NVFY Nova Lifestyle Inc

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE NINE AND THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 AND 2018 (UNAUDITED)

Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business

Nova LifeStyle, Inc. (“Nova LifeStyle” or the “Company”), formerly known as Stevens Resources, Inc., was incorporated in the State of Nevada on September 9, 2009.

The Company is a U.S. holding company with no material assets other than the ownership interests of its subsidiaries through which it markets, designs and sells furniture worldwide: Nova Furniture Limited in the British Virgin Islands (“Nova Furniture”), Nova Furniture Ltd. in Samoa (“Nova Samoa”), Bright Swallow International Group Limited (“Bright Swallow” or “BSI”), Nova Furniture Macao Commercial Offshore Limited (“Nova Macao”) and Diamond Bar Outdoors, Inc. (“Diamond Bar”).

Nova Macao was organized under the laws of Macao on May 20, 2006, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nova Furniture.  Diamond Bar was incorporated in California on June 15, 2000.  Nova Macao is a trading company, importing, marketing and selling products designed and manufactured by third-party manufacturers for the U.S. and international markets. Diamond Bar markets and sells products manufactured by third-party manufacturers under the Diamond Sofa brand to distributors and retailers principally in the U.S. market.  On April 24, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of Bright Swallow, an established furniture company with a global client base.  

On December 7, 2017, Nova LifeStyle, Inc. incorporated i Design Blockchain Technology, Inc. (“i Design”) under the laws of the State of California. The purpose of i Design is to build the Company’s own blockchain technology team. This new company will focus on the application of blockchain technology in the furniture industry, including encouraging and facilitating interactions among designers and customers, and building a blockchain-powered platform that enables designers to showcase their products, including current and future furniture designs. This company is in the planning stage and has had minimal operations to date.

The “Company” and “Nova” collectively refer to Nova LifeStyle, the U.S. parent, and its subsidiaries, Nova Furniture, Nova Samoa, Nova Macao, Diamond Bar, i Design and BSI. 

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding interim financial reporting. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

The interim condensed consolidated financial information as of September 30, 2019 and for the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 have been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures, which are normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The interim condensed consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, previously filed with the SEC on April 1, 2019.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include all significant normal and recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2019, its interim condensed consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the nine and three month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, as applicable, have been made. The interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

Use of Estimates

In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the dates of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions made by management include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition, the allowance for bad debt, valuation of inventories, the valuation of stock-based compensation, income taxes and unrecognized tax benefits, valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, assumptions used in assessing impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, and loss contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02), as amended, which supersedes the lease accounting guidance under Topic 840, and generally requires lessees to recognize operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use (ROU) assets on the balance sheet and to provide enhanced disclosures surrounding the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leasing arrangements. The Company adopted the new guidance using the modified retrospective transition approach by applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application and not restating comparative periods. The most significant impact was the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. For information regarding the impact of Topic 842 adoption, see Significant Accounting Policies - Leases and Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies.

Significant Accounting Policies - Leases

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Topic 842 using the modified retrospective transition approach by applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. Results and disclosure requirements for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019 are presented under Topic 842, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with its historical accounting under Topic 840.

The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which allowed it to carry forward its historical lease classification, its assessment on whether a contract was or contains a lease, and its initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to January 1, 2019. The Company also elected to combine its lease and non-lease components and to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off the balance sheet and recognize the associated lease payments in the consolidated statements of income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Upon adoption, the Company recognized total ROU assets of $3.13 million, with corresponding liabilities of $3.13 million on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The ROU assets include adjustments for prepayments and accrued lease payments. The adoption did not impact its beginning retained earnings, or its prior year condensed consolidated statements of income and statements of cash flows.

Under Topic 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. For this purpose, the Company considers only payments that are fixed and determinable at the time of commencement. As most of its leases do not provide an implicit rate, it uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate is a hypothetical rate based on its understanding of what its credit rating would be. The ROU asset also includes any lease payments made prior to commencement and is recorded net of any lease incentives received. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise such options.

Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, operating lease liabilities, current and non-current operating lease liabilities, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Business Combination

For a business combination, the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are recognized at the acquisition date and measured at their fair values as of that date. In a business combination achieved in stages, the identifiable assets and liabilities, as well as the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, are recognized at the full amounts of their fair values. In a bargain purchase in which the total acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration transferred plus any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, that excess in earnings is recognized as a gain attributable to the acquirer.

Deferred tax liability and assets are recognized for the deferred tax consequences of differences between the tax bases and the recognized values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740-10.

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of purchase price and related costs over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. In accordance with ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other,” goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment, annually or more frequently when circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. Impairment testing is performed at a reporting unit level. An impairment loss generally would be recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, with the fair value of the reporting unit determined using discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF analysis to forecast operating cash flows, including the discount rate, the internal rate of return and projections of realizations and costs to produce. Management considers historical experience and all available information at the time the fair values of its reporting units are estimated.

ASC Topic 350 also permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is required to be performed. Otherwise, no further testing is required. Performing the qualitative assessment involved identifying the relevant drivers of fair value, evaluating the significance of all identified relevant events and circumstances, and weighing the factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. After evaluating and weighing all these relevant events and circumstances, it was concluded that a positive assertion can be made from the qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not that the fair value of Diamond Bar is greater than its carrying amount. As such, it is not necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test for the Diamond Bar reporting unit.  Accordingly, as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company concluded there was no impairment of goodwill of Diamond Bar.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers cash, money market funds, investments in interest bearing demand deposit accounts, time deposits and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 

Accounts Receivable

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

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

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, bad debts (reversal) expenses were ($214,610) and $2,298,488, respectively; and $5,136 and $2,128,579 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Advances to Suppliers

Advances to suppliers are reported net of allowance when the Company determines that amounts outstanding are not likely to be collected in cash or utilized against purchase of inventories. Based on its historical record and actual practice, the Company receives goods within 5 to 9 months from the date the advance payment is made. As such, no reserve on supplier prepayments had been made or recorded by the Company. Any provisions for allowance for advances to suppliers, if deemed necessary, are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, no provision was made on advances to suppliers.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost determined on a weighted-average basis. Write-down of potential obsolete or slow moving inventories is recorded based on management’s assumptions about future demands and market conditions. The Company did not record any write-downs of inventories at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Plant, Property and Equipment

Plant, property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, if any. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while additions, renewals and improvements are capitalized. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation is 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 substantially all assets with no salvage value and estimated lives as follows:

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 

Long-lived assets, which include property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined using the asset’s expected future discounted cash flows or market value, if readily determinable.

Based on its review, the Company believes that as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there was no impairment of its long-lived assets. 

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock purchases are accounted for under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock. Gains and losses on the subsequent reissuance of shares are credited or charged to additional paid-in capital using the average-cost method. Upon retirement of treasury stock, the amounts in excess of par value are charged entirely to retained earnings.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are related primarily to the Company designing and testing its new products during the development stage. Research and development costs are recognized in general and administrative expenses and expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses were $85,124 and $86,790 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Research and development expenses were $29,852 and $7,985 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Income Taxes

In its interim financial statements, the Company follows the guidance in ASC 270 “Interim Reporting” and ASC 740 “Income Taxes” whereby the Company utilizes the expected annual effective rate in determining its income tax provision. The income tax benefits for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019 of approximately $782,000 and $12,000 are primarily related to a reversal of tax liability reserves due to a statute of limitations expiration in 2019 and quarter-to-date losses generated from U.S. operations. The income tax benefit for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2018 were approximately $505,000 and $942,000 and were primarily related to income from operations.

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

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

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

Nova Lifestyle, Inc. and Diamond Bar Outdoors, Inc. (“Diamond Bar”) are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. Nova Furniture BVI and Bright Swallow International Group Limited (“BSI”) were incorporated in the BVI, Nova Samoa was incorporated in Samoa, and Nova Macau was incorporated in Macau. There is no income tax for companies domiciled in the BVI, Samoa and Macau. Accordingly, the Company’s consolidated financial statements do not present any income tax provisions related to the BVI, Samoa and Macau tax jurisdictions where Nova Furniture BVI and BSI, Nova Samoa and Nova Macau are domiciled.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”) created new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings, such as global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) under IRC Section 951A, which is effective for the Company for tax years beginning after January 1, 2018. For the quarter ended September 30, 2019, the Company has calculated its best estimate of the impact of the GILTI in its income tax provision in accordance with its understanding of the Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing.

A reconciliation of the January 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019 amount of unrecognized tax benefits excluding interest and penalties (“Gross UTB”) is as follows:

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had cumulatively accrued approximately $2,400 and $619,000 for estimated interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, respectively. The Company recorded reversal of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax benefit, which totaled $616,203 and $4,949 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, and 2018, respectively; and $1,003 and $67,949 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to its unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, a total of $109,000 and $1.34 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefit was recorded as long-term taxes payable, as ASC 740 specifies that tax positions for which the timing of the ultimate resolution is uncertain should be recognized as long-term liabilities. Other long-term taxes payable as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 consisted of an income tax payable of $1.82 million and $2.01 million, respectively, primarily arising from a one-time transition tax recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017 on its post-1986 foreign unremitted earnings. The Company elected to pay the one-time transition tax over eight years, commencing in April 2018.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenues when its customers obtain control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive in exchange for those goods. The Company recognizes revenues following the five step model prescribed under ASU No. 2014-09: (i) identifies contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identifies the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determines the transaction price; (iv) allocates the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognizes revenues when (or as) it satisfies the performance obligation.

Revenues from product sales are recognized when the customer obtains control of the Company’s product, which occurs at a point in time, typically upon delivery to the customer. The Company expenses incremental costs of obtaining a contract as and when incurred if the expected amortization period of the asset that it would have recognized is one year or less or the amount is immaterial.

Revenues from product sales are recorded net of reserves established for applicable discounts and allowances that are offered within contracts with the Company’s customers.

Product revenue reserves, which are classified as a reduction in product revenues, are generally characterized in the following categories: discounts, returns and rebates. These reserves are based on estimates of the amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales and are classified as reductions of accounts receivable as the amount is payable to the Company’s customer.

The Company’s sales policy allows for product returns within the warranty period if the product is defective and the defects are the Company’s fault.  As alternatives to the product return option, the customers have the option of requesting a discount from the Company for products with quality issues or of receiving replacement parts from the Company at no cost. The amount for product returns, the discount provided to the Company’s customers, and the costs for replacement parts were immaterial for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

The Company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales consists primarily of costs of finished goods purchased from third-party manufacturers. Write-downs of inventory to the lower of cost or net realizable value is also recorded in the cost of sales.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs related to delivery of finished goods are included in selling expenses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, shipping and handling costs (income) were $1,411 and $(6,624), respectively; and $548 and $(347) for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

Advertising 

Advertising expenses consist primarily of costs of promotion and marketing for the Company’s image and products, and costs of direct advertising, and are included in selling expenses. The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense was $163,065 and $554,070 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively; and $24,371 and $9,754 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

Share-based compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation awards to employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, which requires that share-based payment transactions with employees be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument issued and recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period.

The Company accounts for share-based compensation awards to non-employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and FASB ASC Subtopic 505-50, “Equity-Based Payments to Non-employees”. Share-based compensation associated with the issuance of equity instruments to non-employees is measured at the fair value of the equity instrument issued or committed to be issued, as this is more reliable than the fair value of the services received. The fair value is measured at the date that the commitment for performance by the counterparty has been reached or the counterparty’s performance is complete.

Earnings per Share (EPS)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed similar to basic net income per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all the potential common shares pertaining to warrants, stock options, and similar instruments had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. Diluted earnings per share are based on the assumption that all dilutive convertible shares and stock options and warrants were converted or exercised. Dilution is computed by applying the treasury stock method for the outstanding unvested restricted stock, options and warrants, and the if-converted method for the outstanding convertible instruments. Under the treasury stock 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. Under the if-converted method, outstanding convertible instruments are assumed to be converted into common stock at the beginning of the period (or at the time of issuance, if later).

The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted (loss) income per share for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018: 

For the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, 858,334 shares purchasable under warrants, 25,000 shares of unvested restricted stock and options to purchase 1,385,000 shares of the Company’s stock were anti-dilutive and were excluded from the EPS calculation.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of accounts and other receivables. The Company does not require collateral or other security to support these receivables. The Company conducts periodic reviews of the financial condition and payment practices of its customers to minimize collection risk on accounts receivable.

Two customers accounted for 60% (48% and 12% each) of the Company’s sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and two customers accounted for 36% (18%, and 18% each) of the Company’s sales for the same period of 2018. Two customers accounted for 65% (53% and 12% each) of the Company’s sales for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and one customer accounted for 17% of the Company’s sales for the same period of 2018. Gross accounts receivable from these customers were $6,892,589 and $44,212,605 as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company purchased its products from three major vendors during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, accounting for a total of 79% (39%, 21% and 19% each) and 84% (33%, 30% and 21% each) of the Company’s purchases, respectively. The Company purchased its products from three major vendors during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, accounting for a total of 86% (46%, 27% and 13%) and 74% (39%, 24%, and 11% each) of the Company’s purchases, respectively. Advances made to these vendors were $8,264,427 and $18,651,339 as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Accounts payable to these vendors were $1,857 and $3,043,782 as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, advances to suppliers, other receivables, accounts payable, short-term line of credit, advance from customers, other payables and accrued liabilities approximate estimated fair values because of their short maturities.  The estimated fair value of the long-term lines of credit approximated the carrying amount as the interest rates are considered as approximate to the current rate for comparable loans at the respective balance sheet dates.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States Dollar (“$” or “USD”), which is also the functional currency of Nova LifeStyle, Nova Furniture, Nova Samoa, Nova Macao, Bright Swallow, Diamond Bar and i Design.

Segment Reporting 

ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” requires use of the “management approach” model for segment reporting. The management approach model is based on the way a company’s chief operating decision maker organizes segments within the company for making operating decisions assessing performance and allocating resources. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure, or any other manner in which management disaggregates a company.

Management determined that the Company’s operations constitute a single reportable segment in accordance with ASC 280. The Company operates exclusively in one business and industry segment: the design and sale of furniture.

Management concluded that the Company had one reportable segment under ASC 280 because Diamond Bar is a furniture distributor based in California focusing on customers in the US, Bright Swallow is a furniture distributor focusing on customers in Canada, and Nova Macao is a furniture distributor based in Macao focusing on international customers. They are all operated under the same senior management of the Company, and management views the operations of Diamond Bar, Bright Swallow and Nova Macao as a whole for making business decisions.

After the disposal of Nova Dongguan and its subsidiaries in October 2016, all of the Company’s long-lived assets are mainly property, plant and equipment located in the United States for administrative purposes.

Net sales to customers by geographic area are determined by reference to the physical locations of the Company’s customers. For example, if the products are delivered to a customer in the US, the sales are recorded as generated in the U.S.; if the customer directs us to ship its products to China, the sales are recorded as sold in China.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), which requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application will be permitted for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Adoption of the ASUs is on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The guidance removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The guidance should be adopted on a prospective basis for the annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

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

Note 3 - Inventories

The inventories as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 totaled $25,345,239 and $6,371,112, respectively, and were all finished goods.

Depreciation expense was $27,548 and $28,488 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively; and $9,038 and $9,098 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Note 5 - Intangible Assets, net

The Company acquired a customer relationship with a fair value of $50,000 on August 31, 2011, as part of its acquisition of Diamond Bar. Concurrently with its acquisition of Diamond Bar, the Company entered into a trademark purchase and assignment agreement for all rights, title and interest in two trademarks (Diamond Sofa and Diamond Furniture) for $200,000 paid in full at the closing. Amortization of said customer relationship and the trademarks is provided using the straight-line method and estimated lives were 5 years each.

The Company acquired a customer relationship with a fair value of $6,100,559 on April 24, 2013, as part of its acquisition of Bright Swallow. Amortization of said customer relationship is provided using the straight-line method and its estimated life was 15 years. 

Intangible assets consisted of the following as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

Amortization of intangible assets was $305,028 and $101,676 for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense relating to the existing intangible assets with finite lives for each of the next five years is as follows:

As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, prepaid expenses and other receivables mainly represented prepaid insurance, a Paypal account balance and an account balance with a stock broker in connection with the share repurchase program (Note 10). 

As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, other accrued expenses mainly included legal and professional fees, transportation expenses and utilities. Other payables represented other tax payable and meal expenses. 

Note 8 - Lines of Credit

On September 19, 2017, Diamond Bar extended the line of credit up to a maximum of $8,000,000 to mature on June 1, 2019. The annual interest rate was 5.50% as of June 30, 2019. The line of credit was secured by all of the assets of Diamond Bar and is guaranteed by Nova LifeStyle. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, Diamond Bar had $0 and $6,248,162 outstanding on the line of credit, respectively.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded interest expense of $35,444 and $92,524, respectively; and $0 and $36,696 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company paid off the lines of credit during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

As of September 30, 2019, we do not have any lines of credit.

The Diamond Bar loan had the following covenants: (i) maintain a minimum tangible net worth of not less than $20 million; (ii) maintain a ratio of debt to tangible net worth not in excess of 2.5 to 1.0; (iii) the pre-tax income must be not less than 1% of total revenue quarterly; and (iv) maintain a current ratio in excess of 1.25 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2018, Diamond Bar was in compliance with the stated covenants.  

Note 9 - Related Party Transactions

On September 30, 2011, Diamond Bar leased a showroom in High Point, North Carolina from the Company’s president who is currently also the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. The lease is to be renewed and has been renewed each year since 2011. On March 27, 2019, the Company renewed the lease for an additional one year term. The lease was for the amount of $34,561, with a term of one year and only for use during two furniture exhibitions to be held between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company paid rental amounts of $17,281 and $34,561 that are included in selling expenses, respectively; and $0 and $17,281 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

On January 4, 2018, the Company entered into a sales representative agreement with a consulting firm, which is owned by the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, for sales representative service for a term of two years. The Company agreed to compensate the sales representative via commission at predetermined rates of the relevant sales amount. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded $97,223 and $111,458 as commission expense to this sales representative consulting firm, respectively; and $29,112 and $55,691 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Note 10 - Stockholders’ Equity

Share repurchase program

On December 12, 2017, the Company issued a press release announcing that the Board of Directors of the Company had approved a 10b-18 share repurchase program to repurchase up to $5 million of its outstanding common stock. Under the repurchase program, shares of the Company’s common stock may be repurchased from time to time over the next 12 months. The program expired on December 8, 2018 and no shares have been repurchased under the program.

On June 4, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a 10b-18 share repurchase program to repurchase up to $2 million of its common stock. The share repurchase authorization permits shares to be repurchased from time to time at the discretion of the Company’s management, in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The program is effective as of June 5, 2019 and will expire on June 4, 2020. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company had repurchased 532,037 and 677,727 shares of its common stock, respectively.

Shares Issued to Consultants 

On February 1, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with a consultant for E-Commerce consulting services with a term of 24 months. The Company agreed to grant the consultant 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock per month, for a total commitment of 240,000 shares. Twelve and half percent (12.5%) of those shares vested on April 30, 2016, 12.5% on July 30, 2016, 12.5% on October 31, 2016, 12.5% on January 31, 2017, 12.5% on April 30, 2017, 12.5% on July 30, 2017, 12.5% on October 31, 2017, and the remaining 12.5% on January 31, 2018. The fair value of the 240,000 shares was $326,400, which was calculated based on the stock price of $1.36 per share on February 1, 2016, the date the agreement was executed, and was amortized over the service term. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company amortized $0 and $13,600 as consulting expenses, respectively; and $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

On June 30, 2017, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a consultant for business advisory services for a term of 12 months. The Company agreed to compensate the consultant a one-time amount of $10,000 worth of shares of the Company’s common stock based on the price per share on June 30, 2017. The Company also granted the consultant $10,000 worth of shares of the Company’s common stock per month starting from July 1, 2017 for a period of 12 months. The shares were granted pursuant to Nova LifeStyle, Inc.’s 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) approved by the Board of Directors (“Board”) of the Company on May 13, 2014 and ratified at the annual shareholder meeting on June 30, 2014. The Plan was registered under Form S-8 on July 30, 2014. On June 12, 2018, the Company renewed the agreement with the consultant for an additional year and agreed to compensate the consultant $10,000 worth of shares of the Company’s common stock per month starting from July 1, 2018 for a period of 12 months. The shares will be issued pursuant to the Plan. On January 31, 2019, the Company terminated the agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded $10,000 and $95,000 as consulting expense, respectively; and $0 and $30,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

On November 16, 2017, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a consultant for consulting and strategy services effective on November 16, 2017 for one year. The Company agreed to grant the consultant 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Twenty-five percent (25%) of those shares vested on February 15, 2018, 25% on May 15, 2018, 25% will vest on August 15, 2018 and the remaining 25% vested on November 15, 2018. The fair value of 100,000 shares was $173,000, which was calculated based on the stock price of $1.73 per share on November 16, 2017 and was amortized over the service term. The shares were granted pursuant to the Plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company amortized $0 and $129,395 as consulting expense, respectively; and $0 and $43,605 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

On December 10, 2017, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a consultant for business advisory services effective as of January 1, 2018 and ending on December 31, 2018. The Company agreed to compensate the consultant a one-time amount of $15,000 worth of shares of the Company’s common stock based on the price per share on December 15, 2017. The Company also granted the consultant $15,000 worth of shares of the Company’s common stock per month starting from January 1, 2018 for 12 months. The shares were granted pursuant to the Plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company amortized $0 and $146,250 as consulting expense, respectively; and $0 and $48,750 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

On November 16, 2018, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a consultant for consulting and strategy services effective on November 16, 2018 for one year. The Company agreed to grant the consultant 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Twenty-five percent (25%) of those shares vested on February 15, 2019 and 25% on May 15, 2019; 25% will vest on August 15, 2019 and the remaining 25% will vest on November 15, 2019. The fair value of 100,000 shares was $90,000 which was calculated based on the stock price of $0.90 per share on November 16, 2018 and will be amortized over the service term. The shares would be issued pursuant to the Plan. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company amortized $67,500 and $22,500 as consulting expenses, respectively.

On December 1, 2018, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a consultant for business advisory services effective as of January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2019. The Company granted the consultant $15,000 worth of shares of the Company’s common stock per month starting from January 1, 2019 for 12 months. The shares were granted pursuant to the Plan. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company amortized $135,000 and $45,000 as consulting expenses, respectively.

Shares and Warrants Issued through Private Placement

Private Placement on May 28, 2015

On May 28, 2015, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain purchasers (the “Purchasers”) pursuant to which the Company offered to the Purchasers, in a registered direct offering, an aggregate of 2,970,509 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. Of these, 2,000,001 shares were sold to the Purchasers at a negotiated purchase price of $2.00 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $4,000,002, before deducting fees to the placement agent and other estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. In accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company exchanged outstanding 2014 Series A Warrants with their holders for 660,030 shares of common stock, and exchanged the outstanding 2014 Series C Warrants with their holders for 310,478 shares of common stock.

In a concurrent private placement, the Company also sold to the Purchasers a warrant to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock for each share purchased for cash in the offering, pursuant to that certain Common Stock Purchase Warrant, by and between the Company and each Purchaser (the “2015 Warrants”). The 2015 Warrants became exercisable beginning on the six month anniversary of the date of issuance (the “Initial Exercise Date”) at an exercise price of $2.71 per share and will expire on the five year anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date. The purchase price of one share of the Company’s common stock under the 2015 Warrants is equal to the exercise price. 

The warrants issued in the private placement described above are exercisable for a fixed number of shares, and are classified as equity instruments under ASC 815-40-25-10. The Company accounted for the warrants issued in the 2015 private placement based on the fair value method under ASC Topic 505, and the fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes model under the following assumptions: estimated life of 5 years, volatility of 107%, risk-free interest rate of 1.55% and dividend yield of 0%. No estimate of forfeitures was made as the Company has a short history of granting options and warrants. The fair value of the warrants issued to investors at grant date was $3,147,530.

Shares and Options Issued to Independent Directors

On April 10, 2017, the Company entered into a restricted stock award agreement under the 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan with a new independent director of the Board. The Company agreed to grant $20,000 worth of stock to the independent director with a grant date on April 10, 2017. The restricted period lapses as of 50% of the restricted stock granted vested on April 10, 2017 based on the closing price of common stock on Nasdaq as of April 10, 2017, and 50% of the restricted stock granted vested on June 30, 2017 based on the closing price of common stock on Nasdaq as of June 30, 2017. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company amortized $1,260 and $0 as directors’ stock compensation expenses, respectively. 

On September 26, 2017, the Company entered into stock option agreements under the 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan with the three independent members of the board of directors. The Company agreed to grant the Company’s three independent directors options to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.65 per share, with a term of 5 years. Twenty-five percent (25%) of those stock options vested on September 30, 2017, 25% on December 31, 2017, 25% on March 31, 2018, and the remaining 25% vested on June 30, 2018.

The fair value of the stock option granted is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model (“BSOPM”). The BSOPM has assumptions for risk free interest rates, dividends, stock volatility and expected life of an option grant. The risk-free interest rate is based upon market yields for United States Treasury debt securities at a maturity near the term remaining on the option. Dividend rates are based on the Company’s dividend history. The stock volatility factor is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The expected life of an option grant is based on management’s estimate as no options have been exercised in the Plan to date. The fair value of the option granted to of the independent directors is recognized as director fee over the vesting period of the stock option award. The fair value of the options was calculated using the following assumptions, estimated life of five years, volatility of 84%, risk free interest rate of 1.87%, and dividend yield of 0%. The fair value of 300,000 stock options was $324,907 at the grant date. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded $162,454 and $0 as directors’ stock compensation expenses, respectively.

On November 7, 2018, the Company entered into stock option agreements under the 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan with the three independent members of the board of directors. The Company agreed to grant the Company’s three independent directors options to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.18 per share, with a term of 5 years. Twenty-five percent (25%) of those stock options vested on November 30, 2018, 25% on will vest on February 28, 2019, 25% on May 31, 2019, and the remaining 25% will vest on August 31, 2019. The fair value of the stock options granted is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model (“BSOPM”) as described above. The fair value of the options was calculated using the following assumptions: estimated life of ten years, volatility of 84%, risk free interest rate of 3.07%, and dividend yield of 0%. The fair value of 300,000 stock options was $240,105 at the grant date. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded $180,079 and $60,026 as directors’ stock compensation expenses, respectively.

Shares Issued to Employees and Service Providers

On May 18, 2016, the Company entered into agreements with three designers for product design services for a term of 24 months. The Company agreed to grant each designer 240,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. Twenty five percent (25%) of those shares vested on May 31, 2016, 25% on December 18, 2016, 25% on June 18, 2017 and the remaining 25% on December 18, 2017. The fair value of these shares was $388,800, which was calculated based on the stock price of $0.54 per share on May 18, 2016, the date the agreement was executed, and was amortized over the service term. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company amortized $72,967 and $0 as stock compensation expenses, respectively.

On February 27, 2018, the Company renewed an employment agreement with the Company’s Corporate Secretary for a term of one year. The Company agreed to grant an award of 30,000 restricted Stock Units to the officer pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan. The fair value of these shares was $68,100, which was calculated based on the stock price of $2.27 per share on February 27, 2018, the date the awards were determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Twenty-five percent (25%) of those shares vested on February 27, 2018, 25% on March 31, 2018, 25% on June 30, 2018 and the remaining 25% vested on September 30, 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company amortized $10,821 and $40,114 as stock compensation, respectively; and $0 and $16,978 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

On December 13, 2018, the Company extended an employment agreement with the Company’s Corporate Secretary for a term of one year. The Company agreed to grant an award of 30,000 restricted Stock Units to the officer pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan. The fair value of these shares was $23,100, which was calculated based on the stock price of $0.77 per share on December 13, 2018, the date the awards were determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Twenty-five percent (25%) of those shares vested on December 13, 2018, 25% on March 31, 2019, 25% on June 30, 2019 and the remaining 25% vested on September 30, 2019. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company amortized $17,325 and $5,775 as stock compensation, respectively.

Options Issued to Employees

On August 29, 2017 (the “Grant Date”), the Board approved option grants to the Company’s employees to purchase an aggregate of 780,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (including options to purchase 100,000 shares and 35,000 shares to the Company’s CEO and CFO, respectively) at an exercise price of $1.26 per share, with a term of 5 years, pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan. Fifty percent (50%) of those stock options vested immediately, and the remaining 50% vested on the six-month anniversary of the Grant Date.

The fair value of the stock option granted is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model (“BSOPM”) as described in options granted to independent directors above. The fair value of the option granted to employees is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the stock option award. The fair value of the options was calculated using the following assumptions: estimated life of ten years, volatility of 84%, risk free interest rate of 1.70%, and dividend yield of 0%. The fair value of 780,000 stock options was $643,182 at the grant date. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded $321,591 and $0 as stock compensation, respectively.

On August 24, 2018 (the “Grant Date”), the Board approved an option grant to the Company’s CFO to purchase an aggregate of 35,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.85 per share, with a term of 5 years, pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan. Fifty percent (50%) of those stock options vested immediately, and the remaining 50% vested on the six-month anniversary of the Grant Date.

The fair value of the option granted to the CFO in 2018 is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the stock option award. The fair value of the options was calculated using the following assumptions: estimated life of ten years, volatility of 84%, risk free interest rate of 2.72%, and dividend yield of 0%. The fair value of 35,000 stock options was $43,680 at the grant date. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded $21,840 as stock compensation; and $0 and $21,840 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

On August 12, 2019 (the “Grant Date”), the Board approved an option grant to the Company’s CFO to purchase an aggregate of 35,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.77 per shares, with a term of 5 years, pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan. Fifty percent (50%) of those stock options vested immediately, and the remaining 50% vested on the six-month anniversary of the Grant Date.

The fair value of the option granted to the CFO in 2019 is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period of the stock option award. The fair value of the options was calculated using the following assumptions: estimated life of ten years, volatility of 87%, risk free interest rate of 1.49%, and dividend yield of 0%. The fair value of 35,000 stock options was $18,318 at the grant date. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded $9,159 as stock compensation.

As of September 30, 2019, unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to options was $9,159.

Stock option activity under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans is shown below:

Statutory Reserves

As a U.S. holding company, the Company’s ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on the Company receiving distributions of funds from its subsidiaries. Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Company’s PRC subsidiary, Nova Macao, only out of the subsidiary’s retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. The results of operations reflected in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP differ from those reflected in the statutory financial statements of Nova Macao. Pursuant to the corporate laws of the PRC and Macao, including the PRC Regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment, Nova Macao is required to maintain a statutory reserve by appropriating from after-tax profit before declaration or payment of dividends. The statutory reserve represents restricted retained earnings. As a result of the Macau laws and regulations that require annual appropriations of 10% of after-tax income to be set aside prior to payment of dividends as a general statutory reserve fund until such reserve balance reaches 50% of the subsidiary’s registered capital. Nova Macao is restricted in its ability to transfer a portion of its net assets to the Company as a dividend.

Surplus Reserve Fund

At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, Nova Macao had surplus reserves of $6,241, representing 50% of its registered capital.

Common Welfare Fund

The common welfare fund is a voluntary fund to which Nova Macao can elect to transfer 5% to 10% of its net income. This fund can only be utilized on capital items for the collective benefit of the subsidiary’s employees, such as construction of dormitories, cafeteria facilities, and other staff welfare facilities. This fund is non-distributable other than upon liquidation. Nova Macao does not participate in this voluntary fund.

* excluding China

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments

On June 17, 2013, the Company entered into a lease agreement for office, warehouse, storage, and distribution space with a five year term, commencing on November 1, 2013 and expiring on October 31, 2018. The lease agreement also provides an option to extend the term for an additional six years. On April 23, 2018, the Company extended the lease for another 36 months with an expiration date of October 31, 2021. The monthly rental payment is $42,000 with an annual 3% increase.  

On January 7, 2014, the Company entered into a sublease agreement with Diamond Bar for warehouse space with a five-year term commencing on November 1, 2013 and which expired on October 31, 2018. The Company subleased a portion of its warehouse space to one of its customers with a one-year term commencing on December 1, 2013 and expiring on November 30, 2014, which has been renewed every year, expired on October 31, 2018, and was not renewed. The sublease income of $6,000 per month was recorded against the rental expense. During the nine and three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded $47,330 and $11,330 in sublease income, respectively.

On September 13, 2017, Bright Swallow renewed the lease for another two year term, commencing on October 1, 2017 and expiring on September 30, 2019. The monthly rental payment is 20,000 Hong Kong Dollars ($2,548). The Company terminated the lease on December 31, 2018.

The Company has entered into several lease agreements for office and warehouse space in Commerce, California and showroom space in Las Vegas, Nevada and High Point, North Carolina on monthly or annual terms.

Total rental payments for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 were $863,760 and $638,398, respectively; and $286,251 and $241,004 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The components of lease costs, lease term and discount rate with respect of leases with an initial term of more than 12 months are as follows:

The following is a schedule, by years, of maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019:

Legal Proceedings

On December 28, 2018, a federal putative class action complaint was filed by George Barney against the Company and its former and current CEOs and CFOs (Thanh H. Lam, Ya Ming Wong, Jeffery Chuang and Yuen Ching Ho) in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, claiming the Company violated federal securities laws and pursuing remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Security Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 (the “Barney Action”). Richard Deutner and ITENT EDV were subsequently substituted as plaintiffs and, on June 18, 2019, they filed an Amended Complaint.  In the Amended Complaint, plaintiffs seek to recover compensatory damages caused by the Company’s alleged violations of federal securities laws during the period from December 3, 2015 through December 20, 2018.  Plaintiffs claim that the Company: (1) overstated its purported strategic alliance with a customer in China to operate as lead designer and manufacturer for all furnishings in such customer’s planned $460 million senior care center in China; (2) the Company inflated its reported sales in 2016 and 2017 with the Company’s two major customers; and (3) as a result, the Company’s public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.  In support of these claims, plaintiffs rely primarily upon a blog appearing in Seeking Alpha on December 21, 2018 in which it was claimed that an investigation of the Company failed to confirm the existence of several entities identified as significant customers, Plaintiffs purported to verify some of the information alleged in the Seeking Alpha blog.   The Company denies the material allegations of the Amended Complaint and plans to defend the action vigorously.  On August 2, 2019, defendants moved to dismiss the Amended Complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.  Defendants argued that the Seeking Alpha blog was not a sufficiently reliable source to serve as the basis of a federal securities claim, that plaintiffs used the wrong company names in seeking to locate the Company’s customers, plaintiffs could not establish loss causation, and plaintiffs did not adequately allege intentional or reckless misrepresentations.  This Motion has been fully briefed and we are waiting for a decision from the Court.

Independent of the litigation, the Audit Committee engaged the Company’s auditor to perform special procedures to confirm the reported sales.  Those procedures included but were not limited to the examination and testing of relevant documentation relating to the sales made by the Company to the customers identified in the purported research report for the periods 2015-2018, and 100% sampling of all transactions between the Company and the subject customers.  The Audit Committee finished its special procedures in March 2019 and the Company’s independent auditor has reported to the Audit Committee that, regarding the four subject customers mentioned in the purported research report, the special procedures resulted in no evidence of fictitious sales or of fictitious customers. Please see the details in the Form 8-K filed by the Company with SEC on March 29, 2019.

On March 8, 2019, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, shareholder Jie Yuan (the “Jie Action”) filed a derivative lawsuit purportedly on behalf of the Company against its former and current CEOs and CFOs (Thanh H. Lam, Ya Ming Wong, Jeffery Chuang and Yuen Ching Ho) and directors (Charlie Huy La, Bin Liu, Umesh Patel, and Min Su) and vice president (Steven Qiang Liu) (collectively, the “Defendants”) seeking to recover any losses the Company sustains as a result of alleged securities violations outlined in the Seeking Alpha blog and Barney securities class action complaint. Specifically, the derivative lawsuit alleges that the Defendants caused the Company to make the alleged false and/or misleading statements giving rise to the putative securities class action.  The Plaintiff also alleges that President and CEO Lam engaged in self-dealing by leasing her property to Diamond Bar, a Company subsidiary, and asserts, in conclusory fashion, that Lam, former CEO and director Ya Ming Wong, former CFO and director Yuen Ching Ho, and director Umesh Patel sold securities during the period of time when the alleged false and/or misleading statements were made “with knowledge of material non-public information . . . .”

On May 15, 2019, Wilson Samuels (the “Samuels Action”) also filed a putative derivative complaint purportedly on behalf of the Company against the same current and former directors and officers named in the Jie Action other than Steven Qiang Liu. That action was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Samuels repeats the allegations of the Complaint in the Jie Action.  Additionally, Samuels claims that, in announcing its change of auditing firms in September 2016, the Company asserted that this change was made because its existing auditor ceased auditing public companies subject to regulation in the United States without disclosing that its new auditing firm was created in a merger of three accounting firms, including a firm whose registration was revoked by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.  Samuels also claims that the Company redeemed its stock in reliance upon the same purported fraudulent recognition of revenues claimed in the putative class action.  He purports to state direct claims under Sections 10(b) and 20 of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 10b-5.

While these derivative actions are purportedly asserted on behalf of the Company, it is possible that the Company may directly incur attorneys’ fees and is advancing the costs of defense for its current directors and officers.  The Company believes there is no basis to the derivative complaints and they will be vigorously defended.  At this point, however, plaintiffs in both the Jie and Samuels actions have agreed to stay those proceeding pending the Court’s decision on the Motion to Dismiss in the Barney Action.

Other than the above, the Company is not currently a party to any legal proceeding, investigation or claim which, in the opinion of the management, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations.