XML 27 R30.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.3
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated interim financial information as of September 30, 2019 and for the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Certain information and footnote disclosures which are normally included in consolidated financial statements ("CFS")prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") were not included. The interim consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and the notes thereto, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, previously filed with the SEC on April 16, 2019. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the Company's consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2019, results of operations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, as applicable, were made. The interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

  

The financial statements included herein were prepared by the Company, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the operating results for the respective periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally present in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP were omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.

Basis of Consolidation

Basis of Consolidation

  

The CFS include the accounts of CREG and its subsidiaries, Shanghai Yinghua Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. ("Yinghua") and Sifang Holdings; Sifang Holdings' wholly owned subsidiaries, Huahong New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. ("Huahong") and Shanghai TCH Energy Tech Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai TCH"); Shanghai TCH's wholly-owned subsidiary, Xi'an TCH Energy Tech Co., Ltd. ("Xi'an TCH"); and Xi'an TCH's subsidiaries, 1) Erdos TCH Energy Saving Development Co., Ltd ("Erdos TCH"), 100% owned by Xi'an TCH (See note 1), 2) Zhonghong, 90% owned by Xi'an TCH and 10% owned by Shanghai TCH, and 3) Zhongxun, 100% owned by Xi'an TCH. Substantially all the Company's revenues are derived from the operations of Shanghai TCH and its subsidiaries, which represent substantially all the Company's consolidated assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2019. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions were eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

  

In preparing these CFS in accordance with US GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the balance sheets as well as revenues and expenses during the period reported. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

  

Sales-type Leasing and Related Revenue Recognition

  

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 842 using the modified retrospective transition approach by applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. Results and disclosure requirements for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019 are presented under ASC Topic 842, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting under Topic 840. The new standard establishes a right-of-use ("ROU") model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. 

 

The Company constructs and leases waste energy recycling power generating projects to its customers. The Company typically transfers ownership of the waste energy recycling power generating projects to its customers at the end of the lease. Prior to January 1, 2019, the investment in these projects was recorded as investment in sales-type leases in accordance with ASC Topic 840, "Leases," and its various amendments and interpretations.

  

The Company finances construction of waste energy recycling power generating projects. The sales and cost of sales are recognized at the inception of the lease. The investment in sales-type leases consists of the sum of the minimum lease payments receivable less unearned interest income and estimated executory cost. Minimum lease payments are part of the lease agreement between the Company (as the lessor) and the customer (as the lessee). The discount rate implicit in the lease is used to calculate the present value of minimum lease payments. The minimum lease payments consist of the gross lease payments net of executory costs and contingent rentals, if any. Unearned interest is amortized to income over the lease term to produce a constant periodic rate of return on net investment in the lease. While revenue is recognized at the inception of the lease, the cash flow from the sales-type lease occurs over the course of the lease, which results in interest income and reduction of receivables. Revenue is recognized net of sales tax. 

  

Leases

  

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The new standard establishes a right-of-use ("ROU") model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company adopted this ASU on CFS on January 1, 2019 and concluded the adoption of this new AUS did not have a material impact to the Company's CFS. 

  

Contingent Rental Income

  

The Company records income from actual electricity usage in addition to minimum lease payments of each project as contingent rental income in the period contingent rental income is earned. Contingent rent is not part of minimum lease payments.

Cash and Equivalents

Cash and Equivalents

  

Cash and equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits placed with banks or other financial institutions and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less as of the purchase date of such investments.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

 

The Company's accounts receivable arise from sale of system and sale of electricity of Erdos. The Company does not adjust its receivables for the effects of a significant financing component at contract inception if it expects to collect the receivables in one year or less from the time of sale. The Company does not expect to collect receivables greater than one year from the time of sale.

 

The Company's policy is to maintain an allowance for potential credit losses on accounts receivable. Management reviews the composition of accounts receivable and analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to evaluate the adequacy of these reserves. 

 

As of September 30, 2019, the Company had gross accounts receivable of $49.67 million; of which, $34.93 million was for transferring the ownership of Huayu and Shenqiu Phase I and II systems to Mr. Bai; $11.31 million was from the sales of CDQ and a CDQ WHPG system to Zhongtai, and $3.43 million accounts receivable of Erdos TCH for the electricity sold. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had accounts receivable of $15,252,162 (from the sales of CDQ and a CDQ WHPG system to Zhongtai, and accounts receivable of Erdos TCH for electricity sold). As of September 30, 2019, the Company had bad debt allowance of $5,655,389 for Zhongtai and $342,686 for Erdos TCH due to not making the payments as scheduled. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had bad debt allowance of $3,496,911 for Zhongtai due to not making the payments as scheduled.

Interest Receivable on Sales Type Leases

Interest Receivable on Sales Type Leases

  

As of September 30, 2019, the interest receivable on sales type leases was $5,173,531, mainly from recognized but not yet collected interest income for the Pucheng systems. As of December 31, 2018, the interest receivable on sales type leases was $9,336,140, mainly from recognized but not yet collected interest income for the Pucheng and Shenqiu systems. As of April 1, 2018, the Company stopped accruing interest receivable on the Pucheng lease as the Pucheng lease was at least one year overdue in its payments.

Investment in sales-type leases, net

Investment in sales-type leases, net 

  

The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses on receivables. Management reviews the composition of receivables and analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit worthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment patterns to evaluate the adequacy of these reserves. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had bad debt allowance for net investment receivable on sales-type leases of $24,082,622 for the Pucheng systems (including $2.63 million additional bade debt recorded in the quarter ended September 30, 2019 due to the possible sale of the Pucheng System described in Note 1). As of December 31, 2018, the Company had bad debt allowance for net investment receivable of $29,276,658 ($7,274,872 for the Shenqiu systems and $22,071,360 for the Pucheng systems) due to lessees' tight working capital and continuous delay in making the payment.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained within China. Balances at financial institutions within China are not covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

 

Certain other financial instruments, which subject the Company to concentration of credit risk, consist of accounts and other receivables. The Company does not require collateral or other security to support these receivables. The Company conducts periodic reviews of its customers' financial condition and customer payment practices to minimize collection risk on accounts receivable.

  

The operations of the Company are in the PRC. Accordingly, the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced by the political, economic and legal environments in the PRC.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

  

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; additions, renewals and betterments are capitalized. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts, and any gain or loss is included in operations. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated lives as follows:

  

Building   20 years
Vehicles   2 - 5 years
Office and Other Equipment   2 - 5 years
Software   2 - 3 years
Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

  

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360, "Property, Plant, and Equipment," the Company reviews its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be fully recoverable. If the total expected undiscounted future net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying amount of the asset. The Company recorded no asset impairment loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The Company recorded asset impairment loss of $28,429,789 for three projects for the year ended December 31, 2018.

  

On January 4, 2019, Xi'an Zhonghong, Xi'an TCH, and Mr. Chonggong Bai entered into a Projects Transfer Agreement for Xi'an Zhonghong to transfer the Xuzhou Huayu Project to Mr. Bai for RMB 120,000,000 ($17.52 million), which transfer price was considered the fair value ("FV") of the project. The Company compared the carrying value and FV of the Huayu project, and recorded asset impairment loss of $6,528,120 for the project for the year ended December 31, 2018.

  

On December 29, 2018, Xi'an Zhonghong, Xi'an TCH, HYREF, Guohua Ku, and Mr. Chonggong Bai entered into a CDQ WHPG Station Fixed Assets Transfer Agreement for Xi'an Zhonghong to transfer Chengli CDQ WHPG station as the repayment of a loan for RMB 188,639,400 ($27.54 million) to HYREF. The transfer price was considered the FV of the system. The Company compared the carrying value and FV of the Chengli system, and recorded asset impairment loss of $8,124,968 for the system for the year ended December 31, 2018.

  

As of December 31, 2018, the progress of the Xuzhou Tian'an project is slow due to strict environmental protection policies. The Company estimated the FV of the Xuzhou Tian'an project to be around RMB 172,250,000 ($25.58 million). The Company compared the carrying value and FV of the Tian'an Project, and recorded asset impairment loss of $13,512,592 for the project for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Notes Payable - Banker's Acceptances

Notes Payable – Banker's Acceptances

  

The Company endorses banker's acceptances that are issued from a bank to vendors as payment for its obligations. Most of the banker's acceptances have maturity dates of less than six months following their issuance.

Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales

  

Cost of sales consists primarily of the direct material of the power generating system and expenses incurred directly for project construction for sales-type leasing and sales tax and additions for contingent rental income. 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

  

Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates, applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

  

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 740, which prescribes a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, accounting for income taxes in interim periods, and income tax disclosures.

  

Under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, when tax returns are filed, it is likely that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.

  

CREG is subject to U.S. corporate income taxes on its taxable income at a rate of 21% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and U.S. corporate income tax on its taxable income of up to 35% for prior tax years. To the extent that portions of its U.S. taxable income, such as Subpart F income or GILTI, are determined to be from sources outside of the U.S., subject to certain limitations, the Company may be able to claim foreign tax credits to offset its U.S. income tax liabilities. Any remaining liabilities are accrued in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income and estimated tax payments are made when required by U.S. law.

  

The Act also created new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings such as global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") under IRC Section 951A, which is effective for the Company for tax years beginning after January 1, 2018. For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company calculated its best estimate of the impact of the GILTI in its income tax provision in accordance with its understanding of the Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests

  

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 810, "Consolidation," which established new standards governing the accounting for and reporting of noncontrolling interests ("NCIs") in partially owned consolidated subsidiaries and the loss of control of subsidiaries. Certain provisions of this standard indicate, among other things, that NCIs (previously referred to as minority interests) be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability (as was previously the case), that increases and decreases in the parent's ownership interest that leave control intact be treated as equity transactions rather than as step acquisitions or dilution gains or losses, and that losses of a partially-owned consolidated subsidiary be allocated to NCIs even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance.  

  

The net income (loss) attributed to NCIs was separately designated in the accompanying statements of income and comprehensive income (loss). Losses attributable to NCIs in a subsidiary may exceed an NCI's interests in the subsidiary's equity. The excess attributable to NCIs is attributed to those interests. NCIs shall continue to be attributed their share of losses even if that attribution results in a deficit NCI balance. There is no NCI for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019.

Statement of Cash Flows

Statement of Cash Flows

  

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows," cash flows from the Company's operations are calculated based upon the local currencies. As a result, amounts related to assets and liabilities reported on the statement of cash flows may not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the balance sheet.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

  

For certain of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term debts, the carrying amounts approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. Receivables on sales-type leases are based on interest rates implicit in the lease.

  

FASB ASC Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," requires disclosure of the FV of financial instruments held by the Company. FASB ASC Topic 825, "Financial Instruments," defines FV, and establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of FV measurement that enhances disclosure requirements for FV measures. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for receivables and current liabilities each qualify as financial instruments and are a reasonable estimate of their FV because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and their current market rate of interest. The three levels of valuation hierarchy are defined as follows:

  

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

  

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

  

  Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to FV measurement.

  

The Company analyzes all financial instruments with features of both liabilities and equity under FASB ASC 480, "Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity," and ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging."

 

As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company did not have any long-term debt obligations; and the Company did not identify any assets or liabilities that are required to be presented on the balance sheet at FV.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

  

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 "Compensation—Stock Compensation," and FASB ASC Topic 505, "Equity." The Company recognizes in its statement of operations FV at the grant date for stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees and non-employees. 

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

  

The Company presents net income (loss) per share ("EPS") in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 260, "Earning Per Share." Accordingly, basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, without consideration for common stock equivalents. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding as well as common share equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury-stock method for stock options and warrants and the if-converted method for convertible notes. The Company made an accounting policy election to use the if-converted method for convertible securities that are eligible to receive common stock dividends, if declared. Diluted EPS reflect the potential dilution that could occur based on the exercise of stock options or warrants or conversion of convertible securities using the if-converted method.

  

For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the basic and diluted loss per share were the same due to antidilutive options and warrants resulting from the Company's net loss. For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019, 4,067,641 shares purchasable under warrants and options were excluded from the EPS calculation, as their effects were anti-dilutive.  For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2018, 9,000 shares purchasable under options were excluded from the EPS calculation, as their effects were anti-dilutive.

Foreign Currency Translation and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Foreign Currency Translation and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  

The Company's functional currency is the Renminbi ("RMB"). For financial reporting purposes, RMB were translated into United States Dollars ("USD" or "$") as the reporting currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the reporting period. Translation adjustments arising from the use of different exchange rates from period to period are included as a component of stockholders' equity as "Accumulated other comprehensive income." Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in income. There was no significant fluctuation in the exchange rate for the conversion of RMB to USD after the balance sheet date.    

  

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 220, "Comprehensive Income." Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and all changes to the statements of stockholders' equity, except those due to investments by stockholders, changes in paid-in capital and distributions to stockholders.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

  

FASB ASC Topic 280, "Segment Reporting," requires use of the "management approach" model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a company's management organizes segments within the company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company. FASB ASC Topic 280 has no effect on the Company's CFS as substantially all of the Company's operations are conducted in one industry segment. All of the Company's assets are located in the PRC.

Reclassification

Reclassification

  

Certain prior period balance sheet accounts were reclassified for the purpose of consistency with the current year's presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements

  

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its CFS.    

  

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its FV, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The guidance should be adopted on a prospective basis for the annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its CFS.

  

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, "Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which expands the scope of ASC 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from non-employees. An entity should apply the requirements of ASC 718 to non-employee awards except for specific guidance on inputs to an option pricing model and the attribution of cost. The amendments specify that ASC 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor's own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The new guidance is effective for SEC filers for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 (i.e., January 1, 2020, for calendar year entities). Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effects of the adoption of this guidance and currently believes that it will impact the accounting of the share-based awards granted to non-employees.

  

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the SEC did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future CFS.