NEWA Newater Technology Inc

Item 3. Key Information

In the table below, we provide the summary financial data of our company. The selected consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this annual report. The selected consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income data for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this annual report. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period. When you read this historical selected financial data, it is important that you read it along with the historical statements and notes.

Exchange Rate Information

Our business is conducted in China, and the financial records of Jinzheng are maintained in RMB, its functional currency. However, we use the U.S. dollar as our reporting currency; therefore, periodic reports made to shareholders will include current period amounts translated into U.S. dollars using the then-current exchange rates. Our financial statements have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830-10, “Foreign Currency Matters.” We have translated our asset and liability accounts using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. We translated our statements of operations using the average exchange rate for the period. We reported the resulting translation adjustments under other comprehensive income (loss). The consolidated balance sheet amounts, with the exception of equity at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were translated at RMB 6.5064 and RMB 6.9448 to $1.00, respectively. The equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied to consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were RMB 6.7570, RMB 6.6441 and RMB 6.2288 to $1.00, respectively. 

We make no representation that any RMB or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all. The Chinese government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of RMB into foreign exchange and through restrictions on foreign trade.

The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between the RMB and the U.S. dollar for the periods indicated.

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our future prospects and results of operations, and we face certain risks and uncertainties as an early stage company, which, if we are unsuccessful in addressing such risks, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We have a limited operating history. Jinzheng was established in 2012. Newater Technology and Newater HK were established in 2015. As our operating history is limited, the revenues and income potential of our business and markets are unproven. Our limited operating history and the early stage of development of the industry in which we operate makes it difficult to evaluate our business and future prospects. We cannot assure that we will maintain our profitability or that we will not incur net losses in the future. Any failure to realize anticipated revenue growth could result in significant operating losses. Accordingly, you should consider our future prospects in light of the risks and uncertainties experienced by early stage companies in evolving markets such as the growing market for water treatment businesses in China. In addition, we face numerous risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies at an early stage of development. We will continue to encounter risks and difficulties in implementing our business model, including potential failure to:

We cannot predict whether we will be successful in addressing any or all of these risks. If we were unsuccessful in addressing these risks and uncertainties, our business, financial condition and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.

Wage increases in China may prevent us from sustaining our competitive advantage and could reduce our profit margins.

Labor costs in China have increased with China’s economic development, including Yantai where our offices are based. Rising inflation in China is also putting pressure on wages. Wage costs for our employees form a significant part of our costs. For instance, in 2017, 2016 and 2015, our compensation and benefit costs for our employees were $2.5 million, $1.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively. These amounts accounted for 10 %, 10% and 11% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In addition, we are required by Chinese laws and regulations to pay various statutory employee benefits, including pensions, housing funds, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance to designated governmental agencies for the benefit of our employees. We expect that our labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, will continue to increase, particularly as we seek to remain competitive in retaining the quality and number of employees that our business requires. In addition, the future issuance of equity-based compensation to our professional staff and other employees would also result in additional stock dilution for our shareholders. Unless we are able to pass on these increased labor costs to our customers by increasing prices for our products, projects and services, our profitability and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, the Chinese government has promulgated new laws and regulations to enhance labor protections in recent years, such as the Labor Contract Law and the Social Insurance Law. As the interpretation and implementation of these new laws and regulations are still evolving, our employment practice may not at all times be deemed in compliance with the new laws and regulations. If we are subject to penalties or incur significant liabilities in connection with labor disputes or investigation, our business and profitability may be adversely affected.

Our revenue will decrease if the industries in which our customers operate experience a protracted slowdown.

Our customers generally operate in the waste (garbage), chemical and energy industries. Therefore, we are subject to general changes in economic conditions impacting these industry segments of the economy. If these industries do not grow or if there is a contraction in these industries, demand for our business will decrease. Demand for our business is typically affected by a number of overarching economic factors, including interest rates, environmental laws and regulations, the availability and magnitude of private and governmental investment in infrastructure projects and the health of the overall economy. If there is a decline in economic activity in China and the markets in which we operate or a protracted slowdown in industries upon which we rely for our sales, demand for our projects, products and services and our revenue will likewise decrease which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

Any decline in the availability or increase in the cost of raw materials could materially impact our earnings.

Our filtration products, project installation operations and service sales depend heavily on the ready availability of various raw materials. The availability of raw materials may decline, and their prices may fluctuate greatly. If our suppliers are unable or unwilling to provide us with raw materials on terms favorable to us, we may be unable to produce certain products. The inability to produce certain filtration products, installation projects or to provide wastewater treatment services for customers could result in a decrease in profit and damage to our corporate reputation. In the event our raw material costs increase, we may not be able to pass these higher costs on to our customers in full or at all.

We rely on a limited number of vendors, and the loss of any significant vendor could harm our business, and the loss of any one of such vendors could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We consider our major vendors to be those vendors that accounted for more than 10% of overall purchases in any given fiscal period. For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, Dalian Huarui Heavy Industry Group Limited by Share Ltd. accounted for 43% and 54% of our raw material purchases, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2015, purchases from Heilongjiang Binteer accounted for 45.31% of the total purchases. We have not entered into a long-term contract with this major vendor and instead rely on individual contracts with such vendor. Although we believe that we can locate a replacement vendor readily on the market for prevailing prices, any difficulty in replacing such a vendor could negatively affect our company’s performance to the extent it results in higher prices or a slower supply chain.

Historically we have relied significantly on related party transactions, and a decline in sales to related parties may adversely impact our revenue in the event we do not generate revenue from unrelated third parties.

In 2015, 52% of our sales revenues were generated from related parties, among which, 35% of revenues were generated from Mojie Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd (“Mojie”) and 17% of revenues were generated from Heilongjiang Binteer Environmental Protection Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (“Heilongjiang Binteer”). In 2016, 2% of our sales revenues were generated from related parties, among which, 2% of revenues were generated from Heilongjiang Binteer and less than 1% from Mojie. In 2017 we did not have any sales revenues generated from related parties. While our dependence on related parties ceased in 2017, there can be no assurance that such dependence will not return, potentially significantly, in the future. Mojie is a related party company founded by our Chief Financial Officer, Zhuo Zhang, and our Chief Executive Officer, Yuebiao Li. On July 5, 2015, Zhuo Zhang and Yuebiao Li transferred 100% of their equity interests in Mojie to a third party individual but continue to have significant influence on Mojie. Yuebiao Li, our Chief Executive Officer, established Heilongjiang Binteer. Mr. Li then transferred his 60% equity interest in May 2014 to his brother, Yuefeng Li. Due to health issues Yuefeng Li then transferred his equity interest for zero consideration to his business partner. We believe we have traditionally been Heilongjiang Binteer’s major vendor and customer and have significant influence on its operations in 2015 and 2016. In the event we are unable to continue to generate sales to unrelated parties to replace revenue from Mojie and Heilongjiang Binteer, our revenues will likely decrease.

Collectability of our accounts receivable has adversely impacted our operating cash flow, and may continue to do so.

We reported cash flow used in operations in the amounts of $3,189,701, 663,655 and 2,958,430 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Negative cash flow from operations in 2016 and 2017 was partly due to the increase in balance of net accounts receivable from third parties. Negative cash flow from operations in 2015 was mainly due to the increase in balances of net accounts receivable from both third parties and related parties. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the balance of net accounts receivable from third parties were $6,050,495, and $2,637,236, respectively; the balance of net accounts receivable from related parties were $0 and $1,060,977, respectively. If the accounts receivables cannot be collected in time, or at all, a significant amount of bad debt expense will occur, and our business, financial condition and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.

We face substantial inventory risk, which if such risk is not addressed could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We must order materials for our products, projects and services and build inventory in advance of production. We typically acquire materials through a combination of purchase orders, supplier contracts and open orders, in each case based on projected demand.

Our inventory includes raw materials, work-in progress products and finished goods. As of December 31, 2017, our inventory was $10,279,397. Inventory turnover for the year ended December 31, 2017 was 159 days. As our markets are competitive and subject to rapid technology and price changes, there is a risk that we will forecast incorrectly and order or produce incorrect amounts of products or not fully utilize firm purchase commitments. If we were unsuccessful in accurately quantifying appropriate levels of inventory, our business, financial condition and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.

Any disruption in the supply chain of raw materials and our products could adversely impact our ability to produce and deliver products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

In order to optimize our product manufacturing, we must manage our supply chain for raw materials and delivery of our products. Supply chain fragmentation and local protectionism within China further complicates supply chain disruption risks. Local administrative bodies and physical infrastructure built to protect local interests may pose transportation challenges for raw material transportation as well as product delivery. In addition, profitability and volume could be negatively impacted by limitations inherent within the supply chain, including competitive, governmental, legal, natural disasters, and other events that could impact both supply and price. Any of these occurrences could cause significant disruptions to our supply chain, manufacturing capability and distribution system that could adversely impact our ability to produce and deliver products. If we were unsuccessful in maintaining efficient operation of our supply chain, our business, financial condition and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.

We expect our customer support teams and our quality assurance and manufacturing monitoring procedures to continue to keep claims at a level that does not support a need for a financial reserve. However, if we experience significant increases in claims or customers’ failure to pay the final 5-20% of a purchase/installation price as a result of quality concerns, our financial results could be adversely affected.

Our operations are subject to geographic market risks, which could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.

In 2017, approximately 84% of our revenues were realized from three geographic markets, with approximately 48%, 32% and 4% of our revenues from clients located in the Beijing, Qingdao (Shandong Province) and Shaanxi Province, respectively. Accordingly, we are subject to risks related to the economies of these geographic markets. In addition to economic conditions, the geographic concentration of our primary clients suggests that regional specific legislation, taxes and disasters such as earthquakes could disproportionately affect us and our financial performance. A downturn in wastewater treatment demand or economic conditions in these regions could result in a material decline in our business, financial condition and results of operation.

We face certain risks in collecting our accounts receivable and we have a small number of customers who account for a significant amount of our revenues, the failure to collect could have a material adverse effect on our business.

With the recent expansion of our business, our accounts receivable has increased. At the end of 2017 and 2016, our accounts receivable from both third parties and related parties were $6,050,495 and $3,698,213, respectively. These amounts represented 24% of our total revenues in 2017 and 30% of our total revenues in 2016. In 2016, accounts receivable turnover was 130 days, and in 2017, it decreased to 70 days. This decrease is primarily because in 2017 there were no sales to Mojie and Heilongjiang Binteer, as a result the impact of the relaxed credit standards applicable to those two related parties was limited .

Although we believe that we have developed a robust receivables management system and have not incurred a situation where an accounts receivable has become uncollectable, as our business continues to scale, we believe that our accounts receivable balance will continue to grow. This, in turn, increases our risks for bad debts and uncollectible receivables. To the extent we incur additional bad debts and/or uncollectible receivables, our business, financial condition and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected. 

We have experienced rapid growth in recent periods. If we fail to manage our growth effectively, we may be unable to execute our business plan and address competitive challenges, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We increased our number of full-time employees from 75 at December 31, 2015, 95 at December 31, 2016 to 173 at December 31, 2017, and our total revenues from $7 million in 2015, $12 million in 2016 to $25 million in 2017. This expansion has resulted, and will continue to result, in substantial demands on our managerial, administrative, operational, financial and other resources. Furthermore, we intend to grow by expanding our business, increasing market penetration of our existing products, developing new products and increasing our targeting of industrial park wastewater treatment, municipality wastewater recycling, and seawater desalination markets in China. To manage this growth, we must develop and improve our existing administrative and operational systems and our financial and management controls and further expand, train and manage our work force.

As we continue these efforts, we may incur substantial costs and expend substantial resources due to, among other things, different technology standards, legal considerations and cultural differences. We will be required to dedicate additional financial resources and personnel to optimize our operational infrastructure and to recruit more personnel to train and manage our growing employee base. If we cannot successfully implement these measures efficiently and cost-effectively, we will be unable to satisfy the demand for our products, projects and services, which will impair our revenue growth and hurt our overall financial performance.

We cannot assure you that our growth strategy will be successful, which may result in a negative impact on our growth, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

We intend to grow by expanding our business, increasing market penetration of our existing products, developing new products and increasing our targeting of industrial park wastewater treatment, municipality wastewater recycling, and seawater desalination markets in China. However, many obstacles to this expansion exist, including increased competition from similar businesses, our ability to improve our products and product mix to realize the benefits of our research and development efforts, unexpected costs and costs associated with marketing efforts. We cannot, therefore, assure you that we will be able to successfully overcome such obstacles and establish our business in any additional markets. Our inability to implement this internal growth strategy successfully may have a negative impact on our growth, future financial condition, and results of operations or cash flows.

If we fail to compete successfully against new and existing competitors, we may not be able to increase our market share, and our profitability may be adversely affected.

We do and will continue to face significant competition in China in the water filtration business. We compete for clients primarily on the basis of our brand name, price and the range of products and services that we offer. Some of our existing and potential competitors may have competitive advantages, such as significantly greater financial, marketing or other resources. We cannot assure that we will be able to successfully compete against new or existing competitors. If we fail to maintain our reputation and competitiveness, customers demand for our products, projects and services could decline.

If we fail to protect our intellectual property rights, it could harm our business and competitive position.

We own 19 patents in China covering our water filtration production technology, and we rely on a combination of patent, trademark and trade secret laws and non-disclosure agreements and other methods to protect our intellectual property rights.

The process of seeking patent protection on future patents can be lengthy and expensive, our patent applications may fail to result in patents being issued, and our existing and future patents may be insufficient to provide us with meaningful protection or commercial advantage. Our patents and patent applications may also be challenged, invalidated or circumvented.

Implementation of Chinese intellectual property-related laws has historically been lacking, primarily because of ambiguities in Chinese laws and enforcement difficulties. Accordingly, intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other western countries. Furthermore, policing unauthorized use of proprietary technology is difficult and expensive, and we may need to resort to litigation to enforce or defend patents issued to us or to determine the enforceability, scope and validity of our proprietary rights or those of others. Such litigation and an adverse determination in any such litigation, if any, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention, which could harm our business and competitive position.

We may be exposed to intellectual property infringement and other claims by third parties which, if successful, could disrupt our business and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to use and develop our technology and know-how without infringing third party intellectual property rights. If we sell our branded products internationally, and as litigation becomes more common in China, we face a higher risk of being the subject of claims for intellectual property infringement, invalidity or indemnification relating to other parties’ proprietary rights. Our current or potential competitors, many of which have substantial resources and have made substantial investments in competing technologies, may have or may obtain patents that will prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use or sell our branded products in either China or other countries, including the United States and other countries in Asia. In addition, the defense of intellectual property suits, including patent infringement suits, and related legal and administrative proceedings can be both costly and time consuming and may significantly divert the efforts and resources of our technical and management personnel. Furthermore, an adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings to which we may become a party could cause us to:

Each of these events could effectively prevent us from pursuing some or all of our business and result in our customers or potential customers deferring or limiting their purchase or use of our branded products, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Confidentiality agreements with employees and third parties may not prevent unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information and trade secrets.

In addition to patents, we rely on confidentiality agreements to protect our technical know-how and other proprietary information. Confidentiality agreements are used, for example, when we talk to potential clients, consultants, contractors and vendors. In addition, our scientists and each of our research and development and manufacturing employees have signed a confidentiality agreement. Nevertheless, there can be no guarantee that an employee or a third party will not make an unauthorized disclosure of our proprietary confidential information. This might happen intentionally or inadvertently. It is possible that a competitor will make use of such information, and that our competitive position will be compromised, in spite of any legal action we might take against persons making such unauthorized disclosures.

If we experience a significant disruption in, or a breach in security of, our information technology systems or if we fail to implement, manage or integrate new systems, software and technologies successfully, it could harm our business.

Our information technology (“IT”) systems are an integral part of our business. We depend on our IT systems to process transactions, manage logistics, keep financial records, prepare our financial reporting and operate other critical functions. Security breaches, cyber-attacks or other serious disruptions of our IT systems can create systemic disruptions, shutdowns or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. If we are unable to prevent or adequately respond to such breaches, attacks or other disruptions, our operations could be adversely affected or we may suffer financial or reputational damage.

In addition, our ability to effectively implement our business plan in a rapidly evolving market requires effective planning, reporting and analytical processes and systems. We are improving and expect that we will need to continue to improve and further integrate our IT systems, reporting systems and operating procedures on an ongoing basis. If we fail to do so effectively, it could adversely affect our ability to achieve our objectives.

Product defects and unanticipated use or inadequate disclosure with respect to our products could adversely affect our business, reputation and financial performance.

Manufacturing or design defects (including in products or components that we source from third parties), unanticipated use of, or inadequate disclosure of risks relating to, the use of products that we make and sell may lead to personal injury, death or property damage. These events could lead to recalls or alerts relating to our products, result in the removal of a product from the market or result in product liability claims being brought against us. Product recalls, removals and liability claims can lead to significant costs, as well as negative publicity and damage to our reputation that could reduce demand for our products.

Our future growth depends on new products and new technology innovation, and failure to invent and innovate could adversely impact our business prospects.

Our future growth depends in part on maintaining our competitive advantage with current products in new and existing markets, as well as our ability to develop new products and technologies to serve such markets. To the extent that competitors develop competitive products and technologies, or new products or technologies that achieve higher customer satisfaction, our business prospects could be adversely impacted. In addition, regulatory approvals for new products or technologies may be required and these approvals may not be obtained in a timely or cost effective manner, adversely impacting our business prospects.

Changes in demand for our products and business relationships with key customers and suppliers may negatively affect operating results.

To achieve our objectives, we must develop and sell products that are subject to the demands of our customers. This is dependent on many factors, including managing and maintaining relationships with key customers, responding to the rapid pace of technological change and obsolescence, which may require increased investment by us or result in greater pressure to commercialize developments rapidly or at prices that may not fully recover the associated investment, and the effect on demand resulting from customers’ research and development, capital expenditure plans and capacity utilization. If we are unable to keep up with our customers’ demands, our sales, earnings and operating results may be negatively affected.

We may be unable to deliver our backlog on time, which could affect future sales and profitability and our relationships with customers.

Our ability to meet customer delivery schedules for backlog is dependent on a number of factors including sufficient manufacturing plant capacity, adequate supply channel access to raw materials and other inventory required for production, an adequately trained and capable workforce, project engineering expertise for certain large projects and appropriate planning and scheduling of manufacturing resources. Many of the contracts we enter into with our customers require long manufacturing lead times. Failure to deliver in accordance with customer expectations could subject us to contract cancellations and financial penalties, and may result in damage to existing customer relationships and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We depend on our key personnel, and our business and growth prospects may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.

Our future success depends heavily upon the continued service of our key executives. In particular, we rely on the expertise and experience of Yuebiao Li, our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. We rely on his industry expertise and experience in our business operations, and in particular, his business vision, management skills, and working relationship with our employees, our other major shareholders, the regulatory authorities, and many of our clients. If he became unable or unwilling to continue in his present position, or if he joined a competitor or formed a competing company in violation of his employment agreement, we may not be able to replace him easily, our business may be significantly disrupted and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

We do not maintain key man life insurance on any of our senior management or key personnel. The loss of any one of them would have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. Competition for senior management and our other key personnel is intense and the pool of suitable candidates is limited. We may be unable to locate a suitable replacement for any senior management or key personnel that we lose. In addition, if any member of our senior management or key personnel joins a competitor or forms a competing company, they may compete with us for customers, business partners and other key professionals and staff members of our Company. Although each of our senior management and key personnel has signed a confidentiality and non-competition agreement in connection with his or her employment with us, we cannot assure that we will be able to successfully enforce these provisions in the event of a dispute between us and any member of our senior management or key personnel.

In addition, we compete for qualified personnel with other water treatment companies, and we face competition in attracting skilled personnel and retaining the members of our senior management team. These personnel possess technical and business capabilities, including expertise relevant to the water treatment market, which are difficult to replace. There is intense competition for experienced senior management with technical and industry expertise in the water treatment industry, and we may not be able to retain our key personnel. Intense competition for these personnel could cause our compensation costs to increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Our future success and ability to grow our business will depend in part on the continued service of these individuals and our ability to identify, hire and retain additional qualified personnel. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified employees, we may be unable to meet our business and financial goals.

Our senior management lacks experience in managing a public company and complying with laws applicable to operating as a U.S. public company domiciled in the British Virgin Islands and failure to comply with such obligations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Prior to the completion of our initial public offering, Jinzheng operated as a private company located in China. In connection with our initial public offering, we formed Newater Technology in the British Virgin Islands, Newater HK Limited in Hong Kong and made Jinzheng a Newater subsidiary in China. In the process of taking these steps to prepare our company for the initial public offering, Jinzheng’s senior management became the senior management of Newater Technology. None of Newater Technology’s senior management has experience managing a public company or managing a British Virgin Islands company.

As a result of our initial public offering, our company became subject to laws, regulations and obligations that did not currently apply to it, and our senior management had no experience in complying with such laws, regulations and obligations. For example, Newater Technology needs to comply with the British Virgin Islands laws applicable to companies that are domiciled in that country. The senior management was only experienced in operating the business of Jinzheng in compliance with Chinese laws. Similarly, by virtue of our initial public offering, Newater Technology is required to file annual and current reports in compliance with U.S. securities and other laws. These obligations can be burdensome and complicated, and failure to comply with such obligations could have a material adverse effect on Newater. In addition, we expect that the process of learning about such new obligations as a public company in the United States will require our senior management to devote time and resources to such efforts that might otherwise be spent on the operation of our water treatment business.

We have limited business insurance coverage. Any future business liability, disruption or litigation we experience might divert management focus from our business and could significantly impact our financial results.

Availability of business insurance products and coverage in China is limited, and most such products are expensive in relation to the coverage offered. We have determined that the risks of disruption, cost of such insurance and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurances on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for us to maintain such insurances. As a result, we do not have any business liability, disruption or litigation insurance coverage for our operations in China. Accordingly, a business disruption, litigation or natural disaster may result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention from our business, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We may require additional financing in the future and our operations could be curtailed if we are unable to obtain required additional financing when needed.

We may need to obtain additional debt or equity financing to fund future capital expenditures. Any additional equity financing may result in dilution to the holders of our outstanding shares of capital stock. Additional debt financing may impose affirmative and negative covenants that restrict our freedom to operate our business, including covenants that:

We cannot guaranty that we will be able to obtain additional financing on terms that are acceptable to us, or any financing at all, and the failure to obtain sufficient financing could adversely affect our business operations.

Potential disruptions in the capital and credit markets may adversely affect our business, including the availability and cost of short-term funds for liquidity requirements, which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Potential changes in the global economy may affect the availability of business and consumer credit. We may need to rely on the credit markets, particularly for short-term borrowings from banks in China, as well as the capital markets, to meet our financial commitments and short-term liquidity needs if internal funds from our operations are not available to be allocated to such purposes. Disruptions in the credit and capital markets could adversely affect our ability to draw on such short-term bank facilities. Our access to funds under such credit facilities is dependent on the ability of the banks that are parties to those facilities to meet their funding commitments, which may be dependent on governmental economic policies in China. Those banks may not be able to meet their funding commitments to us if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests from us and other borrowers within a short period of time.

Long-term disruptions in the credit and capital markets could result from uncertainty, changing or increased regulations, reduced alternatives or failures of financial institutions could adversely affect our access to the liquidity needed for our business. Any disruption could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged. Such measures may include deferring capital expenditures, and reducing or eliminating discretionary uses of cash. These events would adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. 

We rely on short-term borrowings for our liquidity and we may not be able to continue to obtain financing on favorable terms, if at all.

Our liquidity relies significantly on short-term borrowings. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, cash provided by borrowings from third-parties was $8,805,683, $11,613,289 and $4,013,614, respectively. Financing may not be available to us on favorable terms, if at all. If we are unable to obtain short-term financing in an amount sufficient to support our operations, it may be necessary, to suspend or curtail our operations, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. In that event, current stockholders would likely experience a loss of most of or all of their investment.

Our bank accounts are not insured or protected against loss.

Jinzheng maintains cash accounts with various banks located in China. Such cash accounts are not insured or otherwise protected. Should any bank holding such cash deposits become insolvent, or if Jinzheng is otherwise unable to withdraw funds, Jinzheng would lose the cash on deposit with that particular bank.

Changes in China’s environmental laws and policies may affect our financial condition.

Our products, projects and services are mainly used in the fields of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment and reuse, water purification and desalination. Our business is in line with China’s current focus on environmental protection policies, specifically the Water Ten Plan and the 13 ^th Five Year Plan (2016-2020). However, should China alter its environmental policies towards less regulation, we believe demand for our products will decrease, adversely impacting our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure

We will likely not pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

We have not previously paid any cash dividends, and we do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common shares in the foreseeable future. Although we have achieved net profitability in 2017, we cannot assure that our operations will continue to result in sufficient revenues to enable us to operate at profitable levels or to generate positive cash flows from operating activities. Furthermore, there is no assurance that our Board of Directors will declare dividends even if we are profitable. Dividend policy is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our common shares in the future, we will be dependent, in large part, on receipt of funds from Jinzheng for our cash needs, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions, if any, to our shareholders, to service any debt we may incur and to pay our operating expenses. The payment of dividends by entities organized in China is subject to limitations as described herein. Under British Virgin Islands law, we may only pay dividends from surplus (the excess, if any, at the time of the determination of the total assets of our Company over the sum of our liabilities, as shown in our books of account, plus our capital), and we must be solvent before and after the dividend payment in the sense that we will be able to satisfy our liabilities as they become due in the ordinary course of business; and the realizable value of assets of our Company will not be less than the sum of our total liabilities, other than deferred taxes as shown on our books of account, and our capital. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our common shares in the future, as a holding company, we will be dependent on receipt of funds from Jinzheng. See “Dividend Policy.”

Pursuant to the Chinese enterprise income tax law, dividends payable by a foreign investment entity to its foreign investors are subject to a withholding tax of 10%. Similarly, dividends payable by a foreign investment entity to its Hong Kong investor who owns 25% or more of the equity of the foreign investment entity is subject to a withholding tax of 5%.

The payment of dividends by entities organized in China is subject to limitations, procedures and formalities. Regulations in China currently permit payment of dividends only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. Jinzheng is also required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profit based on Chinese accounting standards each year to its compulsory reserves fund until the accumulative amount of such reserves reaches 50% of its registered capital.

The transfer to this reserve must be made before distribution of any dividend to shareholders. The surplus reserve fund is non-distributable other than during liquidation and can be used to fund previous years’ losses, if any, and may be utilized for business expansion or converted into registered capital, provided that the remaining reserve balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the accumulated appropriations to statutory reserves amounted to $705,698 and $382,802 respectively. 

Our business may be materially and adversely affected if any of our Chinese subsidiaries declare bankruptcy or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.

The Enterprise Bankruptcy Law of China provides that an enterprise may be liquidated if the enterprise fails to settle its debts as and when they fall due and if the enterprise’s assets are, or are demonstrably, insufficient to clear such debts.

Our Chinese subsidiaries hold certain assets that are important to our business operations. If any of our Chinese subsidiaries undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Jinzheng is required to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits, to the statutory reserve fund, and as determined by its board of directors, to the staff welfare and bonus funds, which may not be distributed to equity owners.

Pursuant to Company Law of P.R. China (2013 Revision), Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law of the P.R. China (2000 Revision) and Implementing Rules for the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprises (2014 Revision), Jinzheng is required to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits, to the statutory reserve fund, and in its discretion, to the staff welfare and bonus funds. No lower than 10% of an enterprise’s after tax-profits should be allocated to the statutory reserve fund. When the statutory reserve fund account balance is equal to or greater than 50% of the Jinzheng’s registered capital, no further allocation to the statutory reserve fund account is required. Jinzheng determines, in its own discretion, the amount contributed to the staff welfare and bonus funds. The staff welfare and bonus fund is used for the collective welfare of the staff of Jinzheng. These reserves represent appropriations of retained earnings determined according to Chinese law.

As of the date of this annual report, the amounts of staff welfare and bonus funds have not yet been determined, and we have not committed to establishing such amounts at this time. Under current Chinese laws, Jinzheng is required to set aside staff welfare and bonus funds amounts, but has not yet done so. Jinzheng has not done so because Chinese authorities grant companies flexibility in making a determination. Chinese law requires such a determination to be made in accordance with the company’s organizational documents and Jinzheng’s organizational documents do not require the determination to be made within a particular timeframe. Although we have not yet been required by Chinese authorities to make such determinations or set aside such amounts, Chinese authorities may require Jinzheng to rectify its noncompliance and we may be fined if we fail to do so after receiving a warning within its set time period.

Additionally, Chinese law provides that a Chinese company must allocate a portion of after-tax profits to the statutory reserve fund and the staff welfare and bonus funds reserve prior to the retention of profits or the distribution of profits to foreign invested companies. Therefore, if for any reason, the dividends from Jinzheng cannot be repatriated to us or not in time, our cash flow may be adversely impacted or we may become insolvent.

Our failure to obtain prior approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) for the listing and trading of our common shares on a foreign stock exchange could have a material adverse effect upon our business, operating results, reputation and trading price of our common shares.

On August 8, 2006, six Chinese regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (“MOFCOM”), jointly issued the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, which was subsequently revised on June 22, 2009 (the “M&A Rule”). The M&A Rule contains provisions that require that an offshore special purpose vehicle (“SPV”) formed for overseas listing purposes and controlled directly or indirectly by Chinese companies or individuals shall obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such SPV’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published Provisions on Indirect Issuance of Securities Overseas by a Domestic Enterprise or Overseas Listing of Its Securities for Trading, which specify documents and materials required to be submitted to the CSRC by an SPV seeking CSRC’s approval of overseas listings.

However, the application of the M&A Rule remains unclear with no consensus currently existing among leading Chinese law firms regarding the scope and applicability of the CSRC approval requirement. Our Chinese counsel, KaiTong Law Firm, has given us the following advice, based on their understanding of current Chinese laws and regulations:

The CSRC has not issued any such definitive rule or interpretation, and we have not chosen to voluntarily request approval under the M&A Rule. We did not obtain CSRC approval prior to our initial public offering. If prior CSRC approval was required, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions from the CSRC or other Chinese regulatory authorities. These authorities may impose fines and penalties upon our operations in China, limit our operating privileges in China, or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our common shares.

Substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the enactment timetable and final content of draft China Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.

MOFCOM published a discussion draft of the proposed Foreign Investment Law in January 2015 (the “Draft FIL”). The Draft FIL embodies an expected Chinese regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments. MOFCOM is currently soliciting comments on this draft and substantial uncertainties exist with respect to its enactment timetable, final content, interpretation and implementation.

Among other things, the Draft FIL expands the definition of foreign investment and introduces the principle of “actual control” in determining whether a company is considered a foreign-invested enterprise, or an FIE. The Draft FIL specifically provides that entities established in China but “controlled” by foreign investors will be treated as FIEs, whereas an entity set up in a foreign jurisdiction would nonetheless be, upon market entry clearance, treated as a Chinese domestic investor provided that the entity is “controlled” by Chinese entities and/or citizens. Once an entity is determined to be an FIE, it will be subject to the foreign investment restrictions or prohibitions set forth in a “negative list,” to be separately issued by the State Council later. Unless the underlying business of the FIE falls within the negative list, which calls for market entry clearance, prior approval from the government authorities as mandated by the existing foreign investment legal regime would no longer be required for establishment of the FIE.

The development, manufacture and sales of wastewater treatment products are not currently subject to foreign investment restrictions set forth in the Catalogue of Industries for Guiding Foreign Investment, or the Catalogue, issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce that was amended in 2015 and became effective in April 2015. The Draft FIL, if enacted as proposed, will not materially impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations in many aspects. However, should the development, manufacture and sales of wastewater treatment products become subject to foreign investment restrictions set forth in the Catalogue of Industries for Guiding Foreign Investment then the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations may be materially impacted in many aspects.

Risks Related to Doing Business in China

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

China passed an Enterprise Income Tax Law (the “EIT Law”) and implementing rules, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008. Under the EIT Law, resident enterprises pay income tax at the rate of 25% for their worldwide income while non-resident enterprises pay 20% for their income generated from China. As far as the definition of resident enterprises, according to the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise.” The implementing rules of the EIT Law define de facto management as “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.

On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation of China (the “SAT”) issued the Circular 82 Concerning Relevant Issues Regarding Cognizance of Chinese Investment Controlled Enterprises Incorporated Offshore as Resident Enterprises pursuant to Criteria of De Facto Management Bodies (“Circular 82”) further interpreting the application of the EIT Law and its implementation to offshore entities controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group. Pursuant to the Circular 82, an enterprise incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction and controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group will be classified as a “non-domestically incorporated resident enterprise” if  (i) its senior management in charge of daily operations reside or perform their duties mainly in China; (ii) its financial or personnel decisions are made or approved by bodies or persons in China; (iii) its substantial assets and properties, accounting books, corporate stamps, board and stockholder minutes are kept in China; and (iv) at least half of its directors with voting rights or senior management are often resident in China. The SAT issued a bulletin on August 3, 2011 to provide more guidance on the implementation of Circular 82, or Bulletin 45. Bulletin 45 clarifies certain matters relating to resident status determination, post-determination administration and competent tax authorities. In addition, the SAT issued a bulletin on January 29, 2014, which further provides that, among other things, an entity that is classified as a “resident enterprise” in accordance with Circular 82 shall file the application for classifying its status of residential enterprise with the local tax authorities where its main domestic investors are registered. Form the year in which the entity is determined to be a “resident enterprise,” any dividend, profit and other equity investment gain shall be taxed in accordance with the enterprise income tax law and its implementing rules. A resident enterprise would have to pay a withholding tax at a rate of 10% when paying dividends to its non-PRC stockholders.

We believe that neither Newater Technology nor Newater HK meet all the conditions outlined in the preceding paragraph to be classified as a PRC “resident enterprise.” Newater Technology does not have a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as its primary controlling shareholder, and we are not aware of any offshore company with a corporate structure similar to the company that has been deemed a PRC “resident enterprise” by the PRC tax authorities. However, as the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body,” we cannot guarantee that the relevant authorities will not make a contrary conclusion to ours. If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow. First, we may be subject to the enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income as well as PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. In our case, this would mean that income such as non-China source income would be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Second, under the EIT Law and its implementing rules, dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiaries would qualify as “tax-exempt income.” Finally, it is possible that future guidance issued with respect to the new “resident enterprise” classification could result in a situation in which a 10% withholding tax is imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC stockholders and with respect to gains derived by our non-PRC stockholders from transferring our shares. In addition to the uncertainty in how the new resident enterprise classification could apply, it is also possible that the rules may change in the future, possibly with retroactive effect. If we are required under the Enterprise Income Tax law to withhold PRC income tax on our dividends payable to our foreign shareholders, or if we are required to pay PRC income tax on the transfer of our shares under the circumstances mentioned above, the value of your investment in our shares or ADSs may be materially and adversely affected. It is unclear whether, if we are considered as a PRC resident enterprise, holders of our shares would be able to claim the benefit of income tax treaties or agreements entered into between China and other countries or areas.

We may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Chinese anti-corruption law.

In connection with our initial public offering, we became subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties by U.S. persons and issuers as defined by the statute for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We are also subject to the Anti-Unfair Competition Law of the PRC and the relevant anti-bribery provisions in the Criminal Law of the PRC, or together, the “PRC Anti-Bribery Laws.” The current PRC Anti-Bribery Laws prohibit the payment of bribes to government officials, private companies or individuals in a commercial transaction or their agents. We have operations, agreements with third parties, and make sales in China, which may experience corruption. Our activities in China create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by one of the employees, consultants or distributors of our company, because these parties are not always subject to our control. We are in process of implementing an anticorruption program, which prohibits the offering or giving of anything of value to foreign officials, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. The anticorruption program also requires that clauses mandating compliance with our policy be included in all contracts with foreign sales agents, sales consultants and distributors and that they certify their compliance with our policy annually. It further requires all hospitality involving promotion of sales to foreign governments and government-owned or controlled entities to be in accordance with specified guidelines. In the meantime, we believe to date we have complied in all material respects with the provisions of the FCPA and the PRC Anti-Bribery Laws.

However, our existing safeguards and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and the employees, consultants or distributors of our Company may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA or PRC Anti-Bribery Laws may result in severe criminal or administrative sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the government may seek to hold our Company liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire.

Our subsidiaries’ financial statements are prepared under different accounting standards than our consolidated financial statements.

We prepare the financial statements for each of our subsidiaries that are PRC legal entities in accordance with the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles in China, or PRC GAAP. These financial statements drive how we calculate the taxes payable for operations of these subsidiaries. By contrast, we prepare the consolidated financial statements for Newater Technology in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. The process of consolidating the financial statements and changing from PRC GAAP to U.S. GAAP requires us to make certain adjustments on consolidation. This can result in some discrepancies between the financial statements used to prepare our tax filings in China and the financial statements audited by our independent registered accounting firm and subsequently filed with the SEC. To the extent the discrepancies between PRC GAAP and U.S. GAAP are material, we could find, for example, that a PRC subsidiary shows taxable income for which payment of taxes is due, while our U.S. GAAP-audited financial statements show taxable loss.

If we become directly subject to the recent scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed China-based companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate and resolve the matter which could harm our business operations and our reputation and could result in a loss of your investment in our shares, especially if such matter cannot be addressed and resolved favorably.

Recently, U.S. public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China, have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity by investors, financial commentators and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity has centered on financial and accounting irregularities, a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in some cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity, the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed Chinese companies has sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, has become virtually worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and are conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear what effect this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity will have on our Company and our business. If we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we will have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend the Company. This situation may be a major distraction to our management. If such allegations are not proven to be groundless, our Company and business operations will be severely hampered and your investment in our shares could be rendered worthless.

We are dependent on the state of China’s economy as all of our business is conducted in China and a decline would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Currently, all of our business operations are conducted in China, and all of our customers are also located in China. Accordingly, any material slowdown in the China’s economy may cause our customers to reduce expenditures or delay the building of new facilities or projects. This may in turn lead to a decline in the demand for the products, projects and services we provide. Any such decline would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Since our operations and assets are located in China, shareholders may find it difficult to enforce a U.S. judgment against the assets of our Company, our directors and executive officers.

Our operations and assets are located in China. In addition, our executive officers and directors are non-residents of the U.S., and substantially all the assets of such persons are located outside the U.S. As a result, it could be difficult for investors to effect service of process in the U.S., or to enforce a judgment obtained in the U.S. against us or any of these persons. See “Enforceability of Civil Liabilities.”

Although we do not import goods into or export goods out of China, fluctuation of the RMB may indirectly affect our financial condition by affecting the volume of cross-border money flow.

Although we use the United States dollar for financial reporting purposes, all of the transactions effected by Jinzheng are denominated in China’s currency, the RMB. The value of the RMB fluctuates and is subject to changes in China’s political and economic conditions. We do not currently engage in hedging activities to protect against foreign currency risks. Even if we choose to engage in such hedging activities, we may not be able to do so effectively. Future movements in the exchange rate of the RMB could adversely affect our financial condition as we may suffer financial losses when transferring money raised outside of China into the country or paying vendors for services performed outside of China.

If any dividend is declared in the future and paid in a foreign currency, you may be taxed on a larger amount in U.S. dollars than the U.S. dollar amount that you will actually ultimately receive.

In the event we pay dividends in the future, you will be taxed on the U.S. dollar value of your dividends, if any, at the time you receive them, even if you actually receive a smaller amount of U.S. dollars when the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Specifically, if a dividend is declared and paid in a foreign currency, the amount of the dividend distribution that you must include in your income as a U.S. holder will be the U.S. dollar value of the payments made in the foreign currency, determined at the spot rate of the foreign currency to the U.S. dollar on the date the dividend distribution is includible in your income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. Thus, if the value of the foreign currency decreases before you actually convert the currency into U.S. dollars, you may be taxed on a larger amount in U.S. dollars than the U.S. dollar amount that you will actually ultimately receive.

We may become a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to U.S. investors.

Based on the nature of our business activities, we may be classified as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”), by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such characterization could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to you if you are a U.S. investor. For example, if we are a PFIC, a U.S. investor will become subject to burdensome reporting requirements. The determination of whether or not we are a PFIC is made on an annual basis and will depend on the composition of our income and assets from time to time. Specifically, we will be classified as a PFIC for U.S. tax purposes if either:

The calculation of the value of our assets is based, in part, on the then market value of our common shares, which is subject to change. In addition, the composition of our income and assets will be affected by how, and how quickly, we spend the cash we raised in our initial public offering. We cannot assure that we will not be a PFIC for any taxable year. See “Taxation – United States Federal Income Taxation-Passive Foreign Investment Company.”

Introduction of new laws or changes to existing laws by the Chinese government may adversely affect our business.

The Chinese legal system is a codified legal system made up of written laws, regulations, circulars, administrative directives and internal guidelines. Unlike common law jurisdictions such as the U.S., decided cases (which may be taken as reference) do not form part of the legal structure of China and thus have no binding effect. Furthermore, in line with its transformation from a centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented economy, the Chinese government is still in the process of developing a comprehensive set of laws and regulations. As the legal system in China is still evolving, laws and regulations or their interpretation may be subject to further changes. Such uncertainty and prospective changes to the Chinese legal system could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We may be subject to foreign exchange controls in China, which could limit our use of funds raised in our initial public offering, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Jinzheng is subject to Chinese rules and regulations on currency conversion. In China, SAFE regulates the conversion of the RMB into foreign currencies. Currently, foreign investment enterprises (“FIEs”) are required to apply to SAFE for “Registration of Establishment as FIEs”. Jinzheng is a FIE, with such registration, Jinzheng is allowed to open foreign currency accounts including the “current account” and the “capital account”. Currently, conversion within the scope of the “current account” and general “capital account” can be effected without requiring the approval of SAFE. However, conversion of currency in some restricted “capital account” (e.g. for capital items such as direct investments, loans, securities, etc.) still requires the approval of SAFE.

In particular, if Jinzheng borrows foreign currency through loans from Newater Technology or other foreign lenders, these loans must be registered with SAFE. If Jinzheng is financed by means of additional capital contributions, certain Chinese government authorities, including MOFCOM, or the local counterparts of SAFE and MOFCOM, must approve these capital contributions. These restrictions could limit our use of funds raised in our initial public offering which could have an adverse effect on our business.

Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.

The Chinese government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China, which may take as long as six months in the ordinary course. We receive the majority of our revenues in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, our income is derived from payments from Jinzheng. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of Jinzheng to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. Under existing Chinese foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from trade-related transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate government authorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of bank loans denominated in foreign currencies. The Chinese government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders. See “Our Business – Regulations on Foreign Currency Exchange and Dividend Distribution.”

Fluctuation of the Renminbi could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions. On July 21, 2005, the Chinese government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi is permitted to fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. This change in policy has resulted in an appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. While the international reaction to the Renminbi revaluation has generally been positive, there remains international pressure on the Chinese government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result in a further and more rapid appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. Any material revaluation of Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our cash flows, revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our common shares in U.S. dollars. For example, an appreciation of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would make any new Renminbi denominated investments or expenditures more costly to us, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for such purposes. See “Exchange Rate Information.”

Recent changes in China’s labor law restrict our ability to reduce our workforce in China in the event of an economic downturn and may increase our production costs which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

To clarify certain details in connection with the implementation of the Labor Contract Law, the China State Council promulgated the Implementing Rules for the Labor Contract Law on September 18, 2008, which came into effect immediately. The legislation formalized workers’ rights concerning overtime hours, pensions, layoffs, employment contracts and the role of trade unions. Among other things, this new law provides for specific standards and procedures for the termination of an employment contract and places the burden of proof on the employer. In addition, the law requires the payment of a statutory severance pay upon the termination of an employment contract in most cases, including the case of the expiration of a fixed-term employment contract. Further, the law requires an employer to conclude an “employment contract without a fixed-term” with any employee who either has worked for the same employer for 10 consecutive years or more or has had two consecutive fixed-term contracts with the same employer. An “employment contract without a fixed term” can no longer be terminated on the ground of the expiration of the contract, although it can still be terminated pursuant to the standards and procedures set forth under the new law. Because of the lack of precedent for the enforcement of such a law, the standards and procedures set forth under the law in relation to the termination of an employment contract have raised concerns among foreign investment enterprises in China that such an “employment contract without a fixed term” might in fact become a “lifetime, permanent employment contract.” Finally, under the new law, downsizing of either more than 20 people or more than 10% of the workforce may occur only under specified circumstances, such as a restructuring undertaken pursuant to China’s Enterprise Bankruptcy Law, or where a company suffers serious difficulties in production and/or business operations, or where there has been a material change in the objective economic circumstances relied upon by the parties at the time of the conclusion of the employment contract, thereby making the performance of such employment contract not possible. To date, there has been very little guidance or precedent as to how such specified circumstances for downsizing will be interpreted and enforced by the relevant Chinese authorities. All of our employees working for us exclusively within China are covered by the new law and thus, our ability to adjust the size of our operations when necessary in periods of recession or less severe economic downturns may be curtailed. Accordingly, if we face future periods of decline in business activity generally or adverse economic periods specific to our business, this new law can be expected to exacerbate the adverse effect of the economic environment on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our business benefits from certain government subsidies and incentives. Expiration, reduction or discontinuation of, or changes to, these incentives will increase our burden and reduce our net income which could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.

Jinzheng has received subsidies from some governmental agencies after meeting certain conditions, such as developing certain technologies, which are chosen as annual key research and development, plans or obtaining certain technological certifications.

Jinzheng received the following subsidies in 2015:

The above subsidies were subject to further research and development obligations and were recorded as deferred income in 2015. The research and development projects required by the RMB 200K Subsidy and RMB 180K Subsidy were completed in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, and therefore the RMB 200,000 and RMB 180,000 received in 2015 were recognized as government grants in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Jinzheng received the following subsidies in 2016:

The requirements of the above subsidies totaling RMB 11,432,000 received in 2016 were fully fulfilled and the subsidies were recognized as other income in consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Jinzheng received the following subsidies in 2017:

The requirements of the above subsidies totaling RMB 3,289,975 received in 2017 were fully fulfilled and the subsidies were recognized as government grant in consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2017.

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized government grants approximately $514,000 (RMB 3,469,975), $1,751,000 (RMB11,632,000) and $0 in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, respectively.

In addition, Jinzheng obtained the Hi-Tech Enterprise certificate and is entitled to a preferential income tax rate of 15% for 2016 and 2017. The 15% tax rate is less than the standard 25% income tax rate in China. The local Chinese government authorities may reduce or eliminate these incentives through new legislation at any time in the future. In the event Jinzheng is no longer exempt from lowered income taxation, its applicable tax rate would increase from 15% to up to 25%, the standard business income tax rate in China. In addition, the termination of one-time subsidies for water treatment equipment business development could increase the burden of manufacturing and selling water treatment equipment in the future. The reduction or discontinuation of any of these economic incentives could negatively affect our business and operations.

Labor laws in China may adversely affect our results of operations.

On June 29, 2007, the Chinese government promulgated a new labor law, namely, the Labor Contract Law of China, which became effective on January 1, 2008, which was further amended on December 28, 2012 (effective July 1, 2013). The Labor Contract Law imposes greater liabilities on employers and significantly affects the cost of an employer’s decision to reduce its workforce. Further, it requires certain terminations be based upon seniority and not merit. In the event we decide to significantly change or decrease our workforce, the Labor Contract Law could adversely affect our ability to enact such changes in a manner that is most advantageous to our business or in a timely and cost-effective manner, thus materially and adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations. The Labor Contract Law also mandates that employers provide social welfare packages to all employees, increasing our labor costs. To the extent competitors from outside China are not affected by such requirements, we could be at a comparative disadvantage.

Chinese regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by Chinese residents may subject our Chinese resident shareholders to personal liability and limit our ability to inject capital into our Chinese subsidiaries, limit our subsidiaries’ ability to increase its registered capital, distribute profits to us, or otherwise adversely affect us.

On July 4, 2014, China’s SAFE issued the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Issues concerning Foreign Exchange Administration over the Overseas Investment and Financing and Round-trip Investment by Domestic Residents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or Circular 37, which became effective as of July 4, 2014. According to Circular 37, prior registration with the local SAFE branch is required for Chinese residents to contribute domestic assets or interests to offshore companies, known as SPVs. Moreover, Circular 37 applies retroactively. As a result, Chinese residents who have contributed domestic assets or interests to a SPV, but failed to complete foreign exchange registration of overseas investments as required before July 4, 2014 shall send a letter to SAFE and its branches for explanation. SAFE and its branches shall, under the principle of legality and legitimacy, conduct supplementary registration, and impose administrative punishment on those in violation of the administrative provisions on the foreign exchange pursuant to the law.

We have requested our shareholders who are Chinese residents to make the necessary applications, filings and amendments as required under Circular 37 and other related rules. We attempt to comply, and attempt to ensure that our shareholders who are subject to these rules comply, with the relevant requirements. However, we cannot provide any assurances that all of our shareholders who are Chinese residents will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable registrations or comply with other requirements required by Circular 37 or other related rules. The failure or inability of our Chinese resident shareholders to make any required registrations or comply with other requirements may subject such shareholders to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into or provide loans to (including using the proceeds from our initial public offering) Jinzheng, limiting Jinzheng’s ability to pay dividends or otherwise distributing profits to us.

We may be subject to fines and legal sanctions by SAFE or other Chinese government authorities if we or our employees who are Chinese citizens fail to comply with Chinese regulations relating to employee stock options granted by offshore listed companies to Chinese citizens.

On February 15, 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Issues Concerning the Administration of Foreign Exchange Used for Domestic Individuals’ Participation in Equity Incentive Plans of Companies Listed Overseas, or Circular 7. Under Circular 7, Chinese citizens who are granted share options by an offshore listed company are required, through a qualified Chinese agent or a Chinese company which participates in the share option, and is held by or actually controlled by the offshore listed Company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other procedures, including applications for foreign exchange purchase quotas and opening special bank accounts. If our Chinese employees and we are granted share options, our Chinese employees and we will be subject to Circular 7. Failure to comply with these regulations may subject us or our Chinese employees to fines and legal sanctions imposed by SAFE or other Chinese government authorities and may prevent us from further granting options under our share incentive plans to our employees. Such events could adversely affect our business operations.

Failure to comply with the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules relating to the overseas direct investment or the engagement in the issuance or trading of securities overseas by our Chinese resident stockholders may subject such stockholders to fines or other liabilities.

Other than Circular 37, our ability to conduct foreign exchange activities in China may be subject to the interpretation and enforcement of the Implementation Rules of the Administrative Measures for Individual Foreign Exchange promulgated by SAFE in January 2007 (as amended and supplemented, the “Individual Foreign Exchange Rules”). Under the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules, any Chinese individual seeking to make a direct investment overseas or engage in the issuance or trading of negotiable securities or derivatives overseas must make the appropriate registrations in accordance with SAFE provisions. Chinese individuals who fail to make such registrations may be subject to warnings, fines or other liabilities.

We may not be fully informed of the identities of all our beneficial owners who are Chinese residents. For example, because the investment in or trading of our shares will happen in an overseas public or secondary market where shares are often held with brokers in brokerage accounts, it is unlikely that we will know the identity of all of our beneficial owners who are Chinese residents. Furthermore, we have no control over any of our future beneficial owners and we cannot assure you that such Chinese residents will be able to complete the necessary approval and registration procedures required by the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules.

It is uncertain how the Individual Foreign Exchange Rules will be interpreted or enforced and whether such interpretation or enforcement will affect our ability to conduct foreign exchange transactions. Because of this uncertainty, we cannot be sure whether the failure by any of our Chinese resident stockholders to make the required registration will subject our subsidiaries to fines or legal sanctions on their operations, restriction on remittance of dividends or other punitive actions that would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in China’s political and economic policies could harm our business.

Substantially all of our business operations are conducted in China. Accordingly, our results of operations, financial condition and prospects are subject to economic, political and legal developments in China. China’s economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including with respect to the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources.

The Chinese economy has historically been a planned economy subject to governmental plans and quotas and has, in certain aspects, been transitioning to a more market-oriented economy. Although we believe that the economic reform and the macroeconomic measures adopted by the Chinese government have had a positive effect on the economic development China, we cannot predict the future direction of these economic reforms or the effects these measures may have on our business, financial position or results of operations. In addition, the Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”). These differences include, without limitation:

As a result of these differences, our business may not develop in the same way or at the same rate as might be expected if the Chinese economy were similar to those of the OECD member countries. See “Our Business – Industry and Market Background.”

Since 1979, the Chinese government has promulgated many new laws and regulations covering general economic matters. Despite these efforts to develop a legal system, China’s system of laws is not yet complete. Even where adequate law exists in China, enforcement of existing laws or contracts based on existing law may be uncertain or sporadic, and it may be difficult to obtain swift and equitable enforcement or to obtain enforcement of a judgment by a court of another jurisdiction. The relative inexperience of China’s judiciary, in many cases, creates additional uncertainty as to the outcome of any lawsuit. In addition, interpretation of statutes and regulations may be subject to government policies reflecting domestic political changes. Our activities in China will also be subject to administration review and approval by various national and local agencies of the Chinese government. Because of the changes occurring in China’s legal and regulatory structure, we may not be able to secure the requisite governmental approval for our activities. Although we have obtained all required governmental approvals to operate our business as currently conducted, to the extent we are unable to obtain or maintain required governmental approvals, the Chinese government may, in its sole discretion, prohibit us from conducting our business. 

If relations between the United States and China worsen, our share price may decrease and we may have difficulty accessing U.S. capital markets.

At various times during recent years, the United States and China have had disagreements over political and economic issues. Controversies may arise in the future between these two countries. Any political or trade controversy between the United States and China could adversely affect the market price of our common shares and our ability to access U.S. capital markets.

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

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

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

Because our operations are located in China, information about our operations is not readily available from independent third-party sources.

Because Jinzheng is based in China, our shareholders may have greater difficulty in obtaining information about them on a timely basis than would shareholders of a U.S.-based company. Its operations will continue to be conducted in China and shareholders may have difficulty in obtaining information about them from sources other than the company itself. Information available from newspapers, trade journals, or local, regional or national regulatory agencies such as issuance of construction permits and contract awards for development projects will not be readily available to shareholders and, where available, will likely be available only in Chinese. Shareholders will be dependent upon management for reports of their progress, development, activities and expenditure of proceeds.

Chinese economic growth slowdown may cause negative effect to our business.

Since 2010, the annual growth rate of the Chinese economy has declined, from approximately 11% gross domestic product in 2010 to 6.9% in 2017. This situation has impacted many types of service industries, such as restaurant and tourism, and some manufacturing industries. Our business operations in China rely primarily on the waste (garbage), chemical and energy industries that are less influenced by economic growth slowdown than service industries. However, if China’s economic growth continues to slow down, then our business could be adversely affected if slow expansion or shrinkage of the industries we serve occurs. 

Risks Associated with Ownership of Our Common Shares

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

The trading prices for our common shares have fluctuated since we first listed our common shares. Since our common shares became listed on the NASDAQ on July 28, 2017, the trading price of our common shares has ranged from $7.32 to $28.20 per common share, and the last reported trading price on April 27, 2018 was $11.73 per common share. The market price of our common shares may fluctuate significantly in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

In addition, the stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. Stock prices of many companies have fluctuated in a manner unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In the past, stockholders have filed securities class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were to become involved in securities litigation, it could subject us to substantial costs, divert resources and the attention of management from our business, and adversely affect our business.

We are an “emerging growth company,” and we cannot be certain if choosing to elect the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common shares less attractive to investors.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although we could lose that status sooner if our revenues exceed $1 billion, if we issue more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in a three year period, or if the market value of our common shares held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any June 30 before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31. We cannot predict if investors will find our common shares less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common shares and our stock price may be more volatile.

If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common shares may decline.

As a public company, we are required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal control. We are in the process of designing, implementing, and testing the internal control over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation, which process is time consuming, costly, and complicated. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm is required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting beginning with our annual report on Form 20-F following the date on which we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” which may be up to five full years following the date of our initial public offering. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting when required, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common shares could be negatively affected, and we could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

If our financial condition deteriorates, we may not meet continued listing standards on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

The NASDAQ Capital Market also requires companies to fulfill specific requirements in order for their shares to continue to be listed. In order to qualify for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, we must meet the following criteria:

If our shares are delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market at some later date, our shareholders could find it difficult to sell our shares. In addition, if our common shares are delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market at some later date, we may apply to have our common shares quoted on the Bulletin Board or in the “pink sheets” maintained by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc. The Bulletin Board and the “pink sheets” are generally considered to be less efficient markets than the NASDAQ Capital Market. In addition, if our common shares are not so listed or are delisted at some later date, our common shares may be subject to the “penny stock” regulations. These rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that sell low-priced securities to persons other than established customers and institutional accredited investors and require the delivery of a disclosure schedule explaining the nature and risks of the penny stock market. As a result, the ability or willingness of broker-dealers to sell or make a market in our common shares might decline. If our common shares are delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market at some later date or become subject to the penny stock regulations, it is likely that the price of our shares would decline and that our shareholders would find it difficult to sell their shares.

We will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

As a public company, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. For example, we must now engage U.S. securities law counsel and U.S. GAAP auditors that we did not need prior to our initial public offering, and we will continue to have annual payments to remain listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as new rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and NASDAQ, has required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. We expect these new rules and regulations to increase our legal, accounting and financial compliance costs and to make certain corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. In addition, we will continue to incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. Added costs of this nature will naturally reduce our profitability and could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and divert management’s attention, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, the listing requirements of the securities exchange on which we list, and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Despite recent reforms made possible by the JOBS Act, compliance with these rules and regulations will nonetheless increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and resources, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual, and current reports with respect to our business and operating results.

As a result of disclosure of information in filings required of a public company, our business and financial condition are more visible, which we believe may result in threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties. If such claims are successful, our business and operating results could be harmed, and even if the claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management and adversely affect our business, brand and reputation and results of operations.

We also expect that being a public company and these new rules and regulations will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors, particularly to serve on our audit committee and compensation committee, and qualified executive officers.

The obligation to disclose information publicly may put us at a disadvantage to competitors that are private companies which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

As a reporting company in the United States, we are required to file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission upon the occurrence of matters that are material to our Company and shareholders. In some cases, we will need to disclose material agreements or results of financial operations that we would not be required to disclose if we were a private company. Our competitors may have access to this information, which would otherwise be confidential. This may give them advantages in competing with our Company. Similarly, as a U.S.-listed public company, we are governed by U.S. laws that our competitors, which are mostly private Chinese companies, are not required to follow. To the extent compliance with U.S. laws increases our expenses or decreases our competitiveness against such companies, our public listing could affect our results of operations.

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

Our board of directors is divided into three classes of directors. Class A directors hold office for a term expiring at the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, Class B directors hold office for a term expiring at the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders and Class C directors hold office for a term expiring as the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders. Directors of each class are chosen for three-year terms upon the expiration of their current terms. The staggered terms of our directors may reduce the possibility of a tender offer or an attempt at a change in control, even though a tender offer or change in control might be in the best interest of our shareholders.  See “Management – Board of Directors and Board Committees.”

Shares eligible for future sale may adversely affect the market price of our common shares, as the future sale of a substantial amount of outstanding common shares in the public marketplace could cause the price of our common shares.

The market price of our shares could decline as a result of sales of substantial amounts of our shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur. In addition, these factors could make it more difficult for us to raise funds through future offerings of our common shares. An aggregate of 10,809,000 of our shares are currently outstanding. The 1,610,000 shares sold in our initial public offering are freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. The remaining 9,199,000 shares are “restricted securities” as defined in Rule 144. These shares may be sold in the future without registration under the Securities Act to the extent permitted by Rule 144 or other exemptions under the Securities Act.

Our employees, officers and/or directors will control a sizeable amount of our common shares, decreasing your influence on shareholder decisions.

Our employees, officers and/or directors will, in the aggregate, beneficially own approximately 44.4% of our outstanding shares.  As a result, our employees, officers and directors possess substantial ability to impact our management and affairs and the outcome of matters submitted to shareholders for approval. These shareholders, acting individually or as a group, could exert substantial influence over matters such as electing directors and approving mergers or other business combination transactions. This concentration of ownership and voting power may also discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our Company, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our Company and might reduce the price of our common shares. These actions may be taken even if they are opposed by our other shareholders, including those who purchased shares in our initial public offering. See “Principal Stockholders.”

As the rights of stockholders under British Virgin Islands law differ from those under U.S. law, you may have fewer protections as a shareholder .

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the British Virgin Islands Business Companies Act, 2004 (the “BVI Act”), and the common law of the British Virgin Islands. The rights of shareholders to take legal action against our directors, actions by minority stockholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under British Virgin Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the British Virgin Islands and by the BVI Act. The common law of the British Virgin Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the British Virgin Islands as well as from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the British Virgin Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under British Virgin Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedents in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the British Virgin Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States, and some states (such as Delaware) have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law.

As a result of all of the above, holders of our shares may have more difficulty protecting their interests through actions against our management, directors or major shareholders than they would as shareholders of a U.S. company. For a discussion of material differences between the provisions of the BVI Act and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders, see “Description of Share Capital – Differences in Corporate Law.”

British Virgin Islands companies may not be able to initiate shareholder derivative actions in a federal court of the United States and may have to proceed with such action in the British Virgin Islands, thereby limiting shareholders’ ability to protect their interests .

British Virgin Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States and may have to proceed with such action in the British Virgin Islands. The circumstances in which any such action may be brought, and the procedures and defenses that may be available with respect to any such action, may result in the rights of shareholders of a British Virgin Islands company being more limited than those of shareholders of a company organized in the United States. Accordingly, shareholders may have fewer alternatives available to them if they believe that corporate wrongdoing has occurred. The British Virgin Islands courts are also unlikely to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts in the United States based on certain liability provisions of U.S. securities law; and to impose liabilities against us, in original actions brought in the British Virgin Islands, based on certain liability provisions of U.S. securities laws that are penal in nature. There is no statutory recognition in the British Virgin Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the British Virgin Islands will generally recognize and enforce the non-penal judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits. This means that even if shareholders were to sue us successfully, they may not be able to recover anything to make up for the losses suffered.

The laws of the British Virgin Islands provide little protection for minority shareholders, so minority shareholders will have little or no recourse if the shareholders are dissatisfied with the conduct of our affairs .

Under the law of the British Virgin Islands, there is little statutory law for the protection of minority shareholders other than the provisions of the BVI Act dealing with shareholder remedies. The principal protection under statutory law is that shareholders may bring an action to enforce the constituent documents of the corporation, in our case, our Memorandum and Articles of Association. Shareholders are entitled to have the affairs of the company conducted in accordance with the general law and the Memorandum and Articles.

There are common law rights for the protection of shareholders that may be invoked, largely dependent on English company law, since the common law of the British Virgin Islands for business companies is limited. Under the general rule pursuant to English company law known as the rule in Foss v. Harbottle , a court will generally refuse to interfere with the management of a company at the insistence of a minority of its shareholders who express dissatisfaction with the conduct of the company’s affairs by the majority or the board of directors. However, every shareholder is entitled to have the affairs of the company conducted properly according to law and the constituent documents of the corporation. As such, if those who control the company have persistently disregarded the requirements of company law or the provisions of the company’s memorandum and articles of association, then the courts will grant relief. Generally, the areas in which the courts will intervene are the following: (1) an act complained of which is outside the scope of the authorized business or is illegal or not capable of ratification by the majority; (2) acts that constitute fraud on the minority where the wrongdoers control the company; (3) acts that infringe on the personal rights of the shareholders, such as the right to vote; and (4) where the company has not complied with provisions requiring approval of a special or extraordinary majority of shareholders, which are more limited than the rights afforded minority shareholders under the laws of many states in the United States.

We are a “foreign private issuer,” and our disclosure obligations differ from those of U.S. domestic reporting companies. As a result, we may not provide you the same information as U.S. domestic reporting companies or we may provide information at different times, which may make it more difficult for you to evaluate our performance and prospects.

We are a foreign private issuer and, as a result, we are not subject to the same requirements as U.S. domestic issuers. Under the Exchange Act, we are subject to reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient and less frequent than those of U.S. domestic reporting companies. For example, we are required to issue quarterly reports or proxy statements and we do not intend to file quarterly reports. We are not required to disclose detailed individual executive compensation information and we do not intend to disclose detailed executive compensation information. Furthermore, our directors and executive officers are not required to report equity holdings under Section 16 of the Exchange Act and we are not subject to the insider short-swing profit disclosure and recovery regime and we do not intend to file Section 16 reports for officers and directors.

As a foreign private issuer, we are also be exempt from the requirements of Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure) which, generally, are meant to ensure that select groups of investors are not privy to specific information about an issuer before other investors. However, we do plan to disclose material information to all investors at this time . In addition, we arestill be subject to the anti-fraud and anti-manipulation rules of the SEC, such as Rule 10b-5 under the Exchange Act. Since many of the disclosure obligations imposed on us as a foreign private issuer differ from those imposed on U.S. domestic reporting companies, you should not expect to receive the same information about us and at the same time as the information provided by U.S. domestic reporting companies.