UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

For the transition period from            to

 

Commission File Number: 001-34373

 

CHINA NATURAL GAS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 98-0231607

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

19th Floor, Building B, Van Metropolis

35 Tang Yan Road, Hi-Tech Zone

Xi’an, 710065, Shaanxi Province, China

+86-29-8832-7391

 

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s

principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ¨  No x

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of May 10, 2012 was 21,458,654.

 

 
 

 

Index

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION    
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)   2
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011   2
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011   3
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011   4
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements   5
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   25
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   39
Item 4. Controls and Procedures   41
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION    
Item 1. Legal Proceedings   43
Item 1A. Risk Factors   43
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   44
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities   44
Item 4. Removed and Reserved   44
Item 5. Other Information   44
Item 6. Exhibits   44
Signatures   45

 

1
 

  

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

CHINA NATURAL GAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $7,007,512   $9,622,883 
Restricted cash   792,000    - 
Accounts receivable, net   1,780,849    2,997,845 
Other receivables, net   1,457,428    540,646 
Employee advances   375,733    285,270 
Inventories   1,827,300    1,938,754 
Advances to suppliers   7,522,638    4,540,139 
Prepaid expense and other current assets   1,356,542    4,470,687 
Total current assets   22,120,002    24,396,224 
           
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures   1,584,000    1,574,000 
Property and equipment, net   190,730,403    174,097,754 
Construction in progress   40,193,213    45,882,320 
Deferred financing cost, net   414,876    517,334 
Goodwill   633,730    629,729 
Other intangible assets   20,256,737    18,910,244 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   4,383,267    10,976,203 
TOTAL ASSETS  $280,316,228   $276,983,808 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
           
CURRENT LIABILITIES:          
Senior notes- current maturities  $13,164,008   $9,671,682 
Current portion of bank loan payable   5,544,000    4,722,000 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   8,756,354    7,694,423 
Other payable - related party   1,734,633    787,000 
Short-term borrowing - related party   2,679,945    1,359,945 
Unearned revenue   5,664,122    4,280,594 
Accrued interest   544,726    1,029,431 
Taxes payable   2,055,813    2,626,271 
Total current liabilities   40,143,601    32,171,346 
           
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:          
Senior notes, net of current portion   19,746,011    25,791,151 
Bank loan payable, net of current portion   7,920,000    9,444,000 
Borrowings - related party   -    1,320,000 
Warrants liability   17,500,000    17,500,000 
Total long-term liabilities   45,166,011    54,055,151 
Total liabilities   85,309,612    86,226,497 
           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES          
           
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:          
Preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 5,000,000 authorized, none issued and outstanding   -    - 
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 45,000,000 authorized, 21,458,654 and 21,458,654 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively   2,145    2,145 
Additional paid-in capital   83,057,523    82,909,485 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   21,576,294    19,817,493 
Statutory reserves   10,529,185    10,124,710 
Retained earnings   79,674,808    77,903,478 
Total China Natural Gas, Inc. stockholders' equity   194,839,955    190,757,311 
Noncontrolling interests   166,661    - 
Total stockholders' equity   195,006,616    190,757,311 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  $280,316,228   $276,983,808 

 

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

 

2
 

  

CHINA NATURAL GAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 

   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Revenue          
Natural gas  $29,399,687   $20,347,829 
Gasoline   825,895    1,307,174 
Installation and other   2,051,736    2,453,105 
    32,277,318    24,108,108 
           
Cost of revenue          
Natural gas   19,274,859    12,099,451 
Gasoline   788,144    1,224,724 
Installation and other   852,245    1,063,632 
    20,915,248    14,387,807 
           
Gross profit   11,362,070    9,720,301 
           
Operating expenses          
Selling   4,950,800    3,579,921 
General and administrative   2,711,646    2,910,971 
    7,662,446    6,490,892 
           
Income from operations   3,699,624    3,229,409 
           
Other income (expense)          
Interest income   10,746    6,649 
Interest expense   (432,037)   (4,668)
Other income (expense), net   (33,093)   96,956 
Change in fair value of warrants   (83)   116,180 
Foreign currency exchange loss   (505,940)   (3,042)
    (960,407)   212,075 
           
Income before income tax   2,739,217    3,441,484 
           
Provision for income tax   791,471    955,653 
           
Net income   1,947,746    2,485,831 
Less: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (228,059)   - 
Net income attributable to China Natural Gas, Inc.   2,175,805    2,485,831 
           
Other comprehensive income          
Foreign currency translation gain   1,758,800    1,448,655 
Comprehensive income  $3,934,605   $3,934,486 
           
Weighted average shares outstanding          
Basic   21,458,654    21,321,904 
Diluted   21,458,654    21,358,755 
           
Earnings per share          
Basic  $0.10   $0.12 
Diluted  $0.10   $0.12 

 

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

 

3
 

  

CHINA NATURAL GAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net income attributable to China Natural Gas, Inc.  $2,175,805   $2,485,831 
Add: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   (228,059)   - 
Net income   1,947,746    2,485,831 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash  provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   3,411,668    1,821,365 
(Recovery of) Provision for doublful accounts   284,740    264,367 
Stock-based compensation   148,038    160,897 
Change in fair value of warrants   83    (116,180)
Change in assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   1,272,022    (598,060)
Other receivables   (1,196,797)   15,304 
Employee advances   (88,962)   35,837 
Inventories   124,084    (464,199)
Advances to suppliers   (2,961,113)   (673,722)
Prepaid expense and other current assets   3,195,216    (580,447)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   997,587    (97,201)
Unearned revenue   1,359,757    (569,659)
Accrued interest   (484,705)   (141,855)
Taxes payable   (588,625)   915,305 
Net cash provided by operating activities   7,420,739    2,457,583 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Payment for acquisition of property and equipment   (3,192,954)   (105,124)
Additions to construction in progress   (4,744,279)   (4,845,643)
Prepayment on long-term assets   4,962,691    (687,313)
Payment for acquisition of business   (657,421)   - 
Payment for intangible assets   (1,506,029)   (71,138)
Net cash used in investing activities   (5,137,992)   (5,709,218)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
           
Proceeds from short-term debt and other payable, related parties   -    2,081,000 
Repayment of long-term debt   (794,000)   - 
Repayment of senior notes   (3,333,334)   - 
Increase in restricted cash   (794,000)   - 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (4,921,334)   2,081,000 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   23,216    55,550 
           
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (2,615,371)   (1,115,085)
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   9,622,883    10,046,249 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD  $7,007,512   $8,931,164 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:          
Interest paid, including capitalized interest  $1,194,334   $1,406,911 
Income taxes paid  $1,143,667   $- 
           
Non-cash transactions for investing and financing activities:          
Construction materials transferred to Construction in progress  $67,185   $4,960,793 
Construction in progress transferred to property and equipment  $15,506,551   $- 
Advances to suppliers transferred to construction in progress  $-   $7,480,412 
Capitalized interest - amortization of discount of notes payable and issuance cost  $1,016,672   $1,016,146 
Other assets transferred to construction in progress  $671,615   $545,354 

 

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

 

4
 

 

China Natural Gas, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1 - Organization

 

Organization and Line of Business

 

China Natural Gas, Inc. (the “Company,” “our,” “us” or “we”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on March 31, 1999. The Company through its wholly owned subsidiaries and variable interest entity (“VIE”), Xi’an Xilan Natural Gas Co., Ltd. (“XXNGC”) and subsidiaries of its VIE, which are located in Hong Kong, Shaanxi Province, Henan Province and Hubei Province in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), engages in sales and distribution of natural gas and gasoline to commercial, industrial and residential customers through fueling stations and pipelines, construction of pipeline networks, installation of natural gas fittings and parts for end-users, and conversions of gasoline-fueled vehicles to hybrid (natural gas/gasoline) powered vehicles at automobile conversion sites. The condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 include the accounts of China Natural Gas, Inc. and subsidiaries and VIE. Our subsidiaries are: Xilan Energy Co. Ltd. (“XEC”), Shaanxi Xilan Natural Gas Equipment Co. Ltd (“SXNGE”), Hubei Xian Natural Gas Co., Ltd (“HBXNG”), Lingbao Yuxi Natural Gas Co. Ltd. (“LYNG”), Shaanxi Jingbian Liquefied Natural Gas Co. Ltd (“JBLNG”), Henan Xilan Natural Gas Co. Ltd (“HXNGC”), Xi’an Xilan Auto Body Shop Co, Ltd. (“XXABC”), Henan CNPC Kunlun Xilan Compressed Natural Gas Co., Ltd (“JV”), Hanchuan Makou Yuntong Compressed Natural Gas Co., Ltd (“Makou”) and Xiantao City Jinhua Gas And Oil Co., Ltd. (“XTJH”).

 

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of operating results expected for the full year or future interim periods. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed on April 2, 2012(the "2011 Annual Report").

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory obsolescence, construction in progress, warrants liability and useful lives of property and equipment. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries and its 100% VIE, XXNGC, and XXNGC’s subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

5
 

 

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entity

 

VIEs are entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision-making ability. Any VIE with which the Company is involved must be evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary of the risks and rewards of the VIE. Management makes ongoing reassessments of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of XXNGC.

 

On February 21, 2006, the Company formed SXNGE as a wholly foreign owned enterprise (“WFOE”) under the laws of the PRC. Through SXNGE, the Company entered into exclusive arrangements with XXNGC and its shareholders that give the Company the ability to substantially influence XXNGC’s daily operations and financial affairs and appoint its senior executives. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary of XXNGC and it consolidates its accounts as a VIE. The Company’s arrangements with XXNGC consist of the following agreements:

 

· Consulting Service Agreement, dated August 17, 2007. Under this agreement entered into between SXNGE and XXNGC, SXNGE provides XXNGC exclusive consulting services with respect to XXNGC’s general business operations, human resources and research and development. In return, XXNGC pays a quarterly service fee to SXNGE, which is equal to XXNGC’s revenue for such quarter. The term of this agreement is indefinite unless SXNGE notifies XXNGC of its intention to terminate this agreement. XXNGC may not terminate this agreement during its term. This agreement is retroactive to March 8, 2006.

 

· Operating Agreement, dated August 17, 2007. Under this agreement entered into between SXNGE, on the one hand, and XXNGC and certain shareholders of XXNGC, on the other hand, SXNGE agrees to fully guarantee XXNGC’s performance of all operations-related contracts, agreements or transactions with third parties and, in return, XXNGC agrees to pledge all of its assets, including accounts receivable, to SXNGE. The XXNGC shareholders party to this operating agreement agree to, among other things, appoint as XXNGC’s directors, individuals recommended by XXNGC, and appoint SXNGE’s senior officers as XXNGC’s general manager, chief financial officer and other senior officers. The term of this agreement is indefinite unless SXNGE notifies XXNGC of its intention to terminate this agreement with 30 days prior notice. XXNGC may not terminate this agreement during its term. This agreement is retroactive to March 8, 2006.

 

· Equity Pledge Agreement, dated August 17, 2007. Under this agreement entered into between SXNGE, on the one hand, and XXNGC and certain shareholders of XXNGC, on the other hand, to secure the payment obligations of XXNGC under the consulting service agreement described above, the XXNGC shareholders party to this equity pledge agreement have pledged to SXNGE all of their equity ownership interests in XXNGC. Upon the occurrence of certain events of default specified in this agreement, SXNGE may exercise its rights and foreclose on the pledged equity interest. Under this agreement, the pledgors may not transfer the pledged equity interest without SXNGE’s prior written consent. This agreement will also be binding upon successors of the pledgor and transferees of the pledged equity interest. The term of the pledge is two years after the obligations under the Consulting Service Agreement have been fulfilled. This agreement is retroactive to March 8, 2006.

 

· Option Agreement, dated August 17, 2007. Under this agreement entered into between SXNGE, on the one hand, and XXNGC and certain shareholders of XXNGC, on the other hand, the XXNGC shareholders party to this option agreement irrevocably granted to SXNGE, or any third party designated by SXNGE, the right to acquire, in whole or in part, the respective equity interests in XXNGC of these XXNGC shareholders. The option agreement can be terminated by SXNGE by notifying XXNGC of its intention to terminate this agreement with 30 days prior notice. The option agreement is retroactive to March 8, 2006.

 

· Addendum to the Option Agreement, dated August 8, 2008. Under this addendum to the option agreement entered into between SXNGE, on the one hand, and XXNGC and certain shareholders of XXNGC, on the other hand, the XXNGC shareholders irrevocably granted to SXNGE an option to purchase the XXNGC shareholders’ additional equity interests in XXNGC (the “Additional Equity Interest”) in connection with any increase in XXNGC’s registered capital subsequent to the execution of the option agreement described above, at $1.00 or the lowest price permissible under applicable law at the time that SXNGE exercises the option to purchase the Additional Equity Interest. The option agreement can be terminated by SXNGE by notifying XXNGC of its intention to terminate this agreement with 30 days prior notice. This addendum is retroactive to June 30, 2008.

 

6
 

 

· Proxy Agreement, dated August 17, 2007. Under this agreement entered into between SXNGE, on the one hand, and XXNGC and certain shareholders of XXNGC, on the other hand, the XXNGC shareholders irrevocably granted to SXNGE the right to exercise their shareholder voting rights, including attendance at and voting of their shares at shareholders meetings in accordance with the applicable laws and XXNGC’s articles of association. This agreement is retroactive to March 8, 2006.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of XXNGC and the Company’s and XXNGC’s PRC subsidiaries is the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). The results of operations and financial position of XXNGC and the Company’s and XXNGC’s PRC subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars using the period end exchange rates as to assets and liabilities and weighted average exchange rates as to revenues, expenses and cash flows. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transaction occurred. The resulting currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity.

 

The balance sheet amounts, with the exception of equity, were translated at the March 31, 2012 exchange rate of RMB 6.31 to $1.00 as compared to RMB 6.35 to $1.00 at December 31, 2011. The equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to income and cash flow statement amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were RMB 6.30 and RMB 6.57 to $1.00, respectively.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained with state-owned banks within the PRC, and private sector banks in Hong Kong and the United States. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

 

The Company maintains balances at financial institutions which, from time to time, may exceed Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board (“HKDPB”) insured limits for the banks located in Hong Kong or may exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured limits for the banks located in the United States. Balances at financial institutions or state-owned banks within the PRC are not covered by insurance. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had total deposits of $6,729,092 and $9,236,515, respectively, without insurance coverage or in excess of HKDPB or FDIC insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses to date as a result of this policy.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Management periodically 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 the allowance.

 

Management considers accounts past due after three months. Delinquent account balances are allowed for when management has determined that the likelihood of collection is not probable. Uncollectible receivables are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when identified. The Company recorded allowances for doubtful accounts in the amount of $95,653 and $127,619 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

Employee Advances

 

From time to time, the Company advances predetermined amounts based upon internal Company policy to certain employees and internal units. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had employee advances in the amount of $375,733 and $ 285,270, respectively.

 

7
 

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, as determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Management compares the cost of inventories with the market value, and writes down the inventories to their market value, if lower than cost. Inventories consist of material used in the construction of pipelines, material used in repairing and modifying vehicles and material used in processing LNG. Inventory also consists of LNG and gasoline.

 

The following are the details of the inventories:

 

   March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Materials and supplies  $1,381,063   $1,529,678 
Liquefied natural gas   289,363    298,016 
Gasoline   156,874    111,060 
   $1,827,300   $1,938,754 

 

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

 

Investee companies that are not required to be consolidated, but over which the Company exercises significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to an investee depends on an evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation on the investee company’s board of directors and ownership level, which is generally a 20% to 50% interest in the voting securities of the investee company. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of the investee company is reflected in the caption “other income (expense), net” in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

 

The Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures that are accounted for on the equity method of accounting represents the Company’s 49% interest in the JV. The investment in the JV amounted to $1,584,000 and $1,574,000 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The JV has not had any operations to date.

 

The financial position of the JV is summarized below:

 

   March 31,
2012
   December 31,
2011
 
Current assets  $3,232,653   $3,212,245 
Noncurrent assets   -    - 
Total assets  $3,232,653   $3,212,245 
Current liabilities   -    - 
Noncurrent liabilities   -    - 
Equity  $3,232,653   $3,212,245 
Total liabilities and equity  $3,232,653   $3,212,245 

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings as incurred while additions, renewals and betterments are capitalized. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method for all assets with estimated lives as follows:

 

Office equipment 5 years
Operating equipment 5-20 years
Vehicles 5 years
Buildings and improvements 5-30 years

 

8
 

 

The following are the details of the property and equipment:

 

   March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
         
Office equipment  $850,421   $823,822 
Operating equipment   177,760,305    158,183,281 
Vehicles   3,968,787    3,540,962 
Buildings and improvements   41,633,345    41,713,318 
Total property and equipment   224,212,858    204,261,383 
Less accumulated depreciation   (33,482,455)   (30,163,629)
Property and equipment, net  $190,730,403   $174,097,754 

 

Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $3,189,699 and $1,811,805, respectively.

 

Construction in Progress

 

Construction in progress consists of (1) the costs for constructing compressed natural gas (“CNG”) fueling stations, the liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) project in Jingbian County, and the natural gas infrastructure project in Xi’an Fangzhi District and International Port District, and (2) other costs related to construction in progress projects, including technology licensing fees, equipment purchases, land use rights acquisition costs, capitalized interests and other construction fees. No depreciation is provided for construction in progress until such time as the assets are completed and placed into service. To the extent that the borrowings could have been avoided, should the construction in progress projects not be implemented, interest incurred on such borrowings during construction period is capitalized into construction in progress. All other interest is expensed as incurred.

 

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had construction in progress in the amount of $40,193,213 and $45,882,320, respectively. Interest cost capitalized into construction in progress for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 amounted to $1,451,394, and $2,276,529, respectively.

 

Construction in progress at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is set forth in the table below. The column of “estimated additional cost to complete” reflects the amounts currently estimated by management to be necessary to complete the relevant project. As of March 31, 2012, the Company was not contractually or legally obligated to expend the estimated additional cost to complete these projects, except to the extent reflected in Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Project Description   Location   March 31,
2012
    Commencement
date
  Expected
completion
date
  Estimated
additional cost to
complete
 
Phase I of LNG Project   Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province, PRC   $ 6,812,416 (1)   December 2006   September 2012(2)   $ 382,894 (3)
Phases II and III of LNG Project   Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province, PRC     9,967,330 (4)   December 2006   December 2015     197,520,662 (5)
Fangzhi District   Fangzhi District, Xi’an, PRC     6,762,667     October 2010   June 2012     6,256,872  
Sa Pu Mother Station   Henan Province, PRC     1,158,519     July 2008   June 2013     6,300,000  
International Port(6)   International Port District, Xi’an, PRC     5,826,135     May 2009   December 2020     299,400,000  
LNG fueling stations   Shaanxi & Henan Province, PRC     971,253     Various   Various     11,700,747  
Other Construction in Progress Costs   PRC     8,694,893     Various   Various     2,000,000  
        $ 40,193,213             $ 523,561,175  

 

9
 

 

Project Description   Location   December  31,
2011
    Commencement
date
  Expected
completion
date
  Estimated
additional cost to
complete
 
Phase I of LNG Project   Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province, PRC   $ 6,531,004     December 2006   September 2012   $ 385,359  
Phases II and III of LNG Project   Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province, PRC     8,849,299     December 2006   December 2015     198,638,693  
Fangzhi District   Fangzhi District, Xi’an, PRC     19,346,484     October 2010   June 2012     1,361,198  
Sa Pu Mother Station   Henan Province, PRC     1,090,627     July 2008   June 2013     6,300,000  
International Port   International Port District, Xi’an, PRC     5,715,443     May 2009   December 2020     299,400,000  
LNG fueling stations   Shaanxi & Henan Province, PRC     899,653     Various   Various     11,692,347  
Other Construction in Progress Costs   PRC     3,449,810     Various   Various     3,000,000  
        $ 45,882,320             $ 520,777,597  

 

 

(1)Includes $4,698,036 of construction cost and $2,114,380 of capitalized interest for Phase I of the LNG Project.

 

(2)The Company completed most of the construction of Phase I of the LNG plant and initiated commercial production and sale on July 16, 2011. Phase I of the LNG plant has a processing capacity of 500,000 cubic meters of LNG per day, or approximately 150 million cubic meters of LNG per year. Construction of Phase I of the LNG plant experienced delays due to policy changes with respect to tariff exemptions for core equipments imported by the Company and the increased international shipment time for ordered equipments. As certain facilities, including the staff dormitory building are still under construction, the project hasn’t been completely transferred from construction in progress to property and equipment, though a substantial amount of construction in progress has been transferred to property and equipment.

 

(3)Includes costs the Company expected to expend to complete test runs and make installment payments to contractors. The total expected cost of $68.7million for the construction of Phase I of the LNG project exceeded the amount originally anticipated by the Company. The increased costs were attributable to unforeseen cost overruns and escalations, including increased material and labor costs incurred to reinforce pilings based upon modified engineering analysis, and increased prices for land use rights, which the Company believes resulted from the energy resource exploration activities in nearby areas.

 

(4)Includes $6,873,755 of construction cost and $3,093,575 of capitalized interest for Phases II and III of the LNG project.

 

(5)This amount reflects the estimated costs of Phases II and III of the LNG project from March 31, 2012 to December 31, 2015, including an estimated $180.3 million of construction costs and $16.6 million of capitalized interest. Such costs should be able to finance the construction of a facility capable of processing 3 million cubic meters of LNG per day, or approximately 900 million cubic meters of LNG per year.

 

(6)Xi’an International Port District Committee, a local government agency in the PRC, pursuant to a conditional non-binding agreement, has appointed XXNGC to be the developer of natural gas infrastructure for Xi’an International Port District, a former agricultural area that has been zoned for urbanization. If XXNGC chooses to proceed with the project, it will be responsible for the construction and all costs related thereof a natural gas pipeline network that will service residential, commercial and industrial buildings and users, as well as fueling stations and related infrastructure. The estimated cost of $299,400,000 was based on a third-party feasibility study and management’s estimate. The Company is the only natural gas provider in the surrounding area and expects that it would supply natural gas to the International Port District once construction is completed. If the Company decides not to proceed with this project, it expects to be able to obtain a refund from subcontractors of the $7,377,160 invested as of March 31, 2012 or sell the construction-in-progress assets to third parties.

 

10
 

 

Goodwill

 

The excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis in the fourth quarter or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The Company uses a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify the potential impairment and to measure the amount of goodwill impairment, if any. The first step is to compare the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is considered not impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. Under step two, the impairment loss is measured by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amounts. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived assets. Loss on long-lived assets to be disposed of is determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for the cost of disposal. Based on our review, no impairment indicators were noted at March 31, 2012.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The accounting standards regarding fair value of financial instruments and related fair value measurements define fair value, establish a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement, and provide disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for current receivables and payables qualify as financial instruments. Management concluded the carrying values are a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and, if applicable, their stated interest rate approximates current rates available. The three levels 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.

 

The accounting standard regarding derivatives and hedging specifies that a contract that would otherwise meet the definition of a derivative but is both (a) indexed to the Company’s own stock and (b) classified to stockholders’ equity in the statement of financial position would not be considered a derivative financial instrument. This Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) accounting standard also provides a new two-step model to be applied in determining whether a financial instrument or an embedded feature is indexed to an issuer’s own stock and thus able to qualify for the exception.

 

11
 

 

These common stock purchase warrants do not trade in an active securities market and, as such, the Company estimates the fair value of these warrants using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, using the following assumptions:

 

   March 31, 2012   December 31,2011 
Annual dividend yield   -     
Expected life (years)   0.57    0.82 
Risk-free interest rate   0.16%   0.10%
Expected volatility   87%   55%

 

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012.

 

   Carrying Value at   Fair Value Measurement at 
   March   March 31, 2012 
   31, 2012   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Redeemable liability – warrants   17,500,000    -    17,500,000    - 
Derivative liability – warrants   87    -    87    - 
Total liability measured at fair value  $17,500,087   $-   $17,500,087   $- 

 

Other than the assets and liabilities set forth in the table above, the Company did not identify any other assets or liabilities that are required to be accounted for at fair value on the balance sheet. The carrying value of long-term debt with variable interest rate approximates its fair value based on market rates available to the Company with similar terms (See Notes 5 and 6).

 

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of warrants liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2012:

 

Beginning balance  $4 
Change in fair value   83 
Ending balance  $87 

 

The fair value of the warrants was $87 and $4 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Company recognized a loss of $83 and a gain of $116,180 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to reflect the change in fair value of the warrants.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized when services are rendered to customers and when a formal arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the delivery is completed, no other significant obligations of the Company exist and collectability is reasonably assured. Payments received before all of the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are satisfied are recorded as unearned revenue. Revenue from gas and gasoline sales is recognized when gas and gasoline is pumped through pipelines to the end users. Revenue from installation of pipelines is recorded when the contract is completed and accepted by the customers. Construction contracts for installation of pipelines are usually completed within one to two months. Revenue from repairing and modifying vehicles is recorded when services are rendered to and accepted by the customers.

 

Stock-Based Compensations

 

The Company records and reports stock-based compensation based on a fair-value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and transactions in which an entity issues its equity instruments to acquire goods and services from non-employees. Compensation for stock granted to non-employees is determined as the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measured.

 

12
 

 

Income Taxes

 

FASB’s accounting standard regarding income taxes requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of temporary 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. As at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were no significant book to tax differences except for warrants liability and stock based compensation. An uncertain tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the year incurred. No significant penalties or interest relating to income taxes have been incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

XXNGC, the Company’s PRC VIE, and XXNGC’s subsidiaries operate in the PRC. Pursuant to the tax laws of PRC, general enterprises are subject to income tax at an effective rate of 25%. However, under PRC income tax regulation, any company deemed to be engaged in the natural gas industry under such regulation enjoys a favorable income tax rate. Thus, XXNGC’s income is subject to a reduced tax rate of 15%. All of XXNGC’s subsidiaries are not deemed to be engaged in the natural gas industry under PRC income tax regulation and, accordingly, are subject to a 25% income tax rate.

 

The estimated tax savings as a result of the reduced tax rate enjoyed by XXNGC for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 amounted to approximately $422,336 and $487,694, respectively. The net effect on earnings per share had the income tax been applied would decrease basic and diluted earnings per share from $0.10 to $0.08 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the basic and diluted earnings per share would decrease from $0.12 to $0.09.

 

China Natural Gas, Inc. was incorporated in the United States and has incurred net operating loss for income tax purpose for the period ended March 31, 2012. The estimated net operating loss carry-forwards for United States income tax purposes amounted to $11,477,280 as of March 31, 2012, which may be available to reduce future years' taxable income. These carry-forwards will expire, if not utilized through 2032. Management believes that the realization of the benefits arising from this loss appear to be uncertain due to Company's limited operating history and continuing losses for U.S. income tax purposes. Accordingly, the Company has provided a 100% valuation allowance at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 for net deferred tax assets resulting from net operating loss carry forwards, stock based compensation and warrants liability. Management reviews this valuation allowance periodically and makes adjustments as warranted. The valuation allowances were as follows:

 

Valuation allowance  For the three
months ended
March 31, 2012
   Year ended
December
31, 2011
 
Balance, beginning of period  $4,222,489   $759,872 
Increase   477,908    3,462,617 
Balance, end of period  $4,700,397   $4,222,489 

 

Provision for income tax is as follow:

 

   For the three months ended 
   March 31, 
   2012   2011 
Current  $791,471   $955,653 
Deferred   -    - 
   $791,471   $955,653 

 

13
 

 

The following is a reconciliation of the provision for income tax at the PRC tax rate, to the income tax reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income:

 

   For the three months ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
Tax expense at statutory rate-US   35.0%   35.0%
Changes in valuation allowance-US   (35.0)%   (35.0)%
Foreign income tax rate-PRC   25.0%   25.0%
Effect of favorable tax rate   (8.5)%   (9.0)%
Other items (1)   12.4%   11.8%
Effective income tax rate   28.9%   27.8%

 

(1)The 12.4% and 11.8% represents $1,365,452 and $1,378,290 in expenses incurred by the Company that are not deductible in the PRC for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

The Company has cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $65,375,230 as of March 31, 2012, which is included in consolidated retained earnings and will continue to be indefinitely reinvested in international operations. Accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. deferred taxes related to future repatriation of these earnings, nor is it practicable to estimate the amount of income taxes that would have to be provided if the Company concluded that such earnings will be remitted in the future.

 

Franchise Tax

 

According to the laws of the State of Delaware, we are required to pay annual franchise tax to the state government based on the number of the authorized shares.

 

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

 

Basic net earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net earnings per share are based on the assumption that all dilutive convertible shares and stock options were converted or exercised, unless this results in anti-dilution. Dilution is computed by applying the treasury stock method. Under this method, options and warrants are assumed to be exercised at the beginning of the period (or at the time of issuance, if later), and as if funds obtained thereby were used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.

 

Reclassification

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to confirm with the current year presentation.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

None.

 

Note 3 –Goodwill and Other intangible Assets

 

Goodwill is the amount the Company paid to acquire 100% of the equity interests of Makou in excess of the fair value of Makou’s identifiable assets and liabilities. Annual impairment testing is performed during the fourth quarter of each year unless events or circumstances indicate earlier impairment testing is required. No impairment loss was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

14
 

 

Other intangible assets include primarily the technical license related to liquefied natural gas business, which consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
 2012
   December 31,
 2011
 
Operating rights  $5,254,809   $5,221,635 
Technical license (LNG)   10,458,862    10,527,223 
Land use rights   4,525,807    3,147,108 
Other   17,259    14,278 
Total  $20,256,737   $18,910,244 

 

The operating rights are deemed to have an indefinite useful life as cash flows are expected to continue indefinitely. The operating rights will not be amortized until their useful life is deemed to be no longer indefinite.

 

The technical license (LNG) is being amortized over its estimated useful life of 20 years. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $135,585. Accumulated amortization at March 31, 2012 was $356,154.

 

The land use rights are being amortized over their estimated useful life of 30 years. For the three months ended 31, 2012and 2011, amortization expense amounted to $176,229 and 29,175, respectively. As of March 31, 2012, accumulated amortization was approximately $352,929.

 

Estimated amortization for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

 

Date    
2012  $528,686 
2013   704,915 
2014   704,915 
2015   704,915 
2016   694,183 
thereafter   10,271,382 
   $13,608,996 

 

Note 4 – Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets consisted of the following:

 

   March 31,
2012
   December 31,
2011
 
Prepaid rent – natural gas stations  $2,471,592   $2,497,681 
Prepayment for acquiring land use right   -    4,596,080 
Advances on purchasing equipment and construction in progress   1,911,675    2,297,909 
Refundable security deposits   -    592,913 
Long term investment deposit   -    991,620 
Total  $4,383,267   $10,976,203 

 

Prepaid rent represents prepayments for leasing the land of our fueling stations. In China, land rental usually need to be paid in advance and then amortized into expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the land lease.

 

All land in the PRC is government owned. However, the government grants users land use rights. The Company is in the process of negotiating the final purchase price with relevant local government and the land use rights have not yet been granted to the Company. Therefore, the Company did not amortize these amounts for land use rights.

 

Advances for purchasing equipment and construction in progress are monies deposited or advanced to outside vendors or subcontractors for the purchase of operating equipment or for services to be provided for construction in progress.

 

15
 

 

Refundable security deposits are monies deposited with one of the Company’s major vendors and a gas station landlord. These amounts will be returned to the Company if the other party terminates the business relationship or upon the expiration of the lease.

 

Long term investment deposit represents for the acquisition of Xiantao City Jinhua Gas and Oil Co., Ltd. (“XTJH”) by Xi’an Xilan Natural Gas Co., Ltd., Ltd. (“XXNGC”).

 

Note 5 –Senior Notes

 

The Company’s securities purchase agreement with Abax Lotus Ltd. (“Abax”) was amended on January 29, 2008 (as amended, the “Purchase Agreement”). Under the Purchase Agreement, on January 29, 2008, the Company sold to Abax $20,000,000 in principal amount of its 5.0% Guaranteed Senior Notes due January 30, 2014 (the “Senior Notes”) and warrants to purchase 1,450,000 shares of its common stock (the “Abax Warrants”) and, on March 3, 2008, the Company issued to Abax an additional $20,000,000 in principal amount of Senior Notes.

 

On the dates set forth in the table below, the Company will be required to make repayments of the corresponding percentage of the principal amount (or such lesser principal amount as shall be outstanding then) in respect of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Senior Notes:

 

Date   Repayment Percentage  
July 30, 2011 (paid on August 5, 2011)     8.3333 %
January 30, 2012 (paid on March 7, 2012)     8.3333 %
July 30, 2012     16.6667 %
January 30, 2013     16.6667 %
July 30, 2013     25.0000 %
January 30, 2014     25.0000 %

 

The second repayment for 8.3333% of the principal of the Senior Notes was due on January 30, 2012. After negotiation with Abax, the note-holders agreed that the Company could make the payment on or before March 9, 2012. On March 7, 2012, the Company paid the principal due on January 30, 2012 in full plus accrued interest for the period from July 30, 2011 to January 29, 2012, as well as a penalty interest of $28,416 for the period from February 6, 2012 to March 7, 2012. Abax issued a waiver to exempt the Company from any other consequences of the late payment.

 

Senior notes consist of the following:

 

   March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Notes payable  $37,586,072   $41,053,100 
Less discount   (4,676,053)   (5,590,267)
    32,910,019    35,462,833 
Less current portion   (13,164,008)   (9,671,682)
   $19,746,011   $25,791,151 

 

The Company has the option to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Senior Notes at the redemption prices set forth below (in each case expressed as a percentage of the outstanding unpaid principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if redeemed during the twelve-month period commencing on January 29 of the years set forth below:

 

    % of Outstanding  
Year   Unpaid Principal  
         
2012     102 %
2013     100 %

 

16
 

 

Upon the occurrence of certain events defined in the indenture, the Company must offer the holders of the Senior Notes the right to require the Company to purchase the Senior Notes in an amount equal to 105% of the aggregate principal amount purchased plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Senior Notes purchased.

 

The terms of the Indenture obligated the Company to complete a qualifying listing, as defined therein, by January 29, 2009. As the Company did not complete a qualifying listing by such date, the Company was obligated to pay to Abax an additional interest at the rate of 3.0% per annum, calculated from and including January 29, 2009 to the date of its qualifying listing. However, Abax caused the Trustee to waive the Company’s obligation to pay such additional interest in February 2009. The waiver extended the deadline for a qualifying listing to May 4, 2009, but provided that if a qualifying listing were not completed by such date, additional interest of 3.0% per annum would be payable from January 29, 2009 to the date of the Company’s qualifying listing. The Company completed its NASDAQ listing, which constituted a qualifying listing, on June 1, 2009, after the extended deadline of May 4, 2009. Therefore, under the terms of the initial waiver, the Company was required to pay additional interest at a rate of 3.0% per annum for the period from January 29, 2009 to June 1, 2009, or $406,667. However, in August 2009, the Company reached an agreement with Abax whereby the Company agreed to pay Abax $113,214, which reflected additional interest at the rate of 3.0% per annum for the period from April 30, 2009 to May 31, 2009, and $50,000, which reflected out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Abax in connection with a financing transaction proposed in 2008, but never consummated.

 

The indenture limits the Company’s ability to incur debt and liens, make dividend payments and stock repurchases, make investments, reinvest proceeds from asset sales and enter into transactions with affiliates, among other things. The indenture also requires the Company to maintain certain financial ratios.

 

In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Company paid $2,122,509 in debt issuance costs, which are being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company amortized $102,458 of the issuance costs in each of the periods, which were recorded as capitalized interest included in construction in progress.

 

Estimated amortization for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

 

Year        
2012   $ 307,374  
2013     107,502  
    $ 414,876  

 

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, accumulated amortization was approximately $1,707,633 and $1,605,175, respectively.

 

The Abax Warrants are presently exercisable and have an exercise price of $7.37 per share, although Abax has not exercised any of the Abax Warrants.

 

The Abax Warrants are considered derivative instruments required to be bifurcated from the original security because there is a redemption requirement if the holder does not exercise the Warrants. If Abax does not exercise the Abax Warrants prior to their expiration date of January 29, 2015, Abax can require the Company to repurchase the Abax Warrants for $17,500,000. This amount is shown as a debt discount and is being amortized over the term of the Senior Notes. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company amortized $914,214 and $913,688 of the discounts, respectively, which were capitalized into construction in progress.

 

Note 6 –Bank Loan Payable

 

The Company’s bank loan payable as of March 31, 2012 consists of:

 

A loan from Pudong Development Bank Xi’an Branch, due various dates from 2012 to 2014  $13,464,000 
Less current portion   (5,544,000)
   $7,920,000 

 

17
 

 

The loan is secured by XXNGC’s equipment and vehicles located within the PRC. The carrying net value of the assets pledged is $10,979,923 as of March 31, 2012. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $243,872 (interest rate applied at March 31, 2012 was 6.90%). According to the loan agreement, the interest rate is fixed throughout each single year and will only be adjusted at the beginning of the next year, based on the base interest rate on the same category of loans for the same term published by the People’s Bank of China. XXNGC also entered into a guaranty with the lender to guarantee the repayment of the loans. As the People’s Bank of China adjusted the standard interest rate three times in February, April and July 2011, beginning January 1, 2012 the interest rate of these loans was 6.90%. According to an amendment to the loan agreement with the Bank, which was signed on October 2011, the Company is required to make repayments on the long term loan as follows:

 

xx  Repayment
Percentage
   Repayment
Amount
 
October 5, 2011 (paid on October 10, 2011)   4.2%  $792,000 
December 5, 2011 (paid on December 5, 2011)   20.8%   3,960,000 
March 5, 2012 (paid on March 5, 2012)   4.2%   792,000 
December 5, 2012   20.8%   3,960,000 
March 5, 2013   8.3%   1,584,000 
December 5, 2013   16.7%   3,168,000 
March 5, 2014   8.3%   1,584,000 
December 5, 2014   16.7%   3,168,000 
        $19,008,000 

 

Note 7 – Warrants

 

No warrants were granted, forfeited or exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

The following is a summary of warrants outstanding and exercisable as of March 31, 2012:

 

Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable as of March 31, 2012 

Exercise Price   Number   Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
$14.86    383,654    0.57 
$7.37    1,450,000    2.83 
      1,833,654      

 

Note 8 – Defined Contribution Plan

 

The Company is required to participate in a defined contribution plan operated by the local municipal government in accordance with PRC law and regulations. The contribution was $179,743 and $100,370 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Note 9 – Stockholders' Equity

 

a) Statutory Reserve

 

The PRC Company Law, which is applicable to PRC companies with foreign ownership, stipulates that net income after taxation can only be distributed as dividends after appropriation has been made for the following:

 

i.making up cumulative prior years’ losses, if any;

 

18
 

 

ii.allocations to the “statutory surplus reserve” of at least 10% of income after tax, as determined under PRC accounting rules and regulations, until the fund amounts to 50% of the Company's registered capital; and

 

iii.allocations to the discretionary surplus reserve, if approved in the shareholders’ general meeting.

 

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the remaining amount needed to fulfill the 50% registered capital requirement was approximately $63,263,323 and $63,202,798, respectively.

 

b) Stock-based Compensation

 

2009 Stock Option and Stock Award Plan

 

On March 11, 2009, the Board approved by written consent the China Natural Gas, Inc. 2009 Employee Stock Option and Stock Award Plan (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, there are currently 1,460,000 shares of common stock of the Company authorized for issuance and the Company has granted 669,900 stock options as of March 31, 2012, of which 274,750 have been exercised and 176,700 have been cancelled and are available for reissuance. Thus, there are currently 966,800 shares of common stock of the Company available for future issuance under the Plan and 218,450 options outstanding. The exercise price for all of the outstanding options is $4.90 per share.

 

Compensation expense of $148,038 and $160,897 was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, relating to options granted under the Plan.

 

As of March 31, 2012, $592,152 of estimated expense with respect to non-vested stock-based compensation has yet to be recognized and will be recognized in expense over the optionee’s remaining weighted average service period of approximately 1 year.

 

The following is a summary of the status of stock options outstanding and exercisable as of March 31, 2012:

 

Outstanding Options  Exercisable Options
Exercise Price   Number   Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
  Exercise Price   Number   Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
$4.90    218,450   3 years  $4.90    3,750   3 years

 

Note 10 – Earnings per Share

 

The following is a calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

 

   For the three months ended March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
Basic earnings per share          
           
Net income  $2,175,805   $2,485,831 
           
Weighted shares outstanding-Basic   21,458,654    21,321,904 
           
Earnings per share-Basic  $0.10   $0.12 
           
Diluted earnings per share          
           
Net income  $2,175,805   $2,485,831 
           
Weighted shares outstanding -Basic   21,458,654    21,321,904 
Effect of diluted securities-Warrants   -    - 
Effect of diluted securities-Options   -    36,851 
Weighted shares outstanding-Diluted   21,458,654    21,358,755 
           
Earnings per share-Diluted  $0.10   $0.12 

 

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The Company had outstanding warrants of 1,833,654 as of March 31, 2012 and 2011. For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, all 1,833,654 outstanding warrants were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation as the exercise price was greater than the average stock price during these periods.

 

The Company had 218,450 outstanding employee stock options as of March 31, 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the outstanding options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation as the exercise price was greater than the average option price during this period. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the average stock price was greater than the exercise price of the options, which resulted in additional weighted average common stock equivalents of 36,851.

 

Note 11 – Related Party Transactions

 

a)Other payable - related party

 

On February 24, 2011, the Company borrowed $792,000 from the JV for working capital purposes. This payable is due on demand with no interest rate.

 

b)Borrowings from related party

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Company borrowed a total of $2,679,945 from Mr. Hao Qu, a former employee of XXNGC and a shareholder of the Company, for working capital purposes. The loans were originally due in one year and required interest of 4.4075% per year, which is the annual USD lending rate applied by the Bank of China. The principal and interest was required to be paid on specified due dates beginning on February 16, 2012 through October 31, 2012. On March 22, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with Mr. Qu, pursuant to which certain borrowings would be due in 2013, rather than in 2012, and would bear a higher rate of interest. The Company hasn’t repaid any principal of the borrowings to date.

 

Borrowings from Mr. Qu at March 31, 2012, consist of the following:

 

Short-term maturing on    
May 16, 2012, at 4.4075%  $699,975 
May 17, 2012, at 4.4075%   299,970 
October 31, 2012, at 4.4075%   360,000 
February 15, 2013, at 6.2250%  $900,000 
March 27, 2013, at 6.2250%   420,000 
   $2,679,945 

 

c)The Wang loan

 

Demaoxing was formed in November 2007 by relatives of Mr. Qinan Ji, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and current Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Demaoxing Promoters”). In January 2010, SXNGE, one of the Company’s major subsidiaries, extended a loan of US$9,858,240 to Ms. Taoxiang Wang (the “Wang Loan”), who obtained a 40% ownership interest in Demaoxing on January 21, 2010. Ms. Taoxiang Wang used her 40% ownership interest in Demaoxing and its assets as collateral for the Wang Loan. On January 26, 2010, the Wang Loan funds were remitted by SXNGE to an account of Demaoxing. Management of the Company believed that the Wang Loan was adequately secured by collateral. On January 21, 2010, the Demaoxing Promoters also transferred 30% of their ownership interests in Demaoxing to Shaanxi Rongxin Real Estate Co., Ltd. (“Rongxin”). The Board of Directors has determined that the Demaoxing Promoters retained indirect beneficial interests in Demaoxing after transferring their ownership interests and thus the Wang Loan was a related party transaction.

 

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The Company’s Board of Directors was not notified of the extension of the Wang Loan by the Company, and did not approve the Wang Loan. Upon learning of the existence of the Wang Loan in April 2010, the Board of Directors required that the Wang Loan be immediately repaid. In April 2010, Demaoxing repaid the principal of the Wang Loan and made an interest payment of US$140,722, settling the Wang Loan in full.

 

Note 12 –Concentrations

 

Concentration of natural gas vendors:

 

   For the three
months ended March 31,
 
   2012   2011 
         
Numbers of natural gas vendors   3    4 
           
Percentage of total natural gas purchases   79%   89%

 

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $824,041 and $450,553, respectively, prepayment to its major suppliers.

 

The Company maintained long-term natural gas purchase agreements with two of its vendors, Huojia Hualong Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (“Huojia Hualong”) and Qinshui Lanyan Coal Bed Methane Co., Ltd (“Qinshui Lanyan”), as of March 31, 2012. Company’s management reports that it does not expect any issues or difficulty in renewing the supply contracts with these vendors going forward.

 

Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies

 

Lease Commitments

 

The Company entered into a series of long-term lease agreements with outside parties to lease land use rights for the Company’s CNG fueling stations located in the PRC. The agreements have terms ranging from 10 to 30 years. The Company makes annual prepayments for most of these lease agreements. The Company also entered into five office leases in Xi’an, PRC, one office lease in Wuhan, PRC, one office lease in Yichang, PRC, one office lease in Huangshi, PRC and one office lease in New York, New York, USA. The minimum future payments for leasing land use rights and offices at March 31, 2012 are follows:

 

Year ending December 31, 2012   1,592,523 
Year ending December 31, 2013   1,895,228 
Year ending December 31, 2014   2,261,583 
Year ending December 31, 2015   1,910,035 
Year ending December 31, 2016   1,850,343 
Thereafter   30,902,012 
Total  $40,411,724 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the land use right and office lease expenses were $563,996 and $348,788, respectively.

 

Property and Equipment Purchase Commitments

 

As of March 31, 2011, the Company has purchase commitments totaling $11,012,954 for materials, supplies, services and property and equipment for constructing the LNG plant and other construction projects.

 

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Natural Gas Purchase Commitments

 

The Company has existing long-term natural gas purchase agreements with its major suppliers.

 

The Company continued to seek lower-cost sources of supply and did not have commitments for the purchasing volume of natural gas with any suppliers except Qinshui Lanyan. According to the agreement with Qinshui Lanyan, the Company should purchase from Qinshui Lanyan a daily volume of approximately 200,000 cubic meters of coal bed gas. Prices of natural gas are strictly controlled by the PRC government.

 

Capital Contribution

 

We failed to comply with PRC law in our recent contribution of capital to JBLNG and will be subject to possible fines, penalties and administrative actions until the capital contribution is registered in compliance with PRC law.

 

In August 2008, the board of directors of XXNGC passed a resolution to increase the registered capital of JBLNG to RMB118, 305,000 through the form of intangible asset contributions. In September 2008, JBLNG obtained its updated business license reflecting the increased registered capital. Pursuant to XXNGC's board resolution, China Natural Gas, Inc. transferred its right to use the two licenses it obtained relating to the design of our LNG facility directly to JBLNG as JBLNG's registered capital. However, we are not a shareholder of JBLNG and are therefore not permitted under PRC law to contribute capital to JBLNG. In addition, PRC law does not allow the contribution of capital in the form of an intangible asset, such as the licenses in issue, where the assets are not owned by the contributor. We are restructuring the capital contribution as a cash contribution and revising our LNG licenses so that the licensee is JBLNG and believe that this capital contribution and license restructuring will comply with PRC laws. However, until we have completed this process, the relevant regulatory authorities may impose fines or penalties, or require us to cease the operations of JBLNG, until such time as these defects are remedied. Any such fines, penalties or delay in operations could have a material and adverse effect on our LNG business in terms of our future growth, financial conditions and results of operations. Currently we do not estimate such fines, penalties and administrative actions to be probable, so we do not recognize them as contingent liabilities in our consolidated financial statements.

 

VIE Structure

 

In order to comply with PRC laws limiting foreign ownership of Chinese companies, we conduct our natural gas business through Xi'an Xilan Natural Gas Co., Ltd. by means of contractual arrangements which may not be as effective as direct ownership or may be deemed in violation of PRC restrictions on foreign investment in our industry.

 

The government of the PRC restricts foreign investment in natural gas businesses in China. Accordingly, we operate our business in China through our VIE, XXNGC. XXNGC holds the licenses, approvals and assets necessary to operate our natural gas business in China. We have no equity ownership interest in XXNGC and rely on contractual arrangements with XXNGC and its shareholders that allow us to substantially control and operate XXNGC. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing control over XXNGC as direct ownership would be. For example, XXNGC could fail to take actions required for our business despite its contractual obligation to do so. If XXNGC fails to perform under its agreements with us, we may have to spend substantial costs and resources to enforce such arrangements and may have to rely on legal remedies under the laws of the PRC, which may not be effective. In addition, we cannot assure you that XXNGC’s shareholders and management would always act in our best interests.

 

Although we believe that we comply with current regulations of the PRC, we cannot assure you that the PRC government would agree that our structure or operating arrangements comply with the PRC’s licensing, registration or other regulatory requirements under existing policies or with requirements or policies that may be adopted in the future. If the PRC government determines that our structure or operating arrangements do not comply with applicable laws, it could revoke our business and operating licenses, require us to discontinue or restrict our operations, restrict our right to collect revenues, require us to restructure our operations, impose additional conditions or requirements with which we may not be able to comply, impose restrictions on our business operations or on our customers, or take other regulatory or enforcement actions against us that could be harmful to our business. In addition, the equity pledge in the Equity Pledge Agreement between SXNGE and XXNGC and XXNGC's shareholders has not been registered and may be deemed to be unenforceable under PRC laws.

 

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Other than the proxy agreement between SXNGE, XXNGC and XXNGC's chairman and shareholders, which does not contain a choice of law or jurisdictional clause, our contractual arrangements with XXNGC are governed by PRC laws and they 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. If XXNGC or its shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to (i) spend substantial costs and resources to enforce such arrangements, and (ii) rely on legal remedies under PRC laws, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot be sure would be effective. However, the legal environment in the PRC is not as developed as in the United States and uncertainties in the Chinese legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. In the event that we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Currently we do not estimate the possibility of such defaults in enforcing the contractual arrangements to be probable, and it will be extremely difficult to make any reliable to the amounts of the potential losses that may be caused by such defaults, so we do not recognize it as a contingent liability in our consolidated financial statements.

 

Individuals Claims to Certain Shares

 

Certain shares in XXNGC, our VIE, may be subject to adverse claims.

 

Six individuals have previously claimed to own 1,200,000 shares of XXNGC's common stock, our main operating company and VIE. They have claimed that they acquired these shares from other shareholders of XXNGC. Based on XXNGC's registered capital of RMB69,000,000 when it became a joint stock limited company in 2004, we believe that the 1,200,000 shares represented 1.74% of XXNGC's outstanding common stock at the time when the six individuals claimed to have acquired the 1,200,000 shares of XXNGC. While we and XXNGC dispute their claim of ownership over the 1,200,000 shares, there is no assurance that XXNGC will prevail if these six individuals pursue their claim in legal proceedings. If these six individuals are found to have legitimate ownership over these shares, XXNGC's shareholding structure may change and our revenues from our contractual arrangements with XXNGC may be reduced. Currently we do not estimate the possibility of such change to the shareholding structure to be probable, so we do not recognize it as a contingent liability in our financial statements.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

Other than described below, there have been no material developments in the legal proceedings in which we were involved during the year ended December 30, 2011. For a description of previously reported legal proceedings refer to Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

a)Vandevelde v. China Natural Gas, Inc., et al. (Case No. 1:10CV00728, United States District Court for the District of Delaware). As previously disclosed, on August 26, 2010, plaintiff Maxwell Vandevelde filed a putative class action against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors alleging that the defendants violated U.S. federal securities laws. On August 12, 2011, the Court entered an order appointing Robert Skeway, an individual investor, as lead plaintiff and approving his selection of lead counsel. Lead plaintiff and Raimundo Jo-Fung, another individual investor, who together seek to represent a class of all purchasers and acquirers of the Company’s common stock between March 10, 2010 and September 21, 2011, filed an amended complaint on October 11, 2011. Plaintiffs assert claims for violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The amended complaint alleges the defendants made false or misleading statements in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2010, and in various quarterly reports, by purportedly failing to disclose a series of loans and related party transactions. The amended complaint also asserts claims against certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors for violations of Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages.

 

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On December 12, 2011, the Company filed a motion to dismiss and the motion is now fully briefed. The Company cannot provide at this time any assurance that the outcome of this suit will not be materially adverse to our financial condition, consolidated results of operations, cash flows or business prospects.

 

b)On December 5, 2011, plaintiff Haitham J. Kousa filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Qinan Ji, Zhiqiang Wang, Lawrence W. Leighton, Frank Waung, Yang Xiang Dong, China Natural Gas, Inc. and The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC, as defendants (C.A. No. 11-1202-SLR), and on January 17, 2012, plaintiff Robert Mallano also filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Qinan Ji, Zhiqiang Wang, Lawrence W. Leighton, Frank Waung, Yang Xiang Dong, China Natural Gas, Inc., as defendants (C.A. No. 12-0048-SLR) (the “Constituent Actions”). The Constituent Actions allege, inter alia, breach of fiduciary duties, self-dealing, and misconduct by management for related-party loans to management and the failure to disclose such loans. The Constituent Actions were consolidated on February 14, 2012 and bear the following caption, In re China Natural Gas, Inc. Shareholder and Derivative Litigation (Consol. C.A. No. 11-1202-SLR). On March 19, 2012 the court granted Nasdaq’s motion to dismiss, denied plaintiff’s motion for appointment of a receiver and dismissed plaintiff’s motion for expedited discovery.

 

c)On February 8, 2012, plaintiff Rick Steinmetz, filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Qinan Ji, Zhiqiang Wang, Lawrence W. Leighton, Frank Waung, David She, Carl Yeung, Yang Xiang Dong, China Natural Gas, Inc., alleging the same or similar claims as in the constituent actions. This case has not yet been consolidated with the constituent actions, although we believe consolidation will occur soon.

 

We intend to defend these cases vigorously. We currently cannot estimate the outcome of these matters as of the date of this Report.

 

In addition, the Company is involved in disputes and legal actions from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. The Company does not believe that any of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our operations.

 

Note 14– Subsequent Event

 

On April 9, 2012, a fueling station was closed due to the construction of main subway lines in Xi’an.

  

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report contains statements that are forward-looking and, as such, are not historical facts. Rather, these statements constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “should,” “strive,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or similar expressions. When the Company discusses its strategies or plans, it is making projections, forecasts or forward-looking statements. Actual results and stockholders’ value will be affected by a variety of risks and factors, including, without limitation, the recent crisis in worldwide financial markets, international, national and local economic conditions, merger, acquisition and business combination risks, financing risks, geo-political risks, and acts of terror or war. Many of the risks and factors that will determine these results and stockholder values are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict. These statements are necessarily based upon various assumptions involving judgment with respect to the future. You should carefully read the risk factor disclosure contained in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, where many of the important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements are discussed.

 

All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. We are under no obligation to, nor do we intend to, release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

 

Overview

 

We are an integrated natural gas operator in the People’s Republic of China (referred to herein as China or the PRC), primarily involved in distribution of compressed natural gas, or CNG, through the CNG fueling stations owned by our variable interest entity, or VIE, Xi’an Xilan Natural Gas Co., Ltd. (referred to as XXNGC). As of March 31, 2012 our VIE owned and operated 38 CNG fueling stations, including 25 CNG fueling stations in Shaanxi Province, 12 CNG fueling stations in Henan Province and 1 CNG fueling station in Hubei Province. Our VIE owns our CNG fueling stations while we lease the land upon which our VIE-owned CNG fueling stations operate. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we sold 36,385,620 cubic meters of CNG through our fueling stations, compared to 38,785,147 cubic meters for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Our VIE and its subsidiary, Lingbao Yuxi Natural Gas Co. Ltd. (“LYNG”), also install natural gas pipelines for, and distribute and sell piped natural gas to, residential and commercial customers in the city of Xi’an in Shaanxi Province, including Lantian County, and the districts of Lintong and Baqiao, and in the city of Lingbao in Henan Province, through a high pressure pipeline network of approximately 120 kilometers.

 

In addition, we have expanded into liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) business and generate significant revenue from the LNG business. Our first LNG production facility, Shaanxi Jingbian Liquefied Natural Gas Co. Ltd. (“JBLNG”), located in Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province, commenced commercial production and sales on July 16, 2011. As of March 31, 2012, we had begun construction of ten LNG fueling stations in Shaanxi and Henan Provinces.

 

We are pursuing multiple, synergistic paths of growth through our VIE, XXNGC, and XXNGC’s subsidiaries, all of which are based in the PRC. We intend to:

 

continue to grow our LNG business through the ongoing construction of JBLNG and through the construction of LNG fueling stations in Shaanxi, Henan and Hubei Provinces;

 

25
 

 

capitalize on the opportunities arising from the busy shipping activities on the Yangtze River by expanding into Hubei Province through the construction of LNG fueling stations located in harbors along the Yangtze River, inland LNG fueling stations and reserve LNG stations along the course of the Yangtze River, as well as continued development of conversion technologies and operations to modify river vessels to run on a mixture of LNG and diesel; and

 

continue to expand our CNG business into Hubei Province by acquiring existing stations. We are currently evaluating additional sites for CNG fueling stations in Hubei Province.

 

For additional information regarding these growth initiatives, please see “Recent Developments” below.

 

Current Operations

 

We currently operate five main business lines:

 

distribution and sales of CNG through our VIE-owned CNG fueling stations serving hybrid (natural gas/gasoline) powered vehicles. As of March 31, 2012, our VIE owned and operated 38 fueling stations in total;

 

installation, distribution and sales of piped natural gas to residential and commercial customers through our VIE-owned pipelines. We distributed and sold piped natural gas to approximately 117,270 residential customers as of March 31, 2012;

 

production and sales of LNG through our LNG production facility in Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province. Revenues from commercial production and sales of LNG started on July 16, 2011.

 

distribution and sales of gasoline through our VIE-owned CNG fueling stations for gasoline and hybrid (natural gas/gasoline) powered vehicles (three of our VIE-owned CNG fueling stations were selling gasoline as of March 31, 2012); and

 

conversion of gasoline-fueled vehicles to hybrid (natural gas/gasoline) powered vehicles at our automobile conversion workshops.

 

We purchase all of the natural gas that we sell and distribute to our customers from our suppliers, and we are not directly involved in the mining or production of natural gas. We currently sell our natural gas in three forms: (i) we compress natural gas into CNG and sell it to our customers through CNG fueling stations, (ii) we distribute natural gas through pipelines to commercial and residential customers and (iii) we liquefy natural gas into LNG and sell and distribute to our customers.

 

We had total revenues of $32,277,318 and $24,108,108 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We had net income of $2,175,805 and $2,485,831 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Recent Developments

 

LNG Business

 

As of March 31, 2012, we had invested $68.6 million in Phase I of the LNG project located in Jingbian Country, Shaanxi Province and expected to invest approximately an additional $0.3 million to satisfy installment payments to contractors. We commenced test runs of Phase I of the LNG plant during 2010 and, in December 2010, we conducted and completed further test runs, including testing the operation of various components and equipments of the plant. We completed production preparation and trial production in June 2011. On July 16, 2011, we completed most of the construction of Phase I of the LNG plant and began commercial production and sale of LNG. Phase I of the LNG plant has a processing capacity of 500,000 cubic meters of LNG per day, or approximately 150 million cubic meters of LNG per year. Customers of our LNG business mainly include city gas companies supplying industrial, commercial and residential pipeline end users, such as ENN Energy Holdings Ltd., Hunan Ruihua Energy Equipment Ltd. and Zhangjiagang Jingtianwei Energy Ltd. The launch of the LNG plant is an important part of our integration strategies, which include strategic plans to develop our own network of LNG fueling stations in Shaanxi, Henan and Hubei Provinces.

 

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The total expected cost of $68.9 million for the construction of Phase I of the LNG project is higher than what we originally anticipated. The increased costs were attributable to unforeseen cost overruns and escalations, including increased material and labor costs incurred to reinforce pilings based upon modified engineering analysis, and increased prices for land use rights, which we believe resulted from the energy resource exploration activities in nearby areas. Construction of Phase I of the LNG plant experienced delays due to policy changes with respect to tariff exemptions for core equipment imported by the Company and the increased international shipment time for ordered equipment.

 

In addition, as of March 31, 2012, we had invested $43.9 million for the construction of phases II and III of Jingbian LNG plant. We estimate that a further aggregate investment of $197.5 million will need to be made through December 2015 to finance the construction of Phase II and III of the LNG plant, which, upon completion, will have a processing capacity of 3,000,000 cubic meters of LNG per day, or approximately 900 million cubic meters of LNG per year. The expected completion date of Phase II and III of the LNG plant is December 2015.

 

On September 2, 2010, we announced the completion of our first LNG fueling station. The station is located in Hongqing District, Xi'an, and we believe it is the first LNG fueling station in Shaanxi Province. The LNG fueling station initially serves as a working model to showcase the market potential of LNG to future users rather than to generate revenues. As of March 31, 2012, ten LNG fueling stations were under construction in various locations in Shaanxi and Henan Provinces.

 

Hubei Province and Yangtze River

 

As of March 31, 2012, we had made certain progress in the expansion of both our CNG and LNG businesses into Hubei Province. In April 2010, we received the approval from local government authorities in Hubei Province to build LNG fueling stations, both inland and in harbors, and reserve LNG stations, along the Yangtze River. We are currently going through necessary procedures to prepare for the building of these LNG stations.

 

During the third quarter of 2010, we completed the acquisition of Hanchuan Makou Yuntong Compressed Natural Gas Co., Ltd., or Makou, for a purchase price of $3,648,080. Makou owns and operates a CNG compressor station in Hanchuan City, Hubei Province, and purchases natural gas through pipelines, conducts compressing and sells natural gas on a wholesale basis through tankers to fueling stations in Hubei Province. Makou’s compressor station currently has sufficient capacity to process 80,000 to 100,000 cubic meters of natural gas daily and is advantageously located near railways and arterial highways. We believe that the Makou acquisition laid the foundation for expanding our CNG business into Hubei Province.

 

On June 28, 2011, our VIE, XXNGC, entered into an Equity Transfer Agreement (the “Transfer Agreement”) with five individual shareholders of Xiantao City Jinhua Gas and Oil Co., Ltd. (“XTJH”). Pursuant to the Transfer Agreement, XXNGC acquired a 58.5284% ownership of XTJH for a total purchase price of approximately $1,905,099 (RMB 12,290,964). During the first quarter of 2012, we completed the acquisition of XTJH, and have our own fueling station available locally, which increases our revenue and share in the local market.

 

As of March 31, 2012, we also engaged in developing market demand for our natural gas products along the Yangtze River. By leveraging our automobile conversion know-how, we are developing conversion technologies and operations to modify river vessels so that they can be powered by a mixture of LNG and diesel. In August 2010, a tugboat, modified by us to operate on a mixture consisting of 70% LNG and 30% diesel, completed its maiden voyage on the Yangtze River. We believe it was the first time that an LNG-powered ship navigated China’s domestic waterways.

 

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Shaanxi and Henan Provinces

 

During the first quarter of 2011, we closed one CNG fueling station in Shaanxi Province due to changes in market conditions, in October, 2011, we closed another CNG fueling station in Shaanxi Province because the district will be demolished for urban redevelopment, and in March 2012, we acquired one CNG fueling station in Hubei Province. As a result, as of March 31, 2012, XXNGC and its subsidiary operated 25 CNG fueling stations in Shaanxi Province, 12 CNG fueling stations in Henan Province and 1 CNG fueling station in Hubei Province. Four gasoline fueling stations were closed in November and December 2010, due to changes in market conditions in their respective local areas. During the first quarter of 2011, we reopened one of the previously closed gasoline fueling stations and during the second quarter of 2011, we closed another station. During the fourth quarter of 2011, we closed another two of our gasoline fueling stations due to changes in market situations. In March 2012, we acquired one station in Hubei Province. As of March 31, 2012, we operated three gasoline fueling stations.

 

Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

 

Significant factors affecting our results of operations are:

 

Successful expansion of our CNG business. As of March 31, 2012, we operated 38 CNG fueling stations in total, with 25 CNG fueling stations in Shaanxi Province alone, therefore maintaining a stable and significant presence in these vital market regions. Upon the successful completion of the acquisition of XTJH, we have our own fueling station available locally in Hubei Province, which enhances our presence in the region and increases our revenue and share in the local market. We plan to expand the network of our VIE-owned CNG fueling stations through constructing new stations as well as acquiring existing stations, when we consider the market conditions to be favorable. We are currently evaluating sites for additional CNG fueling stations in Hubei Province.

 

Successful launch and development of our LNG business. On July 16, 2011, we completed most of the construction of Phase I of our LNG plant in Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province and began commercial production and sale of LNG. Phase I of the LNG plant has a processing capacity of 500,000 cubic meters of LNG per day, or approximately 150 million cubic meters of LNG per year. Revenues from the completed Phase I of the LNG plant have been realized during the third quarter of 2011. In addition, Phases II and III of the LNG plant are planned to be completed by December 2015, adding processing capacity of 3,000,000 cubic meters of LNG per day, or approximately 900 million cubic meters of LNG per year. We anticipate significant revenues from the LNG business in the future.

 

Regulation of natural gas prices in the PRC. The prices at which we purchase our natural gas supplies and sell CNG and pipeline natural gas products are strictly regulated by the PRC central government, including the National Development and Reform Commission, or the NDRC. Local pricing administrations have the discretion to set natural gas prices within the price range set by the PRC central government. In addition, natural gas procurement and sales prices are not uniform across China and may vary from province to province. For example, the prices at which we procure and sell CNG and piped natural gas are usually lower in Shaanxi Province than in Henan Province. Accordingly, our results of operations and, in particular, our revenue, cost of revenue and gross profit and gross margin are affected significantly by factors that are outside of our control, including the regulation of natural gas products both on the national and local levels. As we expand our natural gas business into other provinces, we expect our results of operations to continue to be affected significantly by the regulations over natural gas prices in the PRC.

 

Government policies encouraging the adoption of cleaner burning fuels. Our results of operations for the periods covered by this report have benefited from environmental regulations and programs in the PRC that promote the use of cleaner burning fuels, including natural gas, for vehicles. As an enterprise engaged in the natural gas industry, our VIE, XXNGC, benefits from a reduced income tax rate of 15% compared to the standard 25% enterprise income tax rate in the PRC. In addition, the PRC government has encouraged companies to invest in and build the necessary transportation, distribution and sales infrastructure for natural gas in various policy pronouncements, such as by officially including CNG/gasoline hybrid vehicles in the PRC’s “encouraged development” category. These policies have benefitted our results of operations by encouraging the demand for our natural gas products and also by lowering our expenses. As we intend to continue to expand into the LNG business, and our LNG plant in Jingbian has commenced commercial production and sale, we anticipate that our results of operations will continue to be affected by government policies encouraging the adoption of cleaner burning fuels and the increased adoption of CNG and LNG technologies.

 

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The overall economic growth of China. We do not export our products and our results of operations are thus substantially affected by various economic factors, including the growth of the natural gas industry in the PRC, the increase in domestic residential, commercial and vehicular consumption, the overall growth of the economy of the PRC and related developments. While the PRC economy has experienced significant growth in the past 30 years, growth has been uneven across different regions and economic sectors. The PRC government has implemented various economic and political policies and laws and regulations to encourage economic development and to guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall PRC economy but may also have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial results may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations that apply to us. The PRC government has also implemented certain measures recently, including interest rate increases, to control the rate of economic growth to prevent the aggravation of inflation. These measures may suppress the level of economic activities in the PRC, possibly including slowing the growth of the PRC’s domestic commodity markets. Any adverse changes to the policies of the PRC government or the laws and regulations of the PRC could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of the PRC, which could adversely affect our business in turn.

 

Taxation

 

United States

 

We are incorporated in the State of Delaware and are subject to the tax laws of the United States. We incurred a net operating loss for income tax purposes for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and the estimated net operating loss carry-forwards for United States income tax purposes amounted to $11,477,280 and $10,259,949 as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, which may be available to reduce future years’ taxable income. These carry-forwards will expire, if not utilized, through 2032. Our management believes that the realization of the benefits arising from these net operating loss carry-forwards appears to be uncertain due to our limited operating history and continuing losses for United States income tax purposes. Accordingly, we have provided a 100% valuation allowance at March 31, 2012.

 

The PRC

 

Our subsidiary, VIE and its subsidiaries operate in the PRC. Starting January 1, 2008, pursuant to the tax laws of the PRC, general enterprises are subject to income tax at an effective rate of 25%. Based on certain income tax regulations adopted in 2001 to encourage the development of certain industries, including the natural gas industry, in the western regions of the PRC such as Shaanxi Province, XXNGC is subject to a reduced tax rate of 15%. Accordingly, except for income from XXNGC, which is subject to the reduced tax rate of 15%, income from Shaanxi Xilan Natural Gas Equipment Co., Ltd. (referred to as SXNGE, a wholly foreign owned enterprise), Jingbian Xilan LNG Co., Ltd (referred to as SJLNG, a wholly owned subsidiary of XXNGC), Xi’an Xilan Auto Body Shop Co., Ltd. (referred to as XXABC, a wholly owned subsidiary of XXNGC), Henan Xilan Natural Gas Co., Ltd. (referred to as HXNGC, a wholly owned subsidiary of XXNGC), Lingbao Yuxi Natural Gas Co., Ltd (referred to as Lingbao Yuxi, a wholly owned subsidiary of XXNGC), Hubei Xilan Natural Gas Co., Ltd. (referred to as HBXNGC, a wholly owned subsidiary of XXNGC), Hanchuan Makou Yuntong Compressed Natural Gas Co., Ltd. (referred to as Makou, a wholly owned subsidiary of HBXNGC) and Xiantao City Jinhua Gas and Oil Co., Ltd. (referred to as XTJH, a holding subsidiary of HBXNGC) are subject to the 25% PRC income tax rate. Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were approximately 28.9% and 27.8%, respectively.

 

Value-Added Tax. Sales revenue represents the invoiced value of goods, net of a value-added tax, or VAT. The products of our VIE, XXNGC, and three of XXNGC’s subsidiaries, Lingbao Yuxi, Makou and XTJH, that are sold in the PRC are subject to a PRC VAT at a rate of 13% of the gross sales price. Under PRC tax laws, the VAT may be offset by VAT paid by XXNGC or Lingbao Yuxi or Makou or XTJH, as applicable, on purchased raw materials and other materials included in the cost of producing their finished products. XXNGC recorded VAT payable and VAT receivable net of payments in our financial statements. The VAT tax return is filed offsetting the payables against the receivables. When output tax of VAT is greater than input tax of VAT, the tax difference will be paid to the tax bureaus at different government levels.

 

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All revenues from XXNGC’s wholly owned subsidiary, XXABC, are subject to a PRC VAT at a rate of 6%. This VAT cannot be offset with VAT paid for purchased materials included in the cost of revenues.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

 

Sales Revenues

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of our revenues for the periods indicated:

 

   Three Months Ended   Increase   Increase 
   March 31,
2012
   March 31,
2011
   (decrease) in dollar
amount
   (decrease) in
percentage
 
Natural gas from fueling stations  $17,887,852   $18,256,422   $(368,570)   (2.0)%
                     
Natural gas from pipelines   2,428,794    2,091,407    337,387    16.1%
                     
Liquefied natural gas   9,083,041    -    9,083,041    - 
                     
Gasoline   825,895    1,307,174    (481,279)   (36.8)%
                     
Installation   1,615,808    2,011,694    (395,886)   (19.7)%
                     
Automobile conversion   435,928    441,411    (5,483)   (1.2)%
                     
 Total  $32,277,318   $24,108,108   $8,169,210    33.9%

 

Overall. Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 increased to $32,277,318 from $24,108,108 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $8,169,210 or 33.9%, due to the reasons discussed below. We sold 70,224,293 cubic meters of natural gas, including 44,179,296 cubic meters of CNG and 26,044,997 cubic meters (15,832.8 tons) of LNG, during the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to 45,906,401 cubic meters during the three months ended March 31, 2011. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, 93.6% of our revenues was generated from the sale of natural gas and gasoline, and the remaining 6.4% was generated from our installation and auto conversion services.

 

Natural Gas from Fueling Stations. Natural gas revenue from our fueling stations decreased by 2.0%, or $368,570, to $17,887,852 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $18,256,422 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, and contributed 55.4% of our total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012, which was the largest contributor to revenue among our major business lines. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we sold 36,385,620 cubic meters of CNG, compared to 38,785,147 cubic meters during the three months ended March 31, 2011, through our fueling stations, due to the closure of two fueling stations in 2011. The average unit selling price per cubic meter of CNG remained stable at $0.50 (RMB 3.13) during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, net of VAT. With respect to average sales revenue and volume per station, in the three months ended March 31, 2012, we sold approximately $470,733 and 957,516 cubic meters of CNG per station, respectively, compared to approximately $480,432 and 1,020,662 cubic meters, respectively, in the three months ended March 31, 2011. The reason for the decline in per station sales was primarily due to the construction of main subway lines in Xi’an, which caused certain bus routes to deviate from our stations and resulted in decreased sales.

 

Natural Gas from Pipelines. Natural gas revenue from our pipelines increased by 16.1%, or $337,387, to $2,428,794 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $2,091,407 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, and contributed 7.5% of our total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, we had 117,270 pipeline customers, an increase of 1,483 customers from 115,787 customers as of March 31, 2011. We sold 7,793,676 cubic meters of natural gas through our pipelines for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to 7,121,254 cubic meters for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of 9.4%, primarily due to the fact that the compressor station in Makou did not operate at full capacity due to an electricity quota limit set by the local government for the three months ended March 31, 2011, and the quota was revoked during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

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Liquefied Natural Gas. Our LNG production facility in Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province started operations in July 2011. Revenue from LNG was $9,083,041 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and contributed 28.1% of our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2012. We sold 26,044,997 cubic meters of LNG, and the average unit selling price per cubic meter was $0.35 (RMB 2.20), net of VAT, during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Gasoline. Revenue from gasoline sales decreased by 36.8%, or $481,279, to $825,895 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $1,307,174 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, and contributed 2.6% of our total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The decrease was primarily attributable to the sales volume decrease of 45.2% from 1,495,015 liters to 819,652 liters, because of the closure of six gasoline fueling stations during the fourth quarter of 2010 and the fourth quarter of 2011. The average unit sales price of gasoline increased by 10.5%, from $0.87 (RMB 5.74) per liter, net of VAT, in the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $1.01 (RMB 6.35) per liter in the three months ended March 31, 2012, compensating for the significant decrease in sales volume to a certain degree.

 

Installation Services. Revenue from installation services decreased by 19.7%, or $395,886, to $1,615,808, for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $2,011,694 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, mainly due to the decrease of customers, and contributed 5.0% of our total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Revenue from our four largest customers accounted for 55.1%, 24.9%, 9.9% and 8.6%, respectively, of our total installation revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Automobile Conversion Services. Revenue from our automobile conversion division decreased by 1.2%, or $5,483, to $435,928 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $441,411 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, mainly due to the decrease of customers, and contributed 1.4% of our total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Cost of Revenue

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of our cost of revenue for the years indicated:

 

   Three Months Ended   Increase   Increase 
   March 31,
2012
   March 31,
2011
   (decrease) in dollar
amount
   (decrease) in
percentage
 
Natural gas from fueling stations  $9,925,025   $10,482,954   $(557,929)   (5.3)%
                     
Natural gas from pipelines   1,854,027    1,616,497    237,530    14.7%
                     
Liquefied natural gas   7,495,807    -    7,495,807    - 
                     
Gasoline   788,144    1,224,724    (436,580)   (35.6)%
                     
Installation   587,883    788,364    (200,481)   (25.4)%
                     
Automobile conversion   264,362    275,268    (10,906)   (4.0)%
                     
Total  $20,915,248   $14,387,807   $6,527,441    45.4%

 

Overall. Our cost of revenue consists of the cost of natural gas and gasoline sold, installation costs and other costs. Costs of natural gas sold from fueling stations and pipelines as well as costs of gasoline sold consist mainly of procurement costs from our suppliers. Costs of LNG consist mainly of procurement costs of natural gas and processing costs. Costs of installation and others include the expenditures that were incurred to connect customers to our pipeline system, and the cost for converting gasoline-fueled vehicles into natural gas-fueled hybrid vehicles.

 

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Our cost of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $20,915,248, an increase of $6,527,441, or 45.4%, from $14,387,807 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, mainly attributable to the addition of costs of revenue of LNG, which started in July 2011, and the increase in average procurement costs of natural gas. Our average costs of revenue of all natural gas sold per cubic meter remained stable at $0.27 (RMB 1.73) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. As a comparison, our total revenues increased by 33.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Natural Gas from Fueling Stations. Cost of revenue of our natural gas sold through our fueling stations decreased by 5.3%, or $557,929, to $9,925,025 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $10,482,954 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The average procurement costs per cubic meter of our natural gas for our fueling stations decreased from $0.27 (RMB 1.78), net of VAT, for the three months ended March 31, 2011, to $0.27 (RMB 1.71), net of VAT, for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The average procurement cost remained materially below the natural gas retail price of $0.50 (RMB 3.13) per cubic meter, net of VAT, for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Natural Gas from Pipelines. Cost of revenue of our natural gas sold through our pipelines increased by 14.7%, or $237,530, to $1,854,027 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $1,616,497 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase was primarily due to the increase in sales volume.

 

Liquefied Natural Gas. Cost of revenue from LNG was $7,495,807 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and the average cost of revenue per cubic meter was $0.29 (RMB 1.81), net of VAT, during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Gasoline. Cost of gasoline revenue decreased by 35.6% or $436,580, to $788,144 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $1,224,724 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease of cost of gasoline revenue was primarily due to the closure of six gasoline fueling stations of ours during the fourth quarter of 2010 and the fourth quarter of 2011. The average procurement cost per liter increased from $0.82 (RMB 5.38), net of VAT, for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $0.96 (RMB 6.06), net of VAT, for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Installation Services. Cost of revenue from our installation services decreased by 25.4%, or $200,481, to $587,883 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $788,364 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily as a result of the increase in the number of our pipeline customers.

 

Automobile Conversion Services. Cost of our automobile conversion revenue decreased by 4.0%, or $10,906, to $264,362 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $275,268 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, which is consistent with the increase in sales revenue.

 

Gross Profit

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown of our gross profit for the years indicated:

 

   Three Months Ended   Increase   Increase 
   March 31,
2012
   March 31,
2011
   (decrease) in dollar
amount
   (decrease) in
percentage
 
Natural gas from fueling stations  $7,962,827   $7,773,468   $189,359    2.4%
                     
Natural gas from pipelines   574,767    474,910    99,857    21.0%
                     
Liquefied natural gas   1,587,234    -    1,587,234    - 
                     
Gasoline   37,751    82,450    (44,699)   (54.2)%
                     
Installation   1,027,925    1,223,330    (195,405)   (16.0)%
                     
Automobile conversion   171,566    166,143    5,423    3.3%
                     
Total  $11,362,070   $9,720,301   $1,641,769    16.9%

 

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We earned a gross profit of $11,362,070 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, an increase of $1,641,769, or 16.9%, from $9,720,301 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The increase in gross profit was primarily attributable to the increase in sales revenues, although our gross profit margin decreased, as discussed below.

 

Gross Margin

 

Gross margin for natural gas sold through our fueling stations increased from 42.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to 44.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to lower purchasing cost of natural gas.

 

Gross margin for natural gas sold through pipelines was 23.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, increased from 22.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to lower purchasing costs of natural gas.

 

Gross margin for our LNG business was 17.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2012. This gross margin is lower than that of CNG sold through fueling stations, because till the end of the first quarter of 2012, we had been selling LNG only to industrial customers at wholesale price. We expect that the gross margin of LNG sales may be improved after our own LNG fueling stations start operations and sell LNG at retail price.

 

Gross margin for gasoline sales decreased from 6.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to 4.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due our average purchasing costs of gasoline had increased at a greater rate than that of our average sales price of gasoline.

 

Gross margin for our installation business increased slightly to 63.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 60.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Gross margin for our automobile conversion business increased from 37.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to 39.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Our total gross margin decreased from 40.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to 35.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to the current lower gross margin level of our LNG business, as compared to the gross margins of those business lines making greatest contribution to revenue.

 

Operating Expenses

 

We incurred operating expenses of $7,662,446 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, an increase of $1,171,554, or 18.0%, from $6,490,892 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Selling expenses increased by $1,370,879, or 38.3%, to $4,950,800 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from $3,579,921 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to the increase of $566,695 in depreciation mainly associated with the operations of our LNG plant, which started in July 2011, $190,128 in rental expense, and $167,328 in salaries. Transportation cost during the year ended December 31, 2012 was approximately $2,723 per million cubic meters of natural gas, compared to $3,721 per million cubic meters of natural gas for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease was mainly attributable to the lower average transportation cost of LNG due to the decrease in its unit volume as a result of liquification.

 

General and administrative expenses decreased by $199,325, or 6.8%, from $2,910,971 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $2,711,646 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily attributable to the decrease of $648,273 in legal fees, offset by the increase of $531,301 in preliminary expenses associate with our acquisition of XTJH.

 

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Income from Operations and Operating Margin

 

Income from operations increased by $470,215, or 14.6%, to $3,699,624 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $3,229,409 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily attributable to the realization of revenue and gross profit of LNG, which started in July 2011. Our operating margin for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 11.5%, as compared to 13.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

Non-Operating Income (Expense)

 

Non-operating expense was $960,407 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to non-operating income of $212,075 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to the foreign currency exchange loss of $505,940 during the three months ended March 31, 2012, mainly attributable to the loss on the Abax Senior Notes caused by material appreciation of the RMB against USD in recent years because such notes were denominated in RMB, while the repayment of the principals as well as interest should be made in USD equivalent, as compared to a loss of $3,042 for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Provision for Income Tax

 

Income tax was $791,471 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to $955,653 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease was primarily due to lower income before income tax for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011. The effective income tax rate increased from 27.8% to 28.9% over this period, primarily attributable to foreign currency exchange loss related to the Abax Senior Notes, which was not subject to income tax because we had incurred a net operating loss for income tax purpose for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

Net income

 

Net income decreased to $1,947,746 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, by $538,085, or 21.6%, from $2,485,831 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Net margin decreased to 6.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from 10.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to the increase in non-operating expenses.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Historically, our primary sources of liquidity consisted of cash generated from our operations, debt financing and proceeds from equity offerings. Our principal uses of cash have been, and are expected to continue to be, working capital for operational purposes, as well as for satisfying capital investment, such as constructing our LNG plant in Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province and other projects. Due to the required repayment of 33.3% of the principal of the Abax Senior Notes, 29.2% of the principal of the loan from Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, and the short-term loans from Mr. Hao Qu, all of which are payable within one year from March 31, 2012, our current liabilities were larger than current assets as of March 31, 2012, resulting in negative working capital. On March 22, 2012, we entered into an agreement with Mr. Hao Qu to extend the maturity dates of certain borrowing totaling $1.32 million to 2013. We will continue to obtain new short-term bank loans to finance our working capital, and long term loans to fund our capital expenditure projects, if necessary.

 

As of March 31, 2012, we had $7,007,512 of cash and cash equivalents on hand, compared to $9,622,883 of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2011. The decrease was primarily attributable to the construction of the LNG plant and other projects, and the repayment of the loans from Shanghai Pudong Development Bank and of the principal of the Abax Senior Notes.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $7,420,739 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $2,457,583 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.The increase was primarily due to the decrease in prepaid expense and other current assets, and increase in unearned revenue, and adjustments for non-cash expense items, including depreciation and amortization expenses, offset mainly by the increase in advances to suppliers and in other receivables.

 

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Net cash used in investing activities decreased from $5,709,218 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 to $5,137,992 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to the decrease in prepayment on long-term assets.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $4,921,334 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, primarily due to the repayment of the principals of the Abax Senior Notes and of the long term loan from Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (or “SPDB”), and increase in restricted cash. On a comparable basis, net cash from financing activities was $2,081,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011, due to the short-term loans borrowed from Mr. Hao Qu and our joint venture company, Henan CNPC Kunlun Xilan Compressed Natural Gas Co., Ltd..

 

Based on our past performance and current expectations, we believe our cash and cash equivalents, as well as cash generated from operations, will satisfy most of our working capital needs. We will try to obtain new short-term bank loans to finance our working capital and to satisfy other liquidity requirements associated with our operations. As for capital expenditures, we will evaluate the necessity and availability of long-term bank loans or other long-term financing options.

 

The majority of our revenues and expenses were denominated primarily in RMB, the currency of the PRC. There is no assurance that exchange rates between the RMB and United States dollars will remain stable. Historically, inflation has not had a material impact on our business.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial conditions, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to our investors.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Our planned capital expenditures as of March 31, 2012 were approximately $224.2 million through December 2015, the majority of which were to be incurred in connection with Phase II and III of the LNG facility in Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province, the construction or acquisition of additional fueling stations and compressor stations, and the expansion of our operations in Hubei Province. We expect to fund the planned capital expenditures mainly through cash flows from operations as well as through potential bank loans or other forms of borrowing.

 

Outstanding Indebtedness

 

On December 30, 2007, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with Abax Lotus Ltd. (“Abax”) and, on January 29, 2008, we entered into an amendment to such agreement with Abax (the “Purchase Agreement”, as amended). Under the Purchase Agreement, on January 29, 2008, we sold to Abax $20,000,000 in principal amount of our 5.0% Guaranteed Senior Notes due 2014 (the “Senior Notes”) and warrants to purchase 1,450,000 shares of our common stock and, on March 3, 2008, we issued to Abax an additional $20,000,000 in principal amount of Senior Notes.

 

We are required to make mandatory prepayments on the Senior Notes on certain dates and we are subject to customary covenants for financings of this type, including restrictions on the incurrence of liens, payment of dividends and disposition of properties as well as being obligated to maintain certain financial ratios. On August 5, 2011, the Company paid the first balance due equal to 8.3333% of the principal amount outstanding. The second repayment for 8.3333% of the principal of the Senior Notes was due on January 30, 2012. After negotiations with Abax, the note-holders agreed that the Company could make the payment on or before March 9, 2012. On March 7, 2012, the Company paid $4,946,541 to Abax, including $3,838,949 of the principal due on January 30, 2011 in full (with foreign currency exchange loss of $505,615), plus accrued interest of $1,079,176, as well as penalty interest of $28,416. Abax issued a waiver to exempt the Company from any other consequences of the late payment.

 

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Long-Term Loan

 

On February 26, 2010, JBLNG entered into a fixed assets loan contract with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Xi’an Branch (“SPDB”), pursuant to which the SPDB agreed to lend $18,564,000 to JBLNG. SPDB transferred $13,923,000 and $4,641,000 to JBLNG on March 17 and May 28, 2010, respectively. The applicable interest rate of this loan is the standard three- to five-year rate issued by the People’s Bank of China’s, 5.76% for the first year and subject to adjustment commencing the second year. As the People’s Bank of China adjusted the standard interest rate several times in 2011 and 2010, beginning January 1, 2012 the interest rate of these loans had been adjusted to 6.90%.The repayment term was amended in October 2011. According to the amended contract, the loan period is 58 months from the date of effectiveness of the contract, and will be repaid twice a year, with the last repayment no later than December 5, 2014. The loan is guaranteed by XXNGC and secured by XXNGC’s equipment and vehicles located within PRC. Pursuant to the long-term loan agreement with Pudong Development Bank Xi’an Branch, the Company repaid the principal of $775,000 (RMB 5,000,000), $3,875,000 (RMB 25,000,000) and $775,000 (RMB 5,000,000) to the SPDB on October 10, 2011, December 31, 2011 and March 5, 2012, respectively.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Our contractual obligations are as follows:

 

           Payments due by period     
       Less than   1-3   3-5   More than 
Contractual obligations  Total   1 year   Years   years   5 years 
   (in thousands) 
Long-term debt obligations(1)  $32,910   $13,164   $19,746   $-   $- 
Operating lease obligations(2)   40,412    1,593    4,157    3,760    30,902 
Purchase obligations (3)   11,013    11,013    -    -    - 
Other long-term liabilities reflected on balance sheet (4)   17,500    -    -    17,500    - 
Related party debt (5)   2,680    2,680    -    -    - 
Long-term loan   13,464    5,544    7,920    -    - 
Total  $117,979   $33,994   $31,823   $21,260   $30,902 

 

(1) Please refer to Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

(2) The Company entered into a series of long-term lease agreements with outside parties to lease land use rights for the Company’s CNG fueling stations located in the PRC. The agreements have terms ranging from 10 to 30 years. The Company makes annual prepayments for most of these lease agreements. The Company also entered into five office leases in Xi’an, PRC, one office lease in Wuhan, PRC, one office lease in Yichang, PRC, one office lease in Huangshi, PRC and one office lease in New York, United States of America (“USA”).

 

(3) We have purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services and property and equipment for constructing the LNG plant and other construction in progress projects.

 

(4) The $17,500,000 reflects derivative liability related to the embedded put option in the 1,450,000 warrants we issued to Abax in January 2008. Abax is entitled to require us to purchase back the portion of warrants not exercised upon expiration.

 

(5) The $2,680,000 reflects related party debt to Mr. Hao Qu, a former employee of XXNGC and shareholder of the Company.

 

Natural Gas Purchase Commitments

 

We have existing long-term natural gas purchase agreements with our major suppliers. As of March 31, 2012, we maintained long-term natural gas purchase agreements with one of our vendors, Qinshui Lanyan Coal Bed Methane Co., Ltd. (“Qinshui Lanyan”). We do not expect any issues or difficulties in renewing our supply contracts with the vendor going forward.

 

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We continued to seek lower-cost sources of supply and did not have commitments for the purchasing volume of natural gas to any suppliers except Qinshui Lanyan. Pursuant to the agreement with Qinshui Lanyan, we should purchase from Qinshui Lanyan a daily volume of approximately 200,000 cubic meters of coal bed gas. Prices of natural gas are strictly controlled by the PRC government.

 

The sales prices of both pipeline natural gas in Shaanxi Province and vehicular fuel in the city of Xi’an were raised on October 20, 2010. The sales price of pipeline natural gas in Shaanxi Province increased by $0.03 (RMB 0.23) per cubic meter for residential use. The sales prices for commercial and industrial use were increased by $0.05 and $0.08 (RMB 0.35 and RMB 0.55) per cubic meter, respectively. Additionally, the sales price of CNG for vehicular fuel in Xi’an was adjusted based on the target ratio of 0.6:1 to the retail price of Grade 90 gasoline. The retail price of CNG increased by $0.14 (RMB 0.90) per cubic meter. The adjusted prices took effect on October 20, 2010.

 

The sales prices of vehicular fuel in the cities of Kaifeng and Xuchang, Henan Province were raised on July 20, 2010 and August 1, 2010, respectively. The sales price of vehicular fuel in Kaifeng increased from $0.42 (RMB 3.30) to $0.46 (RMB 3.60) per cubic meter. The sales price of vehicular fuel in Xuchang increased from $0.41 (RMB 3.20) to $0.47 (RMB 3.65) per cubic meter. Additionally, the sale prices of CNG for vehicular fuel in Kaifeng was adjusted based on the target ratio of no less than 0.6:1 to the retail price of Grade 90 gasoline. The sale prices of CNG for vehicular fuel in Xuchang was adjusted to no less than 0.6:1 to the retail price of Grade 90 gasoline and would gradually be raised to the target ratio of no less than 0.75:1.

 

Foreign Currency Translations

 

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar (“USD”). The functional currency of XXNGC and XXNGC’s PRC subsidiaries and, therefore, our functional currency, is the RMB. The results of operations and financial position of XXNGC and XXNGC’s PRC subsidiaries are translated to USD using the period end exchange rates as to assets and liabilities and weighted average exchange rates as to revenues, expenses and cash flows. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transaction occurred. The resulting currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity.

 

The balance sheet amounts, with the exception of equity, were translated at the March 31, 2012 exchange rate of RMB 6.31 to $1.00 as compared to RMB 6.35 to $1.00 at December 31, 2011. The equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to income and cash flow statement amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were RMB 6.30 and RMB 6.57 to $1.00, respectively.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial position and results of operations contained in this Form 10-Q is based on our consolidated financial statements, contained elsewhere herein. The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. There have been no material changes in the development of our accounting estimates or the assumptions underlying those estimates, or the accounting policies that we disclosed as our Critical Accounting Policies in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Use of Estimates and assumptions

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements include revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory obsolescence, warrants liability and useful lives of property and equipment. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

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Consolidation of Variable Interest Entity

 

In accordance with the accounting standard regarding consolidations, VIEs are entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision-making ability. Any VIE with which the Company is involved must be evaluated to determine the primary beneficiary of the risks and rewards of the VIE. Management makes ongoing reassessments of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of XXNGC.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to earnings as incurred while 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 for all assets with estimated lives as follows:

 

Office equipment   5 years
Operating equipment   5-20 years
Vehicles   5 years
Buildings and improvements   5-30 years

 

Construction in Progress

 

Construction in progress consists of (1) the costs for constructing CNG fueling stations, the liquefied natural gas, or LNG, project in Jingbian County, and the natural gas infrastructure project in Xi’an International Port District and (2) other construction in progress costs, including technology licensing fees, equipment purchases, land use rights requisition cost, capitalized interest and other construction fees. No depreciation is provided for construction in progress until such time as the assets are completed and placed into service. Interest incurred during construction is capitalized into construction in progress. All other interest is expensed as incurred.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized when services are rendered to customers and when a formal arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, the delivery is completed, no other significant obligations of ours exist and collectability is reasonably assured. Payments received before all of the relevant criteria for revenue recognition are satisfied are recorded as unearned revenue. Revenue from gas and gasoline sales is recognized when gas and gasoline is pumped through pipelines to the end users. Revenue from installation of pipelines is recorded when the contract is completed and accepted by the customers. Construction contracts are usually completed within one to two months. Revenue from repairing and modifying vehicles is recorded when services are rendered to and accepted by the customers.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The accounting standards regarding fair value of financial instruments and related fair value measurements define fair value, establish a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosures of fair value measurement, and provide disclosure requirements for fair value measures. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for current receivables and payables qualify as financial instruments. Management concluded the carrying values are a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and, if applicable, their stated interest rate approximates current rates available. The three levels 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.

 

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Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Depending on the product and the terms of the transaction, the fair value of our notes payable and derivative liabilities were modeled using a series of techniques, including closed-form analytic formula, such as the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which does not entail material subjectivity because the methodology employed does not necessitate significant judgment, and the pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets.

 

A contract that would otherwise meet the definition of a derivative but is both (a) indexed to the company’s own stock and (b) classified in stockholders’ equity in the balance sheet would not be considered a derivative financial instrument. There is a two-step model to be applied in determining whether a financial instrument or an embedded feature is indexed to an issuer’s own stock and thus able to qualify for the exception. Changes in the fair value of warrants are recognized in the income statement.

 

Income Taxes

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of temporary 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. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no significant book to tax differences except for warrants liability and stock based compensation. An uncertain tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the year incurred. No significant penalties or interest relating to income taxes have been incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amounts. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived assets. Loss on long-lived assets to be disposed of is determined in a similar manner, except that fair market values are reduced for the cost of disposal.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

See “Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in “Item 1. Financial Statements” herein for a discussion of the new accounting pronouncements adopted in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Natural Gas Price Risk

 

Our major market risk exposure continues to be the pricing applicable to our purchases and value-added reselling of CNG. Our revenues and profitability depend substantially upon the applicable prices of natural gas, which in China are regulated and fixed by central and local governments and do not fluctuate significantly. Such price stability is expected to continue for operations in China. We currently do not have any hedge positions in place to reduce our exposure to changes in natural gas wholesale and retail prices.

 

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Interest Rate Risk

 

We are subject to interest rate risk on our long-term fixed-interest rate debt. Fixed rate debt, where the interest rate is fixed over the life of the instrument, exposes us to changes in market interest rates reflected in the fair value of the debt and to the risk that we may need to refinance maturing debt with new debt at a higher rate. All other things being equal, the fair value of our fixed rate debt will increase or decrease as interest rates change. We had interest-bearing long-term and short-term debts outstanding in an aggregate of $49,053,964 at March 31, 2012. The fixed-rate long-term debt, or the notes payable to Abax of $32,910,019, is due in installments beginning in July 2012 through January 2014. The most recent repayment of 8.3333% of the principal of the notes payable was due on January 30, 2012. After negotiations with Abax, the note-holders agreed that the Company could make the payment before March 9, 2012. On March 7, 2012, the Company paid the portion of the principal due on January 30, 2012 in full plus accrued interest for the period from July 30, 2011 to January 29, 2012, as well as a penalty interest of $28,416 for the period from February 6, 2012 to March 8, 2012. Abax issued a waiver to exempt the Company from any other consequences of the late payment. The fixed-rate loan from a related party of $2,679,945 is due during 2012. The remaining balance in the amount of $13,464,000, or the loan from Pudong Development Bank, bears interest at floating rates, and is due between 2012 and 2014. We repaid principal of $775,000 (RMB 5,000,000) due on March 5, 2012.We currently have no interest rate hedge positions in place to reduce our exposure to changes in interest rates.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Risk

 

We operate using China’s local currency and the effects of foreign currency fluctuations are largely mitigated because local expenses in China are also denominated in the same currency.

 

Our assets and liabilities, of which the functional currency is the RMB, are translated into USD using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, resulting in translation adjustments that are reflected as cumulative translation adjustment in the stockholders’ equity section on our consolidated balance sheets. A portion of our net assets are impacted by changes in foreign currencies translation rates in relation to the U.S. dollar. We recorded a foreign currency translation gain of $1,758,800 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, to reflect the impact of the fluctuation of RMB against USD.

 

Legal Proceedings Risk

 

a)Vandevelde v. China Natural Gas, Inc., et al. (Case No. 1:10CV00728, United States District Court for the District of Delaware). As previously disclosed, on August 26, 2010, plaintiff Maxwell Vandevelde filed a putative class action against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors alleging that the defendants violated U.S. federal securities laws. On August 12, 2011, the Court entered an order appointing Robert Skeway, an individual investor, as lead plaintiff and approving his selection of lead counsel. Lead plaintiff and Raimundo Jo-Fung, another individual investor, who together seek to represent a class of all purchasers and acquirers of the Company’s common stock between March 10, 2010 and September 21, 2011, filed an amended complaint on October 11, 2011. Plaintiffs assert claims for violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The amended complaint alleges the defendants made false or misleading statements in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2010, and in various quarterly reports, by purportedly failing to disclose a series of loans and related party transactions. The amended complaint also asserts claims against certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors for violations of Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages.

 

On December 12, 2011 the Company filed a motion to dismiss and the motion is now fully briefed. The Company cannot provide at this time any assurance that the outcome of this suit will not be materially adverse to our financial condition, consolidated results of operations, cash flows or business prospects.

 

b)On December 5, 2011, plaintiff Haitham J. Kousa filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Qinan Ji, Zhiqiang Wang, Lawrence W. Leighton, Frank Waung, Yang Xiang Dong, China Natural Gas, Inc. and The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC, as defendants (C.A. No. 11-1202-SLR), and on January 17, 2012, plaintiff Robert Mallano also filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Qinan Ji, Zhiqiang Wang, Lawrence W. Leighton, Frank Waung, Yang Xiang Dong, China Natural Gas, Inc., as defendants (C.A. No. 12-0048-SLR) (the “Constituent Actions”). The Constituent Actions allege, inter alia, breach of fiduciary duties, self-dealing, and misconduct by management for related-party loans to management and the failure to disclose such loans. The Constituent Actions were consolidated on February 14, 2012 and bear the following caption, In re China Natural Gas, Inc. Shareholder and Derivative Litigation (Consol. C.A. No. 11-1202-SLR). On March 19, 2012 the court granted Nasdaq’s motion to dismiss, denied plaintiff’s motion for appointment of a receiver and dismissed plaintiff’s motion for expedited discovery.

 

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c)On February 8, 2012, plaintiff Rick Steinmetz, filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Qinan Ji, Zhiqiang Wang, Lawrence W. Leighton, Frank Waung, David She, Carl Yeung, Yang Xiang Dong, China Natural Gas, Inc., alleging the same or similar claims as in the constituent actions. This case has not yet been consolidated with the constituent actions, although we believe consolidation will occur soon.

 

 

We intend to defend these cases vigorously. We currently cannot estimate the outcome of these matters as of the date of this Report.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

During and subsequent to the reporting period covered by this Report, and under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures that were in effect at the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as those controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

During management’s evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in connection with this quarterly report for the three months ended March 31, 2012, management concluded that the Company continues to have the following material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

 

·The Company does not maintain personnel with a sufficient level of accounting knowledge, experience and training in the application of the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and SEC requirements in the application thereof.

 

·The Company entered into a related party transaction without appropriate authorization and failed to correctly disclose the Wang Loan as a related party transaction.

 

·The Company failed to communicate to the Board of Directors the Wang Loan and the Juntai Loan and had entered into the Loans without approval of the Board of Directors.

 

·The Company did not have a formal process to analyze the Company’s goodwill for possible impairment.

 

·The Company did not initially translate the proceeds from the Senior Notes in USD into RMB, the functional currency of the Company, and failed to recognize the foreign currency change gain or loss at the end of each reporting period, when the Company should translate its amount back into USD, the reporting currency of the Company.

 

·The Company failed to have a written policy that documents the internal control procedures over its revenue and purchase cycles relating to its liquefied natural gas business.

 

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Based on their evaluation (and considering the material weaknesses previously identified and discussed in our internal control over financial reporting, Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011), our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures at March 31, 2012 were not effective.

 

Management’s Remediation Initiatives

 

In response to the above identified material weaknesses in general and to strengthen our internal control over financial reporting, we have taken or will take the following remediation initiatives:

 

1)Developing a comprehensive training and development plan for our accounting personnel, including our Chief Financial Officer, Financial Controller and others, in the knowledge of the principles and rules of U.S. GAAP and the SEC requirements in the application thereof.

 

2)The Company appointed Mr. Shuwen Kang to replace Mr. Qinan Ji as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Shuwen Kang is familiar with the Company’s management and operations and has extensive experience in the natural gas industry and we believe he is qualified and competent to serve effectively as the Company’s CEO.

 

3)Resignation in August 2011 of certain employees involved in concealing the related party nature of the Wang Loan;

 

4)Appointment of an Independent Controller reporting to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors;

 

5)Re-engagement of Ernst & Young Advisory to further improve procedures required to comply with the internal control over financial reporting and disclosure control provisions of the Sarbanes Oxley Act and to provide training to employees regarding U.S. GAAP, internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures;

 

6)Adopting a policy that restricts the signing authority of the Chairman and other executives. The policy mandates two signing parties for any obligation outside the normal scope of operations set forth in the Company’s business plan, as reviewed and approved from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors; and

 

7)Engagement of Grant Thornton in 2011, and then Crowe Horwath in 2012, as U.S. GAAP consultant to the Company for purposes of preparing its quarterly and annual periodic reports.

 

8)Formulation of a formal process of analyzing goodwill and testing it for impairment.

 

9)Formulation of a formal process of identifying items for which foreign exchange gain or loss may occur specifically and recognizing such gain or loss in our financial statements.

 

10)Development of a formal policy that documents the internal control procedures over the revenue and purchase cycles relating to the liquefied natural gas business.

 

Of the above items, Item 1 through to Item 9 have been completed.

 

In addition, the Company continues to reassess its internal controls and procedures in light of these recent events and is in the process of determining additional appropriate actions to take to remediate these material weaknesses.

 

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Other than the remediation measures described above, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

a)Vandevelde v. China Natural Gas, Inc., et al. (Case No. 1:10CV00728, United States District Court for the District of Delaware). As previously disclosed, on August 26, 2010, plaintiff Maxwell Vandevelde filed a putative class action against the Company and certain of its current and former officers and directors alleging that the defendants violated U.S. federal securities laws. On August 12, 2011, the Court entered an order appointing Robert Skeway, an individual investor, as lead plaintiff and approving his selection of lead counsel. Lead plaintiff and Raimundo Jo-Fung, another individual investor, who together seek to represent a class of all purchasers and acquirers of the Company’s common stock between March 10, 2010 and September 21, 2011, filed an amended complaint on October 11, 2011. Plaintiffs assert claims for violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The amended complaint alleges the defendants made false or misleading statements in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2010, and in various quarterly reports, by purportedly failing to disclose a series of loans and related party transactions. The amended complaint also asserts claims against certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors for violations of Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages.

 

On December 12, 2011 the Company filed a motion to dismiss and the motion is now fully briefed. The Company cannot provide at this time any assurance that the outcome of this suit will not be materially adverse to our financial condition, consolidated results of operations, cash flows or business prospects.

 

b)On December 5, 2011, plaintiff Haitham J. Kousa filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Qinan Ji, Zhiqiang Wang, Lawrence W. Leighton, Frank Waung, Yang Xiang Dong, China Natural Gas, Inc. and The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC, as defendants (C.A. No. 11-1202-SLR), and on January 17, 2012, plaintiff Robert Mallano also filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Qinan Ji, Zhiqiang Wang, Lawrence W. Leighton, Frank Waung, Yang Xiang Dong, China Natural Gas, Inc., as defendants (C.A. No. 12-0048-SLR) (the Constituent Actions”). The Constituent Actions allege, inter alia, breach of fiduciary duties, self-dealing, and misconduct by management for related-party loans to management and the failure to disclose such loans. The Constituent Actions were consolidated on February 14, 2012 and bear the following caption, In re China Natural Gas, Inc. Shareholder and Derivative Litigation (Consol. C.A. No. 11-1202-SLR). On March 19, 2012 the court granted Nasdaq’s motion to dismiss, denied plaintiff’s motion for appointment of a receiver and dismissed plaintiff’s motion for expedited discovery.

 

c)On February 8, 2012, plaintiff Rick Steinmetz, filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Qinan Ji, Zhiqiang Wang, Lawrence W. Leighton, Frank Waung, David She, Carl Yeung, Yang Xiang Dong, China Natural Gas, Inc., alleging the same or similar claims as in the constituent actions. This case has not yet been consolidated with the constituent actions, although we believe consolidation will occur soon.

 

We intend to defend these cases vigorously. We currently cannot estimate the outcome of these matters as of the date of this Report.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

As of the date of this filing, there have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A (Risk Factors) contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, other than as set forth below. We operate in a changing environment that involves numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our operations. The risks, uncertainties and other factors set forth in the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K may cause our actual results, performances and achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. If any of these risks or events occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

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We have made errors in the preparation of certain of our historical financial statements and our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures have not been effective.

 

Because of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and the ineffectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the exchange on which we list our shares, the SEC or other regulatory authorities. The SEC has commenced an investigation into the matters surrounding the Wang Loan and the acquisition of Lingbao Yuxi Natural Gas Co., Ltd. The Company has been cooperating with the investigation. The Company has restated quarterly reports on Form 10-Q/A for the three months ended March 31, 2010, six months ended June 30, 2010 and the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the annual report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2010, and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q/A for the three months ended March 31, 2011, six months ended June 30, 2011 and the nine months ended September 30, 2011, regarding the above matters. In addition, NASDAQ has delisted the Company’s common stock and, as a result, the Company’s common stock is now quoted on the OTC Markets. The SEC may take enforcement action against the Company. The market price of our common stock has declined and because of these events, investor perceptions of the Company may suffer, and this could cause a further decline in the market price of our stock. If we are unable to remediate the material deficiencies in our internal control effectively or efficiently, it could harm our operations, financial reporting or financial results and could result in an adverse opinion on internal controls from our independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, we may identify additional material weaknesses in the future. Any additional failures of internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and harm our reputation.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Index to Exhibits

Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibit
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 and Rule 15d 14(a), promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer).
32.2   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Financial Officer)
101.INS   XBRL INSTANCE DOCUMENT
101.SCH   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA
101.CAL   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION CALCULATION LINKBASE
101.DEF   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION DEFINITION LINKBASE
101.LAB   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE
101.PR   XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  China Natural Gas, Inc.
        
May 15, 2012 By: /s/ Shuwen Kang
      Shuwen Kang
      Chief Executive Officer
      (Principal Executive Officer)
     
May 15, 2012 By: /s/ Zhaoyang Qiao
      Zhaoyang Qiao
       Chief Financial Officer
      (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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