangements and dispatched employees can only be used in temporary, ancillary and replaceable positions. The number of dispatched workers used by an employer shall not exceed 10% of the total number of its employees. An employer with its dispatched employees’ number exceeding 10% of the total number of its employees prior to March 1, 2014 is allowed to reduce the said percentage to the required range within two years from March 1, 2014. However, the labor contract and labor dispatching agreement lawfully concluded prior to the promulgation date of the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Revising the “Labor Contract Law of the People’s Republic of China” may continue to be performed until the expiry of the above contract or agreement if expiry date of such contract or agreement is later than the day after two years calculating from March 1, 2014. The employer shall not use any new dispatched worker until it has reduced the percentage of dispatched workers to the required range.

 

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On April 28, 2012, the State Council announced the Special Provisions on Labor Protection of Female Employees, or Female Protection Provisions. As stated in the Female Protection Provisions, a female employee shall be entitled to 98 days of maternity leave, among which 15 days of leave will be available before her giving birth. No employer may lower the wages, dismiss or terminate the employment agreement with a female employee as a consequence of her pregnancy, giving birth or breast-feeding. The Female Protection Provisions also provide rules of the maternity allowance and the relevant medical expenses for female employees who have and have not participated in maternity insurance respectively.

 

Regulations on Intellectual Property Rights

 

China has adopted legislation governing intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents and copyrights.

 

Trademark. The Trademark Law, adopted in 1982 and revised in 1993, 2001 and 2013, has adopted a “first-to-file” principle with respect to trademark registration. Where a trademark for which a registration has been made is identical or similar to another trademark that has already been registered or been subject to a preliminary examination and approval for use on the same kind of or similar commodities or services, the application for registration of such trademark shall be rejected. Any person applying for the registration of a trademark must not prejudice the existing right of others obtained by priority, nor may any person register in advance a trademark that has already been used by another person and has already gained a “sufficient degree of reputation” through that person’s use. In the case of a trademark infringement, where the actual loss suffered by the right holder as a result of the infringement, the profits gained by the infringer from the infringement and the royalties of the registered trademark concerned are difficult to determine, the people’s court shall render a judgment on awarding damages of up to RMB300 million depending on the circumstances of the infringing acts.

 

Patent. The Patent Law was adopted in 1984 and amended in 1992, 2000 and 2008. The purpose of the Patent Law is to protect lawful interests of patent holders, encourage invention, foster applications of invention, enhance innovative capabilities and promote the development of science and technology. To be patentable, invention or utility models must meet three conditions: novelty, inventiveness and practical applicability. Patents cannot be granted for scientific discoveries, rules and methods for intellectual activities, methods used to diagnose or treat diseases, animal and plant breeds, substances obtained by means of nuclear transformation or a design which has major marking effect on the patterns or colors of graphic print products or a combination of both patterns and colors. The Patent Office under the State Intellectual Property Office is responsible for receiving, examining and approving patent applications. A patent is valid for a term of twenty years in the case of an invention and a term of ten years in the case of utility models and designs. A third-party user must obtain consent or a proper license from the patent owner to use the patent. Otherwise, the use constitutes an infringement of patent rights.

 

Copyright. The Copyright Law was adopted in 1990 and amended in 2001 and 2010. The amended Copyright Law extends copyright protection to internet activities, products disseminated over the internet and software products. In addition, there is a voluntary registration system administered by the China Copyright Protection Center. The amended Copyright Law also requires registration of a copyright pledge. An infringer will be subject to various civil liabilities, which include stopping the infringement, eliminating the damages, apologizing to the copyright owners and compensating the losses of copyright owners. The Copyright Law further provides that the infringer must compensate the actual loss suffered by the copyright owner. If the actual loss of the copyright owner is difficult to calculate, the illegal income received by the infringer as a result of the infringement will be deemed as the actual loss or if such illegal income is also difficult to calculate, the court can, in accordance with the particulars of the specific infringement, render a ruling to award compensation in an amount up to RMB500,000.

 

C.Organizational Structure

 

We commenced operations in 1998 through Beijing Acorn, and in 2000, we established and commenced business operations for two other operating companies, Shanghai Acorn Network Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Network, and Shanghai Acorn Trade and Development Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Trade.

 

Prior to January 1, 2005, our business was operated through Beijing Acorn, Shanghai Network and Shanghai Trade, including their subsidiaries. Each of these three operating companies, referred to as the “combined entities”, was under common management, was operated on an integrated basis and was beneficially owned by the same shareholders and, with limited exception, in the same shareholding percentages. To enable us to raise equity capital from investors outside of China, we established a holding company structure by incorporating China DRTV in the British Virgin Islands on March 4, 2004. In 2004, China DRTV formed four PRC subsidiaries and two consolidated PRC affiliated entities. As part of a restructuring to implement an offshore holding company structure to comply with PRC laws imposing restrictions on foreign ownership in direct sales, wholesale distributor and advertising businesses, each of the combined entities, including their subsidiaries, transferred to China DRTV’s newly created consolidated subsidiaries and affiliated entities, by means of an asset transfer and liability assumption, substantially all their assets and liabilities at their net book values, except that (a) the assets and liabilities of one of the combined entities’ subsidiaries were transferred through the transfer to China DRTV of all of that subsidiary’s capital stock, and (b) after one of the three pre-restructuring operating companies, Beijing Acorn, transferred certain of its assets to two of China DRTV’s subsidiaries, its shareholders transferred their equity interests in Beijing Acorn to two PRC individuals, with Beijing Acorn becoming an additional China DRTV affiliated entity. Commencing on January 1, 2005 our business was conducted through China DRTV and its subsidiaries and, until, our affiliated entities. Other than Beijing Acorn and the other transferred subsidiary, each of the pre-restructuring companies previously engaged in the business was liquidated. We have determined that no change in basis in the assets transferred in connection with the restructuring is appropriate as the transfers constituted a transfer of net assets by entities under common control.

 

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In connection with our initial public offering, we incorporated Acorn International, Inc. in the Cayman Islands on December 20, 2005 as our listing vehicle. Acorn International Inc. became our ultimate holding company when it issued shares to the existing shareholders of China DRTV on March 31, 2006 in exchange for all of the shares that these shareholders held in China DRTV. In September 2007, we entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire MK AND T Communications Limited. The acquisition was completed in November 2008. In October 2007, we formed two Hong Kong subsidiaries wholly-owned by China DRTV, Bright Rainbow Investments Limited and Emoney Investments Limited. On December 13, 2007, we formed Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a PRC subsidiary wholly-owned by China DRTV, through which we conduct our wholesale distribution business. Prior to this, our wholesale distribution business was conducted through our two affiliated entities, Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn. In April 2008, we transferred 100% of the ownership interest in Shanghai HJX to Bright Rainbow Investments Limited.

 

In September 2007, we acquired the legal ownership of Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd, or Shanghai Advertising, which was previously one of our affiliated entities.

 

Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn, two of our consolidated affiliated entities, are currently owned by two PRC citizens, Mr. Kuan Song, and Ms. Pan Zong. Shanghai Network was primarily engaged in our TV direct sales business throughout China except for Beijing. Beijing Acorn was primarily engaged in our TV direct sales business in Beijing. We have entered into contractual arrangements with these two affiliated entities pursuant to which our wholly owned subsidiary, Acorn Information, provides technical support and management services to these affiliated entities. In addition, we have entered into agreements with these two affiliated entities and their shareholders, Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, providing us with the ability to effectively control each of these affiliated entities. Accordingly, we have consolidated historical financial results of these two affiliated entities in our financial statements as variable interest entities pursuant to U.S. GAAP.

 

Beijing HJX Technology, our another consolidated affiliated entity, is also currently owned by Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong. Beijing HJX Technology is primarily engaged in relevant internet interactive service business in connection with our electronic learning products. We have entered into contractual arrangements with this affiliated entity pursuant to which our wholly owned subsidiary, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. provides technical support and management services to this affiliated entity. In addition, we have entered into agreements with this affiliated entity and its shareholders, Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, providing us with the ability to effectively control this affiliated entity. Accordingly, we have consolidated historical financial results of this affiliated entity in our financial statements as variable interest entities pursuant to U.S. GAAP.

 

In 2014, we also established Star Education & Technology Group Inc. in the Cayman Islands, Star Education & Technology Limited in the British Virgin Islands and HJX International Limited in Hong Kong, respectively, with an aim to further expand our electronic learning product business in the future.

 

In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance, except as disclosed in Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Industry— If the PRC government takes the view that we did not obtain the necessary approval for our acquisition of Shanghai Advertising under Guideline Catalog of Foreign Investment Industries (2004 Revision), we could be subject to penalties.”, (1) the ownership structures of our directly owned PRC subsidiaries comply with existing PRC laws and regulations and (2) the ownership structures of our three affiliated entities and our contractual arrangements with these affiliated entities and their shareholders are valid, binding and enforceable, and do not and will not result in a violation of existing PRC laws and regulations.

 

We have been advised by our PRC legal counsel, Commerce & Finance, however, that there are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws and regulations with respect to these matters. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities, in particular MIIT, SAIC and MOFCOM, which regulate foreign investment in direct sales and internet businesses, will not in the future take views that are contrary to the above opinions of our PRC legal counsel. If the current agreements that establish the structure for conducting our PRC direct sales and internet businesses were found to be in violation of existing or future PRC laws or regulations, we may be required to restructure our ownership structure and direct sales and internet interactive service operations in China or to carry out other actions required by relevant PRC government authorities to comply with PRC laws and regulations, or we could be subject to severe penalties. See Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors— Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Industry—If the PRC government takes the view that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our TV and other direct sales business and internet interactive service in China do not comply with PRC governmental restrictions on foreign investment in these areas, we could be subject to severe penalties”.

 

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As part of our reorganization, we deregistered U King Communications Equipment (Hong Kong) Limited in May 2011, transferred 100% of the ownership interest in Shanghai Advertising to MK AND T Communications Limited in October 2011 and disposed of our shareholding in Acorn Hong Kong Holdings Limited in December 2011. In addition, we deregistered our wholly- owned subsidiary, Shanghai Acorn Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. in January 2013. We are currently in the process of deregistering Shanghai HJX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. and Beijing HJZX Software Technology Development Co., Ltd, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

 

The following diagram illustrates our current corporate structure and the place of formation, ownership interest and affiliation of each of our subsidiaries and the affiliated entities as of the date of this Form 20-F(1):

 

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(1)For risks related to our current corporate structure, see Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Business and Industry”.
(2)Agreements that provide us with effective control over Shanghai Network, Ltd. and Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. include equity pledge agreements, irrevocable powers of attorney, a loan agreement, operation and management agreements, exclusive purchase agreements and spouse consent letters. We may modify our contractual arrangements from time to time to facilitate our operations. For previous changes in our contractual arrangements, please see Item 4.C, “Organizational Structure” for further information.
(3)The economic benefits of Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. accrue to Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
(4)The Zhuhai Sunrana Bio-Tech Co., Ltd. is currently under the liquidation process.
(5)Agreements that provide us with effective control over Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd. include equity pledge agreement, irrevocable power of attorney, a loan agreement, operation and management agreement, exclusive purchase agreement and spouse consent letters. We may modify our contractual arrangement from time to time to facilitate our operations. Please see Item 4.C, “Organizational Structure” for further information.
(6)The economic benefits of Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd. accrue to Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

 

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(7)The Beijing HJZX Software Technology Development Co., Ltd. is currently under deregistration process.
(8)Shanghai HJX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is currently under deregistration process.

 

Material Operating Entities

 

MOFCOM, or its local counterpart, reviews the application and issues the requisite approval for business operations by foreign entities. Our direct sales business is considered commercial trading and, until 2004, foreign investment in commercial trading was highly restricted by PRC regulations. By December 2004, MOFCOM had significantly reduced these restrictions. Nevertheless, to directly operate our direct sales business, we still need to obtain MOFCOM’s approval. Therefore, our direct sales business (other than direct sales of our Ozing electronic learning products) is currently conducted by our consolidated affiliated entities, Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn, which hold the necessary licenses to conduct our direct sales business, through contractual arrangements between Acorn Information, our wholly owned subsidiary in China, and these two consolidated affiliated entities. Furthermore, due to the aforesaid reason for direct sales business as well as certain restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of companies that engage in internet and other related businesses imposed by current PRC laws and regulations, including the provision of internet content, our internet interactive service business in connection with our electronic learning products is currently conducted by our consolidated affiliated entity, Beijing HJX Technology which held an ICP License. We intend to shift our business in this area from Beijing HJX Technology to our other subsidiary in Shanghai. Our wholesale business is currently conducted by Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. In 2015, Beijing HJX Technology failed to complete its annual inspection on its ICP License due to management changes and our improper management of the original ICP License, which may subject us to potential penalties. We are in the process of preparing application documents for a new ICP License under the name of Shanghai Network to rectify the status.

 

Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Shareholders

 

Our relationships with previous and current affiliated entities and their shareholders are governed by a series of contractual arrangements. Under PRC law, each of the affiliated entities is an independent legal person and none of them is exposed to liabilities incurred by the other party. Other than pursuant to the contractual arrangements between our wholly owned subsidiary, Acorn Information, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd , and affiliated entities, these affiliated entities do not transfer any other funds generated from their operations to us. These contractual arrangements are as set forth below.

 

Each of our contractual arrangements with these affiliated entities and their shareholders can only be amended with the approval of our audit committee or another independent body of our board of directors. See Item 7.B, “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions” for further information on our contractual arrangements with these parties.

 

Agreements that Provide Effective Control and an Option to Acquire Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn

 

These agreements provide us with effective control over these two affiliated entities and their shareholders, Mr. Song and Ms. Zong. They include irrevocable powers of attorney, loan agreement, equity pledge agreements, operation and management agreements and spouse consent letters. Under the exclusive purchase agreements, we also have exclusive options to purchase the equity interests of the affiliated entities.

 

•Irrevocable Powers of Attorney. Under irrevocable powers of attorney, each of the two shareholders of Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn, Kuan Song and Pan Zong, has granted to designees of Acorn Information, Geoffrey Weiji Gao, our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, the power to exercise all voting rights of such shareholder in the shareholders’ meetings, including but not limited to the power to determine the sale or transfer of all or part of such shareholder’s equity interest in, and appoint the directors of, Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn. These irrevocable powers of attorney have terms of ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years unless terminated by the above-mentioned designees of Acorn Information in writing three months prior to their expiry.

 

•Loan Agreement. Under the loan agreement among Acorn Information and the shareholders of these two affiliated entities, Kuan Song and Pan Zong, Acorn Information made a loan to Kuan Song and Pan Zong in an aggregate amount of RMB118.0 million . The loan is to be used primarily for capital investments by the shareholders in Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn. The loan can only be repaid by the shareholders’ transfer of their interests in Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn to Acorn Information or its designee when permissible under PRC law. The initial term of the loan is ten years and will automatically be renewed for another ten years absent a written termination notice from Acorn Information.

 

•Operation and Management Agreements. Under the operation and management agreements among Acorn Information, the two shareholders and each of the affiliated entities, the parties have agreed that Acorn Information will provide guidance and instructions on daily operations and financial affairs of each of these two affiliated entities. The agreements also state that each of the directors, general managers and other senior management personnel of these affiliated entities will be appointed as nominated by Acorn Information. The designees of Acorn Information or its affiliates has the authority to exercise the voting rights on behalf of the two shareholders at the shareholder meetings of the two affiliated entities. Acorn Information has agreed to provide security for contracts, agreements or other transactions entered into by these two affiliated entities with third parties, provided that these affiliated entities shall provide counter-security for Acorn Information using their accounts receivable or assets. In addition, each of these affiliated entities agreed not to enter into any transaction that could materially affect its respective assets, obligations, rights or operations without prior written consent from Acorn Information. The terms of these agreements are ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years absent a written termination notice by Acorn Information.

 

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•Equity Pledge Agreements. Under the equity pledge agreements among Acorn Information and the two shareholders of the affiliated entities, each of Kuan Song and Pan Zong has pledged all of his or her equity interests in Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn to Acorn Information to guarantee the performance of the two affiliated entities under the operation and management agreements and the exclusive technical services agreements as described below, as well as their personal obligations under the loan agreements. Each of the shareholders also agrees not to transfer, assign or, pledge his or her interests in any of these affiliated entities without the prior written consent of Acorn Information. If any of these affiliated entities or either of the two shareholders breaches its respective contractual obligations thereunder, Acorn Information, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including but not limited to the right to sell the pledged equity interests. The terms of these agreements are ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years absent written termination notice by Acorn Information three months prior to their expiry.

 

•Exclusive Purchase Agreements. Pursuant to the exclusive purchase agreements among Acorn Information and each of Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn and their shareholders, Kuan Song and Pan Zong, each of the two shareholders has irrevocably granted Acorn Information or its designee an exclusive option to purchase at any time if and when permitted under PRC law, all or any portion of their equity interests in Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn for a price that is the minimum amount permitted by PRC law. The terms of these agreements are ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years absent a written termination notice by Acorn Information three months prior to their expiry.

 

•Spouse Consent Letter. Pursuant to the spouse consent letters, the spouse of Kuan Song, the shareholder of these two affiliated entities acknowledges that she is aware of, and consents to, the execution by her spouse of irrevocable powers of attorney, equity pledge agreements and the exclusive purchase agreements described above. With respect to establishment, grant and performance of the above irrevocable powers of attorney, equity pledge and the exclusive purchase, each spouse further agrees that, whether at present or in the future, she will not take any actions or raise any claims or objection.

 

Technical Services Agreements that Transfer Economic Benefits from Shanghai Network and Beijing Acorn to Us

 

Acorn Information has entered into a technical service agreement with each of the affiliated entities to transfer economic interests in these entities to us. Pursuant to the technical service agreements, Acorn Information is the exclusive provider of technical support and consulting services to the two affiliated entities in exchange for service fees. Under these agreements, each of the affiliated entities may not, among other things, dispose of its assets, dissolve, liquidate, merge with any third parties, provide security to any third parties, distribute dividends, engage in transactions with any of its affiliates, make external investment or conduct any business outside of the ordinary course of their respective businesses without the prior consent of Acorn Information. The term of these agreements is ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years unless terminated by Acorn Information.

 

Agreements that Provide Effective Control and an Option to Acquire Beijing HJX Technology

 

These agreements provide us with effective control over this affiliated entity and its shareholders, Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong. They include irrevocable powers of attorney, a loan agreement, equity pledge agreements, operation and management agreements and spouse consent letters. Under the exclusive purchase agreements, we also have exclusive options to purchase the equity interests of the affiliated entity.

 

•Irrevocable Power of Attorney. Under irrevocable power of attorney, each of the two shareholders of Beijing HJX Technology, Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, has granted to designees of Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Geoffrey Weiji Gao, our Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, the power to exercise all voting rights of such shareholder in the shareholders’ meetings, including but not limited to the power to determine the sale or transfer of all or part of such shareholder’s equity interest in, and appoint the directors of, Beijing HJX Technology. The irrevocable power of attorney has terms of ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years unless terminated by the above-mentioned designees of Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd in writing three months prior to their expiry.

 

•Loan Agreement. Under the loan agreement among Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd and the shareholders of this affiliated entity, Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd made a loan to Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong in an aggregate amount of RMB40.0 million. The loan is to be used primarily for capital investments by the shareholders in Beijing HJX Technology. The loan can only be repaid by the shareholders’ transfer of their interests in Beijing HJX Technology to Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd or its designee when permissible under PRC law. The initial term of the loan is ten years and will automatically be renewed for another ten years absent a written termination notice from Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

 

•Operation and Management Agreement. Under the operation and management agreement among Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, the two shareholders and Beijing HJX Technology, the parties have agreed that Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd will provide guidance and instructions on daily operations and financial affairs of each of the affiliated entity. The agreements also state that each of the directors, general managers and other senior management personnel of the affiliated entity will be appointed as nominated by Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. The designees of Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd or its affiliate has the authority to exercise the voting rights on behalf of the two shareholders at the shareholder meetings of the affiliated entity. Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd has agreed to provide security for contracts, agreements or other transactions entered into by the affiliated entity with third parties, provided that the affiliated entity shall provide counter-security for Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd using their accounts receivable or assets. In addition, each of the affiliated entity agreed not to enter into any transaction that could materially affect its respective assets, obligations, rights or operations without prior written consent from Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. The term of the agreement is ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years absent a written termination notice by Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

 

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•Equity Pledge Agreement. Under the equity pledge agreement among Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd and the two shareholders of the affiliated entity, each of Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong has pledged all of his equity interests in Beijing HJX Technology to Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd to guarantee the performance of the affiliated entity under the operation and management agreement and the exclusive technical services agreement as described below, as well as their personal obligations under the loan agreement. Each of the shareholders also agrees not to transfer, assign or, pledge his interests in any of the affiliated entity without the prior written consent of Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. If the affiliated entity or either of the two shareholders breaches its respective contractual obligations thereunder, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including but not limited to the right to sell the pledged equity interests. The term of the agreement is ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years absent written termination notice by Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd three months prior to its expiry.

 

•Exclusive Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the exclusive purchase agreement among Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd and Beijing HJX Technology and its shareholders, Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, each of the two shareholders has irrevocably granted Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd or its designee an exclusive option to purchase at any time if and when permitted under PRC law, all or any portion of their equity interests in Beijing HJX Technology for a price that is the minimum amount permitted by PRC law. The term of the agreement is ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years absent a written termination notice by Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd three months prior to its expiry.

 

•Spouse Consent Letter. Pursuant to the spouse consent letter, the spouse of the shareholder, of the affiliated entity, Mr. Kuan Song, acknowledges that she is aware of, and consents to, the execution by her spouse of irrevocable power of attorney, equity pledge agreement and the exclusive purchase agreement described above. With respect to establishment, grant and performance of the above irrevocable power of attorney, equity pledge and the exclusive purchase, each spouse further agrees that, whether at present or in the future, she will not take any actions or raise any claims or objection.

 

Technical Services Agreements that Transfer Economic Benefits from Beijing HJX Technology to Us

 

Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. has entered into a technical service agreement with the affiliated entity to transfer economic interests in these entities to us. Pursuant to the technical service agreements, Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. is the exclusive provider of technical support and consulting services to the affiliated entity in exchange for service fees. Under this agreement, the affiliated entity may not, among other things, dispose of its assets, dissolve, liquidate, merge with any third parties, provide security to any third parties, distribute dividends, engage in transactions with any of its affiliates, make external investment or conduct any business outside of the ordinary course of their respective businesses without the prior consent of Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.. The term of this agreement is ten years and will automatically renew for another ten years unless terminated by Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

 

D.Property, Plant and Equipment

 

We are headquartered in Shanghai and own an office space of 1,926.74 square meters now. In 2015 and 2016, we entered into certain property transfer agreements with independent third parties, pursuant to which we sold approximately 1,926.7 square meters of office space in Shanghai, approximately 1,451.4 square meters of our call center property in Shanghai and approximately 628.8 square meters of other properties in Beijing for a total consideration of approximately RMB94.4 million, or $14.5 million. We have leased an aggregate of approximately 1,040.25 square meters of office in Beijing. Our leases are typically for a term from one to five years. We also reduced our four central warehousing hubs to only one hub in Shanghai, which covers approximately 2,000 square meters. Starting from January 2016, Shanghai warehouse hub started to use Zhai-ji-song as outsourced logistic service provider, which provides, among others, warehousing and delivery service.

 

Our manufacturing facilities in Zhuhai occupies an aggregate of approximately 2,000 square meters, which are used for the production of our oxygen generating device product line. As part of our cost control measures, we ceased the operations of our Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen facilities in 2015.

 

During the first quarter of 2009, we obtained a fifty-year land use right of a piece of land in Qingpu district of Shanghai for aggregate consideration of approximately RMB51.2 million (approximately $7.5 million). In 2012, we completed the construction of a warehouse and a factory on this land. To better utilize our Qingpu warehouse and to generate additional revenues, starting from January 2014, we leased approximately 17,700 square meters of warehouse space to Kerry Logistics for a term of two years with an annual rent of RMB7.0 million. The lease of the Qingpu warehouse runs through the end of 2016, generating annual rents of RMB7,244,424. We are currently negotiating with an independent third party a proposed transfer of the Qingpu land use right, together with the warehouse and a factory. The proposed transfer is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

 

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ITEM 4A.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and their related notes included in this annual report on Form 20-F. This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. For more information regarding forward-looking statements, see “Forward-Looking Statements.” In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information provided under Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors.” We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties.

 

As described more fully below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” we believe that, based on our current revenue and cost estimates for our on-going operations and our planned cost savings efforts and other planned actions to generate cash and secure borrowing sources as further described in “Item 5 — Liquidity and Capital Resources”, our current cash and cash equivalents and anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for the next 12 months. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern. Please refer to Note 2(d) to our consolidated financial statements and the report of our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

A. Operating Results

 

Overview

 

We are a marketing and branding company in China with a proven track record of developing, promoting and selling a diverse portfolio of our proprietary-branded products, as well as well-established and promising new products from third parties. Our business is currently comprised of two main divisions, our direct sales platforms and our nationwide distribution network.

 

Our direct sales business platform involves marketing and selling products directly to consumers in China through our outbound marketing platform (which until early 2015 included TV direct sales, or infomercials) and our Internet sales platform. Our outbound marketing platform includes our call center operations to directly market consumer products to individual customers in China, the majority of whom were previous TV direct sales purchasers who placed orders with us or made calls to our call center in the past 16 years. We also conduct our Internet sales business both through our official website and on the platforms of China’s leading e-commerce companies. We expect our Internet sales to have an increasing importance to our business in the future.

 

Through our nationwide distribution network we distribute a select number of our products promoted by our direct sales platforms, including our various proprietary-branded product lines. Our distribution network covers all provinces in China through 29 distributors and allows us to reach over 2,200 retail outlets across China.

 

Our longer term goal is to become one of the leading marketing and branding company for developing, promoting and selling products in China and to capitalize on our integrated multi-channel platform with an aim to become partners of choice for both well-established and promising new businesses to market and distribute their products in China. To date, we have developed several of our own branded products, including Ozing electronic learning products and Babaka posture-correction products, and have entered into or are in the process entering into various arrangements to better identify and offer potential promising new products. Some of these potential counterparties are affiliated with our CEO, Robert Roche. see Item 7.B, “Related Party Transactions.

 

Over the last three years our total net revenues declined from $184.7 million in 2013 to $94.8 million in 2014 and $47.5 million in 2015 with net losses totaling $39.9 million in 2013, $44.3 million in 2014 and $40.2 million in 2015. Among other factors, these results reflect primarily the adverse impact of two events:

 

·increasingly restrictive government regulations on TV infomercials which drove a substantial reduction in our purchase of TV advertising time in 2014 and the termination of our TV direct sales operations in the first quarter of 2015. These actions, in turn, resulted in significantly lower direct sales and lower distribution sales (distribution sales often benefit from TV advertising exposure); and

 

·the pendency of a legal dispute between two groups of our shareholders relating to the management and direction of our company and the related diversion of our management’s attention from our business and litigation-related prohibitions on our pursuing transactions outside our ordinary course of business. This dispute resulted in a court case that was adjudicated and resulted in the following by May 2015 (i) a Cayman Islands court issued a final order in connection with the dispute, (ii) Robert Roche, our co-founder, Chairman and controlling shareholder, returned as our CEO and chairman; (iii) we held an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of our shareholders at which a significant change in the composition of our board of directors was approved by our shareholders and effected and (iv) a business operations and sales team headed by our former co-founder Mr. Don Dongjie Yang has left us.

 

Due to the impact of these events, we believe that our 2015 results of operation are not generally comparable to our prior year results or necessarily indicative of anticipated 2016 results. Since May 2015, our management has focused on: restructuring our business in light of the evolution of our business model (including the exit from TV direct sales) and the competitive landscape in China; reducing our operating expenses and cash outflow; and liquidating non-core assets and investments to generate cash.

 

Restructuring and cost saving activities include:

 

·significant headcount reductions—we have reduced our total headcount from 894 at December 31, 2014 to 305 at December 31, 2015 and to 265 at April 30, 2016 (with this headcount reduction including a number of senior level individuals);

 

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·rationalizing of our distribution channel, with number of outlets in our distribution network reduced from approximately 2,600 to approximately 2,200;

 

·downsizing and consolidation our call centers operations, particularly, given our exit from TV direct sales to a single facility located in Wuxi, China; and

 

·reducing the number of our central warehousing hubs from four to a single facility in Shanghai.

 

In 2015, related restructuring and severance costs, included in our 2015 cost of sales and general and administrative expenses, totaled $10.0 million and $4.9 million. These charges included (i) $4.0 million write-off of inventory (mainly related to inventories for TV direct sales), and (ii) a $2.3 million write off of accounts receivable (relating primarily to credit extended to certain distributors of our electronic learning products).

 

As part of our continued efforts to generate additional cash flow and liquidate non-core assets:

 

·Beginning in January 2016, we started to sell shares of Shanghai Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd., on Yimeng, on China National Equities Exchange and Quotations through April 30, 2016, we sold approximately 5.9 million shares, representing ownership in Yimeng from 12.9% to 9.0% and generating total sale proceeds of RMB94.6 million, or $14.6 million. We may sell additional shares in Yimeng as our management deems appropriate; and

 

·we are currently in the process of negotiating with an independent third party for a proposed transfer of our land use right on a piece of land in Qingpu district of Shanghai together with the warehouse and a factory constructed by us and located on that land. These assets are carried on our books at a total value of approximately $18.1 million as of April 30, 2016, according to our management accounts. The proposed transfer is part of our measures to liquidate our non-core assets and if we proceed with transaction, it is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

 

In 2016, we expect our net revenue and gross margin to be at similar level to 2015. To partially offset related revenue decreases, we plan to devote more resources to increasing our e-commerce sales and to expanding our existing nationwide distribution network of electronic learning products to help drive sales, build our brand and attract new customers.

 

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

 

Company-specific factors that may affect our future financial condition and results of operations include, among other things, the following:

 

•the impact of regulations on our business:

 

We operate in a highly regulated market with regulation potentially subject to significant and frequent change, either of which could force us to change our business model significantly. For example, increasing regulation limiting the length and frequency of TV infomercials led to a significant reduction in the availability of TV airtime for infomercials promoting our products. As a result, in 2014 we substantially decreased our purchases of air time for our TV infomercials and in the first quarter of 2015 we ceased our TV direct sales operations. Among the consequences of reducing and then terminating our TV airtime purchases, is that it is without direct TV exposure it is more difficult for us to build or maintain our brand and expand our customer base, and harder to maintain the average margins and selling prices for some of our products due to a drop in exposure for our products resulting from shifting to other media channels. To help offset related revenue decreases, we plan to devote more resources to increasing our e-commerce sales and to expanding our existing nationwide distribution network of electronic learning products to help drive sales, build our brand and attract new customers.

 

•the mix of product lines selected by us for marketing through our various sales platforms:

 

Although we maintain and offer a diverse product portfolio, we generally focus on marketing and selling a limited number of featured product lines at any one time through our direct sales platforms and our nationwide distribution network. Consequently, we have been, and expect to continue to be, dependent on a limited number of featured product lines to generate a large percentage of our gross revenues. For example, sales of our electronic learning products, our top selling product line in 2015, contributed to $24.6 million in our gross revenues, representing 51.7% of our total gross revenues in 2015. Currently, our featured product lines mainly include electronic learning products, health products, collectible products, mobile phone and kitchen and household products. We expect that our new models of Ozing electronic learning products to be our major revenue driver in 2016.

 

•the mix of our direct sales and distribution sales:

 

We sell our products through (i) our direct sales platforms, which consists of our outbound marketing platform and Internet sales and, before the first quarter of 2015, TV direct sales, and (ii) our nationwide distribution network. With the move away from TV direct sales, the mix of our total net revenues has shifted proportionately to more distribution sales. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, our direct sales accounted for 73.9%, 47.7% and 40.8%, respectively, of our total net revenues compared to 26.1%, 52.3% and 59.2%, respectively, for distribution sales. The overall impact of discontinuing our TV direct sales platform on our future operating results depends on, among other things, our success in promoting our products through our other existing platforms and distribution networks, our ability to establish new direct sales platforms or distributions networks, and the degree to which distribution sales are impacted by discontinuing our TV direct sales programs.

 

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•new products introduced by us and our ability to identify new products:

 

Our ability to maintain or grow our revenue depends on our ability to successfully identify, develop, introduce and distribute in a timely and cost-effective manner new and upgraded product offerings. We employ a systematic identification and development process. After a potential featured product has been identified and tested, we evaluate a number of key benchmarks, particularly estimated profitability relative to our media expenses, in determining whether to conduct full-scale sales and marketing. We also seek to diversify our product offerings by adding products that offer recurring revenue opportunities.

 

•the amount and timing of operating expenses incurred by us:

 

Historically, our revenues are driven significantly by our spending on advertising. Consistent with our decreased spending on TV airtime, our total advertising expenses decreased from $51.7 million in 2013 to $16.2 million in 2014 and further to $2.2 million in 2015. Also, the total number of inbound calls to our call centers decreased from 3.7 million in 2013 to 1.2 million in 2014 and further to 92,000 in 2015, respectively, with the conversion rate for inbound calls, which is the percentage of inbound calls that result in product purchase orders, decreasing from 31.2% to 13.0% and further to 11.5%, in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

In addition to the factors above, intensified competition in the direct sales industry in China presents new challenges to our business. Related challenges include the evolving nature of our industry and our business model and a continuously evolving competitive landscape. To address these challenges, among other things, we regularly evaluate developments and the competitive landscape in the consumer retail market in China. In turn, as appropriate, we adjust our product offerings, sales and marketing efforts and business strategy. We undertake these adjustments in connection with constant evaluation of our media allocation for each product to maximize return on our media expenditures.

 

For a detailed discussion of other factors that may cause our results of operations to fluctuate, see Item 3.D, “Key Information— Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business.”

 

 

Revenues  For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
   Amount  

% of total
revenue,

net

   Amount  

% of total
revenue,

net

   Amount  

% of total
revenue,

net

 
   (in U.S. dollars, except percentage) 
Revenues:                              
Direct sales, net  $136,416,423    73.9%  $45,232,943    47.7%  $19,405,793    40.8%
Distribution sales, net   48,294,457    26.1%   49,521,779    52.3%   28,139,818    59.2%
Total revenues, net  $184,710,880    100.0%  $94,754,722    100%  $47,545,611    100%

 

Our net revenues consist of direct sales net revenues generated from our direct sales platforms and distribution sales net revenues. The increase in distribution sales net revenues as a percentage of our net revenues from 2013 to 2015 is primarily due to the decreased revenue contribution by our TV and other direct sales as a percentage to our total net revenues, as we begun to deemphasize TV direct sales in 2014 and discontinued our TV direct sales platform in 2015.

 

Direct sales net revenues represent product sales through our direct sales platforms, including outbound marketing, Internet sales and, until the end of the first quarter of 2015, our TV direct sales platform. Our TV direct sales revenues constituted 30.4%, 6.0% and 0.7% of our total net revenues in 2013, 2014 and 2015. While we have moved away from our historic core TV direct sales platform, we have focused on our other direct sales platforms, which currently consist of outbound marketing and Internet sales.

 

Distribution net revenues represent product sales to the distributors that constitute our nationwide distribution network. We sell products to our distributors at a discount to the retail price for the same product.

 

Our total net revenues are presented net of certain adjustments, including sales and business taxes, cash rebates on distribution sales, costs of membership points on direct sales. We net the cash rebates used in connection with promotional distribution sales activities and membership points used in connection with our customer loyalty program for direct sales against revenue at the time revenue is recorded.

 

Cost of Revenues

 

Cost of revenues represents our direct costs to manufacture, purchase or develop products sold by us to consumers or our distributors. For a particular product, the related cost of revenues is the same regardless of whether sold by us directly to consumers or to our distributors. The most significant factor in determining cost of revenues as a percentage of revenue in any period is our product mix for the period. For example, our mobile phone or electronic learning products generally have a higher per unit cost of revenues as compared to other products such as our fitness products, which often results in a lower gross margin for such products.

 

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Cost of revenues does not include advertising or other selling and marketing expenditures. These expenditures are incurred for the benefit of each of our sales and distribution platforms and, as such, are treated as operating expenses and not as cost of revenues.

 

Operating (Expenses) Income

 

Our operating (expenses) income consist of advertising expenses, other selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and other operating income, net.

 

Advertising Expenses

 

Advertising expenses consist primarily of the expenses of purchasing our advertising media, such as TV advertising time, Internet, print and radio advertising. Historically, we use our purchased TV advertising time to broadcast our TV direct sales programs and our product-oriented promotional advertising. Our advertising expenses primarily contributed to the cost of the TV advertising time used to broadcast our TV direct sales programs. We also promote brands through print and other media, primarily Internet, print and radio advertising. Historically, the largest component of our advertising expenses was the purchases of TV airtime for informericals. We have ceased to purchase TV advertising time for this program in early 2015. Going forward expect our advertising expenses would primarily consist of general Ozing Electronic Product advertising.

 

Other Selling and Marketing Expenses

 

Other selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of costs related to product delivery and handling, salary and benefits for our call center sales and marketing personnel, other advertising and the production of our TV direct sales programs prior to early 2015. We rely significantly on EMS and local delivery companies to deliver our products and to collect payments in connection with our products delivered on a cash on delivery, or COD, payment method. In general, we are responsible for the delivery and handling fee regardless of whether the delivery is successful.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and benefits for general management, finance and administrative personnel costs, depreciation and amortization with respect to equipment used for general corporate purposes, professional fees, research and development expenditures and other expenses for general corporate purposes.

 

Other Operating Income, Net

 

Other operating income, net consists primarily of proceeds from disposal of our non-core assets, rental income and government subsidies. We regularly receive government subsidies from local government agencies for certain taxes paid by us, including value-added, business and income taxes, as well as part of the incentives provided by local government for our investment in the local district. In 2015, we recorded proceeds from disposal of certain of our properties in Beijing for a total consideration of $1.8 million. In 2014, we rented out 17,721 square meters of our warehouse located in Shanghai Qingpu District to a third party for two years generating rents of $1.2 million in 2014 and $1.2 million in 2015, respectively.

 

Taxation

 

We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands and are not subject to tax in this jurisdiction. Our subsidiaries China DRTV and Smooth Profit are incorporated in BVI and are not subject to tax in this jurisdiction. Our subsidiaries Bright Rainbow Investments Limited and MK AND T Communications Limited are incorporated in Hong Kong and are subject to statutory income tax on their Hong Kong sourced income. Our other subsidiaries and affiliated companies are PRC companies. In addition to enterprise income tax, our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated companies are subject to a 17% value added tax, or VAT, on sales in accordance with relevant PRC tax laws. VAT taxes payable are accounted for through the balance sheet and do not have an income statement effect. The statutory income tax rate applicable to PRC companies is 25% for calendar years starting on or after January 1, 2008.

 

On March 16, 2007, the PRC government promulgated Law of the People’s Republic of China on Enterprise Income Tax (“New EIT Law”), which is effective from January 1, 2008. Under the New EIT Law, domestically owned enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises are subject to a uniform tax rate of 25%. While the New EIT Law equalizes the tax rates for domestically-owned and foreign-invested companies, preferential tax treatment would continue to be given to companies in certain encouraged sectors and to enterprises classified as high and new technology companies, whether domestically-owned or foreign-invested enterprises. The New EIT Law also provides a five-year transition period starting from its effective date for those enterprises which were established before the promulgation date of the New EIT Law and which were entitled to a preferential tax treatment such as a reduced tax rate or a tax holiday. The tax rate of such enterprises will transit to the uniform tax rate of 25% within a five-year transition period and the tax holiday, which has been enjoyed by such enterprises before the effective date of the New EIT Law, may continue to be enjoyed until the end of the holiday.

 

Shanghai Acorn HJX Software Technology Development Co., Ltd., as a recognized software company, has been eligible for the tax holiday of 50% reduction from 2009 to 2013; our remaining PRC subsidiaries are still subject to uniform tax rate of 25% in 2013, 2014 and 2015 under the New EIT Law. Starting from 2014, none of our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated companies have tax holidays.

 

We have adopted the provisions of ASC740-10, “Income Taxes—Overall” (previously FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting For Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109”). Based on our analyses under ASC740-10, we have made our assessment of the level of authority for each tax position (including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical merits of the position, and have measured the unrecognized benefits associated with the tax positions accordingly. As of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, we had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.7 million, $1.8 million, and $1.9 million respectively.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenues and expenses during the financial reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. We consider the policies discussed below to be critical to an understanding of our financial statements as their application places the most significant demands on our management’s judgment.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize net revenue for sales through our direct sales platforms upon delivery of the products to, and acceptance by, our customers (F.O.B. Destination). These revenues are recognized net of sales tax incurred. We rely significantly on EMS and local delivery companies to deliver products sold through our direct sales platforms. It generally takes two to three weeks for a product to be delivered by EMS and local delivery companies, with these companies regularly reporting to us product delivery status. For unsuccessful deliveries, EMS and local delivery companies are required to return the undelivered products to us. It generally takes EMS two to three weeks, and local delivery companies approximately seven days, to return the undelivered products to us. We are in the process of developing a system with the delivery companies, which, once launched, will provide us with the delivery status on real-time basis. Direct sales revenues are adjusted in the current accounting period based on actual unsuccessful product deliveries experience reported by EMS and local delivery companies.

 

We recognize net revenues for products sold through our nationwide distribution network when products are delivered to and accepted by our distributors (F.O.B. Destination). In most cases, the distributors are required to pay in advance for our products. Some distributors are given customary credit terms within the industry based on their creditworthiness. The distributor agreements do not provide discounts, chargebacks, price protection and stock rotation rights. However, certain distributor agreements provided performance-based cash rebates which were net against revenue at the time revenue was recorded. Accordingly, we record the revenues when products are delivered to and accepted by the distributors as there are no future remaining obligations. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, the costs associated with cash rebates were insignificant.

 

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

 

We evaluate our long-lived assets and finite-lived intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When these events occur, we measure impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the fair value of the assets. The determination of fair value of the intangible and long lived assets acquired involves certain judgments and estimates. These judgments can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future. This analysis also relies on a number of factors, including changes in strategic direction, business plans, regulatory developments, economic and budget projections, technological improvements, and operating results. Any write-downs would be treated as permanent reductions in the carrying amounts of the assets and an operating loss would be recognized.

 

Inventory

 

Our cost of inventory comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion, and other costs incurred to bring inventory to its present location and condition. Our cost of inventory is calculated using the weighted-average method.

 

Our inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Adjustments are recorded to write down the inventory to the estimated net realizable value. We estimate excess and slow-moving inventory based upon assumptions of future demands and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than projected by our management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts primarily based on the age of receivables and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. If there is a deterioration of a major customer’s creditworthiness or actual defaults are higher than our historical experience, we may need to maintain additional allowances.

 

Investment in Affiliates; Available-for-sale Securities

 

Certain of our investments in affiliates have been accounted for under the cost method and others have been accounted for under the equity method. 

 

We initially accounted for our Yimeng investment under the cost method.  We helped form Yimeng in 2005, with our initial ownership stake being 51%. By December 31, 2014, our ownership stake was diluted to 12.9% reflecting prior third party capital contributions and sales by us of Yimeng shares.  Because we exerted no significant influence in Yimeng, we recorded our Yimeng investment at cost of $7 million at December 31, 2013 and 2014.

 

In July 2015, Yimeng became listed on China National Equities Exchange and Quotations, or the NEEQ. After the listing, quoted market prices became available and we reclassified our Yimeng investment as available-for-sale securities.  As a result, (i)  at December 31, 2015 our Yimeng investment was recorded at a fair value of $181.2 million and (ii) in 2015 we recognized unrealized gains of $178.5 million (before deducting potential taxes of $44.6 million), which we recorded in other comprehensive income.  See notes 8 and note 9 in our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report

 

Beginning in January 2016, we started to sell Yimeng shares on the NEEQ. Through April 30, 2016, we sold approximately 5.9 million shares, reducing our Yimeng ownership to 39.3 million shares (or approximately 9.0% of Yimeng’s then outstanding shares) and generating total sale proceeds of $14.6 million and an expected realized gain, net of taxes (to be recognized in the first four months of 2016) of $10.3 million.  

 

Our management will consider additional sales of Yimeng shares as it deems appropriate.   We may be unable to sell our Yimeng shares at prices equal to the then-quoted price and or in desired amounts and sales by us or others could adversely impact the price of Yimeng shares. See Item 3D., “Key Information — Risk Factors—Changes in the quoted prices for Shanghai Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd., or Yimeng,  on the China National Equities Exchange and Quotations, or NEEQ, will cause the carrying value of our Yimeng shares to vary impacting our comprehensive net income; and our ability to sell our Yimeng shares at desired prices or in desired volumes will be impacted by related developments in the NEEQ market and the market for Yimeng shares.”

 

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

 

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the assessment of management, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities. The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are individually classified as current and non-current based on the characteristics of the underlying assets and liabilities, or the expected timing of their use when they do not relate to a specific asset or liability.

 

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Fair value of financial instruments

 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (also referred to as an exit price) and expands disclosure requirements about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The guidance establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that gives the highest priority to observable inputs and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs as follows:

 

·Level 1—Observable unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

·Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

·Level 3—Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities.

 

When available, we measure the fair value of financial instruments based on quoted market prices in active markets, valuation techniques that use observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in the categories of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Pricing information we obtain from third parties is internally validated for reasonableness prior to use in the consolidated financial statements. When observable market prices are not readily available, we generally estimate the fair value using valuation techniques that rely on alternate market data or inputs that are generally less readily observable from objective sources and are estimated based on pertinent information available at the time of the applicable reporting periods. In certain cases, fair values are not subject to precise quantification or verification and may fluctuate as economic and market factors vary and our evaluation of those factors changes. Although we use its best judgment in estimating the fair value of these financial instruments, there are inherent limitations in any estimation technique. In these cases, a minor change in an assumption could result in a significant change in its estimate of fair value, thereby increasing or decreasing the amounts of our consolidated assets, liabilities, equity and net income or loss.

 

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable, convertible loan, available-for-sale securities, accounts payable and long-term debt. For cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable and accounts payable, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 were considered representative of their fair values due to their short-term nature. The marketable securities are carried at fair values. The carrying values of long-term debt and convertible loan approximate their fair values as the impacts to discount the long-term debt and convertible loan with a market based interest rate are insignificant.

 

We periodically evaluate the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets, and reduce the carrying amount of these deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance to the extent we believe a portion will not be realized. We consider many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of our deferred tax assets, including our recent cumulative earnings experience by taxing jurisdiction, expectations of future taxable income, the carry-forward periods available to us for tax reporting purposes and other relevant factors.

 

We recognize the impact of an uncertain income tax position at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority. We classify interests and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth our condensed consolidated statements of operations by amount and as a percentage of our total net revenues for 2013, 2014 and 2015:

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
   Amount  

% of total
revenues,

net

   Amount  

% of total
revenues,

net

   Amount  

% of total
revenues,

net

 
   (in thousands, except for percentages) 
Condensed Consolidated                              
Statements of Operations Data                              
Revenues:                              
Direct sales, net  $136,416    73.9%  $45,233    47.7%  $19,406    40.8%
Distribution sales, net   48,295    26.1%   49,522    52.3%   28,140    59.2%
Total revenues, net   184,711    100.0%   94,755    100.0%   47,546    100.0%
Cost of revenues:                              
Direct sales   57,445    31.1%   24,353    25.7%   13,388    28.2%
Distribution sales   35,046    19.0%   32,570    34.4%   21,499    45.2%
Total cost of revenues   92,491    50.1%   56,923    60.1%   34,887    73.4%
Gross profit   92,220    49.9%   37,832    39.9%   12,659    26.6%
Operating (expenses) income                              
Advertising expenses   (51,731)   (28.0)%   (16,233)   -17.1%   (2,204)   -4.6%
Other selling and marketing expenses   (54,874)   (29.7)%   (40,177)   -42.4%   (25,185)   -53.0%
General and administrative expenses   (30,681)   (16.6)%   (28,417)   -30.0%   (27,839)   -58.6%
Other operating income, net   2,615    1.4%   2,121    2.2%   1,712    3.6%
Total operating expenses   (134,671)   (72.9)%   (82,706)   -87.3%   (53,516)   -112.6%
Loss from operations   (42,451)   (23.0)%   (44,874)   -47.4%   (40,857)   -86.0%
Other income (expense), net   3,394    1.8%   1,954    2.1%   1,017    2.2%
Income tax expenses   (646)   (0.3)%   (1,171)   -1.2%   (183)   -0.4%
Equity in losses of affiliates   (206)   (0.1)%   (235)   -0.2%   (227)   -0.5%
Net loss   (39,908)   (21.6)%   (44,326)   -46.8%   (40,250)   -84.7%
Net income (loss) attributable to non- controlling interest   (12)   (0.0)%   3    0.0%   (91)   -0.2%
Net loss attributable to Acorn International, Inc.   (39,896)   (21.6)%   (44,329)   -46.8%   (40,159)   -84.5%

 

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The table below summarizes our gross revenues for 2013, 2014 and 2015, broken down by product categories:

 

   2013   Sales   2014   Sales   2015   Sales 
   $‘000   %   $‘000   %   $‘000   % 
                         
Electronic learning products   40,903    22.1    44,138    46.5    24,638    51.7
Health products   10,098    5.5    9,876    10.4    8,102    17.0 
Collectible products   29,643    16.0    15,414    16.2    5,646    11.8
Mobile phones   25,924    14.0    6,000    6.3    5,032    10.6 
Kitchen and household   27,008    14.6    9,810    10.3    1,591    3.3 
Fitness products   38,427    20.8    4,554    4.8    766    1.6 
Cosmetics products   2,311    1.2    853    0.9    220    0.5 
Auto products   324    0.2    191    0.2    49    0.1 
Consumer electronics products   808    0.4    61    0.1    89    0.2 
Other products   9,704    5.2    4,057    4.3    1,520    3.2 
Total gross revenues   185,150         94,954         47,653      
Less: sales taxes   (439)        (199)        (107)     
Total revenues, net   184,711         94,755         47,546      

 

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015

 

Revenues

 

Our total net revenues, which include direct sales net revenues and distribution sales net revenues, decreased 48.7% from $184.7 million in 2013 to $94.8 million in 2014 and further decreased 49.8% to $47.5 million in 2015. The decrease in our net revenues in 2015 was primarily due to decreased direct sales revenue, particularly from our outbound marketing activities.

 

In 2013, 2014 and 2015, approximately 73.9%, 47.7% and 40.8% of our total net revenues, respectively, were generated through our direct sales platforms while approximately 26.1%, 52.3% and 59.2% of our total net revenues were generated from our nationwide distribution network, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth our three best-selling product lines for our direct sales platforms by net revenues and as a percentage of applicable total direct sales gross revenues for the periods indicated, together with reconciliation to direct sales net revenues:

 

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      2013   2014   2015 
Product  Brand  Revenues   percentage   Rank   Revenues   percentage   Rank   Revenues   percentage   Rank 
      (in thousands, except percentages and ranks) 
Direct Sales:                                                
Collectibles products     $29,531    21.6%   2   $15,414    34.0%   1   $ 5,561    28.6%   1 
Cell phone  SUNVAN, Gionee, K-touch, U- king, Lenovo, Nokia &Kon  $—   $—        $5,893    13.0%   3   $4,981    25.6%   2 
Health products                                   $3,710    19.1%   3 
Kitchen and household products  Rose& True sleeper  $26,924    19.7%   3   $9,722    21.4%   2    —    —      
Fitness products  Yierjian  $36,532    26.7%   1    —    —         —    —      
Direct sales-total top three     $92,987    68.0%       $31,029    68.4%       $ 14,252    73.3%     
Other products revenues     $43,823    32.0%       $14,333    31.6%       $ 5,207    26.7%     
Total direct sales gross revenues     $136,810    100%       $45,362    100%       $ 19,459    100%     
Total sales tax     $(394)            $(129)            $(53)          
Total direct sales net revenues     $136,416             $45,233             $ 19,406           

 

Direct sales net revenues, which include both net proceeds from products sold through our TV direct sales platform and net proceeds from products sold through our other direct sales platforms, decreased 66.8% from $136.4 million in 2013 to $45.2 million in 2014 and further decreased 57.1% to $19.4 million in 2015, which mainly resulted from reduced TV time purchases in 2014 and our exit from TV direct sales in early 2015.

 

The net decrease of $25.8 million in direct sales net revenues in 2015 primarily reflected a $9.9 million, or 63.9%, decrease in sales of collectibles products, a $8.2 million, or 84.3%, decrease in sales of kitchen and household products, and a $3.2 million, or 85.5%, decrease in sales of fitness products, as compared to 2014, primarily as a result of our exit from TV direct sales. Our top three products sold through our direct sales platforms in 2015 were collectibles products, mobile phone products and health products which collectively accounted for $14.3 million, or 73.3%, of our direct sales gross revenues in 2015.

 

The net decrease of $91.2 million in direct sales net revenues in 2014 primarily reflected a $32.8 million, or 89.9%, decrease in sales of fitness products, a $17.2 million, or 63.9%, decrease in sales of kitchen and household products, and a $14.1 million, or 47.8%, decrease in sales of collectibles products, as compared to 2013, primarily as a result of the our reduction in our purchase of TV advertising time to sell these products in 2014. Our top three products sold through our direct sales platforms in 2014 were collectibles products, kitchen and household products and mobile phone products, which collectively accounted for $31 million, or 68.4%, of our direct sales gross revenues in 2014.

 

The following table sets forth our three best-selling product lines for our distribution network by net revenues and as a percentage of applicable total distribution sales gross revenues for the periods indicated, together with reconciliation to distribution sales net revenues:

 

      2013   2014   2015 
Product  Brand  Revenues   Percentage   Rank   Revenues   percentage   Rank   Revenues   percentage   Rank 
          (in thousands, except percentages and ranks) 
Distribution Sales:                                                
Electronic learning products  Ozing  $39,695    82.1%   1   $42,815    86.3%   1   $23,232    82.4%   1 
Posture correction products  Babaka   2,780    5.8%   3   $2,346    4.7%   3   $2,220    7.9%   2 
Health products  Zehom  $3,279    6.8%   2   $3,064    6.2%   2   $2,172    7.7%   3 
Distribution sales-total top three     $45,754    94.7%       $48,225    97.2%       $27,624    98.0%     
Other products revenues     $2,586    5.3%       $1,368    2.8%       $570    2.0%     
Total distribution sales gross revenues     $48,340    100%       $49,593    100%       $28,194    100.0%     
Total sales tax     $(45)            $(71)            $(54)          
Total distribution sales net revenues      48,295              49,522             $28,140           

 

Distribution sales net revenues, which are derived from sales of products to our distributors, increased 2.5% from $48.3 million in 2013 to $49.5 million in 2014 and decreased 43.2% to $28.1 million 2015. We experienced a significant decrease in distribution sales in 2015, which was primarily because we tightened our distributor credit policies and loosened the rebate rate paid to distributors of our electronic learning products based on their sales volumes. The increase in our distribution net revenues in 2014 was primarily due to the restructuring of our business model and organization structure in connection with our electronic learning products business. Our top three distribution sales products in 2015 were our electronic learning products, posture correction products and health products, which accounted for $27.6 million, or 98.0%, of our distribution sales gross revenues in 2015.

 

Cost of Revenues

 

Our cost of revenues is primarily dependent upon the mix of products and units sold during the relevant period.

 

Our total cost of revenues decreased from $92.5 million in 2013 to $56.9 million in 2014 and further decreased to $34.9 million in 2015 in line with the decrease of our sales levels. As a percentage of total net revenues, total cost of revenues was 50.1%, 60.1% and 73.4% in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The fluctuations in cost of revenues in 2014 and 2015 were primarily as a result of the decreases in sales and a shift in our product mix in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

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Direct sales cost of revenues decreased 57.6% from $57.4 million in 2013 to $24.4 million in 2014 and decreased 45.0% to $13.4 million in 2015. The fluctuations in 2014 and 2015 primarily reflected the decrease in direct sales in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

Distribution sales cost of revenues decreased from $35.0 million in 2013 to $32.6 million in 2014, representing a 7.1% decrease in 2014, and decreased to $21.5 million in 2015, representing a 34.0% decrease in 2015. The decrease in 2014 primarily reflected the decreased sales of our health and posture correction products, while the decrease in 2015 primarily reflected the decreased sales of our electronic learning products.

 

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

 

The following table sets forth gross profits and gross margins (being gross profit divided by the related net revenues) for our direct sales and distribution sales platforms:

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
   Gross
profit		   Gross
margin		   Gross
profit		   Gross
margin		   Gross
profit		   Gross
margin		 
   (in thousands, except percentages) 
Direct sales  $78,971    57.9%  $20,880    46.2%  $6,018    31.0%
Distribution sales  $13,249    27.4%  $16,952    34.2%  $6,641    23.6%
Total  $92,220    49.9%  $37,832    39.9%  $12,659    26.6%

 

Our total gross profits decreased from $92.2 million in 2013 to $37.8 million in 2014 and then decreased to $12.7 million in 2015. Our overall gross margin decreased from 49.9% in 2013 to 39.9% in 2014 and further decreased to 26.6% in 2015. Changes in our gross margins from period to period are driven by changes in our product mix and the platforms through which we sell them. In addition to our product mix, the decrease in our total gross margin in 2015 reflects a $4.0 million inventory write-down (mainly related to TV direct sales products). The decrease in total gross margin in 2015 was largely due to a shift in product mix to include more sales contribution of electronic learning devices sold through our distribution channel, which generally have lower margins.

 

We are generally able to maintain stable margins for our individual product lines. Although we discount the prices of individual products as competition enters the market over time, this discounting is typically done in conjunction with our introduction of an upgraded or replacement product with improved features and functions and similar or better pricing. If we are unable to maintain satisfactory gross profits relative to our expenses, we replace or cease marketing such product.

 

In addition to product mix-related variations, the difference between the sales price charged by us to our historical TV direct sales customers and what we charge our distributors for the same product accounts for a portion of the difference in gross margins on direct sales and on distribution sales.

 

Gross margin on direct sales decreased from 57.9% in 2013 to 46.2% in 2014 and decreased to 31.0% in 2015. The decrease in gross margin on direct sales in 2015 was primarily due to lower sales of our collectible products and fitness products which generally have higher margins.

 

Gross margin on distribution sales increased from 27.4% in 2013 to 34.2% in 2014 and decreased to 23.6% in 2015. The decrease in gross margin on distribution sales was mainly due to our written-down of inventories.

 

Operating (Expense) Income

 

Our total operating expense decreased from expenses of $134.7 million in 2013 to expenses of $82.7 million in 2014 and further decreased to expenses of $53.5 million in 2015. Of the total decrease in operating expenses in 2015, $14.0 million decrease in TV advertising expenses, which was mainly attributable to our reduced TV airtime in 2015, as well as a $15.0 million decrease in other selling and marketing expenses, which was mainly attributable to the decreased delivery costs due to our lower sales volume in 2015. Of the total decrease in operating expenses in 2014, $35.5 million was attributable to a $34.8 million decrease in TV advertising expenses as well as a $7.4 million decrease in delivery costs due to our lower sales volume in 2014; and $14.7 million reflected the decrease in other selling and marketing expenses. Total operating expense, as a percentage of total net revenue, increased from 72.9% in 2013 to 87.3% in 2014 and further to 112.6% in 2015.

 

Advertising Expenses

 

Our advertising expenses decreased from $51.7 million in 2013 decreased to $16.2 million in 2014 and then decreased to $2.20 million in 2015. As a percentage of total net revenues, advertising expenses decreased from 28.0% in 2013 to 17.1% in 2014, and decreased to 4.6% in 2015. The overall decrease in advertising expenses was primarily as a result of our decreased purchases of TV advertising time.

 

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Advertising expenses related to purchased TV advertising time decreased by 68.6% from $46.0 million in 2013 to $16.2 million in 2014 and decreased by 86.4% to $2.2 million in 2015. The decrease of purchased TV advertising expenses in 2014 and 2015 reflects our 2014 decision to deemphasize and our 2015 decision to discontinue our TV direct sales platform.

 

Other Selling and Marketing Expenses

 

Our other selling and marketing expenses decreased 26.8% from $54.9 million in 2013 to $40.2 million in 2014 and decreased 37.3% to $25.2 million in 2015. Our other selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total net revenues were 29.7%, 42.4% and 53.0% in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Of the total $15.0 million decrease in other selling and marketing expenses in 2015, $2.8 million was attributable to reductions in shipping and handling expenses as a result of our lower sales volume and $8.3 million was attributable to lower salary expenses paid to our sale force as part of our cost control measures.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

Our general and administrative expenses decreased 7.4% from $30.7 million in 2013 to $28.4 million in 2014 and increased slightly by 2.0% to $27.8 million in 2015. Our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues was 16.6%, 30.0% and 58.6% in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. General and administrative expenses in 2015, reflect a $4.5 million bad debt provision in connection with our account receivables and prepaid advertising expenses, offset by $2.5 million lower salary and welfare expenses in connection with our cost control measures and a $1.2 million reduction in consulting service fees. In addition, we recorded a $0.9 million in connection with the reimbursement of Mr. Roche for various costs incurred by him to secure our commercial and business interests of our Company from August 2014 to April 2015.

 

Other Operating Income, Net

 

Other operating income, net, consisting of government subsidy and miscellaneous commission income, was $2.6 million, $2.1 million and $1.7 million, in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. A majority of other operating income, net in those periods related to our receipt of subsidies from local government agencies for certain taxes paid, including value-added, business and income taxes as well as part of the incentives provided by local government for our investment in local district. The subsidy income in 2013, 2014 and 2015 amounted to $2.1 million, $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively. In 2015, we recognized $1.4 million and $1.8 million in our other operating income, respectively, for our sublease of our excess warehouse space to third parties and sales of our properties in Beijing and disposal of our fixed assets; and we recognized $2.2 million of other operating expenses in connection with disposal of fixed assets. We may not be able to enjoy such government subsidies in the future. See Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—The discontinuation of any of the preferential tax treatments and government subsidies available to us in the PRC could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition”.

 

Loss from Operations

 

We recorded losses from operations of $42.5 million, $44.9 million and $40.9 million in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. As a percentage of total net revenues, our losses from operations were 23.0%, 47.4% and 86.0% in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

Other Income (Expense), Net

 

Our other income (expense), net was $3.4 million, $2.0 million and $1.0 million, in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, our other income included $3.1 million, $2.4 million and $0.8 million, in interest income, respectively. We also recorded a $0.3 million investment gain in 2013.

 

Income Tax Expenses

 

We had a net tax expense of $0.6 million, $1.2 million and $0.2 million in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Our effective income tax rate for 2013, 2014 and 2015 was 2%, 3% and 0%, respectively.

 

Equity in losses of affiliates

 

On December 31, 2012, we acquired 9.3% of the equity interests in China Branding Company Limited, or CBG, for cash of $1.3 million. Mr. Roche, a co-founder and a member of our board of directors, individually holds an additional 7.6% equity interests in CBG and holds one out of five board seats of CBG and accordingly, Mr. Roche is able to exercise significant influence through his participation on the board of directors of CBG. As such, management believes that it can exercise significant influence over CBG through our direct equity investment, our deemed indirect investment through Mr. Roche’s equity interest, and Mr. Roche’s significant influence over CBG. Therefore, we account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. In February 2013, our investment in CBG decreased from 9.3% to 8.7% as a result of dilution due to issuance of additional shares by CBG to a new investor, which accounted for as if we sold 0.6% equity interests in CBG, and the gains from this dilution was immaterial. Our equity in losses of CBG in 2013, 2014 and 2015 were $205,567, $235,161 and $226,780, respectively, and were recognized in equity in losses of affiliates in the consolidated statements of operation.

 

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Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-controlling Interests

 

Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests consist of the 49% or less outside ownership interests in our majority- owned subsidiaries. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, the non-controlling interests totaled $(12,355), $2,503 and $(91,127), respectively.

 

Net Loss Attributable to Acorn International, Inc.

 

As a result of the foregoing, our net loss increased from $39.9 million in 2013 to $44.3 million in 2014 and decreased to $40.2 million in 2015. As a percentage of total net revenues, net loss was 21.6%, 46.8% and 84.5% in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

B.Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We experienced a net loss of $40.2 million and negative cash flows from operations in the year ended December 31, 2015 and had accumulated deficits of $126.3 million as of that date.

 

As described above and elsewhere in this annual report, in 2015, we experienced significant operational difficulties primarily driven by (i) industry-wide changes in PRC regulations and rules on TV advertising forcing us to exit our TV direct sales business and (ii) the pendency of the legal dispute between two groups of our shareholders relating to the management and direction our company which has been largely resolved.

 

Primarily in the second half of 2015, we commenced significant actions to improve our liquidity position, including sales of non-core assets and reduce our cash burn. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $12.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and restricted cash and we believe we will be able to realize our assets and satisfy our liabilities in the normal course of business.

 

Our anticipated cash flows for 2016 and planned actions to reduce costs and generate cash flows are based on our current expectations, beliefs and estimates and are not guarantees of our future operating results, liquidity and ability to continue operations.

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
   (in thousands) 
Cash and cash equivalents  $82,552   $34,686   $12,147 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   2,467    (45,633)   (22,333)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (13,874)   (1,714)   9,399 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (196)   -    (8,896)

 

Operating Activities

 

As of December 31, 2015, we had $12.1 million in cash and cash equivalents. Net cash used in operating activities were $45.6 million and $22.3 million in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities were $2.5 million in 2013. These amounts were adjusted for non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization, allowance for doubtful receivables, inventory write- downs, deferred income tax expenses(benefits), share-based compensation and changes in various assets and liabilities such as accounts receivables, inventories, prepaid advertising and other expenses, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, other current liabilities and notes payable, as applicable.

 

Investing Activities

 

Investing activities include purchases of property and equipment, disbursement for convertible loan, purchase of long-term assets, proceeds from disposal of equipment and decrease (increase) in restricted cash. Net cash provided by investing activities were $9.4 million in 2015. Net cash used in investing activities were $13.9 million and $1.7 million in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

 

Net cash provided by investing activities in 2015 primarily reflects $9.6 million of our decrease in restricted cash in connection with our long-term bank borrowings and $3.3 million of proceeds from disposal of certain non-core properties of our Company, which is net against by $3.0 million used in net cash for disbursement of convertible loan. Net cash used in investing activities in 2014 reflects the purchase of property and equipment at $1.4 million, among which $1.3 million was mainly used in the purchase of the Genesys CTI System, the purchase of long-term assets $0.6 million and the decrease of restricted cash at $0.3 million. Net cash used in investing activities in 2013 reflects cash provided by the increase of restricted cash at $9.9 million and the purchase of property and equipment at $3.4 million, which mainly $1.9 million for development of our IBOSS business intelligence system and $1.0 million to further renovate our Beijing Dongyi office.

 

Financing Activities

 

In 2015, our net cash used in financing activities mainly reflected the repayment of our long-term bank borrowings of $8.5 million and $0.4 million used to repurchase our ordinary shares. In 2014, our net cash used in financing activities was nil. In 2013, our net cash used in financing activities mainly reflected our repurchase of ordinary shares offset by an increase in long-term debt.

 

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Capital Expenditures

 

Our capital expenditures totaled $3.5 million and $1.4 million in 2013 and 2014, respectively. We did not record any capital expenditures in 2015. Our capital expenditures consisted principally of the purchases and construction of property and equipment, investments in buildings related to expansions and upgrades to our call center and offices and purchases of management information systems. In 2014, our capital expenditure primarily reflected $1.3 million for the Genesys CTI System. In 2013, our capital expenditure primarily reflected $1.9 million for the IBOSS business intelligence system and $1.0 million to further renovate our Beijing Dongyi office.

 

C.  Research and Development

 

We spent $2.5 million, $2.0 million and $1.5 million on research and development in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

D.  Trend Information

 

Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that caused the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.

 

E.  Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of third parties. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.

 

F.  Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

A summary of our contractual obligations at December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

   Payments due by period 
       Less than       More than 
Contractual obligations  Total   1 year   1-3 years   3 years 
Operating leases*  $1,478,758   $673,659   $696,279   $108,820 
                     
Total  $1,478,758   $673,659   $696,279   $108,820 

 

*      Operating leases are for office, warehouse and manufacturing facilities.

 

G.  Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued, ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)". The guidance substantially converges final standards on revenue recognition between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board providing a framework on addressing revenue recognition issues and, upon its effective date, replaces almost all exiting revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance, in current U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:

 

Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer.

 

Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.

 

Step 3: Determine the transaction price.

 

Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.

 

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Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

 

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, deferring the effective date for ASU 2014-09 by one year, and thus, the new standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early application permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The guidance allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. We are currently assessing the impact that the guidance will have on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) – Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent)”. Reporting entities are permitted to use net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient to measure the fair value of certain investments. Under current U.S. GAAP, investments that use the NAV practical expedient to measure fair value are categorized within the fair value hierarchy as level 2 or level 3 investments depending on their redemption attributes, which has led to diversity in practice. This ASU will remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments that use the NAV practical expedient for fair value measurement purposes. Furthermore, the ASU will remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods with those fiscal years. The ASU must be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 –Inventory. ASU 2015-11 is part of FASB Simplification Initiative. Current guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be the replacement cost, net realizable value or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. Under this Update, the entities will be required to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as estimate selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amendments under the Update more closely align measurement of inventory in US GAAP with the measurement of inventory in IFRS. For public entities, the amendments of this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments of this Update should be applied prospectively with early application permitted. Management does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on Group's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires deferred income tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet rather than being separated into current and noncurrent. The guidance is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods with early adoption being permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a significant effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ("ASU 2016-01"), which requires that equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method or those that result in consolidation of the investee, be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. ASU 2016-01 also impacts the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only for certain provisions. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. The ASU does not significantly change the lessees' recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Lessors' accounting under the ASC is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, the ASU expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach, which includes a number of practical expedients. The provisions of this guidance are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, which eliminates eliminate the requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier application is permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, which amends the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance and illustrations in the Board's new revenue standard (ASC 606). The amendments in this update clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. When another party, along with the reporting entity, is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide that good or service to the customer (as a principal) or to arrange for the good or service to be provided to the customer by the other party (as an agent). The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not believe the ASU will have significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. For public entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption will be permitted in any interim or annual period for which financial statements have not yet been issued or have not been made available for issuance. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 6.DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

A.  Directors and Senior Management

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our directors and executive officers as of the date of this annual report. The business address of each of our directors and executive officers is 19/F, 20th Building, 487 Tianlin Road, Shanghai 200233, People’s Republic of China.

 

Name   Age   Position/Title
Robert W. Roche   53    Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer
William Liang   58   Independent Director
Cosimo Borrelli   49   Independent Director
David Leung   54   Independent Director
David Naphtali   41   Independent Director
Jacob A. Fisch   39   President
Geoffrey Weiji Gao   43   Chief Financial Officer, Vice President
Jan Jie Lu   38   Vice President–Business Operation

 

Mr. Robert W. Roche is a co-founder of Acorn, the executive chairman of our board of directors, and our Chief Executive Officer. He also serves as the chairman of Oak Lawn Marketing, a company incorporated in Japan. In addition, Mr. Roche conducts numerous business operations throughout Asia and the United States. President Obama named Mr. Roche to the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. He is also a member of the Advisory Council for the non-profit 100,000 Strong Foundation. Mr. Roche’s other civic contributions include serving as prior Chairman of the Board of Governors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, member of the American Chamber of Commerce Japan Board of Governors, and a Board Member at the USA Pavilion, Expo 2010 Shanghai. In addition to funding his own foundation, Mr. Roche’s philanthropic work includes endowing a chair at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan, and establishing a Masters of Laws (LLM) in International Business Transactions program at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. Mr. Roche received his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Japanese Studies from Illinois State University in 1985 and a J.D. degree from the University of Denver in 1988.

 

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Mr. William Liang is an independent director of our company. Holder of an MBA degree from University of Massachusetts, Mr. Liang is a seasoned business executive with over twenty years of financial industry and extensive China experience in business development, management, strategic planning and execution, and corporate governance, having held management and executive positions with multinational companies such as Alcoa, United Technologies and Thomson Reuters. Mr. Liang has also been serving as director of the boards of other companies including J.P. Morgan Futures Co. Ltd.

 

Mr. Cosimo Borrelli is an independent director of our company. Mr. Borrelli currently serves as the Managing Director and is a Co-Founder of Borrelli Walsh Limited since September 23, 2006. He previously served as an Executive Director of Alvarez & Marsal Asia Limited from June 29, 2005 until September 22, 2006 and prior to that as Executive Director of RSM Nelson Wheeler Corporate Advisory Services Limited in Hong Kong from January 1, 2002 until June 28, 2005. Mr. Borrelli has served as a Director of PT Berlian Laju Tanker Tbk since March 19, 2014. He serves as an Independent Director of Global Invacom Group Limited (formerly Radiance Group Limited) since December 4, 2009. He served as a Director of ARC Capital Holdings Limited from February 2, 2015 until March 28, 2015. He served as an Independent Director at Jaya Holdings Ltd. from March 31, 2011 until June 30, 2014. He served as a Non-Executive Director of Forefront International Holdings Ltd., from September 8, 2004 to September 22, 2006. Mr. Borrelli holds a B.A. degree in Economics from the University of Adelaide, Australia.

 

Mr. David Leung is an independent director of our company. Mr. Leung currently serves as the Senior Director of Finance & Administration at Duke Kunshan University. Prior to joining Duke Kunshan University, Mr. Leung served as Chief Financial and Business Officer at the Shanghai American School and from 2007 to 2013. From 2004 to 2006, Mr. Leung served as Vice President at the Tasly Group Co. helping it manage its portfolio of investments in the pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Leung was with Motorola Hangzhou from 1997 to 2004, where he served as General Manager since 2002 and as Chief Financial Officer since 1997 with the responsibility over the mobile device business. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Leung served as the Chief Financial Officer of AT&T Qingdao, and before that, Mr. Leung worked for AT&T in finance, network planning, market planning, and new business development roles. Mr. Leung received his bachelor’s degrees in applied mathematics and in political economy from the University of California in Berkeley, his master’s degree in accounting and financial management from the Keller Graduate School of Management and his master of business administration from Rutgers University. Mr. Leung is a certified public accountant and a certified School Business Administrator in the U.S.

 

Mr. David Naphtali is an independent director of our company. Mr. Naphtali currently serves as the Managing Director at Madison Pacific Trust Limited and has over 10 years of experience working on corporate advisory and mergers and acquisition assignments in Hong Kong. Prior to joining Madison Pacific in 2014, Mr. Naphtali was a Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting where he specialized in corporate advisory and M&A and undertook strategic advisory engagements for a number of media entertainment companies in both Asia and Australia. Mr. Naphtali has significant experience in managing a variety of transactions involving both distressed and non-distressed assets from both a legal and commercial / financial perspective in numerous jurisdictions including Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China, Singapore and Australia. Mr. Naphtali is also a director of Rampersand Investment Fund No. 1, an Australian based venture capital fund. Mr. Naphtali is a qualified lawyer. Mr. Naphtali obtained a BA and LLB (Hons) degree from Deakin University, Australia, in 1997.

 

Mr. Jacob A. Fisch is the President of Acorn. Mr. Fisch was previously Senior Advisor to Acorn from April 2014. Mr. Fisch’s background includes top executive roles with publicly-listed, global supply chain manager and consumer products giant Li & Fung Limited (HKSE: 494) from 2006 to 2010 and then with its controlling shareholder, the Fung Group, from 2010 to 2012. Such roles included Director of Corporate Development for the Fung Group, and Senior Vice President – General Counsel for Li & Fung Limited, where he was part of the core leadership team and global head of Legal responsible for Li & Fung’s then over 80 offices in over 40 countries. Mr. Fisch also co-founded leading Hong Kong venture firm, Nest, in 2010, and founded Mile Point Capital Partners in 2011. In 2013, Mr. Fisch also co-founded and became the non-executive Chairman of Dragon Law, a Hong Kong and Singapore based technology company. Prior to these roles and activities, Mr. Fisch was an attorney at leading international law firms in New York City, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Mr. Fisch has been a term member at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City, is a member of the Hong Kong-based Hong Kong Forum, affiliated with the Council on Foreign Relations, and is a member of the Executive Forum, a fifty-person forum for the most senior managers of multinational corporations headquartered in Asia. Mr. Fisch holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from Columbia University.

 

Mr. Geoffrey Weiji Gao is the Chief Financial Officer and a Senior Vice President of Acorn. Mr. Gao has extensive experience in financial control and planning, cash management, procurement & supplier chain management and process optimization. Mr. Gao joined our company in February 2012. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Gao accumulated 16 years’ experience in different MNCs (multi-national companies), including Merck China & Hong Kong from June 2005 to February 2012, YUM! China from November 1999 to June 2005 and Societe Generale Shanghai Branch from September 1996 to November 1999. Mr. Gao received his bachelor’s degree in Economy from Shanghai University (International Business Institute) and is a holder of FCMA and CGMA since May 2014.

 

Ms. Jan Jie Lu is Vice President – Business Operations, responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the business, focusing, in particular, on driving the growth of our brands, media and content divisions. Her background includes experience in operations, business development (deal sourcing and execution) as well as government relations in China. Prior to becoming Vice President – Business Operations in April 2016, Ms. Lu served as our General Manager – Media and Creative from September 2015 to March 2016. Prior to joining Acorn in September 2015, she was Vice President at Cachet Hotel Group, focused on Operations and Business Development from July 2013 to May 2015. Prior to Cachet, Ms. Lu was Junior Partner & General Manager at David Laris Creates (DLC) from August 2008 to June 2013, a Food & Beverage consultancy company, focusing on licensing, project management, and the operation of DLC, as well as various restaurants DLC invested in or managed. Ms. Lu graduated with a degree in International Finance in 1999 from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law.

 

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B.  Compensation

 

Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

 

In 2015, the aggregate cash compensation earned by our executive officers and all of our directors was approximately $1.3 million. For information regarding options granted to officers and directors, see “—Equity Incentive Plans”. We do not pay or set aside any amounts for pensions, retirement or other benefits for our officers and directors.

 

Equity Incentive Plans

 

The board of directors of China DRTV adopted a 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2005 Plan, on March 18, 2005. On June 30, 2005, the board of China DRTV approved a 2005 Equity Incentive Plan B, or the 2005 Plan B, in connection with China DRTV’s acquisition of the 49% non-controlling interest of Shanghai HJX not already owned by China DRTV at that time. On March 31, 2006, Acorn International assumed all of the options that had been granted under the 2005 Plan and the 2005 Plan B in connection with its acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of China DRTV in exchange for the issuance of shares by Acorn International to the shareholders of China DRTV. The board of directors of China DRTV terminated the 2005 Plan and the 2005 Plan B after the assumption by Acorn International of all of the options that had been granted under the 2005 Plan and the 2005 Plan B. Our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2006 Plan, was adopted by the board of directors of Acorn International on May 1, 2006.

 

All of our incentive plans are intended to promote our success and to increase shareholder value by providing an additional means to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected directors, officers, employees and other eligible persons.

 

Each of our incentive plans permits us to issue options to purchase our ordinary shares and to issue stock appreciation rights, or SARs, which entitle the SAR holder to acquire the benefit of any appreciation in the value of the underlying ordinary shares. Options and SARs granted under our incentive plans generally do not vest unless the grantee remains employed by us or in service with us on the given vesting date. However, in circumstances where there is a death or disability of the grantee, or a change in the control of our company, the vesting will be accelerated to permit immediate exercise of all options and SARs granted to a grantee. In addition, the vesting of options and SARs held by a director who is appointed by the holders of our preferred shares who terminates his service will be accelerated to permit immediate exercise of all options and SARs granted to such director upon termination of that director’s service with us.

 

Generally, to the extent that an outstanding option or SAR initially granted under the 2005 Plan, the 2005 Plan B or the 2006 Plan has not vested by the date when the grantee’s employment or service with us terminates, the option or SAR will terminate and become unexercisable, except as described above.

 

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On April 8, 2016, we granted 2,800,000 Restricted Shares under the 2006 Plan to the President of our company. The grant includes time-based shares of 1,800,000 shares, among which 600,000 shares vested on April 8, 2016, 600,000 shares vested on May 4, 2016 and the remaining shares shall vest on May 4, 2017, and performance-based shares of 1,000,000 shares which shall vest upon certain performance targets being met. As of the date of this annual report , 400,000 performance-based shares have been vested as one performance target was met.  

 

Each of the above SARs will be settled upon exercise solely in ordinary shares. Upon exercise, a holder of an SAR will receive ordinary shares having a market price, on the date of exercise, equal to the excess of the fair market value of our ordinary shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the applicable SAR.

 

Our board of directors may amend, alter, suspend, or terminate the 2006 Plan at any time, provided, however, that our board of directors must first seek the approval of the participants in the 2006 Plan if such amendment, alteration, suspension or termination would adversely affect the rights of participants under any option granted prior to that date. The 2006 Plan will terminate on April 30, 2016 without further action by our board of directors.

 

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The table below sets forth, as of the date of this annual report, the option, SAR and RSU grants made to our directors and executive officers, under the 2006 Plan (including prior year grants of options covered under this plan) that are currently outstanding:

 

Name  Ordinary Shares Underlying
Outstanding Option/SARs/RSUs		   Exercise Price
($/Share)		   Grant Date   Expiration Date 
Robert W. Roche   —    —    —    — 
William Liang   —    —    —    — 
Cosimo Borrelli   —    —    —    — 
David Leung   —    —    —    — 
David Naphtali   —    —    —    — 
Jacob Fisch   2,800,000    —    April 8, 2016    — 
Geoffrey Weiji Gao   —    —    —    — 
Jan Jie Lu   —    —    —    — 

 

For risks related to registrations required of our PRC option holders, see Item 3.D, “Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to China—A failure by PRC individuals who hold shares or share options granted pursuant to an employee share option or share incentive plan to make any required applications and filings could expose our PRC individual option holders to liability under PRC law”.

 

Employment Agreements

 

We have entered into, and will enter into, employment agreements with each of our executive officers. Pursuant to these employment agreements, our executive officers each may be terminated by us with cause. In addition, each executive officer has agreed to hold, both during and after his or her employment agreement expires or is terminated, in strict confidence and not to use, except for our benefit (including our affiliated entities and our subsidiaries), any proprietary or confidential information, including technical data and trade secrets of our company or the confidential information of any third party, including our affiliated entities and our subsidiaries, that we receive.

 

C.  Board Practices

 

Duties of Directors

 

Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a duty of loyalty to act honestly and in good faith with a view to our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the care, diligence and skills that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. We have the right to seek damages if a duty owed to us by our directors is breached.

 

The functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others:

 

•convening shareholders’ meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings;

 

•implementing shareholders’ resolutions;

 

•determining our business plans and investment proposals;

 

•formulating our profit distribution plans and loss recovery plans;

 

•determining our debt and finance policies and proposals for the increase or decrease in our registered capital and the issuance of debentures;

 

•formulating our major acquisition and disposition plans, and plans for merger, division or dissolution;

 

•proposing amendments to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association; and

 

•exercising any other powers conferred by the shareholders’ meetings or under our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.

 

Terms of Directors and Executive Officers

 

We currently have five directors on our board of directors. At our 2015 annual general meeting held on November 17, 2015, Ms. Lynda Chung Ki Lau was removed from our board of directors and Mr. William Liang was reelected as a director to our board of directors. Under our current articles of association, each of our director will be subject to retirement and reelection at each of our annual general meeting.

 

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All of our officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of our board of directors and are elected by, and may be removed by, a majority vote of our board of directors.

 

Board Committees

 

Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a corporate governance and nominating committee.

 

Audit Committee

 

Our audit committee consists of Mr. Cosimo Borrelli, Mr. William Liang and Mr. David Leung. Mr. Cosimo Borrelli is the chairman of our audit committee. Each member of our audit committee satisfies the “independence” requirements of the NYSE Rules and meets the criteria for independence set forth in Section 10A(m)(3) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act.

 

The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. Our audit committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

•selecting the independent auditor and pre-approving auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditor;

 

•at least annually, obtaining and reviewing the independent auditor’s report describing its internal quality-control procedures, any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or peer review, of the independent auditors and all relationships between the independent auditors and our company;

 

•setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors;

 

•reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties the independent auditor may have encountered in the course of its work, and management’s response;

 

•reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the U.S. securities laws;

 

•reviewing and discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;

 

•reviewing and discussing with management and the independent auditors major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentations;

 

•reviewing reports prepared by management or the independent auditors relating to significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of our financial statements;

 

•reviewing with management and the independent auditors the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off- balance sheet structures, on our financial statements;

 

•discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management;

 

•reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies;

 

•obtaining and timely reviewing reports from the independent auditor regarding all critical accounting policies and practices to be used by our company, all alternative treatments of financial information within U.S. GAAP that have been discussed with management, and all other material written communications between the independent auditor and management;

 

•establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received from our employees regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;

 

•reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter at least annually and recommending any changes to our board of directors;

 

•meeting separately and periodically with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors;

 

•reporting regularly to the full board of directors; and

 

•exercising such other powers and performing such other duties as may from time to time be delegated to the audit committee by our board of directors.

 

Compensation Committee

 

Our compensation committee consists of David Naphtali, William Liang and David Leung. David Naphtali is the chairman of our compensation committee. Each of the members of our compensation committee satisfies the “independence” requirements of the NYSE Rules.

 

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Our compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

•reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our chief executive officer, evaluating the performance of our chief executive officer in light of those goals and objectives, reporting the results of such evaluation to our board of directors, and determining (either as a committee or with our board of directors) our chief executive officer’s compensation level based on this evaluation;

 

•at least annually, reviewing and approving all compensation arrangements with our chief executive officer and our other senior executive officers;

 

•reviewing and making recommendations to our board of directors with respect to our compensation for executive officers other than our chief executive officer, incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans, and overseeing the administration of these plans; and

 

•periodically reviewing the compensation of our directors and making recommendations to our board of directors with respect thereto.

 

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

 

Our corporate governance and nominating committee consists of Mr. David Leung, Mr. David Naphtali and Mr. Will Liang. Mr. David Leung is the chairman of this committee. Of the members of our corporate governance and nominating committee, all of the three members satisfy the “independence” requirements of the NYSE Rules.

 

Our corporate governance and nominating committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

•identifying and recommending to our board of directors candidates for election or re-election to the board of directors, or for appointment to fill any vacancy;

 

•identifying and recommending directors to fill vacancies on any committee of the board of directors; and

 

•overseeing our system of corporate governance, including developing and recommending to our board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines, reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of the guidelines at least annually, and recommending to our board of directors for approval any such changes to the guidelines as the committee believes are appropriate.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics, which is applicable to our senior executive and financial officers. In addition, our board of directors has adopted a code of conduct, which is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees. Our code of ethics and our code of conduct are publicly available on our website at www.acorninternationalir.com.

 

In addition, our board of directors has adopted a set of corporate governance guidelines. The guidelines reflect certain guiding principles with respect to our board of directors’ structure, procedures and committees.

 

The guidelines are not intended to change or interpret any law or our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. As a foreign private issuer with shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, we are subject to corporate governance requirements imposed by the NYSE. Please refer to Item 16.G., “Corporate Governance” for further details.

 

Remuneration and Borrowing

 

The directors may determine remuneration to be paid to the directors. The compensation committee will assist the directors in reviewing and approving the compensation structure for the directors. The directors can exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, and to issue debentures or other securities whether outright or as security for any debt obligations of our company or of any third party.

 

Qualification

 

There is no shareholding qualification for directors.

 

Summary of Corporate Governance Differences

 

As a foreign private issuer with shares listed on the NYSE, we are required by Section 303A.11 of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual to disclose any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. domestic companies under NYSE listing standards. A summary of the differences between our current corporate governance practices and the NYSE corporate governance requirements applicable to domestic U.S. companies can be found on our website at www.acorninternationalir.com. Please refer to Item 16.G., “Corporate Governance” for further details.

 

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D.  Employees

 

We have been focusing on enhancing the efficiency and per person productivity of our call center by (i) optimizing the call center to supervisor ratio, and (ii) identifying and retaining highly effective call center salespersons. Meanwhile, we continuously adapt our employee numbers to fit for the changing business scope and scale in all supporting function departments. As of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, we had 1,763, 894 and 305 employees, respectively. The most labor intensive area of operation is our call center operations, which employed approximately 30.2% of our total employees at the end of 2015. The salary for call center employees includes a base salary plus a variable amount based on an incentive bonus structure.

 

The following table sets forth the number of our employees categorized by our areas of operation and as a percentage of our total workforce as of December 31, 2015:

 

   Number of  Percentage 
Operations  employees  of total 
Call center  92   30.2%
Distribution management  18   5.9%
Manufacturing  19   6.2%
Management and administration  74   24.3%
Product development  16   5.2%
Customer service  23   7.5%
Sales and marketing (including media planning)  63   20.7%
Total  305   100.0%

 

From time to time, we also employ part-time employees and independent contractors to support the monitoring and analysis of our TV direct sales program broadcasting timing and quality.

 

Although we undertake a rigorous selection process for our call center employees, the turnover rate for our call center employees located in our Wuxi call center was approximately 160% in 2013 and 161% in 2014 and 181% in 2015, respectively, reflecting both voluntary terminations and termination of employees failing to meet our performance standards.

 

E.  Share Ownership

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of April 30, 2016:

 

•each of our directors and executive officers; and

 

•each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our ordinary shares.

 

Beneficial ownership 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. The percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 79,308,343 ordinary shares outstanding as of April 30, 2016, taking into consideration options, SARs and restricted stock units exercisable by such person within 60 days of April 30, 2016.

 

   Shares beneficially owned as 
   of April 30, 2016 
Name  Number   Percent 
Directors and Executive Officers          
Robert W. Roche(1)   38,257,935    48.24 
William Liang   —    — 
Cosimo Borrelli   —    — 
David Leung   —    — 
David Naphtali   —    — 
Jacob Fisch(2)   2,800,000    3.53 
Geoffrey Weiji Gao   —    — 
Jan Jie Lu.   —    — 
Principal Shareholders          
SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P.(3)   22,097,070    27.86 
Bireme Limited(4)   20,000,010    25.22 
Acorn Composite Corporation(5)   13,054,416    16.46 

 

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(1)Includes (i) 1,846,291 ordinary shares held by The Grand Crossing Trust, which is an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr. Robert W. Roche’s children, (ii) 12,052,976 ordinary shares and 50,072 ADSs held by Acorn Composite Corporation, which is a company owned by Mr. Robert W. Roche, (iii) 42,231 ADSs held by Robert W. Roche 2009 Declaration of Trust, which is a trust for the benefit of Mr. Robert W. Roche, (iv) 87,588 ADSs held by Moore Bay Trust, which is a charitable trust with Mr. Robert W. Roche’s children being the beneficiaries of the remainder, (v) 83,792 ADSs held by the Felicitas Trust, which is an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr. Robert W. Roche’s children, (vi) 87.7% of 129,770 Ordinary Shares and 993,512 ADSs held by Bireme Limited, i.e., 113,808 ordinary shares and 871,310 ADSs, and (vii) 77,250 ADS held by Catalonia Holdings, Ltd. The voting agreement among Mr. James Yujun Hu, The Grand Crossing Trust and Acorn Composite Corporation dated July 6, 2006 has been revoked by Mr. Robert W. Roche in November 2008.

 

(2)Includes 2,800,000 ordinary shares upon exercise of Restricted Shares currently exercisable or vested within 60 days after April 30, 2016.

 

(3)Includes 1,505,100 ordinary shares in the form of 75,255 ADSs. Mr. Andrew Y. Yan is the sole shareholder of SAIF II GP Capital Ltd., the sole general partner of SAIF Partners II L.P., which is the sole general partner of SAIF II GP L.P., which is in turn the sole general partner of SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P., our shareholder. The voting agreement among Mr. James Yujun Hu and SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. dated March 30, 2007 has been revoked by SB Asia Investment Fund II L.P. in November 2008.

 

(4)Includes 129,770 ordinary shares and 993,512 ADSs. Bireme Limited, a company incorporated in Cayman Islands, is owned by Ms. Hattori-Roche, the wife of Mr. Robert W. Roche, as to 87.7% of the company’s outstanding shares and Mr. Don Dongjie Yang as to 12.3% of the company’s outstanding shares.

 

(5)Includes 12,052,976 ordinary shares and 50,072 ADSs. Acorn Composite Corporation, a company incorporated in the States of Nevada, is owned by Mr. Robert W. Roche.

 

None of our existing shareholders has voting rights that differ from the voting rights of other shareholders. According to our register of members for our ordinary shares, there are 82 record holders among our ordinary shareholders in the United States. Citibank, N.A. has advised us that, as of April 30, 2016, 2,383,224 ADSs, representing 47,664,480 underlying ordinary shares, were held of record by China DRTV, Inc. and two other registered shareholders domiciled in the United States. We have no further information as to ADSs held, or beneficially owned, by U.S. persons. To our knowledge, we are not owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal persons, severally or jointly. We are not aware of any arrangement which may at a later date result in a change of control of our company.

 

ITEM 7.MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A.  Major Shareholders

 

Please refer to Item 6.E, “Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Share Ownership”.

 

B.  Related Party Transactions

 

Contractual Agreements with Affiliated Entities and their Shareholders

 

Historically, PRC law has restricted, and continues to restrict to a certain extent, foreign equity ownership of companies that are engaged in direct sales and internet businesses. To comply with these restrictions, we operate our direct sales and internet interactive service businesses in China through a series of contractual arrangements with Shanghai Network, Beijing Acorn, Beijing HJX Technology, Shanghai HJX Electronic and their shareholders, Mr. Song, and Mr. Pan . See Item 4.C, “Information on the Company— Organizational Structure”.

 

Exclusive Partnership Agreement with Oak Lawn Marketing International, Inc.

 

We entered into an exclusive partnership agreement on July 21, 2011 with Oak Lawn Marketing International, Inc. (formerly known as Global Infomercial Services, Inc.), or OLMI, a full-service international direct-response television distributor which is currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oak Lawn Marketing, Inc.

 

Mr. Robert W. Roche, our co-founder and chairman of the board of directors is the Chairman and one of the largest shareholders of Oak Lawn Marketing, Inc. The agreement has an initial term of two years with the option for successive one year term renewals thereafter. Pursuant to the exclusive partnership agreement, OLMI will:

 

•be appointed as our exclusive agent with respect to all infomercial products (defined as all products sold with a short or long form infomercial) that have been or are being sold in North America, South America, or Europe;

 

•provide certain services to our Company, which services include, among others, searching for and identifying products of interest for us, obtaining rights to such products, providing product marketing analysis, assisting in vendor relationship management and arranging certain marketing activities; and

 

•receive a fee paid by us based on a percentage of the cost of all products introduced to us by OLMI, which percentage will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis but in no event shall exceed 10% of the cost of the applicable product.

 

The exclusive partnership agreement was approved by our audit committee. As of the date of this Form 20-F, we had identified six products through OLMI. In 2015, we had no transactions with OLMI and therefore no service fee and royalty fees or royalties were paid to OLMI.

 

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Collaboration with CBG

 

China Branding Group, a related party of us, has special channel and resource to approach American celebrities or producers of Hollywood movies, TV shows and programs (the “Shows”). Historically, we have cooperated with CBG to source and position certain American celebrities or producers of the Shows to seek business opportunities in China especially in connection with celebrity-branded products. In the past, the typical cooperation model was that CBG approached and obtained the consent or authorization of celebrities or producers of the Shows selected by us, and then assigned the whole or part of the rights to us. Our agreements with CBG related to celebrity-branded products and programs with CBG expired during the second half of 2014 and, in connection with the shareholder dispute between Mr. Yang and Mr. Roche which began in mid-2014, we suspended all collaboration with CBG in October 2014. In 2015, we reached a settlement agreement with CBG, pursuant to which we paid RMB1.3 million to settle the outstanding payables due to CBG and resumed our business collaboration with CBG. On September 18, 2015, CBG and us entered into a cooperation agreement, pursuant to which CBG shall promote our products and services through its platform and we shall pay CBG in accordance with a revenues-sharing arrangement.

 

Office Lease to CBG

 

In connection with our efforts to reduce costs, we leased out our principal executive offices in Shanghai to CBG as its business office from November 13, 2013 at a monthly rent of RMB60,000 and provided administrative and human resources services to CBG at a monthly rate of RMB30,000. We also provided legal and financial service to CBG on an hourly rate basis. We terminated the lease agreement in September 2014.

 

Exclusive Distribution Agreement with JG Fashion Group LLC

 

We entered into an exclusive distribution and license agreement on March 14, 2014 with JG Fashion Group LLC, or JG Fashion, a New York-based fashion design company founded by Jay Godfrey, a New York fashion designer. Mr. Roche holds approximately 20% equity interest in JG Fashion Group LLC. The agreement has an initial term of three years and can be renewed for successive three years thereafter. Pursuant to the Agreement, we are:

 

•appointed as the exclusive distributor to market, distribute and sell Jay Godfrey eponymous clothing and accessories through all channels in mainland China, and licensed to use the trademarks, all the advertising audio & video materials as well as other intellectual property rights within the territory; and

 

•obliged to pay the purchase price of 8% of retail price and the license fee of 29% of retail price.

 

The exclusive distribution agreement was approved by our audit committee. We sold JG branded products through physical store in Shanghai Reel Shopping Mall and on-line internet stores. We suspended purchases of JG products on or about October 2014 and closed the physical store in Shanghai Reel Shopping Mall at the end of March 2015 but resumed our cooperation with JG Fashion in 2015. In 2014 and 2015, we purchased fashion accessories from JG Fashion and paid $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

 

Software License and Service Trial Agreement with Dreamstart (Hong Kong) Ltd.

 

Dreamstart (Hong Kong) Ltd., or Dreamstart, is a company which provides one-stop solutions for telemarketing businesses through a proprietary software designed to increase the efficiency and capability of call centers. Mr. Roche currently owns approximately 20% shares in Dreamstart. In 2014, we paid approximately US$1.2 million to Dreamstart as a setup fee and trial fee for the dialing software and call center management system. Pursuant to the terms of the proposed agreement, if the software licensed by Dreamstart fails to achieve certain key performance indicators, all the monthly fees would be refunded to us. If the trial result was satisfactory to us, we had the option to enter into a definitive agreement with Dreamstart with terms and conditions not less favorable to us than those provided in the trial agreement. We terminated all business relations with Dreamstart in October 2014, and, that same month, we received a letter from Dreamstart demanding certain fees relating to our use of Dreamstart’s dialing software and call center management system following the trail period. In 2015, due to the settlement of the shareholder dispute, by approval of the board of directors on June 9, 2015, the management reconsidered the cooperation with Dreamstart and determined to pay US$1.6 million as the service fees for use of the call center management system developed by Dreamstart. On July 6, 2015, we entered into a settlement agreement with Dreamstart and reduced the settlement fees to US$1 million. See Item 8.A, “Financial Information—Consolidated statements and other financial information—Legal Proceedings”.

 

In 2015, we decided to continue our business with Dreamstart and re-negotiated the licensing arrangement for our use of the its software for the call center. On September 15, 2015, we entered into a master agreement with Dreamstart and its affiliate, pursuant to which, Dreamstart granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable and non-assignable license of the software of Leverage Point System to us, and we shall pay a minimum monthly fee of US$50,000 and a variable fee of US$250 to Dreamstart and its affiliate during the term of the agreement. On September 9, 2015, we entered another software system development agreement with Dreamstart and its affiliate to customize the Leverage Point System pursuant to section 4.1 and section 8.E of the Master Agreement, pursuant to which Dreamstart shall explore and development the customized system for us and we shall pay Dreamstart an aggregate fee of RMB164,441.86. In 2015, we paid US$1.6 million to Dreamstart for the use of its call center management system.

 

Convertible Borrowing with Ryecor China Investment Limited

 

Ryecor China Investment Limited, or Ryecor, a company wholly owned by Mr. Robert W. Roche, entered into an loan agreement with Shanghai E-surer Financial Services Co., Ltd., or E-surer on October 2014, pursuant to which Ryecor lent E-surer RMB 20,000,000 with a 6% annual interest rate and maturity of August 22, 2018. Under the loan agreement, interest is due at maturity and Ryecor may lend an additional RMB20.0 million at any time prior to the maturity date. All or part of outstanding principle and interest may be converted into E-surer equity based on an agreed formula. The loan was secured by the 51% of E-surer’s equity interest in its wholly-owned subsidiary. The total amount lent to E-surer by Mr. Roche and Acorn Composite Corporation, Inc. (wholly owned by Mr. Roche) under the loan agreement was $3,024,993. In September 2015, Ryecor and Acorn Composite assigned to us all rights and all obligations under the loan agreement at par, and the E-Surer loan was personally guaranteed by Mr. Roche. In exchange, we paid $1,154,386 to Ryecor and $1,870,547 to Acorn Composite.

 

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Consultancy Agreement with Lu&co

 

Lu&co Consultancy Co., Ltd., or Lu&co, a company wholly owned by Ms. Jan Jie Lu, our Vice President of Business Operation, entered into a consultancy agreement with Shanghai Network on September 1, 2015 before Ms. Lu joined us. Pursuant to this consultancy agreement, Lu&co shall provide consultancy services to Shanghai Network, and Shanghai Network shall pay Lu&co the consultancy fees of RMB15,000 per month for a term of 12 months. The consultancy agreement shall automatically be extended for another 12 months unless rejection otherwise by any party in written notice.

 

Minority Investment in Related Company

 

As of the date of this annual report, we hold a 8.7% equity interests in China Branding Group, or CBG, a foreign company incorporated in Cayman Islands, acquired for cash consideration of $1.3 million. Mr. Robert W. Roche, our co-founder and a member of our board of directors, individually holds 7.6% equity interests in CBG and holds one out of five board seats on the board of directors of CBG. In addition, Mr. Jacob A. Fisch, our president, is also a director of CBG and holds certain debt of CBG. As both of Mr. Roche and Mr. Fisch could exercise significant influence over financial and operating decision-making of CBG and Mr. Roche is also a principal shareholder, CBG is considered as a related party to us. The transaction had been approved by our board of directors.

 

Employment Agreements

 

See Item 6.B, “Directors, Senior Management and Employee—Compensation—Employment Agreements”.

 

Share Options

 

See Item 6.B, “Directors, Senior Management and Employee—Compensation—Equity Incentive Plans”.

 

Shareholder Dispute

 

Our co-founders, Mr. Robert W. Roche and Mr. Don Dongjie Yang, as well as various other shareholders who are aligned with them, have been involved in an ongoing dispute with each other for the control of our strategic direction and our board of directors. This shareholder dispute resulted in various proceedings being brought before the Cayman Islands Court during the fourth quarter of 2014 seeking a winding up order in respect of our Company or, in the alternative, various other remedies. In March 2015 the Cayman Islands court issued a final order related to the shareholder dispute and on May 4, 2015 we convened the EGM required to be called by the court’s final order that resulted in changes to our board members and our management. Please refer to the sections headed “Transitional Service Arrangement with Mr. Dongjie Yang” and “Reimbursement to Mr. Robert W. Roche” for the details of the arrangements entered into by the parties.

 

In connection with the settlement, our board formed a committee comprised of directors who our board determined were independent, namely Mr. William Liang, Mr. Cosimo Borrelli and Mr. David Leung, to evaluate and consider any actions to be taken our company in connection the settlement and the terms thereof as they may apply to our company (including potential conditions to any company action, the consideration to be received by our company and measures designed to protect the interests of our company and its other shareholders.

 

Transitional Service Arrangement with Mr. Dongjie Yang

 

On May 27, 2015, to solve the dispute among certain of our shareholders and to secure the commercial and business interests of our Company, Mr. Don Dongjie Yang, D. Y. Capital Inc., or the DYCI, and us reached a Transitional Service and Separation Agreement, or the TSSA, for various arrangements in connection with the removal and resignation of Mr. Yang. Pursuant to the TSSA, the parties agreed to the following: (i) Mr. Yang and DYCI shall not challenge the validity of  the judgment of the Grand Court of the Cayman Island relating to Cause No.: FSD 109 of 2014 (AJJ) dated March 6, 2015 and our extraordinary general meeting convened on May 4, 2015; (ii) Mr. Yang shall resign from all of his current positions with us by execution of an agreed resignation form, and shall provide transitional services to our Board during transitional period for an aggregate severance fees of $750,000,which shall be paid in two installments provided certain milestones are achieved; (iii) Mr. Yang shall transfer of the interests of the VIEs by execution of an agreed form of VIE Transfer Agreement, and take actions to ensure the transfer is completed before certain deadlines; (iv) Mr. Yang and DYCI shall transfer 6,518,656 ordinary shares held by DYCI to us by execution of a share transfer form at an aggregate consideration of $1.00; (v) all vested or unvested options, stock appreciation rights and other awards held by Mr. Yang shall be expired on May 27, 2015; and (vi) each of Mr. Yang, CYCI and us agreed to irrevocably waive, release and discharge the other parties from any action and claim from the date of the agreement, and certain other arrangement.

 

As of the date of this annual report, the second installment under the TSSA in the amount of $375,000 has not been made by us as (i) the license entitled "Medical Equipment Operation" in connection with Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.; and (ii) the license entitled "Medical Equipment Operation Record" in connection with Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. have not yet been transferred to us. The parties are still in discussion as to whether and when the transfers will be completed and the second installment be made. On April 8, 2016, we made an offer to Mr. Yang to split the second installment payment into the following: (i) $225,000 to be paid within 14 days after Mr. Yang’s acceptance of the offer; (ii) $100,000 to be paid on or before December 31, 2016 in consideration for Mr. Yang’s continuing to support us for the smooth transfer and provide all transitional services as we consider necessary; and (iii) $50,000 to be paid upon the Transition Completion Date as defined in the TSSA. We are currently waiting for Mr. Yang to respond to our offer.

 

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Reimbursement of Mr. Robert W. Roche

 

In 2015, our board approved the settlement with Mr. Roche and in January 2016, we reached a settlement agreement with Mr. Robert W. Roche and Acorn Composite Corporation, Inc., or the ACCI, a company wholly owned by Mr. Roche, for the purpose of settling (i) various amounts incurred by ACCI and/or its associated companies on behalf of and for the benefit of securing the commercial and business interests of our Company; and (ii) Mr. Roche’s employment related damages and certain legal fees incurred in connection with such damages. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, we agreed to reimburse Mr. Roche approximately $0.9 million in total for various costs incurred by Mr. Roche and ACCI and for the employment-related damages and legal fees incurred by Mr. Roche from August 2014 to April 2015. In addition, each of Mr. Roche (together with ACCI) and us agreed to irrevocably discharge and release each other from all actions that may result from the shareholder dispute. The settlement agreement was discussed and approve by the board of directors.

 

C.  Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A.  Consolidated statements and other financial information.

 

We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report. See Item 18, “Financial Statements”

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We may from time to time become a party to various general legal or administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business.

 

In April 2013, Beijing Ren’ai filed a suit in Shijiazhuang Intermediate People’s Court against Shanghai HJX and Beiguo Department Store Co., Ltd., or Beiguo, for the infringement over its copyrights, alleging that Shanghai HJX and Beiguo should stop infringing the copyrights, Shanghai HJX should apologize publicly, and the defendants should compensate for an aggregate loss of RMB500,000, as well as reasonable expenses of RMB2,358. Shijiazhuang Intermediate People’s Court held two hearings, on July 26 and September 16, 2013, and has not granted the judgment. On November 6, 2015, we received the verdict from the court requiring Beiguo to stop infringing the copyrights and ordering Beiguo to pay the plaintiff Beijing Ren’ai RMB 30,000 as compensation. Beijing Ren’ai then appealed on 19 November 2015. The court held the trial of second instance on April 7, 2016 and confirmed the original judgment on April 13, 2016.

 

In July 2013, Shanghai Huaxin Construction (Group) Co., Ltd, or Shanghai Huaxin, filed a suit in Shanghai Qingpu District People’s Court, alleging that Shanghai HJX should pay to it a sum of RMB2,668,868.15, together with the interest accrued, for the contract price for a building constructed for Shanghai HJX (a warehouse project in Qingpu district). In October 2013, Shanghai HJX brought a counter suit against Shanghai Huaxin in the same court, claiming that Shanghai Huaxin should be responsible for the repair cost and expense of the aforesaid buildings, as well as relevant additional expenses which would be determined by an appraiser. The court accepted both cases and appointed an appraiser. However, due to the personnel change of the appointed appraising company, the process of cases was suspended. To avoid further delay, both parties chose to withdraw their suits respectively and then filed the same suits again in September 2014. The court held a hearing on November 5, 2014 to deal with both cases and appointed a new appraiser. On January 25, 2016 Shanghai Huaxin Construction (Group) Co., Ltd filed the suit in Shanghai Qingpu District People’s Court again, alleging that Shanghai HJX should pay the remaining RMB1,868,868 together with the interest of RMB313,969.8. The new litigation case was held open for hearing on March 18, 2016 and the court is currently in the process of selection of a professional authenticate organization to determine whether Shanghai HJX Digital contributed to the project quality. In May 2014, Meijian Construction (China) Co., Ltd, one of the subcontractors of the Shanghai HJX warehouse in Qingpu district, filed a lawsuit in Shanghai Changning District People’s Court against Shanghai Huaxin Construction (Group) Co., Ltd (the general contractor) and Shanghai HJX, alleging that the defendants should pay a sum of RMB1,040,473.8, together with interest accrued to it, for the contract price for the building constructed for Shanghai HJX. Shanghai HJX filed a written application of suspending to the court to suspend the case claiming that the judgment of this litigation depends on another pending case between Huaxin Construction and Shanghai HJX, and asked the Court to suspend the case. The court held a hearing on June 10, 2014. Meijian withdrew the suit and then re-filed the same suit in May 2015. On November 18, 2015, we received the judgment from the court stating that Shanghai HJX should pay the plaintiff RMB544,030.85 of warranty, and we have made the payment to the plaintiff pursuant to the judgment on December 25, 2015.

 

In October 2014, Beian Industrial Co., Ltd, another subcontractor of the Shanghai HJX warehouse in Qingpu district, filed a lawsuit in Shanghai Xuhui District People’s Court against Shanghai HJX, alleging that Shanghai HJX should pay a sum of RMB 240,871.3, together with interest of RMB32,000 accrued to it for the contract price for the fire control system constructed for Shanghai HJX. Shanghai HJX filed a written application of suspending to the court claiming that the judgment of this litigation depends on another pending case between Huaxin Construction and Shanghai HJX, and asked the Court to suspend the case. The court held a hearing on December 1,2014 and ruled in favor of Beian on December 30, 2014. Shanghai HJX appealed to the higher court. The higher court held a hearing on March 11, 2015 and affirmed the original judgment. Shanghai HJX has made the payment to the plaintiff pursuant to the judgment.

 

In September 2015, Beijing Mai-La-Ke Technology Center (Mai-La-Ke), the previous holder of the trademark of our Oxygen-generating devices, filed a suitcase in the Haidian People’s Court in Beijing against Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd and Beijing Acorn Younglide Science and Technology Co.,Ltd (the two defendants) alleging that the two defendants should provide relevant figures of selling our Oxygen-generating devices since November 2000 to November 2005 in order for them to claim for 50% of the net profit for the period based on a previous agreement signed with the two defendants. This case was open to hearing in Beijing on October 12, 2015, but no ultimate verdict was rendered as we challenged the authenticity of the agreement. We are still waiting for the opening of the second instance. This possibility to lose this case is evaluated as low-risk by the lawyer on our side. However, if the court determines the agreement to be valid, we (the two defendants) may be obligated to pay Mai-La-Ke a large sum of compensation.

 

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In December 2015 Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd filed a lawsuit in Shenzhen Nanshan District People’s Court in Guangdong Province against Jinhongrun Technology Co., Ltd in Shenzhen, or Jinhongrun, alleging that Jinhongrun has infringed upon our HJX registered trademark. We required the defendant to stop its infringing activities, including the advertising, manufacturing and the sale of any early-educating computer or any similar products, make public announcement through newspaper to eliminate negative effects, and pay RMB500,000 as indemnification. Shenzhen Nanshan District People’s Court held a hearing on March 10, 2016. On April 19, 2016, both parties reached a settlement, pursuant to which Jinhongrun shall pay Shanghai HJX Digital RMB74,500 to settle the case.

 

At early 2016, Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd filed a lawsuit at the People’s Court of Pudong District of Shanghai against Jinqiu Fitness Facility Co., Ltd in Yong Kang city alleging that the defendant should stop infringing our registered trademark for our Babaka posture correction products and advertising online with relevant characters. Besides, we also alleged the defendant to pay us the indemnification of RMB 1,000,000. The People’s Court of Pudong District of Shanghai accepted the suit in January 2016 and planned to open for hearing on February 25, 2016. But the hearing was cancelled later due to the time adjustment made by the court. The date for the next hearing scheduled by the court is May 9, 2016.

 

In May 2015 Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd filed a suit against one of our provincial dealer Shenyang Huanxu Trade Co., Ltd, or Huanxu, which owed us payment for goods amounted at RMB 1,126,304 with the interest accrued at RMB 45,052.16. However, we reached an agreement with Huanxu before the hearing to be held by the Shanghai Qingpu District People’s Court that the defendant will pay the money. And Huanxu then paid us RMB500,000 in September 2015, and RMB471,068 in October with the inventory goods offsetting the RMB 6,380. Shanghai HJX has withdrew the action.

 

In March 2016, Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. filed a law suit against four advertisement companies registered in Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, respectively, requesting the defendants to repay deposits and advertising fees totaling RMB10,226,490.06 previously paid by us. We also claims that the defendants should be responsible for paying damages of RMB 2,157,442 in aggregate as well as attorney fees and other relevant expenses. The court has accepted our application to freeze the defendants’ assets on March 14, 2016, and we are stilling waiting for the court to determine a hearing date. The People’s Court of Pudong District of Shanghai has accepted the case and we are waiting for the court to determine a hearing date.

 

In March 2016, AiYing (Shanghai) Business Trade Co., Ltd., or AiYing, filed a lawsuit in the Shanghai Putuo District People’s Court against Shanghai HJX Digital, alleging that Shanghai HJX Digital has infringed upon its copyright. AiYing claims that Shanghai HJX Digital should pay to it a sum of RMB540,000 together with the accrued interest, equal to RMB248,400. On March 17, 2016, both parties reached a settlement, pursuant to which Shanghai HJX Digital has paid RMB700,000 to settle the case.

 

In March 2016, Acorn Trade filed a lawsuit in Shanghai Xuhui District People’s Court against Henan Feifan Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., Mr. Li Dengke and Mr. Nie Yafei to claim for payment for goods, in a sum of RMB2,319,790, together with the interest of RMB92,791.6 accrued to it and all relevant attorney fees and costs of preservation. The court has accepted our case and ordered to freeze the defendant’s assets. The first hearing is scheduled on May 18, 2016.

 

We have in the past been, currently are, and in the future may again be, the subject of claims for contractual disputes, intellectual property right infringement or other claims during our course of business.

 

In October 2014, Beian Industrial Co., Ltd, another subcontractors of Shanghai HJX warehouse in Qingpu district, filed a suit in Shanghai Xuhui District People’s Court against Shanghai HJX, alleging that Shanghai HJX should pay a sum of RMB 240,871.3, together with interest of RMB32,000 accrued to it for the contract price for the fire control system constructed for Shanghai HJX. Shanghai HJX filed a written application of suspending to the court claiming that the judgment of this litigation depends on another pending case between Huaxin Construction and Shanghai HJX, and ask the Court to suspend the case. The court held a hearing on December 1,2014 and ruled in favor of Beian on December 30, 2014. Shanghai HJX has appealed to the higher court. The higher court held a hearing on March 11, 2015 but has not granted the judgment as of the date of this annual report.

 

In October 2014, Mr. Jing Zhu filed a labor arbitration against Acorn Trade with Shanghai Arbitration Committee. Ms. Zhu alleged her labor contract was illegally terminated and requested for salary damages and reimbursement in a total amount of RMB132,016. Shanghai Arbitration Committee awarded Ms. Zhu RMB59,303.We refused to accept the arbitration award as final and then submitted the case to Shanghai Qingpu District People’s Court. The court held a hearing on March 31, 2015 but we subsequently reached a an agreement with Ms. Zhu and settled the case.

 

In October 2014, we received a demand letter from Dreamstart (Hong Kong) Ltd., or Dreamstart, a company providing one-stop solutions for telemarketing businesses which is currently approximately 20% owned by our Mr. Robert W. Roche, our co-founder and a member of our board of directors, alleging that during Mr. Robert W. Roche’s tenure as President/Chief Executive Officer of our company, he agreed to the terms of certain equipment purchase agreement with Dreamstart and its affiliates pursuant to which we had allegedly agreed to use certain solutions/software developed by Dreamstart. Dreamstart claimed in the demand letter that our Company owes Dreamstart a service fee of $1.4 million for our use of such solutions/software following the expiration of an initial trial period. In 2015, by approval of the board of directors on June 9, 2015, we decided to settle with Dreamstart and agreed to pay settlement fee of US$1.6 million. On July 6, 2015, we negotiated down the settlement fees to US$1 million and entered into a settlement agreement with Dreamstart.

 

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In 2015, three of our former employees Mr. Xiuming Chen, Mr. Liang Wang and Mr. Di Wu filed labor arbitrations against Shanghai HJX Electronic with Beijing Arbitration Committee, respectively. Xiuming Chen alleged that Shanghai HJX Electronic did not grant any bonus and annul leave as agreed in his labor contract; and he had right to terminate the labor contract and requested for damages and reimbursement in a total amount of RMB100,812. Shanghai Arbitration Committee rejected Mr. Chen’s allegations and no arbitration award is granted. Liang Wang also alleged that Shanghai HJX Electronic did not grant any bonus and annul leave as agreed in his labor contract, his labor contract was illegally terminated and requested for damages and reimbursement in a total amount of RMB65,406. Shanghai Arbitration Committee rejected Mr. Wang’s allegations and no arbitration award is granted. Di Wu alleged that Shanghai HJX Electronic did not grant any bonus and annul leave as agreed in his labor contract; and he had right to terminate the labor contract and requested for damages and reimbursement in a total amount of RMB135,830. Shanghai Arbitration Committee rejected Mr. Wu’s allegations and no arbitration award is granted. As of the date of this annual report, no challenge to above arbitration awards were raised by these employees.

 

Dividend Policy

 

We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, we did not declare any dividends.

 

Our board of directors has complete discretion on whether to pay dividends, subject to the approval of our shareholders. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant. If we pay any dividends, we will pay our ADS holders to the same extent as holders of our ordinary shares, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.

 

Current regulations in China permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us only out of their respective accumulated distributable profits, if any, determined in accordance with their articles of association and PRC accounting standards and regulations. The ability of these subsidiaries to make dividends and other payments to us may be restricted by factors that include changes in applicable foreign exchange laws and other laws and regulations. In particular, under Chinese law, these operating subsidiaries may only pay dividends after 10% of their net profit has been set aside as reserve funds, unless such reserves have reached at least 50% of their respective registered capital. Such reserve may not be distributed as cash dividends. In addition, if any of our 14 PRC operating subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us.

 

B.  Significant Changes

 

Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

 

ITEM 9.THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

A.  Offering and listing details. Price Range of Our ADSs

 

Our ADSs are listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ATV”, and have been listed since May 3, 2007.

 

On March 19, 2015, the NYSE notified us that the closing price of our ADSs for the consecutive 30 trading-day period ended on March 13, 2015 was $0.99 and therefore below the NYSE’s continued listing standard relating to minimum average closing share price. Subsequent increases in the closing prices of our ADSs allowed us to regain compliance with the minimum share price rule by April 2015 but on September 15, 2015, the NYSE again notified us that we were below the NYSE’s continued listing criteria because the average per share closing price of our ADS for the consecutive 30 trading-day period ended on September 11, 2015 has fallen below $1.00.

 

On November 19, 2015, we announced the ratio change the of our ADSs to ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per share from 1:3 to 1:20. The effective date of such ratio change was November 30, 2015. On January 5, 2016, the NYSE notified us that we had regained compliance with the NYSE’s minimum share price standard and continuing listing standards by virtue of the fact that the average closing price of the ADSs for the 30-trading days ended December 31, 2015 was above US$1.00.

 

The following table sets forth the high and low daily closing trading prices of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated as adjusted to reflect our ADS ratio change:

 

   Price per ADS (US$) 
   High   Low 
Annual:          
2011   5.85    3.52 
2012   4.54    2.21 
2013   2.97    1.42 
2014   2.81    1.32 
2015   19.20    2.47 
Quarterly:          
Fourth Quarter, 2014   2.81    1.53 
First Quarter, 2015   1.59    0.53 
Second Quarter, 2015   13.39    5.08 
Third Quarter, 2015   10.16    4.26 
Fourth Quarter, 2015   19.20    2.47 
First Quarter, 2016   8.35    4.01 
Monthly          
November 2015   4.53    2.47 
December 2015   19.20    5.44 
January 2016   8.35    4.01 
February 2016   7.57    5.54 
March 2016   5.92    4.10 
April 2016   5.73    4.11 
May 2016 (through May 13, 2016)   5.07    5.07 

 

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B.  Plan of Distribution

 

Not applicable.

 

C.  Markets

 

See Item 9.A above.

 

D.  Selling Shareholders

 

E.  Dilution

 

Not applicable.

 

F.  Expenses of the Issue

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A.  Share Capital

 

Not applicable.

 

B.  Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

We incorporate by reference into this annual report the description of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contained in our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-141860), as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2007.

 

At an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders held on May 4, 2015, our shareholders approved, among other things, the amendments to our Amended and Restated Articles of Association to permit the requisition of general meetings by shareholders holding not less than thirty percent of our issued and outstanding shares. In addition, at our annual general meeting held on November 17, 2015, 70.82% of our shareholders voted in favor of the proposal in connection with the adoption of the amendments to our Amended and Restated Articles of Association regarding board declassification.

 

C.  Material Contracts

 

We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in Item 4, “Information on the Company” or elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.

 

D.  Exchange Controls

 

Foreign exchange in China is primarily regulated by:

 

•the Foreign Currency Administration Rules (1996), as amended; and

 

•the Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), or the Administration Rules.

 

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Under the Foreign Currency Administration Rules, Renminbi is convertible for current account items, including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions. Conversion of Renminbi into foreign currency for capital account items, such as direct investment, loans, investment in securities, and repatriation of funds, however, is still subject to the approval of SAFE.

 

Under the Administration Rules, foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell, and remit foreign currencies at banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange transactions after providing valid commercial documents and, in the case of capital account item transactions, only after obtaining approval from SAFE.

 

Capital investments directed outside of China by foreign-invested enterprises are also subject to restrictions, which include approvals by SAFE, and the State Reform and Development Commission.

 

We receive our revenue in Renminbi, which is currently not a freely convertible currency. Under our current structure, our income will be primarily derived from dividend payments from our subsidiaries in China.

 

The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions. The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, has been based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi will be permitted to fluctuate within a band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. This change in policy resulted initially in an approximately 2.0% appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a substantial liberalization of its currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.

 

Regulation of Foreign Exchange in Certain Onshore and Offshore Transactions

 

In January and April 2005, the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, issued two rules that require PRC residents to register with, and receive approvals from, SAFE in connection with their offshore investment activities. SAFE has announced that the purpose of these regulations is to achieve the proper balance of foreign exchange and the standardization of the cross-border flow of funds.

 

On October 21, 2005, SAFE issued the Notice on Issues Relating to the Administration of Foreign Exchange in Fund-raising and Reverse Investment Activities of Domestic Residents Conducted via Offshore Special Purpose Companies, or Notice 75, which became effective as of November 1, 2005. Notice 75 replaced the two rules issued by SAFE in January and April 2005 mentioned above. According to Notice 75:

 

•prior to establishing or assuming control of an offshore company for the purpose of financing that offshore company with assets or equity interests in an onshore enterprise in the PRC, each PRC resident, whether a natural or legal person, must complete the overseas investment foreign exchange registration procedures with the relevant local SAFE branch;

 

•an amendment to the registration with the local SAFE branch is required to be filed by any PRC resident that directly or indirectly holds interests in that offshore company upon either (1) the injection of equity interests or assets of an onshore enterprise to the offshore company, or (2) the completion of any overseas fund raising by such offshore company; and

 

•an amendment to the registration with the local SAFE branch is also required to be filed by such PRC resident when there is any material change involving a change in the capital of the offshore company, such as (1) an increase or decrease in its capital, (2) a transfer or swap of shares, (3) a merger or division, (4) a long-term equity or debt investment, or (5) the creation of any security interests over the relevant assets located in China.

 

Moreover, Notice 75 applies retroactively. As a result, PRC residents who have established or acquired control of offshore companies that have made onshore investments in the PRC in the past are required to complete the relevant overseas investment foreign exchange registration procedures by March 31, 2006. Under the relevant rules, failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in Notice 75 may result in restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant onshore company, including the payment of dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent or affiliate and the capital inflow from the offshore entity, and may also subject relevant PRC residents to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations. Moreover, PRC residents who are beneficial holders of our shares are required to register with SAFE in connection with their investment in us.

 

The Operating Rules for Foreign Exchange Issues with Regard to Direct Investment under Capital Account, or the Operating Rules, an appendix to the Notice on Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Direct Investment promulgated by SAFE on November 19, 2012 provides in detail the procedures, required documents and review standard of foreign exchange registration regarding financing and round-trip investment by domestic residents through offshore special- purpose companies.

 

As a result of the uncertainties relating to Notice 75 and Operating Rules, we cannot predict how these regulations will affect our business operations or strategies. For example, our present or future PRC subsidiaries’ ability to conduct foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, may be subject to compliance with such SAFE registration requirements by relevant PRC residents, over whom we have no control. In addition, we cannot assure you that any such PRC residents will be able to complete the necessary approval and registration procedures required by the SAFE regulations. We require all shareholders in Acorn International who are PRC residents to comply with any SAFE registration requirements and we understand that the relevant shareholders have registered their offshore investment in us with Shanghai SAFE, but we have no control over either our shareholders or the outcome of such registration procedures. Such uncertainties may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and adversely affect our business and prospects.

 

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Dividend Distributions

 

Pursuant to the Foreign Currency Administration Rules promulgated in 1996 and amended in 1997, and various regulations issued by SAFE and other relevant PRC government authorities, the PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China.

 

The principal regulations governing the distribution of dividends paid by wholly foreign-owned enterprises and Sino-foreign joint equity enterprise enterprises include:

 

•the Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law (1986), as amended in 2000;

 

•the Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law Implementing Rules (1990), as amended in 2001;

 

•the Sino-foreign Joint Equity Enterprise Law (1979), as amended in 2001;

 

•the Sino-foreign Joint Equity Enterprise Law Implementing Rules (1983), as amended in 2001; and

 

•Company Law of the PRC (2005).

 

Under these regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a foreign-invested enterprise in China is required to set aside at least a certain percentage of its after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to its general reserves. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The board of directors of a foreign-invested enterprise has the discretion to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits to employee welfare and bonus funds. These funds, however, may not be distributed to equity owners except in the event of liquidation. In 2015, Acorn Information distributed cash dividends of RMB40 million to China DRTV.

 

E.  Taxation

 

The following is a summary of the material Cayman Islands, People’s Republic of China and U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to an investment in our ADSs and ordinary shares. The summary is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal or tax advice to any particular prospective purchaser. The summary is based on laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report, all of which are subject to change or different interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. The summary does not address United States state or local tax laws, or tax laws of jurisdictions other than the Cayman Islands, People’s Republic of China and the United States. To the extent that the discussion relates to matters of Cayman Islands tax law, it represents the opinion of Conyers, Dill and Pearman, special Cayman Islands counsel to us. You should consult your own tax advisors with respect to the consequences of acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ADSs and ordinary shares.

 

Cayman Islands Taxation

 

The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty or withholding tax applicable to us or to any holder of our ADSs and ordinary shares. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties, which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. No stamp duty is payable in the Cayman Islands on transfers of shares of Cayman Islands companies, except those which hold interests in land in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.

 

Pursuant to Section 6 of the Tax Concessions Law (1999 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, we have obtained an undertaking from the Governor-in-Council:

 

(1)that no law which is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits or income or gains or appreciation shall apply to us or our operations; and

 

(2)that the aforesaid tax or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax shall not be payable on our shares, debentures or other obligations.

 

The undertaking for us is for a period of twenty years from January 10, 2006.

 

People’s Republic of China Taxation

 

Under the New EIT Law, enterprises organized under the laws of jurisdictions outside China with “de facto management bodies” located within China may be considered PRC tax resident enterprises and therefore subject to PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on their worldwide income. The implementation regulations of the New EIT Law define the term “de facto management body” as a management body that exercises full or substantial control and management authority over the production, operation, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. While we do not currently consider our company or any of our overseas subsidiaries to be a PRC resident enterprise, there is a risk that the PRC tax authorities may deem our company or any of our overseas subsidiaries as a PRC resident enterprise, in which case we would be subject to the PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on our worldwide income. If we are deemed to be a PRC tax resident enterprise, any dividends that we pay to our non-PRC enterprise shareholders or ADS holders, as well as gains realized by such shareholders or ADS holders from the transfer of our shares or ADSs, may be regarded as PRC-sourced income and as a result become subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of 10%. See “Risk Factors—Risks relating to Doing Business in China—Under China’s New EIT Law, we may be classified as a ‘resident enterprise’ of China. Such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.”

 

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U.S. Federal Income Taxation

 

This discussion describes certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders (as defined below) relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ADSs and ordinary shares. This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal gift or estate tax, or the state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences of an investment in our ADSs and ordinary shares. This discussion does not apply to U.S. Holders who are a member of a class of holders subject to special rules, such as:

 

•dealers in securities or currencies;

 

•traders in securities who elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for securities holdings;

 

•banks or other financial institutions;

 

•insurance companies;

 

•tax-exempt organizations;

 

•partnerships and other entities treated as partnerships or other pass through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or persons holding ADSs and ordinary shares through any such entities;

 

•regulated investments companies or real estate investment trusts;

 

•persons that hold ADSs and ordinary shares as part of a hedge, straddle, constructive sale, conversion transaction or other integrated investment;

 

•persons whose functional currency for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar;

 

•persons liable for alternative minimum tax; or

 

•persons who actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our shares (including ADSs and ordinary shares) entitled to vote.

 

This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to in this discussion as the Code, its legislative history, existing and proposed regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings and court decisions, all as of the date hereof. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. In addition, this discussion relies on our assumptions regarding the value of our ADSs and ordinary shares and the nature of our business over time.

 

Prospective purchasers and U.S. Holders of our ADSs and ordinary shares are urged to consult their own tax advisor concerning the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences to them relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our ADSs and ordinary shares, as well as the consequences to them arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

 

For purposes of the U.S. federal income tax discussion below, you are a “U.S. Holder” if you beneficially own our ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes and are:

 

•an individual citizen or resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

•a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, that was created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

•an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

•a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (b) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, income earned through a non-U.S. or U.S. partnership or other flow-through entity is attributed to its owners. Accordingly, if a partnership or other flow-through entity holds ADSs or ordinary shares, the tax treatment of the holder will generally depend on the status of the partner or other owner and the activities of the partnership or other flow-through entity.

 

The discussion below assumes that the representations contained in the deposit agreement are true and that the obligations in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be complied with in accordance with their terms. If you hold ADSs, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you generally will be treated as the owner of the underlying common shares represented by such ADSs. Accordingly, the conversion of ADSs into common shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

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Dividends on ADSs and Ordinary Shares

 

We do not anticipate paying dividends on our ADSs and ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. See Item 8.A, “Financial Information—Consolidated statements and other financial information—Dividend policy”.

 

Subject to the “Passive Foreign Investment Company” discussion below, if we do make distributions and you are a U.S. Holder, the gross amount of any distributions with respect to your ADSs and ordinary shares (including the amount of any taxes withheld therefrom) will generally be includible in your gross income on the day you actually or constructively receive such income as dividend income if the distributions are made from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, calculated according to U.S. federal income tax principles. However, if you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual, and have held your ADSs and ordinary shares for a sufficient period of time, certain dividend distributions on our ADSs and ordinary shares will generally constitute qualified dividend income taxed at a reduced rate of taxation as long as our ADSs continue to be readily tradable on the New York Stock Exchange. However, based on existing guidance, it is not entirely clear whether dividends you receive with respect to the ordinary shares will be taxed as qualified dividend income, because the ordinary shares are not themselves listed on a U.S. exchange. You should consult your own tax advisor as to the rate of tax that will apply to you with respect to dividend distributions, if any, you receive from us.

 

Subject to the “Passive Foreign Investment Company” discussion below, to the extent, if any, that the amount of any distribution by us on ADSs and ordinary shares 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 the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ADSs and ordinary shares and thereafter as capital gain. However, we do not intend to calculate our earnings and profits according to U.S. federal income tax principles. Accordingly, distributions on our ADSs and ordinary shares, if any, will generally be reported to you as dividend distributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Corporations will not be entitled to claim a dividends-received deduction with respect to distributions made by us. Dividends generally will constitute foreign source passive income for purposes of the U.S. foreign tax credit rules. You should consult your own advisor as to your ability, and the various limitations on your ability, to claim foreign tax credits in connection with the receipt of dividends.

 

Sales and Other Dispositions of ADSs or Ordinary Shares

 

Subject to the “Passive Foreign Investment Company” discussion below, when you sell or otherwise dispose of ADSs or ordinary shares, you will generally recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other disposition and your adjusted tax basis in the ADSs or ordinary shares. Your adjusted tax basis will generally equal the amount you paid for the ADSs or ordinary shares. Any gain or loss you recognize will be long-term capital gain or loss if your holding period in our ADSs or ordinary shares is more than one year at the time of disposition. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including an individual, any such long-term capital gain will be taxed at preferential rates. Your ability to deduct capital losses will be subject to various limitations. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if a foreign withholding tax is imposed on a disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares, including the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company

 

In general, we will be classified as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) in any taxable year if either: (a) the average quarterly value of our gross assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50% of the average quarterly value of our total gross assets or (b) 75% or more of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income (such as certain dividends, interest or royalties). For purposes of the above tests, 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. For purposes of the first test: (a) any cash and cash invested in short-term, interest bearing, debt instruments, or bank deposits that are readily convertible into cash will generally count as producing passive income or held for the production of passive income, and (b) the total value of our assets is calculated based on our market capitalization.

 

We believe we were classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the taxable year ended December 31, 2015. Although we intend to conduct our business activities in a manner to reduce the risk of our classification as a PFIC in the future, we currently hold, and expect to continue to hold, a substantial amount of cash and other passive assets, and, because the value of our assets is likely to be determined in large part by reference to the market prices of our ADSs and ordinary shares, which are likely to fluctuate, there can be no assurance that we will not continue to be classified as a PFIC for 2015 or any future taxable year.

 

If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which you held our ADSs or ordinary shares, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax rules would apply. You would generally be subject to additional taxes and interest charges on certain “excess distributions” we make and on any gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of your ADSs or ordinary shares, regardless of whether we continue to be a PFIC in the year in which you receive an “excess distribution” or dispose of or are deemed to dispose of your ADSs or ordinary shares. Distributions in respect of your ADSs or ordinary shares during a taxable year would generally constitute “excess distributions” if, in the aggregate, they exceed 125% of the average amount of distributions with respect to your ADSs or ordinary shares over the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the portion of your holding period before such taxable year.

 

To compute the tax on “excess distributions” or any gain, (a) the “excess distribution” or the gain would be allocated ratably to each day in your holding period, (b) the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income in the current year, (c) the amount allocated to other taxable years would be taxable at the highest applicable marginal rate in effect for that year, and (d) an interest charge at the rate for underpayment of taxes for any period described under (c) above would be imposed on the resulting taxability on the portion of the “excess distribution” or gain that is allocated to such period.

 

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If we were a PFIC in any taxable year during which your held our ADSs or ordinary shares, under certain attribution rules, you will be deemed to own your proportionate share of lower-tier PFICs, and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on (a) a distribution on the shares of a lower-tier PFIC and (b) a disposition of shares of a lower-tier PFIC, both as if you directly held the shares of such lower-tier PFIC. In addition, no distribution that you receive from us would qualify for taxation at the reduced rate of taxation discussed in the “—Dividends on ADSs and Ordinary Shares” section above.

 

You would generally be able to avoid the “excess distribution” rules described above by making a timely so-called “mark-to- market” election with respect to your ADSs provided our ADSs are “marketable”. Our ADSs will be “marketable” as long as they remain regularly traded on a national securities exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. If you made a mark-to-market election in a timely fashion, you would generally recognize as ordinary income or ordinary loss the difference between the fair market value of your ADSs on the first day of any taxable year and their value on the last day of that taxable year. Any ordinary income resulting from this election would generally be taxed at ordinary income rates and would not be eligible for the reduced rate of tax applicable to qualified dividend income. Any ordinary losses would be limited to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the mark-to-market election, if any. Your basis in the ADSs would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding potential advantages and disadvantages to you of making a “mark-to- market” election with respect to your ADSs. The mark-to-market election will not be available for any lower tier PFIC that is deemed owned pursuant to the attribution rules discussed above.

 

Alternatively, you can make a qualified electing fund or QEF election to include annually your pro rata share of our earnings and net capital gains currently in income each year, regardless of whether or not dividend distributions are actually distributed. This means you could have a tax liability for the earnings or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash. Your basis in your ADSs or ordinary shares will be increased to reflect the amount of the taxed but undistributed income. Distributions of income that had previously been taxed will result in a corresponding reduction of basis in the ADSs or ordinary shares and will not be taxed again as a distribution to you. To make a QEF election you will need to have an annual information statement from the PFIC setting forth the earnings and capital gains for the taxable year.

 

Since we believe we were classified as a PFIC for the 2015 taxable year, we may arrange to provide a PFIC annual information statement (including information for lower tier PFICs) to U.S. Holders upon their request. We may post this 2015 statement on our corporate website in the “Investor Relations” section. Information contained on our website does not constitute a part of this annual report. If not posted on our corporate website, you would have to contact us to make a request. If you decide to make a QEF election, it must be made on or before the due date for filing your U.S. federal income tax return (including extensions) for the 2015 taxable year or the first year to which the QEF election will apply.

 

You are urged to consult your own tax advisor concerning the making of such a QEF election and in particular with regard to the application of the “excess distribution” rules to you on any gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of your ADSs or ordinary shares, regardless of whether we continue to be a PFIC in the year in which you receive an “excess distribution” or dispose of or are deemed to dispose of your ADSs or ordinary shares should you not make the QEF election with respect to the 2015 taxable year.

 

If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which you held our ADSs or ordinary shares, you must file IRS Form 8621 for each taxable year in which you recognize any gain on the sale or other disposition of your ADS or ordinary shares, receive deemed or actual distributions from us, or make certain elections (including a QEF and mark-to-market election) with respect to your ADSs or ordinary shares. In addition, unless otherwise provided by the U.S. Treasury, each U.S. Holder of a PFIC is required to file an annual report containing such information as the U.S. Treasury may require. You should consult your own tax advisor as to the application of any information reporting requirements to you resulting from our status as a PFIC.

 

U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding Rules

 

In general, dividend payments with respect to the ADSs and ordinary shares and the proceeds received on the sale or other disposition of ADSs and ordinary shares may be subject to information reporting to the IRS and to backup withholding (currently imposed at a rate of 28%). Backup withholding will not apply, however, if you provide a taxpayer identification number, certify as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise comply with the applicable backup withholding rules. To establish your status as an exempt person, you will generally be required to provide certification on IRS Form W-9. Any amounts withheld from payments to you under the backup withholding rules that exceed your U.S. federal income tax liability will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that you timely furnish the required information to the IRS. Certain individuals holding ordinary shares or ADSs other than in an account at a U.S. financial institution may be subject to additional information reporting requirements.

 

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF OUR ADSS AND ORDINARY SHARES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM PURCHASING, HOLDING OR DISPOSING OF OUR ADSS AND ORDINARY SHARES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF THE TAX LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-US JURISDICTION AND INCLUDING ESTATE, GIFT AND INHERITANCE LAWS.

 

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F.  Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not applicable.

 

G.  Statement by Experts

 

Not applicable.

 

H.  Documents on Display

 

We previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333- 141860), as amended.

 

We have filed this annual report on Form 20-F with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act. Statements made in this annual report as to the contents of any document referred to are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such document filed as an exhibit to this annual report, reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Reports and other information which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including this annual report on Form 20-F, may be inspected and copied at the public reference room of the Securities and Exchange Commission at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C., 20549.

 

You can also obtain copies of this annual report on Form 20-F by mail from the Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Additionally, copies of this material may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov . The Commission’s telephone number is 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

I.  Subsidiaries Information

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Foreign Exchange Risk

 

The conversion of Renminbi is highly regulated. In addition, the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions. The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, has been based on rates set by the PBOC. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi will be permitted to fluctuate within a band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a substantial liberalization of its currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant appreciation in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.

 

The U.S. dollar is the reporting and functional currency for our consolidated financial statements. Since we conduct our operations through our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated companies, the functional currency of our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated entities is Renminbi. Substantially all our revenue and related expenses, including cost of revenues and advertising expenses, are denominated and paid in Renminbi. Transactions in other currencies are recorded in Renminbi at the rates of exchange prevailing when the transactions occur. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are remeasured into Renminbi at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates. Exchange gains and losses are recorded in our statements of operations as a component of current period earnings.

 

Fluctuations in exchange rates, primarily those involving the U.S. dollar, may affect our costs and operating margins, as well as our net income reported in U.S. dollars. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs, or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amounts available to us. We have not used any forward contracts or currency borrowings to hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

As of December 31, 2015, our did not have any outstanding borrowing balance. If we borrow money in future periods, we may be exposed to interest rate risk. We believe our exposure to interest rate risk and other relevant market risks is not material.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation in China has not materially impacted our results of operations in recent years. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the change of consumer price index in China was 2.6% , 2.0% and 1.4% in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

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ITEM 12.DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

D. American Depositary Shares

 

Fees Payable by ADS Holders

 

Citibank, N.A., the depositary of our ADS program, collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary service fee are charged by the depositary to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date. In the case of cash distributions, the depositary fees are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case of distributions other than cash (e.g., stock dividends, rights, etc.), the depositary charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or in DRS), the depositary sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts (via DTC), the depositary generally collects its fees through the settlement systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts.

 

In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees the depositary may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.

 

Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:   For:
     
Up to $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof).   Issuance of ADSs.
     
    Cancellation of ADSs.
     
    Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions.
     
    Distribution of ADSs pursuant to share dividends or other free share distributions or exercise of rights.
     
    Depositary Service Fee
     
    Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs.
     
$1.50 per certificate presented for transfer.   Transfer of ADRs.
     
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has to pay on any ADS or ordinary share.   As necessary.
     
Registration or transfer fees.   Transfer and registration of ordinary shares on the share register to or from the name of the custodian or depositary in connection with the deposit or withdraw of ordinary shares.
     
Expenses of the depositary.   Cable, telex, fax transmissions and delivery expenses.
     
    Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars
     
Any charges incurred by the depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to the shares, deposited securities, ADSs and ADRs.   As necessary.
     
Any charges incurred by the depositary for servicing or delivering the ordinary shares on deposit.   As necessary.

 

Fees Payable by the Depositary to Us

 

From January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016, we did not receive any reimbursement from the depositary.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 13.DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 14.MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders

 

The rights of securities holders have not been materially modified.

 

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ITEM 15.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and our principal financial and accounting officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) at December 31, 2015. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and principal financial and accounting officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of any of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our management’s assessment, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

 

Remediation and Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

At December 31, 2014, we identified the following control deficiencies that constituted material weaknesses. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

•The management was unable to properly complete and document its assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting;

 

•There was an ongoing dispute between various shareholders for the control of our strategic direction and our board of directors and several personnel changes and membership changes in our board of directors.

 

In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 we have made the following enhancements to our internal controls over financial reporting:

 

•We hired an internal audit manager during 2015, responsible for internal audit function and reporting to the board of directors;

 

•We engaged a third-party firm (Grant Thornton) to review and evaluate existing control environment so as to allow the management to establish and evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting;

 

•In 2015,  dispute between shareholders was finalized by Cayman Islands Court, and members of board of directors kept stable after the meeting of shareholders;

 

Based upon these actions taken and our testing and evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal controls, we have concluded the material weaknesses no longer existed as of December 31, 2015. We are committed to monitoring the effectiveness of these measures and making any changes that are necessary and appropriate in the future.

 

Other than as described above, there have not been any other changes in our internal control over financial reporting in the year ended December 31, 2015, which have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 94 

 

 

ITEM 16A.AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

Our audit committee is comprised of Mr. Cosimo Borrelli, Mr. William Liang and Mr. David Leung. Mr. Cosimo Borrelli is the chairman of our audit committee who is qualified as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act. Each of these directors satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 303A of the Corporate Governance Rules of the NYSE and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.

 

ITEM 16B.CODE OF ETHICS

 

Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics, which is applicable to our senior executive and financial officers. In addition, our board of directors has adopted a code of conduct, which is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees. Our code of ethics and our code of conduct are publicly available on our website at www.acorninternationalir.com, and each is filed as an exhibit to our registration statement on Form F-1 (No. 333-141860). We also will post any amendments to or waivers from a provision of our code of ethics for our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions on our website.

 

ITEM 16C.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by specified category in connection with certain professional services rendered by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP, our principal external auditors, for the periods indicated. We did not pay any other fees to our auditors during the periods indicated below.

 

   2014   2015 
Audit fees(1)  $450,000   $565,000 
Audit-related fees(2)   —    — 
Tax fees(3)   78,000    — 
All other fees          

 

(1)“Audit fees” means the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our principal auditors for the assurance and related services. The audit fee for 2014 and 2015 mainly represents audit and review of financial statements.

 

(2)Audit-related fees represent aggregate of fees billed for professional services rendered for the assurance and related services that are not reported under audit fees.

 

(3)“Tax fees” includes fees billed for tax consultations.

 

The policy of our audit committee or our board of directors is to pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for us by our independent auditor, including the fees and terms thereof (subject to the de minimums exceptions for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(l)(B) of the Exchange Act which are approved by the audit committee or our board of directors prior to the completion of the audit).

 

ITEM 16D.EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

 

None.

 

ITEM 16E.PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

On January 11, 2016, our Board of Directors adopted a share repurchase program under which we may, from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions and/or through other legally permissible means, depending on market conditions and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations, repurchase up to US$2 million worth of our ADSs over the next 12 months. As of the date of this annual report, we had repurchased an aggregate of 1,140 ADSs, representing 22,800 ordinary shares, on the open market for total cash consideration of approximately $4,900. The repurchased ADSs are currently held by our subsidiary China DRTV as treasury stocks. Our Board of Directors will review the share repurchase program periodically, and may authorize adjustment of its terms and size.

 

The table below details our purchases of our own equity securities pursuant to our share repurchase program:

 

Period  Total number of
ADSs/Ordinary Shares purchased		  Average share price
paid per ADS		   Total purchase
price paid		 
03/01/2016 – 03/31/2016  1,140 ADSs  $4.29   $4,886.11 
Total  1,140 ADSs       $4,886.11 

 

In addition, in connection with the dispute among certain of our shareholders and pursuant to the TSSA dated May 27, 2015, we repurchased a total of 6,518,656 ordinary shares held by D. Y. Capital Inc. at an aggregate consideration of $1.00. We have canceled the ordinary shares repurchased from D. Y. Capital.

 

ITEM 16F.CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

 

Not applicable.

 

 95 

 

 

ITEM 16G.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

As a foreign private issuer with shares listed on the NYSE, we are subject to corporate governance requirements imposed by the NYSE. Under Section 303A of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual, NYSE listed non-US companies may, in general, follow their home country corporate governance practices in lieu of some of the NYSE corporate governance requirements. We are committed to a high standard of corporate governance. As such, we endeavor to comply with most of the NYSE corporate governance practices. However, the following are the ways in which our current corporate governance practices differ from NYSE corporate governance requirements since the laws of Cayman Islands do not require such compliance:

 

•Our corporate governance and nominating committee of our board of directors is not comprised entirely of independent directors.

 

•Our compensation committee of our board of directors is not comprised entirely of independent directors.

 

We may in the future determine to voluntarily comply with one or more of the foregoing provisions as required by NYSE’s Listed Company Manual.

 

ITEM 16H.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

 

 96 

 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 17.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.

 

ITEM 18.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Our consolidated financial statements are included at the end of this annual report.

 

 97 

 

 

ITEM 19.EXHIBITS

 

EXHIBITS INDEX

 

Exhibit    
Number   Description
1.1*   Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Acorn International, Inc.
     
2.1**   Specimen American Depositary Receipt
     
2.2*   Specimen Certificate for Ordinary Shares
     
2.33**   Form of Deposit Agreement among Acorn International, Inc., Citibank, N.A., and holders and beneficial owners of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder
     
4.1*   2006 Equity Incentive Plan
     
4.2*   Forms of option grant agreements and form of SARs Award Agreement
     
4.3*   Form of Indemnification Agreement with the directors of Acorn International, Inc.
     
4.4*   Form of Employment Agreement of Acorn International, Inc.
     
4.5   Loan Agreement undated, by and among Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong
     
4.6   Exclusive Technical Service Agreement undated, by and between Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd.
     
4.7   Operation and Management Agreement undated, by and among Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong
     
4.8   Equity Pledge Agreement undated, by and among Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong in connection with shares of Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd.
     
4.9   Exclusive Purchase Agreement undated, by and among Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Kuan Song, Pan Zong and Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd.
     
4.10   Power of Attorney undated, issued by Kuan Song and Pan Zong in favor of a designee of Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. in connection with Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd.
     
4.11   Termination Agreement undated, by and among Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Kuan Song, Pan Zong, Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd., Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Weiji Gao in connection with the termination of prior contractual arrangements regarding Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd.
     
4.12   Letter of Consent undated, issued by Kai Wang
     
4.13   Loan Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong
     
4.14   Exclusive Technical Service Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd.
     
4.15   Operation and Management Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong
     
4.16   Equity Pledge Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong in connection with shares of Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd.
     
4.17   Exclusive Purchase Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Kuan Song, Pan Zong and Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd.
     
4.18   Power of Attorney dated May 27, 2015, issued by Kuan Song and Pan Zong in favor of a designee of Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. in connection with Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd.
     
4.19   Termination Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Dongjie Yang, Weiguo Ge, Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong in connection with the termination of prior contractual arrangements regarding Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd.
     
4.20   Letter of Consent dated May 27, 2015, issued by Kai Wang
     
4.21   Loan Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong
     
4.22   Exclusive Technical Service Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and between Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.

 

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4.23   Operation and Management Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong
     
4.24   Equity Pledge Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong in connection with shares of Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.
     
4.25   Exclusive Purchase Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Kuan Song, Pan Zong and Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.
     
4.26   Power of Attorney dated May 27, 2015, issued by Kuan Song and Pan Zong in favor of a designee of Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. in connection with Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.
     
4.27   Termination Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Dongjie Yang, Weiguo Ge, Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong in connection with the termination of prior contractual arrangements regarding Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd.
     
4.28   Letter of Consent dated May 27, 2015, issued by Kai Wang
     
4.29   Exclusive Technical Service Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and between Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. and Shanghai HJX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
     
4.30   Operation and Management Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai HJX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong
     
4.31   Equity Pledge Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong in connection with shares of Shanghai HJX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
     
4.32   Exclusive Purchase Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai HJX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong
     
4.33   Power of Attorney dated May 27, 2015, issued by Kuan Song and Pan Zong in favor of a designee of Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. in connection with Shanghai HJX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
     
4.34   Termination Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Yang Dongjie, Ge Weiguo, Shanghai HJX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong in connection with the termination of prior contractual arrangements regarding Shanghai HJX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
     
4.35   Letter of Consent dated May 27, 2015 issued by Kai Wang
     
4.36   Loan Agreement dated May 27, 2015, by and among Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Kuan Song and Pan Zong
     
4.37   Settlement Agreement between the Company, Acorn Composite Corporation, Inc. and Robert W. Roche
     
4.38   Transitional Services and Separation Agreement between Mr. Don Dongjie Yang, the Company and D.Y. Capital Inc. dated May 27, 2015
     
4.39   Form of Employment Agreement with Management
     
8.1   List of subsidiaries
     
11.1*   Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Acorn
     
12.1   CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
12.2   CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
13.1   CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
13.2   CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
23.1   Consent of Commerce & Finance
     
23.2   Consent of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP
     
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 Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

*Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on F-1 registration (File No. 333-141860), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2007.
**Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form F-6 (File No. 333-142177), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to American depositary shares representing ordinary shares on April 17, 2007.

 

 

 99 

 

 

***Previously filed with the Registrant’s annual report on Form 20-F, filed with the SEC on April 23, 2012.
****Previously filed with the Registrant’s annual report on Form 20-F, filed with the SEC on April 17, 2014.

 

 100 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

  ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
   
  /s/ Geoffrey Weiji Gao
  Name: Geoffrey Weiji Gao
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: May 16, 2016

 

 101 

Table of Contents 

 

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 F-8
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-10
Additional Information—Financial Statement Schedule I F-40
Additional Information—Financial Statement Schedule II F-45

 

 F-1 

Table of Contents 

  

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Acorn International, Inc. and its subsidiaries and variable interest entities (collectively, the “Group”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, and the related financial statements schedules included in Schedule I and Schedule II. These financial statements and related financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and related financial statement schedules based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Group is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Acorn International, Inc. and its subsidiaries and variable interest entities as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP

Shanghai, China

 

May 16, 2016

 

 F-2 

Table of Contents 

  

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $34,686,379   $12,146,854 
Restricted cash   9,759,765    126,278 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,127,348 and $5,398,166 as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively   7,089,542    1,905,499 
Notes receivable   122,452    276,062 
Inventory   12,781,741    4,135,624 
Held-for-sale assets   —    3,808,471 
Prepaid advertising expenses   6,161,815    474,761 
Other prepaid expenses and current assets   9,325,400    6,314,872 
Deferred tax assets   953,395    1,076,154 
           
Total current assets   80,880,489    30,264,575 
Prepaid land use right, net   7,813,337    7,195,292 
Property and equipment, net   26,840,184    16,615,300 
Acquired intangible assets, net   1,178,667    876,970 
Investments in affiliates   7,941,850    718,121 
Available-for-sale securities   —    181,164,778 
Convertible loan   —    3,257,622 
Other long-term assets   1,077,935    626,108 
           
Total assets  $125,732,462   $240,718,766 
Liabilities and equity          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $10,405,413   $3,061,519 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   11,824,586    11,855,695 
Income taxes payable   1,801,842    2,091,559 
Deferred revenue   666,739    548,066 
Current portion of long-term debt   8,506,324    — 
           
Total current liabilities   33,204,904    17,556,839 
Deferred tax liability   855,709    44,449,212 
           
Total liabilities   34,060,613    62,006,051 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)          
Equity:          
Acorn International, Inc. shareholders’ equity:          
Ordinary shares ($0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized 95,237,174 and 89,018,518 shares issued and 82,749,791 and 76,531,135 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively)   952,372    890,185 
Additional paid-in capital   161,924,810    161,308,330 
Accumulated deficits   (86,190,592)   (126,349,246)
Accumulated other comprehensive income   34,584,804    162,580,400 
Treasury stock, at cost (12,487,383 and 12,487,383 shares as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively)   (20,109,451)   (20,109,451)
           
Total Acorn International, Inc. shareholders’ equity   91,161,943    178,320,218 
Noncontrolling interests   509,906    392,497 
           
Total equity   91,671,849    178,712,715 
           
Total liabilities and equity  $125,732,462   $240,718,766 

 

 F-3 

Table of Contents 

  

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS—(Continued)

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

The following table presents the carrying amounts and classification of the assets of the consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”), which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets above. The assets in the table below exclude intercompany balances that eliminate in consolidation. The assets of the consolidated VIEs as presented in the following table can be used to settle obligations of those VIEs.

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Assets of consolidated VIEs:          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $2,482,194   $1,317,685 
Restricted cash   117,666    126,278 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,102,147 and $1,874,208 as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively   1,199,717    721,713 
Inventory   1,027,639    323,008 
Held-for-sale assets   —    1,574,543 
Other prepaid expenses and current assets   2,445,557    864,070 
Deferred tax assets, net   426,071    401,492 
Total current assets   7,698,844    5,328,789 
Property and equipment, net   6,439,167    1,729,560 
Total assets of consolidated VIEs  $14,138,011   $7,058,349 

 

The following table presents the carrying amounts and classification of the liabilities of the consolidated VIEs, which are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets above. The liabilities in the table below include third party liabilities of the consolidated VIEs only, and exclude intercompany balances that eliminate in consolidation. All the liabilities of the consolidated VIEs as presented in the following table are without recourse to the general credit of Acorn International, Inc.

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $428,782   $158,855 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   3,409,738    1,847,559 
Deferred revenue   666,702    532,764 
Income taxes payable   426,071    411,732 
Total liabilities of consolidated VIEs  $4,931,293   $2,950,910 

 

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

 

 F-4 

Table of Contents 

  

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Revenues:               
Direct sales, net  $136,416,423   $45,232,943   $19,405,793 
Distribution sales, net   48,294,457    49,521,779    28,139,818 
                
Total revenues, net   184,710,880    94,754,722    47,545,611 
                
Cost of revenues:               
Direct sales   57,445,266    24,352,882    13,388,423 
Distribution sales   35,046,146    32,570,037    21,498,735 
                
Total cost of revenues   92,491,412    56,922,919    34,887,158 
                
Gross profit   92,219,468    37,831,803    12,658,453 
                
Operating (expenses) income               
Advertising expenses   (51,730,624)   (16,232,840)   (2,203,996)
Other selling and marketing expenses   (54,873,872)   (40,177,216)   (25,185,444)
General and administrative expenses   (30,680,912)   (28,417,373)   (27,839,081)
Other operating income, net   2,614,561    2,121,208    1,712,774 
                
Total operating expenses   (134,670,847)   (82,706,221)   (53,515,747)
                
Loss from operations   (42,451,379)   (44,874,418)   (40,857,294)
Interest expense   (152,931)   (189,863)   (14,183)
Interest income   3,298,083    2,590,212    836,211 
Other income (expense), net   249,324    (446,662)   195,355 
                
Loss before income taxes and equity in losses of affiliates   (39,056,903)   (42,920,731)   (39,839,911)
Income tax expenses   (645,763)   (1,170,517)   (183,091)
Equity in losses of affiliates   (205,567)   (235,161)   (226,779)
                
Net loss   (39,908,233)   (44,326,409)   (40,249,781)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests   (12,355)   2,503    (91,127)
                
Net loss attributable to Acorn International, Inc. shareholders  $(39,895,878)  $(44,328,912)  $(40,158,654)
Loss per ordinary share:               
Basic and diluted  $(0.47)  $(0.54)  $(0.51)
Shares used in calculating loss per ordinary share:               
Basic and diluted   84,115,169    82,690,613    79,226,404 
                
Includes share-based compensation related to:               
General and administrative expenses  $446,412   $428,000   $71,333 

 

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

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Net loss  $(39,908,233)  $(44,326,409)  $(40,249,781)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax               
Foreign currency translation adjustments   4,578,301    (701,895)   (5,895,181)
Unrealized gain of available-for-sales securities, net of tax of $ 44,621,498   —    —    133,864,495 
                
Comprehensive income (loss)   (35,329,932)   (45,028,304)   87,719,533 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest   1,737    716    (117,409)
                
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Acorn International, Inc.   (35,331,669)   (45,029,020)   87,836,942 

 

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

 

 F-6 

Table of Contents 

  

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

   Acorn International, Inc. shareholders’ equity         
   Ordinary shares   Additional
paid-in
capital		   Accumulated
deficits		   Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income		   Treasury stock, at cost   Total   Noncontrolling
interests		   Total equity 
   Shares   Amount               Shares   Amount             
Balance at January 1, 2013   94,617,509   $946,175   $161,056,595   $(1,965,802)  $30,720,703    (4,627,833)  $(11,463,946)  $179,293,725   $507,453   $179,801,178 
Net loss   —    —    —    (39,895,878)   —    —    —    (39,895,878)   (12,355)   (39,908,233)
Foreign currency translation adjustments   —    —    —    —    4,564,209    —    —    4,564,209    14,092    4,578,301 
Repurchase of ordinary shares   —    —    —    —    —    (7,859,550)   (8,645,505)   (8,645,505)   —    (8,645,505)
Exercise of restricted share units   319,665    3,197    (3,197)   —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
Share-based compensation   —    —    446,412    —    —    —    —    446,412    —    446,412 
                                                   
Balance at December 31, 2013   94,937,174   $949,372   $161,499,810   $(41,861,680)  $35,284,912    (12,487,383)  $(20,109,451)  $135,762,963   $509,190   $136,272,153 
Net income (loss)   —    —    —    (44,328,912)   —    —    —    (44,328,912)   2,503    (44,326,409)
Foreign currency translation adjustments   —    —    —    —    (700,108)   —    —    (700,108)   (1,787)   (701,895)
Exercise of restricted share units   300,000    3,000    (3,000)   —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
Share-based compensation   —    —    428,000    —    —    —    —    428,000    —    428,000 
                                                   
Balance at December 31, 2014   95,237,174   $952,372   $161,924,810   $(86,190,592)  $34,584,804    (12,487,383)  $(20,109,451)  $91,161,943   $509,906   $91,671,849 
Net loss   —    —    —    (40,158,654)   —    —    —    (40,158,654)   (91,127)   (40,249,781)
Foreign currency translation adjustments   —    —    —    —    (5,868,899)   —    —    (5,868,899)   (26,282)   (5,895,181)
Unrealized gain of available-for-sales securities   —    —    —    —    133,864,495    —    —    133,864,495    —    133,864,495 
Exercise of restricted share units   300,000    3,000    (3,000)   —    —    —    —    —    —    — 
Share-based compensation   —    —    71,333    —    —    —    —    71,333    —    71,333 
Repurchase and cancellation of ordinary shares (Note 21)   (6,518,656)   (65,187)   (684,813)   —    —    —    —    (750,000)   —    (750,000)
                                                   
Balance at December 31, 2015   89,018,518   $890,185   $161,308,330   $(126,349,246)  $162,580,400    (12,487,383)  $(20,109,451)  $178,320,218   $392,497   $178,712,715 

 

 

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

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Operating activities:               
Net loss  $(39,908,233)  $(44,326,409)  $(40,249,781)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:               
Share-based compensation   446,412    428,000    71,333 
Equity in losses of affiliates   205,567    235,161    226,779 
Capital gain upon dilution on CBG’ shares   (85,629)   —    — 
Providing(reversal) of allowance for doubtful accounts   (615,258)   (381,972)   3,856,777 
Inventory write-downs   3,856,608    936,126    3,954,771 
Depreciation and amortization   4,548,923    4,053,944    3,946,859 
Losses(gains) from disposal of equipment and other long-term assets   78,534    1,085,910    (787,160)
Deferred income tax benefits   (555,133)   (109,664)   (179,990)
Gains on trading securities   (222,532)   —    — 
Accrued interests on long-term debt   152,931    189,863    14,183 
Accrued interests on convertible loan   —    —    (232,690)
Accrued interests on restricted cash   (294,966)   (360,033)   — 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:               
Proceeds from sales of trading securities   10,647,996    —    — 
Accounts receivable   8,801,068    (610,373)   2,913,226 
Notes receivable   127,859    (122,452)   (153,610)
Inventory   2,116,206    2,929,193    4,691,346 
Prepaid advertising expenses   5,347,939    (2,947,031)   4,579,347 
Other prepaid expenses and current assets   4,961,785    (1,425,279)   2,532,275 
Accounts payable   2,231,482    (2,963,364)   (7,343,894)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   (564,627)   (1,468,911)   (343,890)
Notes payable   448,101    (1,148,125)   — 
Income taxes payable   859,190    493,226    289,717 
Deferred revenue   (116,672)   (120,534)   (118,673)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  $2,467,551   $(45,632,724)  $(22,333,075)
                
Investing activities:               
Purchase of property and equipment   (3,421,032)   (1,360,682)   (21,388)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment   7,997    2,403    3,288,653 
Disbursement for convertible loan   —    —    (3,024,932)
Purchase of other long-term assets   (560,584)   (620,985)   (477,220)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash   (9,900,842)   265,002    9,633,487 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  $(13,874,461)  $(1,714,262)  $9,398,600 

 

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

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS—(Continued)

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Financing activities:               
Increase in long-term debt   8,450,000    —    — 
Repurchase of ordinary shares   (8,645,505)   —    (375,000)
Repayment of long-term debt   —    —    (8,520,507)
Net cash used in financing activities  $(195,505)  $—   $(8,895,507)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  $3,179,574   $(518,949)  $(709,543)
                
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  $(8,422,841)  $(47,865,935)  $(22,539,525)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year   90,975,155    82,552,314    34,686,379 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year  $82,552,314   $34,686,379   $12,146,854 
                
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:               
Income taxes paid  $456,077   $873,771   $129,780 
Interest paid  $100,733   $185,737   $70,507 
                
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financial activities:               
Receivable for the sale of property and equipment   —    —    1,301,227 

 

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

 

 F-9 

Table of Contents 

  

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

1. Organization and principal activities

 

Acorn International, Inc. (“Acorn International” or the “Company”) was incorporated in Cayman Islands on December 20, 2005. China DRTV, Inc. (“China DRTV”) was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (“BVI”) on March 4, 2004.

 

Acorn International and its subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) (collectively, the “Group”) is an integrated multi-platform marketing company in China which develops, promotes and sells products. The Group’s two primary sales platforms are integrated direct sales and a nationwide distribution network. Direct sales platforms include outbound marketing platform (which until early 2015 included TV direct sales) and Internet sales platform.

 

Consolidated subsidiaries and changes to consolidated subsidiaries

 

As of December 31, 2015, the subsidiaries of Acorn International were as follows:

 

Name of subsidiaries

   Percentage of
ownership		     Date of incorporation   Place of incorporation
China DRTV, Inc. (“China DRTV”)     100 %    March 4, 2004   BVI
Smooth Profit Limited (“Smooth Profit”)     100 %    September 18, 2007   BVI
MK AND T Communications Limited (“MK AND T”)     100 %    October 27, 1998   Hong Kong
Bright Rainbow Investments Limited (“Bright Rainbow”)     100 %    October 29, 2007   Hong Kong
Shanghai Acorn Advertising Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Advertising”)     100 %    August 19, 2004   PRC
Shanghai HJX Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai HJX”)     100 %    August 23, 2004   PRC
Acorn International Electronic Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Electronic”)     100 %    August 23, 2004   PRC
Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Information”)     100 %    August 27, 2004   PRC
Beijing Acorn Youngleda Oxygen Generating Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Youngleda”)     100 %    October 20, 2004   PRC
YiyangYukang Communication Equipment Co., Ltd. (“YiyangYukang”)     100 %    November 29, 2005   PRC
Zhuhai Sunrana Bio-tech Co., Ltd. (“Zhuhai Sunrana”)     51 %    June 16, 2006   PRC
Zhuhai Acorn Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhuhai Acorn”)     100 %    September 26, 2006   PRC
Beijing HJZX Software Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Beijing HJZX”)     100 %    January 22, 2007   PRC
ZhongshanMeijin Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“ZhongshanMeijin”)     75 %    February 13, 2007   PRC
Acorn Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Trade”)     100 %    December 13, 2007   PRC
Shanghai Acorn HJX Software Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“HJX Software”)     100 %    May 12, 2009   PRC
Wuxi Acorn Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Wuxi Acorn”)     100 %    January 29, 2010   PRC

 

 F-10 

Table of Contents 

  

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

1. Organization and principal activities—(Continued)

 

Consolidated subsidiaries and changes to consolidated subsidiaries—(Continued)

 

Name of subsidiaries  Percentage of
ownership		   Date of incorporation  Place of incorporation 
Star Education & Technology Group Inc.   100%  January 8, 2014   Cayman Island 
Star Education & Technology Limited   100%  January 22, 2014   BVI 
HJX International Limited   100%  March 5, 2014   Hong Kong 

 

In January 2013, Shanghai Acorn Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Consulting”), a previously consolidated subsidiary of the Group, was deregistered and the Group ceased to consolidate Acorn Consulting upon the completion of this deregistration.

 

In January 2014, we established Star Education & Technology Group Inc. in the Cayman Islands, Star Education & Technology Limited in the British Virgin Islands and HJX International Limited in Hong Kong, respectively, with an aim to further expand our electronic learning product business in the future.

 

VIE Arrangements

 

As of December 31, 2015, the variable interest entities of Acorn International were as follows:

 

Name of variable interest
entities		  Date of incorporation   Place of incorporation 
Beijing Acorn Trade Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Acorn”)  March 19, 1998    PRC 
Shanghai Acorn Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Network”)  November 2, 2004    PRC 
Beijing HJX Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Beijing HJX”)  September 16, 2013    PRC 
Shanghai HJX Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (“HJX Electronic”)  December 3, 2013    PRC 

 

Due to the complicated and lengthy approval process and uncertain position of the Ministry of Commerce of People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) towards approving investment in direct sale business by foreign investors under the Administrative Measures on Foreign Investment in Commercial Sector, Acorn International conducts its direct sales other than Ozing product direct sales through two VIEs (Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network) which hold direct sales licenses. Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network are owned 100% by two PRC nationals: Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, who did not hold any share of Acorn International as of the date of the financial statements. Acorn Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“Acorn Information”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acorn International, entered into various agreements with each of Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network and their shareholders, Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, including (i) Irrevocable Powers of Attorney, under which each of the two shareholders of the VIEs granted to designees of Acorn Information the power to exercise all voting rights as a shareholder of these VIEs, (ii) Loan Agreement, under which Acorn Information made interest-free loans to the shareholders of these VIEs in an aggregate amount of approximately RMB118.0 million (equivalent to US$18.2 million) for capital contributions by the shareholders in these VIEs, (iii) Operation and Management Agreements, under which the parties thereto agreed that Acorn Information directs the day-to-day operational and financial activities of these VIEs, each of the directors, general managers and other senior management personnel of these affiliated entities will be appointed as nominated by Acorn Information, and that these VIEs do not conduct any transactions which might substantially affect their assets, obligations, rights and business operations without the prior written consent of Acorn Information, (iv) Equity Pledge Agreements, under which the shareholders of these VIEs pledged all of their equity interests in these VIEs to Acorn Information as collateral to guarantee the performance of these VIEs under the Operation and Management Agreements and the Technical Services Agreements as described below, as well as their personal obligations under the Loan Agreement, (v) Exclusive Purchase Agreements, under which the shareholders of these VIEs irrevocably granted Acorn Information or its designees an exclusive option to purchase at any time if and when permitted under PRC law, all or any portion of their equity interests in these VIEs for a price that is the minimum amount permitted by PRC law, (vi) Technical Service Agreements, under which Acorn Information became the exclusive provider of technical support and consulting services to these VIEs in exchange for service fees, and (vii) Spouse Consent Letters, pursuant to which the spouse of each of the shareholders of these two affiliated entities acknowledges that she is aware of, and consents to, the execution by her spouse of irrevocable powers of attorney, equity pledge agreements and the exclusive purchase agreements described above and, with respect to establishment, grant and performance of the above irrevocable powers of attorney, equity pledge and the exclusive purchase, each spouse further agrees that, whether at present or in the future, she will not take any actions or raise any claims or objection.

  

 F-11 

Table of Contents 

  

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

1. Organization and principal activities—(Continued)

 

VIE Arrangements—(Continued)

 

Through the above arrangements, Acorn Information holds all the variable interests of Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network and has power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic success of Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network and absorbs the majority of the economic risks and rewards of Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network through service fees. The nominal shareholders lack the ability to make decisions that have a significant effect on the operations of Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network and do not absorb the expected losses because the capital of Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network were funded using loans borrowed from Acorn Information. Therefore, Acorn International is the primary beneficiary of these two VIEs and accordingly, the financial statements of Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network have been consolidated with Acorn International as its subsidiaries since VIE structure were established.

 

Due to the aforesaid complicated and lengthy approval process and uncertain position of the Ministry of Commerce of PRC towards approving investment in direct sale business by foreign investors as well as certain restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of companies that engage in internet and other related businesses imposed by current PRC laws and regulations, including the provision of internet content, in 2013, Acorn International set up two new VIEs, Beijing HJX and HJX Electronic, and began to conduct its internet interactive service through Beijing HJX which hold the service license of telecommunication and information operation, and its Ozing product direct sales through HJX Electronic. Like Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network, Beijing HJX and HJX Electronic are each also owned 100% by Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong. Shanghai HJX, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acorn International, entered into various agreements with each of Beijing HJX and HJX Electronic and their shareholders, Mr. Kuan Song and Ms. Pan Zong, including (i) Irrevocable Powers of Attorney, under which each of the two shareholders of these VIEs granted to designees of Shanghai HJX the power to exercise all voting rights as a shareholder of these VIEs, (ii) Loan Agreement, under which Shanghai HJX made interest-free loans to the shareholders of these VIEs in an aggregate amount of approximately RMB53.0 million (equivalent to US$8.7 million) for capital contributions by the shareholders in these VIEs, (iii) Operation and Management Agreements, under which the parties thereto agreed that Shanghai HJX directs the day-to-day operational and financial activities of these VIEs, each of the directors, general managers and other senior management personnel of these affiliated entities will be appointed as nominated by Shanghai HJX, and that these VIEs do not conduct any transactions which might substantially affect their assets, obligations, rights and business operations without the prior written consent of Shanghai HJX, (iv) Equity Pledge Agreements, under which the shareholders of the VIEs pledged all of their equity interests in these VIEs to Shanghai HJX as collateral to guarantee the performance of these VIEs under the Operation and Management Agreements and the Technical Services Agreements as described below, as well as their personal obligations under the Loan Agreement, (v) Exclusive Purchase Agreements, under which the shareholders of these VIEs irrevocably granted Shanghai HJX or its designees an exclusive option to purchase at any time if and when permitted under PRC law, all or any portion of their equity interests in these VIEs for a price that is the minimum amount permitted by PRC law, (vi) Technical Service Agreements, under which Shanghai HJX became the exclusive provider of technical support and consulting services to these VIEs in exchange for service fees, and (vii) Spouse Consent Letters, pursuant to which the spouse of each of the shareholders of these two affiliated entities acknowledges that she is aware of, and consents to, the execution by her spouse of irrevocable powers of attorney, equity pledge agreements and the exclusive purchase agreements described above and with respect to establishment, grant and performance of the above irrevocable powers of attorney, equity pledge and the exclusive purchase, each spouse further agrees that, whether at present or in the future, she will not take any actions or raise any claims or objection.

 

 F-12 

Table of Contents 

  

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

1. Organization and principal activities—(Continued)

 

VIE Arrangements—(Continued)

 

Through the above arrangements, Shanghai HJX holds all the variable interests of Beijing HJX and HJX Electronic and has power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic success of Beijing HJX and HJX Electronic and absorbs the majority of the economic risks and rewards of Beijing HJX and HJX Electronic through service fees. The nominal shareholders lack the ability to make decisions that have a significant effect on the operations of Beijing HJX and HJX Electronic and do not absorb the expected losses because the capital of Beijing HJX and HJX Electronic were funded using loans borrowed from Shanghai HJX. Therefore, Acorn International is the primary beneficiary of these two VIEs and accordingly, the financial statements of Beijing HJX and HJX Electronic have been consolidated with Acorn International as its subsidiaries since the VIE structure were established.

 

The Group believes that its current ownership structure, and the contractual arrangements that Acorn Information and Shanghai HJX entered into with the consolidated VIEs and their equity owners are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations according to the opinions of the Group’s PRC legal counsel. The contractual arrangements among Acorn Information and each of Beijing Acorn and Shanghai Network and their shareholders, Shanghai HJX and each of Beijing HJX and HJX Electronic and their shareholders are valid, binding and enforceable. However, there are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws and regulations. The PRC competent regulatory authorities may take a view in the future that is contrary to the above opinions of the Group’s PRC legal counsel. If the current agreements that establish the structure for conducting the Group’s PRC direct sales business and internet interactive service were found to be in violation of existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the Group may be required to restructure its ownership structure and direct sales and internet interactive service operations in the PRC to comply with PRC laws and regulations, which may affect the Group’s financial position and cash flows related to these VIE structures. In addition, there are uncertainties in the PRC legal system that could limit the Group’s ability to enforce these contractual agreements in the event that the consolidated VIEs or their shareholders fail to meet their contractual obligations. If the legal structure and contractual arrangements were found to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations, the PRC government could:

 

 F-13 

Table of Contents 

  

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

1. Organization and principal activities—(Continued)

 

VIE Arrangements—(Continued)

 

  •   revoke the business and operating licenses of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries and VIEs;

 

  •   discontinue or restrict the operations of any related-party transactions among the Group’s PRC subsidiaries and VIEs;

 

  •   limit the Group’s business expansion in China by way of entering into contractual arrangements;

 

  •   impose fines or other requirements with which the Group’s PRC subsidiaries may not be able to comply;

 

  •   require the Group or the Group’s PRC subsidiaries to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations; or

 

Restrict or prohibit the Group’s use of the proceeds of the additional public offering to finance the Group’s business and operations in China. The Group’s ability to conduct its business may be negatively affected if the PRC government were to carry out any of the aforementioned actions. As a result, the Group may not be able to consolidate the VIEs in its consolidated financial statements as it may lose the ability to exert effective control over the VIEs and its shareholder, and it may lose the ability to receive economic benefits from the VIEs. The Group, however, does not believe such actions would result in the liquidation or dissolution of the Group or the VIEs.

 

The Group believes that its ability to direct the activities of the four VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance is not affected by the above uncertainties in the PRC legal system. Accordingly, the four VIEs continue to be consolidated VIEs of the Group.

 

Summary financial information of the Group’s four VIEs included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements is included on page F-4 and as follows:

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Net revenues  $137,947,971   $44,907,449   $18,469,195 
                
Net income (loss)  $18,873,242   $(8,282,712)  $(9,920,207)

 

The VIEs contributed an aggregate of 74.7%, 47.4% and 38.8 % of the consolidated net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The Group’s operations not conducted through contractual arrangements with the VIE primarily consist of its distribution sales business. As of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, the VIEs accounted for an aggregate of 11.2% and 11.3%, respectively, of the consolidated total assets, and 14.5% and 17.8%, respectively, of the consolidated total liabilities. The assets not associated with the VIEs primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, inventory, prepaid land use right, property and equipment, net and investments in affiliates.

 

There are no consolidated VIEs’ assets that are collateral for the VIEs’ obligations and can only be used to settle the VIEs’ obligations. There are no creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the VIEs that have recourse to the general credit of the Group or any of its consolidated subsidiaries. Should the VIEs require financial support, the Group or its subsidiaries may, at its option and subject to statutory limits and restrictions, provide financial support to its VIEs through loans to the shareholders of the VIEs or entrustment loans to the VIEs.

 

Relevant PRC laws and regulations restrict the VIEs from transferring a portion of its net assets, equivalent to the balance of its statutory reserve and its share capital, to the Group in the form of loans and advances or cash dividends.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Summary of principal accounting policies

 

(a) Basis of presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).

 

(b) Basis of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Acorn International, its majority-owned subsidiaries and consolidated VIEs. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Net income or loss of a subsidiary is attributed to the Group and to the noncontrolling interests even if this results in the noncontrolling interests having a deficit balance. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are presented separately from the Group’s equity therein.

 

(c) Use of estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires the Group to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Group’s financial statements include allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory valuation, impairment of long-lived assets, and valuation allowance on deferred tax assets and provision for uncertain tax positions.

 

(d) Going concern

 

Although the Group experienced a net loss and negative cash flows from operations in the year ended December 31, 2015 and had accumulated deficits as of that date, the Group had improved liquidity position by selling non-core assets and investments. The Group will be able to realize its assets and satisfy its liabilities in the normal course of business. As a result, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Group will continue as a going concern.

 

(e) Fair value of financial instruments

  

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (also referred to as an exit price) and expands disclosure requirements about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The guidance establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that gives the highest priority to observable inputs and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs as follows:

 

•                             Level 1—Observable unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

  

•                             Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

  

•                             Level 3—Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Summary of principal accounting policies—(Continued)

 

(e) Fair value of financial instruments—(Continued)

 

When available, the Group measures the fair value of financial instruments based on quoted market prices in active markets, valuation techniques that use observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. The Group uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in the categories of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Pricing information the Group obtains from third parties is internally validated for reasonableness prior to use in the consolidated financial statements. When observable market prices are not readily available, the Group generally estimates the fair value using valuation techniques that rely on alternate market data or inputs that are generally less readily observable from objective sources and are estimated based on pertinent information available at the time of the applicable reporting periods. In certain cases, fair values are not subject to precise quantification or verification and may fluctuate as economic and market factors vary and the Group’s evaluation of those factors changes. Although the Group uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of these financial instruments, there are inherent limitations in any estimation technique. In these cases, a minor change in an assumption could result in a significant change in its estimate of fair value, thereby increasing or decreasing the amounts of the Group’s consolidated assets, liabilities, equity and net income or loss.

 

The Group’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable, convertible loan, available-for-sale securities, accounts payable and long-term debt. For cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable and accounts payable, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 were considered representative of their fair values due to their short-term nature. The marketable securities are carried at fair values. The carrying values of long-term debt and convertible loan approximate their fair values as the impacts to discount the long-term debt and convertible loan with a market based interest rate are insignificant.

 

(f) Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, and which have original maturities of three months or less when purchased.

 

Cash balances of the Group that are included in the cash and cash equivalents of the consolidated balance sheets, including those denominated in RMB, may be withdrawn and used for the Group’s general operations without prior notice or penalty. The PRC government imposes certain controls on the convertibility of the RMB into foreign currencies, and in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. However, the Group does not consider the process for converting RMB into foreign currency in compliance with these controls to be a usage restriction and such process is not expected to result in any penalties provided that the Group complies with all above-mentioned processes as required.

 

The RMB is not a freely convertible currency. The PRC State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People’s Bank of China, controls the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies. The value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and to international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in China’s foreign exchange trading system market. The Group’s aggregate amount of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash denominated in RMB amounted to RMB241,610,810 ($39,485,342) and RMB 65,663,822 ($10,112,083) as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

(g) Restricted cash

 

Under third-party bank channel sales arrangements and long-term debt with the banks, the Group is required to maintain certain cash balances in the banks based on the amounts of long-term debt granted. These balances related to the third-party bank channel sales arrangements were reflected as restricted cash in the balance sheet and amounted to $117,666 and $126,278 as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The balance related to the long-term debt was reflected as restricted cash in the balance sheet amounted to $9,642,098 as of December 31, 2014, which was released upon our repayment of the long-term debt in February 2015.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Summary of principal accounting policies—(Continued)

  

(h) Inventory

 

The cost of inventory comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion, and other costs incurred to bring inventory to its present location and condition. The cost of inventory is calculated using the weighted-average method.

 

The inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Adjustments are recorded to write down the inventory to the estimated net realizable value. The Group estimates excess and slow-moving inventory based upon assumptions of future demands and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

 

(i) Available for sale securities

 

The Group invests in marketable equity securities to meet business objectives. These marketable securities are reported at fair value, classified and accounted for as available-for-sale securities in investment securities. The assessment of a decline in the fair value of an individual security is based on whether the decline is other-than-temporary. The Group assesses its available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary impairment by considering factors including, but not limited to, its ability and intent to hold the individual security, severity of the impairment, expected duration of the impairment and forecasted recovery of fair value. Investments classified as available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses, if any, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity. If the Group determines a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the individual security is written down to fair value as a new cost basis and the amount of the write-down is accounted for as a realized loss charged in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. The fair values of the investments would not be adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair values. The Group recorded no impairments of available-for-sale securities for the years ended December 31, 2015. There is no available-for-sale securities investment during 2013 and 2014.

 

(j) Prepaid land use right

 

Prepaid land use right is valued at the cost to obtain the right less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed on a straight-line basis over 50 years’ useful life of the right.

 

(k) Property and equipment, net

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated on a straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

    Estimated useful lives
Buildings   20 years
Leasehold improvements   Lesser of the term of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the assets
Machinery   10 years
Information Technology equipment   5 years
Computers and office equipment   3-5 years
Vehicles   4 years

 

(l) Acquired intangible assets, net

 

Acquired intangible assets, which consist primarily of distribution networks and trademarks, are valued at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over their expected useful lives of 5 to 15 years.

 

 F-17 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

(m) Held-for-sale assets

 

Assets are classified as held-for-sale when management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset, the sale is probable within one year, and the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Consideration is given to whether an active program to locate a buyer has been initiated, whether the asset is marketed actively for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and whether actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. When a long-lived asset classified as held-for-sale shall be measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. An impairment test is required and an impairment charge is recognized when the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value, less transaction costs. Assets classified as held for sale are no longer depreciated.

 

(n) Impairment of long-lived assets

 

The Group evaluates its long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. When these events occur, the Group measures impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the future undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Group would recognize an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets.

 

(o) Investment in affiliates

 

Affiliated companies are entities which the Group owes equity interest in common stock or in-substance common stock, over which the Group has significant influence, but which it does not control. The Group generally considers an ownership interest of 20% or higher to represent significant influence.

 

The affiliated companies in which the Group has non-significant influence are accounted for using cost method of accounting. Dividends received that are distributed from the net accumulated earnings of the investee are recognized in the Group’s consolidated statements of operations. Dividends received in excess of earnings are recorded as reductions of cost of the investment. A series of operating losses of the investee or other factors may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other-than-temporary and should accordingly be recognized.

 

The affiliated companies in which the Group has significant influence are accounted for using equity method of accounting. The share of earnings or losses of the investee are recognized in the Group’s consolidated statements of operations and adjusts the carrying amount of the investment. Dividends received reduce the carrying amount of the investment. The Group evaluates each equity method investment separately for impairment indicators and whether any decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other-than-temporary. If the fair value of the investment is less than its cost and the impairment is other-than-temporary, then the Group would recognize an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the investment.

 

 F-18 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

(p) Convertible loan

 

The amounts shown as convertible loan in the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2015 represent a loan receivable from a third party (the “borrower”), net of provision for credit losses, if any. Interest income derived from the loan is recognized as incurred. For the option to convert, all or any part of the outstanding principles and unpaid accrued interest may be converted, in a single tranche, at the option of the Group (the “lender”) at any time prior to the maturity date of the loan, into such amount of equity interest in the borrower that represents a percentage of equity ownership obtained by dividing the aggregate outstanding principal and unpaid accrued interest on the Note on the date of conversion, by RMB 100,000,000. The Group has evaluated the conversion feature and believes it is not considered an embedded derivative instrument subject to bifurcation as conversion option does not provide the Group with means to net settle the contracts in accordance with ASC 815, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. At each balance sheet date, amounts due under the aforementioned loan agreement are assessed for purposes of determining the appropriate provision for credit losses. In order to estimate the allowance for credit losses, the Group assesses at each period end the ability of the Borrower to meet its obligations under the loan agreement by taking into consideration existing economic conditions, the current financial condition of the Borrower and historical losses, if any, and any other risks/factors that may affect its future financial condition and its ability to meet its obligations.

 

(q) Revenue recognition

 

Direct sales, net

 

The Group’s direct sales net revenues primarily represent product sales through the Group’s TV direct sales and other direct sales platforms, such as internet sales, outbound calls, catalog sales and direct sales through print media and radio. The Group recognizes net revenues for products sold through its direct sales platforms once the products are delivered to and accepted by the customers (“F.O.B. Destination”).

 

The Group relies on China Express Mail Service Corporation (“EMS”) and local delivery companies to provide the Group data as to their successful deliveries for the Group’s direct sales products. EMS and local delivery companies regularly report product delivery information. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, direct sales net revenues were adjusted in the current accounting period based on actual unsuccessful product deliveries experience reported by EMS and local delivery companies. For unsuccessful deliveries, EMS and local delivery companies are required to return the undelivered products to the Group. It generally takes two to three weeks for EMS to return the undelivered products to the Group whereas it generally takes approximately seven days for local delivery companies to do so.

 

 F-19 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Summary of principal accounting policies—(Continued)

 

(q) Revenue recognition—(Continued)

 

Distribution sales, net

 

The Group’s distribution sales net revenues represent product sales to the distributors comprising the Group’s nationwide distribution networks. The distributor agreements do not provide discounts, chargeback, price protection or stock rotation rights. The Group recognizes net revenues for products sold through its nationwide distribution networks when the products are delivered to and accepted by the distributors (e.g. “F.O.B. Destination”). In most cases, the distributors are required to pay in advance for the Group’s products. Some distributors are given customary credit terms based on the creditworthiness.

 

Sales taxes

 

The Group presents revenues net of sales taxes incurred. The sales taxes amounted to $439,144, $199,721 and $106,962 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Before subtracting sales taxes, gross direct sales revenues were $136,810,535, $45,361,639 and $19,458,752 and gross distribution sales revenues were $48,339,489, $49,592,804 and $ 28,193,821 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

(r) Advertising expenses

 

The Group records cash advances paid to advertising companies as prepaid advertising expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The Group then expenses the prepaid advertising expenses as the advertisement is shown. In the first quarter of 2015, the Group decided to stop purchasing TV advertising time. The advertising expenses were $51,730,624, $16,232,840 and $ 2,203,996 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

(s) Shipping and handling costs

 

The Group records costs incurred for outbound shipping and handling as part of other selling and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Shipping and handling costs were $12,351,337, $4,902,307 and $ 2,059,934 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

(t) Operating leases

 

Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the leasing company are accounted for as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease periods.

 

(u) Government subsidies

 

The Group receives unrestricted government subsidies from local government agencies. The government agencies use their discretion to determine the amount of the subsidies with reference to certain taxes paid by the Group, including value-added, business and income taxes. The Group records unrestricted government subsidies as other operating income in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The government subsidies in 2013, 2014 and 2015 were $2,130,623, $829,238 and $201,168, respectively.

 

 F-20 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Summary of principal accounting policies—(Continued)

 

(v) Income taxes

 

Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the relevant statutory tax laws and regulations.

 

Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Net operating losses are carried forward and credited by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets if it is considered more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are individually classified as current and non-current based on the characteristics of the underlying assets and liabilities, or the expected timing of their use when they do not relate to a specific asset or liability.

 

The Group recognizes the impact of an uncertain income tax position at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authority. The Group classifies interests and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

 

(w) Foreign currency translation

 

The functional currency and reporting currency of Acorn International, China DRTV, Smooth Profit, MK AND T, and Bright Rainbow are the United States dollar (“US dollar”). Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the US dollar are translated into the US dollar at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in currencies other than the US dollar during the year are converted into US dollar at the applicable rates of exchange prevailing on the first day of the month in which the transactions occurred. Transaction gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as general and administrative expenses.

 

The financial records of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries and VIEs are denominated in its local currency, the Renminbi (“RMB”), which is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated using the average rate for the period. Translation adjustments are reported as component of comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

 

The aggregated gains (losses) through foreign currency transactions in 2013, 2014 and 2015 were $184,157, $(31,847) and $(687,163), respectively.

 

(x) Concentration of credit risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Group to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable and convertible loan. All of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are held with large state-owned financial institutions. The Group engages delivery companies, mainly EMS express, to deliver products to customers and to collect cash from the customers for direct sales gross revenues through direct sales platforms. The Group conducts credit evaluations of delivery companies and generally does not require collateral or other security from its delivery companies. The Group establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts primarily based on the age of the receivables and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. The Group evaluated its credit risk with the convertible loan by performing ongoing evaluation on the borrower’s financial condition. The loan agreement has a personal guarantee from Mr. Robert W. Roche, Acorn’s co-founder and current executive chairman and CEO, and pledged with the equity of the borrower.

 

 F-21 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Summary of principal accounting policies—(Continued)

 

(x) Concentration of credit risk—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, no accounts receivables from a single delivery company were more than 10% of the total accounts receivables.

 

(y) Share-based compensation

 

Share-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognized in expense over the requisite service period. For performance-based awards, the Group uses graded vesting when the performance condition is considered probable. The Group has made an estimate of expected forfeitures and is recognizing compensation costs only for those equity awards expected to vest.

 

(z) Income (loss) per share

 

Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing income attributable to the Group’s shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. Diluted income (loss) per ordinary share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue ordinary shares were exercised or converted into ordinary shares and is calculated using the treasury stock method for stock options and unvested shares. Common equivalent shares for which the exercise price exceeds the average market price over the period have an anti-dilutive effect on income per share and, accordingly, are excluded from the calculation. Common equivalent shares are also excluded from the calculation in loss periods as their effects would be anti-dilutive.

 

(aa) Noncontrolling interest

 

A noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary of the Group represents the portion of the equity (net assets) in the subsidiary not directly or indirectly attributable to the Group. Noncontrolling interests are presented as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet and earnings and other comprehensive income are attributed to controlling and noncontrolling interests.

 

(ab) Recently issued accounting pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued, ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)". The guidance substantially converges final standards on revenue recognition between the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board providing a framework on addressing revenue recognition issues and, upon its effective date, replaces almost all exiting revenue recognition guidance, including industry specific guidance, in current U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:

 

Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer.

 

Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.

 

Step 3: Determine the transaction price.

 

Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.

 

Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

 

 F-22 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Summary of principal accounting policies—(Continued)

 

(ab) Recently issued accounting pronouncements—(Continued)

 

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, deferring the effective date for ASU 2014-09 by one year, and thus, the new standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early application permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The guidance allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the guidance will have on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

 

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) – Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent)”. Reporting entities are permitted to use net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient to measure the fair value of certain investments. Under current U.S. GAAP, investments that use the NAV practical expedient to measure fair value are categorized within the fair value hierarchy as level 2 or level 3 investments depending on their redemption attributes, which has led to diversity in practice. This ASU will remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments that use the NAV practical expedient for fair value measurement purposes. Furthermore, the ASU will remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient. Rather, those disclosures are limited to investments for which the entity has elected to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods with those fiscal years. The ASU must be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 –Inventory. ASU 2015-11 is part of FASB Simplification Initiative. Current guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be the replacement cost, net realizable value or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. Under this Update, the entities will be required to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as estimate selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amendments under the Update more closely align measurement of inventory in US GAAP with the measurement of inventory in IFRS. For public entities, the amendments of this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments of this Update should be applied prospectively with early application permitted. Management does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on Group's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires deferred income tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet rather than being separated into current and noncurrent. The guidance is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods with early adoption being permitted. The Group does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a significant effect on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities ("ASU 2016-01"), which requires that equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method or those that result in consolidation of the investee, be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. ASU 2016-01 also impacts the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only for certain provisions. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

 

 F-23 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

2. Summary of principal accounting policies—(Continued)

 

(ab) Recently issued accounting pronouncements—(Continued)

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less. The ASU does not significantly change the lessees' recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from the previous accounting standard. Lessors' accounting under the ASC is largely unchanged from the previous accounting standard. In addition, the ASU expands the disclosure requirements of lease arrangements. Lessees and lessors will use a modified retrospective transition approach, which includes a number of practical expedients. The provisions of this guidance are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, which eliminates eliminate the requirement to retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier application is permitted. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, which amends the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance and illustrations in the Board's new revenue standard (ASC 606). The amendments in this update clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. When another party, along with the reporting entity, is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity is required to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide that good or service to the customer (as a principal) or to arrange for the good or service to be provided to the customer by the other party (as an agent). The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Group doesn't believe the ASU will have significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. For public entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption will be permitted in any interim or annual period for which financial statements have not yet been issued or have not been made available for issuance. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 3. Inventory

 

Inventory consisted of the following:

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Raw materials and work in progress  $1,272,379   $287,971 
Finished goods and merchandise goods   11,509,362    3,847,653 
   $12,781,741   $4,135,624 

 

The Group recorded inventory write-downs of $3,856,608, $936,126 and $3,954,771 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

4. Held-for-sale assets

 

During 2015, the Group classified certain real estate properties of $3,808,471 as held-for-sale at the time management of the Group committed to a plan to sell these properties to third parties. The Group has entered into sale agreements for a total cash consideration of approximately $11.3 million. The sales were subsequently completed in early 2016.

 

5. Other prepaid expenses and current assets

 

Other prepaid expenses and current assets consisted of the following:

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Advances to suppliers  $2,814,648   $1,885,213 
Receivable from sales of property   —    1,301,227 
Value-added tax recoverable   1,580,141    1,231,788 
Prepaid income tax   28,394    78,185 
Interest receivable   656,785    — 
Other prepaid expenses   4,245,432    1,818,459 
   $9,325,400   $6,314,872 

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

6. Property and equipment, net

 

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Buildings  $27,644,891   $19,297,436 
Computers and office equipment   12,820,490    7,781,700 
Leasehold improvements   869,130    — 
Vehicles   872,860    461,609 
Information Technology equipment   839,068    299,557 
Machinery   644,474    330,447 
   $43,690,913   $28,170,749 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization   (16,861,205)   (11,555,449)
   $26,829,708   $16,615,300 
Construction in progress   10,476    — 
   $26,840,184   $16,615,300 

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses for property and equipment were $3,470,338, $3,066,565 and $2,599,961 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

In 2015, the Group sold three apartments in Beijing for $3,195,454 to different third party individuals, which was previously recognized in Buildings with cost about $426,220 and carrying amount about $192,504. And the Group recognized a gain of $1,739,443 in other operating income, net. The Group also planned to sell some of its properties located in Beijing and Shanghai with cost about $ 6,076,530 and carrying amount $ 3,808,471, which were reclassified to held-for-sale assets as of December 31, 2015.

 

In 2014 and 2015, the Group early terminated leases on some certain of its offices, and wrote-off the related leasehold improvement with the carrying amount of $529,187 and $325,341, respectively and recognized a loss on disposal of $529,187 and $325,341, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operation.

 

7. Acquired intangible assets, net

 

Acquired intangible assets, net consisted of the following:

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Distribution networks  $2,329,849   $2,329,849 
Trademarks   2,925,453    2,879,106 
   $5,255,302   $5,208,955 
Less: accumulated amortization   (4,076,635)   (4,331,985)
   $1,178,667   $876,970 

 

The Group recorded amortization expenses of $316,121, $301,697 and $301,697 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The amortization expenses of the above intangible assets will be approximately $301,699, $221,584, $141,470, $141,470 and $70,747 for, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

8. Investments in affiliates

 

Investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting

 

Shanghai Yimeng Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“Yimeng”) was established with the shareholding of 51% by the Group and 49% by Shanghai Yimeng Digital Technology Co., Ltd. on December 28, 2005. After the series of the capital contributions from third-parties and the selling of the equity shares held by Group, the Group's equity interests in Yimeng were diluted to 12.9% as of December 31, 2014. The Group exerted no significant influence in Yimeng and recorded the investment at cost of approximately $ 6,996,949 as of December 31, 2014. On July 29, 2015, Yimeng became listed on China National Equities Exchange and Quotations (“NEEQ”). Upon such listing, the Group has reclassified this investment as available-for-sale securities. (Refer to Note 9)

 

Investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting

 

In January 2010, Shanghai An-Nai-Chi, a company which previously was a 51.0% equity-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Group, received a cash injection of $1.5 million from a third party of the Group. After the cash injection, the Group retained 33.2% equity interests in Shanghai An-Nai-Chi and no longer had control in Shanghai An-Nai-Chi. As the Group holds one out of five board seats on the Board of Shanghai An-Nai-Chi and has significant influence over financial and operating decision-making after deconsolidation, the Group accounts for the retained 33.2% equity interests using the equity method of accounting. The retained investment was re-measured at fair value of $1.1 million on the date the Group deconsolidated Shanghai An-Nai-Chi. The carrying amount of the investment in Shanghai An-Nai-Chi has been reduced to zero since December 31, 2011. The Group did not recognize any equity in losses of Shanghai An-Nai-Chi through 2012 and 2015 as the Group has no obligation to fund additional losses.

 

On December 31, 2012, the Group acquired 9.3% of the equity interests in China Branding Company Limited (“CBG”) for cash of $1.3 million. Mr. Robert W. Roche, Acorn’s co-founder and current executive chairman and CEO, individually holds an additional 7.6% equity interests in CBG and holds one out of five board seats of CBG and accordingly, Mr. Roche is able to exercise significant influence through his participation on the Board of Directors. As such, management believes that it can exercise significant influence over CBG through the Group’s direct equity investment, the Group’s indirect investment through Mr. Roche’s equity interest, and Mr. Roche’s significant influence over CBG. Therefore, the Group accounts for this investment using the equity method of accounting. In February 2013, the Group’s investment in CBG decreased from 9.3% to 8.7% as a result of dilution due to issuance of additional shares by CBG to a new investor, which was accounted for as if the Group sold 0.6% equity interests in CBG, and the gains from this dilution was immaterial. The Group’s equity in losses of CBG in 2013, 2014 and 2015 were $205,567, $235,161 and$226,780, respectively, and were recognized in equity in losses of affiliates in the consolidated statements of operation.

 

9. Available-for-sale securities

 

The Group’s available-for-sale securities represent marketable equity securities investments in Yimeng. On July 29, 2015, Yimeng became listed on NEEQ and quoted prices of the investment in active market became available, the Group's equity interests in Yimeng were diluted to 10.34%, and the Group reclassified its investment in Yimeng to available-for-sale securities in 2015 accordingly. As of December 31, 2015, the carrying amount and fair value of the Group’s available-for-sale securities investment were $181,164,778. The Group recognized unrealized gains of $178,485,994, net of tax of $44,621,498 during 2015, which is recorded in other comprehensive income.

 

10. Convertible loan

 

In October 2014, Ryecor China Investment Limited (“Ryecor”, the original Lender), a company owned by the Mr. Robert W. Roche , entered into an agreement with Shanghai e-Surer Financial Services Co., Ltd. (“E-surer”, the Borrower) on October 2014, whereby Rvecor lent E-surer a RMB 20,000,000 convertible borrowing at 6% annual interest paid at maturity on August 22, 2018.. Under the loan agreement, Ryecor may provide a line of credit to RMB20.0 million to the Borrower at any time until the maturity date. All or part of outstanding principle and interest may be converted into such amount of equity interest of E-surer that represents a percentage of equity ownership obtained by dividing the aggregate outstanding principal and unpaid accrued interest on the date of conversion, by RMB 100,000,000. And the loan was secured by the 51% of Borrower’s equity interest in its whole-owned subsidiary. $3,024,933 has been advanced to E-surer under this agreement.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

10. Convertible loan—(Continued)

 

In September 2015, the Group entered into an assignment with Ryecor, pursuant to which Ryecor assigned to the Group all of its rights and delegated to the Group all of its obligation in exchange of a cash payment of $3,024,933 to Ryecor and Acorn Composite Corporation, Inc., which is also a company owned by Mr. Roche. The Assigned Contracts were personally guaranteed by CEO. As of December 31, 2015, the Group has recorded the loan advance of $ 3,257,622, which includes an accrued interest of $ 232,690, as convertible loan on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

11. Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Other taxes payable  $1,303,688   $960,959 
Accrued employee payroll and welfare   2,919,888    2,094,398 
Other payable   2,889,184    3,085,960 
Accrued expenses   4,114,212    3,167,689 
Advances from customers   597,614    1,606,932 
Down payment from sales of property   —    939,757 
   $11,824,586   $11,855,695 

 

Other taxes payable mainly consist of value-added tax payable and sales taxes payable. The Group’s PRC subsidiaries are subject to value-added tax at a rate of 17% on product purchases and sales amount. Value-added tax payable on sales is computed net of value-added tax paid on purchases. The Group’s PRC subsidiaries are also subject to business tax at a rate of 5% on sales related to services rendered.

 

The Group received $939,757 down payment for sales of certain real estate properties, which were reclassified as held-for-sale assets as of December 31, 2015.

 

12. Debt

 

The Group’s debt consisted of the following:

 

   December 31, 
   2014     2015 
Long-term debt, current portion   8,506,324    — 
           
Total  $8,506,324    — 

 

The Group entered into a two-year loan agreement with Bank of Communications of China on March 13, 2013 with a borrowing amount of $8.45 million. The loan bears an interest rate of USD 6-month Libor+1.80% (the effective interest rate for 2014 was about 2.2459%) with a maturity date of February 10, 2015. The loan has been repaid in full in February 2015.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

13. Share-based compensation

 

In May 2006, the Group adopted the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Option Plan”) which allows the Group to offer a variety of incentive awards to employees, officers, directors or individual consultants or advisors who render services to the Group and authorized the issuance of 24,133,000 ordinary shares. Under the 2006 Option Plan, the share options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares, as determined by the Group’s board of directors at the date of grant and expire after ten years and six years, respectively, with vesting occurring 25% upon grant and the remaining 75% vesting ratably over three years. Certain share options and SARs granted vest immediately upon grant, and certain share options and SARs granted vest upon the satisfaction of certain performance targets. The proceeds from the exercise of the SARs by the grantee will be equity settled by delivery of equivalent fair value of ordinary shares of the Group.

 

In 2010, the Group granted restricted share units (“RSUs”) to its employees that require no exercise price with one-twelfth to vest on the last day of each three-month period during the three years following the grant date. The holders of the RSUs are not entitled to voting but have the right to receive dividend equivalents with respect to any unpaid RSUs they hold as of the applicable record date for any dividend payment if Acorn International declares a cash dividend on its outstanding ordinary shares. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting and other terms as the original RSUs to which they relate.

 

In 2012, the Group granted RSUs to an officer of the Group that requires no exercise price. One-half of the RSUs granted are time-based shares which will vest one-third on the last day of each year during the three years following the grant date. The other half of the RSUs granted are performance-based which will vest upon the satisfaction of certain performance targets. The holders of the RSUs are not entitled to voting but have the right to receive dividend equivalents with respect to any unpaid RSUs they hold as of the applicable record date for any dividend payment if Acorn International declares a cash dividend on its outstanding ordinary shares. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting and other terms as the original RSUs to which they relate.

 

The Group recorded compensation expense of $446,412, $428,000 and $71,333 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

The fair value of each RSU granted in 2010 and 2012 were based on quoted market price of the Group’s ordinary share on the grant date.

 

A summary of the share options and SARs activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the information regarding the share options and SARs outstanding as of December 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

   Number of
share
options/
SARs		   Weighted average
exercise price		   Weighted
average
remaining
contract
terms		    Aggregate
intrinsic
value		  
Share options/SARs outstanding at January 1, 2015   2,335,482   $1.78              
Granted   —   $—              
Forfeited   (2,317,482)  $1.78              
Expired   (18,000)  $1.78              
Exercised   —   $—              
                        
Share options/SARs outstanding at December 31, 2015   —   $—       $  —  

 

There is no share option granted, vested and exercised during 2013, 2014 and 2015.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

13. Share-based compensation—(Continued)

 

 

A summary of the RSUs activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 was as follows:

 

   Number of RSUs   Weighted average
grant date fair value		 
Nonvested at January 1, 2015   300,000   $1.43 
Granted   —   $— 
Forfeited   —   $— 
Vested   (300,000)  $1.43 
           
Nonvested at December 31, 2015   —   $— 

 

As of December 31, 2015, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2006 Option Plan. The Group recorded share-based compensation for the RSUs activities of $ 446,412, $428,000 and $71,333 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

14. Fair value measurements

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

The Group did not have any financial assets and liabilities or nonfinancial assets and liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2014.

 

The Group's financial assets and liabilities or nonfinancial assets and liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2015 include available-for-sale securities investments. As of December 31, 2015, information about inputs into the fair value measurements of the Group's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is as follows.

 

   Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using		 
Description  As of
December 31,
2015		   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)		   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)		   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)		 
   USD   USD   USD   USD 
Available-for-sale investments- marketable equity securities   181,164,778    181,164,778    —    — 

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

14. Fair value measurements—(Continued)

 

Available-for-sale securities investments represent the marketable equity securities invested by the Group. The marketable equity securities are carried at fair values. The Group measures its listed equity securities using quoted prices for the underlying securities in active markets, and accordingly, the Group classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 1.

 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, gross unrealized gains of nil and $178,485,994 were recorded on listed equity securities. No impairment charges were recorded for years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

The Group did not have any assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

 

15. Taxation

 

Acorn International and Star Education & Technology Group Inc. are incorporated in the Cayman Islands and is not subject to tax in this jurisdiction.

 

China DRTV, Smooth Profit and Star Education & Technology Limited are incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and are not subject to tax in this jurisdiction.

 

The Group’s Hong Kong subsidiaries, MK AND T, Bright Rainbow, and HJX International Limited, are subject to Hong Kong statutory income tax on their Hong Kong sourced income.

 

On March 16, 2007, the PRC government promulgated Law of the People’s Republic of China on Enterprise Income Tax (“New EIT Law”), which was effective from January 1, 2008. Under the New EIT Law, domestically-owned enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises are subject to a uniform tax rate of 25%. While the New EIT Law equalizes the tax rates for domestically-owned and foreign-invested companies, preferential tax treatment would continue to be given to companies in certain encouraged sectors and to enterprises classified as high and new technology companies, whether domestically-owned or foreign-invested enterprises.

 

HJX Software, as a recognized software company, is eligible for the Tax Holiday from 2009.

 

The Group’s remaining PRC subsidiaries are subject to the statutory rate of 25% in 2013, 2014 and 2015 in accordance with the New EIT Law.

 

Under the New EIT Law and implementation regulations issued by the PRC State Council, income tax at the rate of 10% is applicable to interest and dividends payable to investors that are “non-resident enterprises”, which do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or which have such establishment or place of business but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business, to the extent such interest or dividends have their sources within the PRC. Undistributed earnings of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for PRC dividend withholding tax has been provided thereon. Upon distribution of these earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise in the future, the Group would be subject to PRC withholding tax at 10% or a lower treaty rate.

 

A deferred tax liability should be recorded for the VIEs to the extent of their accumulated profit. As the VIEs have accumulated losses, no deferred tax liability has been provided by the Group.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

15. Taxation—(Continued)

 

The Group has made its assessment of each tax position (including the potential application of interests and penalties) based solely on the technical merits of the position, and has measured the unrecognized benefits associated with the tax positions. As of December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, the Group had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.7, $1.8 and $1.9 million, respectively. During 2013, 2014 and 2015, the Group recorded uncertain tax benefits of $0.7 million, $1.1 million and $0.1 million associated with intercompany transfer pricing results falling below the median of the inter-quartile range of comparable companies. The unrecognized tax benefits would impact the effective income tax if recognized. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 was as follows:

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
   (in million)   (in million)   (in million) 
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of the year  $—   $0.7   $1.8 
Additions in current year   0.7    1.1    0.1 
Lapse of statute of limitation   —    —    — 
                
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of the year  $0.7   $1.8   $1.9 

 

As of December 31, 2013 and 2014, the amount of interests and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was immaterial. As of December 31, 2015, the amount of interests and penalties related to uncertain tax positions was $75,383.

 

According to the PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the statute of limitations is three years if the underpayment of income taxes is due to computational errors made by the taxpayer. The statute of limitations will be extended to five years under special circumstances, which are not clearly defined, but an underpayment of income tax liability exceeding RMB100,000 (approximately $15,000) is specifically listed as a special circumstance. In the case of a transfer pricing related adjustment, the statute of limitations is ten years. There is no statute of limitations in the case of tax evasion. The Group’s PRC subsidiaries are therefore subject to examination by the PRC tax authorities from 2010 through 2015 on non-transfer pricing matters, and from 2005 through 2015 on transfer pricing matters.

 

The current and deferred portion of income tax (expenses) benefits included in the consolidated statements of operations were as follows:

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Current income tax expenses  $(1,200,896)  $(1,280,181)  $(363,081)
Deferred income tax benefits   555,133    109,664    179,990 
    (645,763)   (1,170,517)   (183,091)

 

Reconciliation between the effective income tax rate and the PRC statutory income tax rate was as follows: 

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
PRC statutory tax rate   25%   25%   25%
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes   (2)%   1%   (1)%
Effect of different tax rate of subsidiary operations in other jurisdiction   (1)%   (1)%   (2)%
Change in valuation allowance   (23)%   (24)%   (21)%
Effect of change in tax rate on deferred tax assets/liabilities   1%   (1)%   (0)%
Expiration of net operating loss   —     —     (1)%
Recognition of the unrecognized tax benefit   (2)%   (3)%   (0)%
Effective tax rate   (2)%   (3)%   0%

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

15. Taxation—(Continued)

 

 

The principal components of the Group’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 were as follows:

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Deferred tax assets:          
Allowance and reserves  $2,807,768   $3,973,199 
Accrued expenses   1,683,185    738,298 
Revenue recognition difference   343,377    162,322 
Advertising expenses   4,420,265    1,765,847 
YiyangYukang long-term assets reduction   812    — 
Net operating losses   21,985,889    31,156,628 
   $31,241,296   $37,796,294 
Less: valuation allowance   (30,287,901)   (36,720,140)
   $953,395   $1,076,154 
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities   (855,709)   (44,449,212)
   $(855,709)  $(44,449,212)
   $97,686   $(43,373,058)
Deferred tax assets were analyzed as:          
Current  $953,395   $1,076,154 
Deferred tax liabilities were analyzed as:          
Non-current   (855,709)   (44,449,212)
   $(855,709)  $(44,449,212)
   $97,686   $(43,373,058)

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Group had tax losses carrying forward of $125,330,830. The tax losses will expire between 2016 and 2020 if they are not utilized.

 

The Group considers positive and negative evidence to determine whether some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, the Group believes it is not more-likely-than-not that the Group will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, thus an additional valuation allowance for approximately $9.2 million, $10.1 million and $6.4 million were recognized in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The remainder amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward periods are reduced.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

16. Other income, net

 

Other income (expenses) consisted of the following:

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Investment gain   308,160    —    — 
Others   (58,836)   (446,662)   195,355 
                
   $249,324   $(446,662)  $195,355 

 

17. Loss per share

 

The computation of basic and diluted loss per ordinary share from operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 was as follows:

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Numerator:               
Net loss attributable to Acorn International, Inc. shareholders from operations—basic and diluted  $(39,895,878)  $(44,328,912)  $(40,158,654)
                
Denominator:               
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding—basic and diluted   84,115,169    82,690,613    79,226,404 
                
loss per ordinary share:               
Basic and diluted  $(0.47)  $(0.54)  $(0.51)

 

The Group had 3,235,482, 2,635,482 and nil outstanding stock options, SARs and RSUs outstanding in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, which could have potentially diluted income per share in the future, but were excluded in the computation of diluted loss per share in 2013, 2014 and 2015, as the Group had net loss attributable to shareholders from operations in those periods.

  

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

18. Mainland China contribution plan and profit appropriation

 

Employees of the Group in the PRC are entitled to retirement benefits calculated with reference to their salary basis upon retirement and their length of service in accordance with a PRC government-managed retirement plan. The PRC government is directly responsible for the payments of the benefits to these retired employees. The Group is required to make contributions to the government-managed retirement plan based on certain percentages of the employees’ monthly salaries. The amounts contributed by the Group were $2,671,372, $1,952,480 and $908,355 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

In addition, the Group is required by law to contribute medical, unemployment, housing and other statutory benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ monthly salaries. The PRC government is directly responsible for the payments of the benefits to these employees. The amounts contributed by the Group were $2,610,731, $1,968,199 and $963,160 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

 

In accordance with relevant PRC Company Law and regulations and the Group’s Articles of Association, the Group’s PRC subsidiaries were required to appropriate 10% of their respective profit after taxation reported in their statutory financial statements prepared under the PRC GAAP to the statutory surplus reserve. The Group has statutory reserve balance of $7,674,602 and $8,291,403 as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The appropriation of statutory surplus reserve will cease upon the balance of the statutory surplus reserve reaching 50% of the companies’ registered capital. The statutory surplus reserves may be used to make up losses or for conversion into the shareholders’ equity.

 

19. Commitments and contingencies

 

(A) Leases commitments

 

The Group leases certain office premises and buildings under non-cancelable leases. Rental expenses under operating leases for 2013, 2014 and 2015 were $2,753,740, $2,908,304 and $1,553,580, respectively. 

 

As of December 31, 2015, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases agreements were as follows:

 

2016  $673,659 
2017   410,306 
2018   285,973 
2019   71,861 
2020 and thereafter   36,959 
      
   $1,478,758 

 

(B) Legal matters

 

The Group is a party to legal matters and claims that are normal in the course of its operations. While the Group believes that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, the outcome of these matters is not determinable with certainty and negative outcomes may adversely affect the Group.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

 20. Segment and geographic information

 

The Group engages primarily in direct sales, including TV direct sales, outbound calls, Internet sales, catalogs sales and direct sales through print media and radio, and distribution sales through its nationwide distribution network in the PRC.

 

The Group’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the chairman of the Board of Directors and the CEO. The Group uses the management approach to determine operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Group’s chief operating decision makers for making decisions, allocating resources and assessing performance. Based on this assessment, the Group has determined that it has two operating and reportable segments, which are direct sales, net and distribution sales, net.

 

The Group’s chief operating decision maker evaluates segment performance based on revenues, cost of revenues and gross profit. Accordingly, all expenses are considered corporate level activities and are not allocated to segments. Therefore, it is not practical to show profit or loss by reportable segments. Also, the Group’s chief decision maker does not assign assets to these segments.

 

The Group’s revenues are all generated from direct sales platform and nationwide distribution networks in the PRC. The revenues by each group of similar products are as follows:

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
Product  2013   2014   2015 
Electronic learning products  $40,902,630   $44,137,557   $24,637,772 
Health products   10,098,466    9,876,415    8,101,683 
Collectible products   29,642,629    15,413,624    5,646,352 
Mobile phones   25,923,877    6,000,241    5,032,111 
Kitchen and household   27,008,095    9,809,998    1,591,090 
Fitness products   38,427,278    4,554,072    765,679 
Cosmetics products   2,311,099    853,133    220,364 
Consumer electronics products   807,764    61,161    88,811 
Auto products   323,920    191,314    49,461 
Other products   9,704,266    4,056,928    1,519,250 
                
Total gross revenues  $185,150,024   $94,954,443   $47,652,573 
Less: sales taxes   (439,144)   (199,721)   (106,962)
                
Total revenues, net  $184,710,880   $94,754,722   $47,545,611 

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

20. Segment and geographic information—(Continued)

 

The gross profit by segments is as follows:

 

Year ended December 31, 2013  Direct sales   Distribution sales   Total 
Revenue, net  $136,416,423   $48,294,457   $184,710,880 
Cost of revenue   57,445,266    35,046,146    92,491,412 
Gross profit  $78,971,157   $13,248,311   $92,219,468 

 

Year ended December 31, 2014  Direct sales   Distribution sales   Total 
Revenue, net  $45,232,943   $49,521,779   $94,754,722 
Cost of revenue   24,352,882    32,570,037    56,922,919 
Gross profit  $20,880,061   $16,951,742   $37,831,803 

  

Year ended December 31, 2015  Direct sales   Distribution sales   Total 
Revenue, net  $19,405,793   $28,139,818   $47,545,611 
Cost of revenue   13,388,423    21,498,735    34,887,158 
Gross profit  $6,017,370   $6,641,083   $12,658,453 

 

Geographic information

 

The Group operates in the PRC and all of the Group’s long-lived assets are located in the PRC.

 

In 2013, 2014 and 2015, no customer accounted for 10% or more of the Group’s net revenues.

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

21. Related party transactions

 

In 2014 and 2015, the Group entered into a series of business cooperation with certain entities in which Mr. Robert W. Roche, a major shareholder, a director the executive chairman and CEO of Acorn International, owns substantial equity interests. The table below sets forth major related parties and their relationships with the Group:

 

Company Name   Relationship with the Group
     
Dreamstart (Hong Kong) Ltd., (“Dreamstart”)   Affiliate of CEO of the Group
China Branding Group (“ CBG”)   Affiliate of the Group
JG Fashion Group LLC (“JG Fashion”)   Affiliate of CEO of the Group
Ryecor China Investment Limited (“Ryecor”)   Affiliate of CEO of the Group
Acorn Composite Corporation (“Acorn Composite”)   Affiliate of CEO of the Group
Lu&co Consultancy Co., Ltd (“Lu&co”)   Affiliate of VP of the Group

 

Details of the transactions for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 were as follows: 

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Dreamstart  $—   $1,187,922   $1,611,256 
CBG  $—   $391,800   $208,330 
JG Fashion  $—   $309,473   $207,461 
Lu&co  $—   $—   $9,402 

 

During 2014 and 2015, the Group paid $1.2 million and $1.6 million respectively to Dreamstart for the use of the call center management system.

 

In 2014, the Group received advertising production, celebrity endorsement service from CBG and paid $0.4 million. In 2015, the Group paid $0.2 million as settlement of all previous dispute outstanding items, such as advertising production fee, loan receivable and lease receivable.

 

Lu&co, a company wholly owned by Ms. Jan Jie Lu, Business Operation Vice President of the Group, entered into a consultancy agreement with the Group on September 1, 2015 prior to Ms. Lu joining the Group. Under the agreement, the Group should pay Lu&co the consultancy fees of RMB15,000 per month for a term of 12 months. The agreement remains in effective after Ms. Lu became an employee of the Group. In 2015, the Group paid $9,402 to Lu&co in total.

 

In 2014 and 2015, the Group purchased fashion accessories such as shoes and handbags for Internet sales from JG Fashion and paid $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

 

Furthermore, the Group leased out vacant premises to CBG and provided administrative and human resources services to CBG in 2014. And the amount was then fully settled with CBG in 2015. Details of the transactions and balances for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 were as follows: 

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
Other transactions with CBG  2013   2014   2015 
Lease income  $—   $97,635   $— 
Service income  $—   $48,818   $— 

 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, the balance due from and due to related parties were as follows:

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Other receivables-CBG  $168,303   $— 
Other receivables-Ryecor  $—   $77,597 
Other payables-Mr. Robert W. Roche  $—   $924,757 

 

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ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2014 AND 2015

(In US dollars, except share data, unless otherwise stated)

  

21. Related party transactions—(Continued)

 

The amount due from CBG as of December 31, 2014 is mainly contributed from the lease income and service income during 2014. Besides, on July 4, 2013, the Group provided a related party loan of $21,850 bearing interest at a rate of 7% per annum to CBG. The loan and the other receivable balance related to lease and service income were all settled in 2015.

 

The Group’s CEO Mr. Roche has incurred certain costs amounting to $ 924,757 on behalf and for the benefit of the Group for the purpose of securing the commercial and business interests of the Group during 2015 when Mr. Roche and Mr. Don Dongjie Yang (Ex-CEO), as well as various other shareholders, have been involved in an ongoing dispute with each other for the control of the Group’s strategic direction and the Group’s board of directors. The nature of the costs included the payroll expense, travelling expenses. Upon the settlement of the dispute, the Group’s board of directors approved to reimburse these costs and the Group accrued the liability due to Mr. Roche and recorded the amount in general and administrative expense for the year ended of December 31, 2015.

 

During 2015, other cash payment to related parties regarding the convertible loan is as followed (refer to Note 10):

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
Cash payment to the related party (see Note 10)  2014   2015 
Acorn Composite  $—   $1,870,547 
Ryecor  $—   $1,154,386 

 

On May 27, 2015, to facilitate the settlement among shareholders, the Group entered into a Transitional Services and Separation Agreement ("TSSA") with Mr. Don Dongjie Yang (Ex-CEO) to acquire all of his ordinary shares in the Group (6,518,656 ordinary shares) held by his wholly-own company, D.Y. Capital, for $750,000. The Group cancelled the shares upon repurchase. This was recorded as a repurchase and cancellation of ordinary shares in 2015.

 

22. Restricted net assets

 

Relevant PRC laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Group’s PRC subsidiaries only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. As a result of these PRC laws and regulations, the Group’s PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their abilities to transfer a portion of their net assets either in the form of dividends, loans or advances, which restricted portion amounted to $56,560,142 as of December 31, 2015. This amount is made up of the registered equity of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries and the statutory reserves disclosed in Note 16. In addition, as a result of the Group’s restructuring effective January 1, 2005, retained earnings of $20,336,734 related to the pre-restructuring companies was unavailable for distribution as a normal dividend to Acorn International in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations.

 

23. Subsequent events

 

From January 2016, the Group started to sell its shares in Yimeng. Till April 30, 2016, the Group sold about 5.9 million shares, with the cash consideration amount of RMB 94.6 million, and the remaining shares are about 39.3 million shares.

 

On April 8, 2016, the Group granted 2,800,000 Restricted Shares under the 2006 Plan to Jacob Fisch, President of the Group. The grant include time-based shares of 1,800,000 shares, among which 600,000 shares vested on April 8, 2016 and the remaining shares shall vest in two installments on May 4, 2016 and 2017, respectively, and performance-based shares of 1,000,000 shares which shall vest upon certain performance targets being met. As of the date of this annual report, 400,000 performance-based shares have been vested as one performance target was met.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION—FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE I

 

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

 

BALANCE SHEETS

(In US dollars, except share data)

 

   December 31, 
   2014   2015 
Assets          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $4,928,041   $2,113,203 
Other current assets   88,420    112,808 
Amounts due from subsidiaries   8,881,560    5,702,990 
           
Total current assets   13,898,021    7,929,001 
Investments in subsidiaries   86,826,444    170,889,687 
Convertible loan   —    2,010,838 
Total assets  $100,724,465   $180,829,526 
           
Liabilities and equity          
Current liabilities:          
Other current liabilities  $206,414   $1,717,051 
Amount due to subsidiaries   849,784    792,257 
Current portion of long-term debt   8,506,324    — 
Total current liabilities   9,562,522    2,509,308 
Total liabilities   9,562,522    2,509,308 
           
Equity:          
Ordinary shares ($0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 95,237,174 and 89,018,518 shares issued and 82,749,791 and 76,531,135 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively)   952,372    890,185 
Additional paid-in capital   161,924,810    161,308,330 
Accumulated deficits   (86,190,592)   (126,349,246)
Accumulated other comprehensive income   34,584,804    162,580,400 
Treasury stock, at cost (12,487,383 and 12,487,383 shares as of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively)   (20,109,451)   (20,109,451)
Total equity   91,161,943    178,320,218 
Total liabilities and equity  $100,724,465   $180,829,526 

 

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In US dollars)

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Operating expenses:               
Other selling and marketing expenses  $640   $357   $207,461 
General and administrative expenses   1,131,520    1,888,954    2,638,398 
Total operating expenses   1,132,160    1,889,311    2,845,859 
Loss from operations   (1,132,160)   (1,889,311)   (2,845,859)
Other expenses   (113,301)   (189,653)   112,848 
Loss before income taxes   (1,245,461)   (2,078,964)   (2,733,011)
Income taxes   —    —    — 
Equity in losses of subsidiaries   (38,650,417)   (42,249,948)   (37,425,643)
Net loss of Acorn International, Inc. shareholders  $(39,895,878)  $(44,328,912)  $(40,158,654)

 

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

 

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In US dollars, except share data)

             
   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Net loss  $(39,895,878)  $(44,328,912)  $(40,158,654)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax               
Foreign currency translation adjustments   4,564,209    (700,108)   (2,933,003)
Comprehensive loss of Acorn International, Inc.   (35,331,669)   (45,029,020)   (43,091,657)

 

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In US dollars)

 

   For the years ended December 31, 
   2013   2014   2015 
Operating activities:               
Net loss attributable to Acorn International, Inc. shareholders  $(39,895,878)  $(44,328,912)  $(40,158,654)
Share-based compensation   446,412    428,000    71,333 
Equity in losses of subsidiaries   38,650,417    42,249,948    37,425,643 
Accrued interests on long-term debt   152,931    4,126    — 
Accrued interests on convertible loan   —    —    (140,291)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:               
Other current assets   19,260    (19,267    (24,389)
Other current liabilities   (72,509)   (48,564    1,135,638 
Net cash used in operating activities  $(699,367)  $(1,714,669)  $(1,690,720)
                
Investing activities:               
Cash received from capital deduction of YiyangYukang   —    3,056,479    — 
Cash paid for convertible loan   —    —    (1,870,547)
Dividend received   —    —    6,506,710 
Net cash provided by investing activities  $—   $3,056,479   $4,636,163 
                
Financing activities:               
Increase in long-term debt   8,450,000    —    — 
Repayment of Long-term debt   —    —    (8,506,324)
Amounts due from subsidiaries   —    27,643    3,178,570 
Amounts due to subsidiaries   —    849,784    (57,527)
Repurchase of ordinary shares   (8,645,505)   —    (375,000)
Net cash used in financing activities  $(195,505)  $877,427   $(5,760,281)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  $(894,872)  $2,219,237   $(2,814,838)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year   3,603,676    2,708,804    4,928,041 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year  $2,708,804   $4,928,041   $2,113,203 

 

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY

 

Note to Schedule I

 

1) Schedule I has been provided pursuant to the requirements of Rule 12-04(a) and 5-04(c) of Regulation S-X, which require condensed financial information as to the financial position, changes in financial position and results of operations of a parent company as of the same dates and for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements have been presented when the restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries exceed 25 percent of consolidated net assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year.

 

2) As disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands (“BVI”) on March 4, 2004 to be the holding company of the Group. The Group is an integrated multi-platform marketing company in China which develops, promotes and sells products. The Group’s two primary sales platforms are integrated direct sales and a nationwide distribution network. Direct sales platforms include outbound marketing platform (which until early 2015 included TV direct sales) and Internet sales platform.

  

3) The condensed financial information has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in the consolidated financial statements except that the equity method has been used to account for investments in its subsidiaries and VIE. For the parent company, the Company records its investments in subsidiaries and VIE under the equity method of accounting as prescribed in ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures .. Such investments are presented on the Condensed Balance Sheets as “Investment in subsidiaries and VIE” and the subsidiaries and VIE’ profit or loss as “Equity in income/loss of subsidiaries” on the Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Loss. Ordinarily under the equity, an investor in an equity method investee would cease to recognize its share of the losses of an investee once the carrying value of the investment has been reduced to nil absent an undertaking by the investor to provide continuing support and fund losses. For the purpose of this Schedule I, the parent company has continued to reflect its share, based on its proportionate interest, of the losses of subsidiaries and VIE regardless of the carrying value of the investment even though the parent company is not obligated to provide continuing support or fund losses.

  

4) As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, there were no material contingencies, significant provisions of long-term obligations, mandatory dividend or redemption requirements of redeemable stocks or guarantees of the Company. Nil, nil and $6,506,710 dividend was paid by the Company's subsidiaries to the Company in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

 

* * *

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION—FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE II

 

ACORN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

Description   Balance at
Beginning
of Year		     Charged to
Costs and
Expenses		     Write-off    

Balance at End

of Year

  
       
Allowance for accounts receivable                                
-2015   $ 3,127,348     $ 2,270,818     $ —     $ 5,398,166  
-2014   $ 3,508,859     $ (180,039 )   $ (201,472 )   $ 3,127,348  
-2013   $ 4,127,947     $ (16,491 )   $ (602,597 )   $ 3,508,859  
Allowance for prepaid advertising expenses                                
-2015   $ —     $ 1,107,706     $ —     $ 1,107,706  
-2014   $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —  
-2013   $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —  
Allowance for prepaid expenses and current assets                                
-2015   $ 127,192     $ 478,253     $ —     $ 605,445  
-2014   $ 127,653     $ (461 )   $ —     $ 127,192  
-2013   $ 123,823     $ 3,830     $ —     $ 127,653  
Allowance for deferred tax assets                                
-2015   $ 30,287,901     $ 5,369,693     $ —     $ 35,657,594  
-2014   $ 20,170,712     $ 10,117,189     $ —     $ 30,287,901  
-2013   $ 10,984,254     $ 9,186,458     $ —     $ 20,170,712  

 

 F-45