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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 11, 2023

 

China Automotive Systems, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 000-33123 33-0885775
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

No. 1 Henglong Road, Yu Qiao Development Zone
Shashi District, Jing Zhou City
Hubei Province
The People's Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (86) 27-8757 0027

 

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Trading Symbol Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value CAAS The Nasdaq Capital Market

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

On August 11, 2023, China Automotive Systems, Inc. issued a press release announcing financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. The press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

The information in this Item 2.02 and in Exhibit 99.1 attached to this Form 8-K is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

  (d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No   Description
   
99.1 Press Release of China Automotive Systems, Inc. dated August 11, 2023.

 

2

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  China Automotive Systems, Inc.
  (Registrant)
     
Date: August 11, 2023 By: /s/ Hanlin Chen
    Hanlin Chen
    Chairman

 

3

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

China Automotive Systems Reports 90.0% Increase in Net Income Per Share
to $0.57 in the First Six Months of 2023

 

WUHAN, China, August 11, 2023 -- China Automotive Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAAS) ("CAAS" or the "Company"), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2023.

 

Second Quarter 2023 Highlights

 

    Net sales rose 8.1% year-over-year to $137.4 million from $127.2 million in the second quarter of 2022.
    Gross profit was $22.7 million, which is stable to $22.7 million in the second quarter of 2022.
    Income from operations was $7.8 million, compared to income from operations of $7.2 million in the second quarter of 2022.
    Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders was $10.5 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.35, compared to net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders of $9.4 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.31 in the second quarter of 2022

 

First Six Months of 2023 Highlights

 

    Net sales grew by 6.1% year-over-year to $279.7 million, compared to $263.6 million in the first six months of 2022.
    Gross profit increased by 18.4% year-over-year to $44.3 million, compared to $37.4 million in the first six months of 2022.
    Income from operations rose by 171.9% year-over-year to $15.5 million compared to income from operations of $5.7 million in the first six months of 2022.
    Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders was $17.3 million, compared to net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders of $9.4 million in the first six months of 2022;
    Diluted earnings per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders increased by 90.0% year-over-year to $0.57, compared to diluted earnings per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders of $0.30 in the first six months of 2022.
    Cash and cash equivalents, and pledged cash were $125.5 million, or approximately $4.16 per share, as of June 30, 2023.

 

Mr. Qizhou Wu, Chief Executive Officer of CAAS, commented, “Our revenue growth accelerated in the second quarter. Most of our divisions reported higher sales and most encouragingly, net sales of our advanced electric power steering (“EPS”) grew by 28.4% year-over-year.”

 

 

 

 

“According to statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, overall automobile sales in China increased by 17.9% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2023 with passenger vehicles sales rising by 19.3% year-over-year and commercial vehicle sales up 10.1% year-over-year. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, overall car sales increased by 9.8% year-over-year as passenger vehicle sales grew 8.8% year-over-year and commercial vehicle sales grew by 15.8% year-over-year.”

 

“Chinese GDP growth rate for the first half of 2023 was 5.5% year-over-year. The Chinese government recently announced a plan to increase economic growth through policy changes and incentives. The automobile, housing and real estate, tourism and other services sectors were highlighted as key parts of this plan. We are hopeful that new changes and forthcoming policies can help boost consumer confidence and further improve the automotive market,” Mr. Wu concluded.

 

Mr. Jie Li, Chief Financial Officer of CAAS, commented, “We maintained a strong balance sheet with cash and cash equivalents plus pledged cash of $125.5 million, with working capital of $153.3 million at June 30, 2023. In the first six months of 2023, we used approximately $5.4 million to acquire property, plant and equipment. During the second quarter, we also managed cost reductions by reducing spending in selling, and general and administrative, and research and development expenses.”

 

Second Quarter of 2023

 

Net sales increased by 8.1% year-over-year to $137.4 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to $127.2 million in the second quarter of 2022. Net sales of traditional steering products and parts increased by 1.1% year-over-year to $95.8 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $94.8 million for the same quarter in 2022. Net sales of EPS products rose 28.4% year-over-year to $41.6 million from $32.4 million for the same period in 2022. EPS product sales were 30.3% of the total net sales for the second quarter of 2023, compared to 25.5% for the same period in 2022. Export net sales to North American customers decreased by 24.5% year-over-year to $28.9 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to $38.3 million in the second quarter of 2022. North American sales declined due to less demand and the effects of foreign exchange fluctuations. Sales in Brazil rose 43.5% year-over-year to $12.2 million in the second quarter of 2023 from $8.5 million in the second quarter of 2022.

 

Gross profit was $22.7 million, which is stable to $22.7 million in the second quarter of 2022. Gross margin in the second quarter of 2023 was 16.5%, compared to 17.9% in the second quarter of 2022. The decrease in gross margin was mainly due to the changes in the product mix.

 

Gain on other sales was $0.7 million, compared to $2.1 million in the second quarter of 2022.

 

Selling expenses decreased by 6.7% year-over-year to $3.8 million compared to $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2022, primarily due to lower marketing and office expenses. The appreciation of the USD against RMB also affected expense levels. Selling expenses represented 2.8% of net sales in the second quarter of 2023, compared to 3.2% in the second quarter of 2022.

 

General and administrative expenses (“G&A expenses”) decreased by 6.9% year-over-year to $5.3 million compared to $5.7 million in the second quarter of 2022, primarily due to reversal of credit losses and the impact of appreciation of the USD against the RMB. G&A expenses represented 3.9% of net sales in the second quarter of 2023, compared to 4.5% of net sales in the second quarter of 2022.

 

 

 

 

Research and development expenses (“R&D expenses”) decreased by 16.2% year-over-year to $6.6 million compared to $7.9 million in the second quarter of 2022. R&D expenses represented 4.8% of net sales in the second quarter of 2023 compared to 6.2% in the second quarter of 2022.

 

Other income, net was $2.0 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022.

 

Income from operations was $7.8 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to income from operations of $7.2 million in the second quarter of 2022. The increase was primarily due to lower operating costs.

 

Interest expense was $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2022.

 

Net financial income was $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to net financial income of $2.5 million in the second quarter of 2022. The change in net financial income was primarily due to the appreciation of the USD against RMB.

 

Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies was $13.4 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies of $12.2 million in the second quarter of 2022.

 

Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders was $10.5 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared to net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders of $9.4 million in the second quarter of 2022. Diluted earnings per share was $0.35 in the second quarter of 2023, compared to $0.31 per share in the second quarter of 2022.

 

The weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding was 30,189,537 in the second quarter of 2023, compared to 30,849,009 in the second quarter of 2022.

 

First Six Months of 2023

 

Net sales increased by 6.1% year-over-year to $279.7 million in the first six months of 2023, compared to $263.6 million in the first six months of 2022. Six-month gross profit was $44.3 million, compared to $37.4 million in the corresponding period last year. Six-month gross margin was 15.9%, compared with 14.2% in the first six months of 2022. Gain on other sales was $1.4 million in the first six months of 2023, compared to $3.0 million in the corresponding period last year. Income from operations was $15.5 million in the first six months of 2023, compared with income from operations of $5.7 million in the first six months of 2022.

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders was $17.3 million in the first six months of 2023, compared to net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders of $9.4 million in the corresponding period in 2022. Diluted earnings per share increased by 90.0% year-over-year to $0.57 in the first six months of 2023, compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.30 in the first six months of 2022.

 

Balance Sheet

 

As of June 30, 2023, total cash and cash equivalents, and pledged cash were $125.5 million, total accounts receivable including notes receivable, were $234.0 million, accounts payable including notes payable, were $216.7 million and short-term loans were $38.5 million. Total parent company stockholders' equity was $317.8 million as of June 30, 2023, compared to $311.7 million as of December 31, 2022.

 

Business Outlook

 

Management has reiterated its revenue guidance for the full year 2023 of $560.0 million. This target is based on the Company's current views on operating and market conditions, which are subject to change.

 

Conference Call

 

Management will conduct a conference call on August 11, 2023 at 8:00 A.M. EDT/8:00 P.M. Beijing Time to discuss these results. A question and answer session will follow management's presentation. To participate, please see the dial-in information below, enter the call 10 minutes before the call start time and ask to be connected to the "China Automotive Systems" conference call:

 

Phone Number: +1-888-506-0062 (North America)

Phone Number: +1-973-528-0011 (International)

Mainland China Toll Free: +86-400-120-3199

Code: 235847

 

A replay of the call will be available on the Company’s website under the investor relations section.

 

About China Automotive Systems, Inc.

 

Based in Hubei Province, the People’s Republic of China, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry, operating through eight Sino-foreign joint ventures. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 6 million sets of steering gears, columns and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers, such as China FAW Group, Corp., Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., BYD Auto Company Limited, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (“FCA”) and Ford Motor Company in North America. For more information, please visit: http://www.caasauto.com.

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This press release contains statements that are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. As a result, the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2023, and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control, could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment, cause uncertainties in the regions where we conduct business, cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict and materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. A prolonged disruption or any further unforeseen delay in our operations of the manufacturing, delivery and assembly process within any of our production facilities could continue to result in delays in the shipment of products to our customers, increased costs and reduced revenue. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Jie Li

Chief Financial Officer

China Automotive Systems, Inc.

jieli@chl.com.cn

 

Kevin Theiss

Awaken Advisors

+1-212-521-4050

Kevin@awakenlab.com

 

 

 

 

-Tables Follow –

China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands of USD, except share and per share amounts)

 

   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2023   2022 
Net product sales ($13,194 and $9,158 sold to related parties for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022)  $137,410   $127,161 
Cost of products sold ($7,311 and $6,496 purchased from related parties for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022)   114,692    104,450 
Gross profit   22,718    22,711 
Gain on other sales   742    2,105 
Less: Operating expenses          
Selling expenses   3,794    4,068 
General and administrative expenses   5,271    5,662 
Research and development expenses   6,606    7,886 
Total operating expenses   15,671    17,616 
Income from operations   7,789    7,200 
Other income, net   1,963    2,804 
Interest expense   (276)   (370)
Financial income, net   3,963    2,543 
Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies   13,439    12,177 
Less: Income taxes expense   1,487    3,156 
Add: Equity in (loss)/earnings of affiliated companies   (484)   914 
Net income   11,468    9,935 
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   995    500 
Accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests   (7)   (7)
Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders  $10,466   $9,428 
Comprehensive income:          
Net income  $11,468   $9,935 
Other comprehensive income:          
Foreign currency translation loss, net of tax   (16,886)   (19,055)
Comprehensive loss   (5,418)   (9,120)
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests   (80)   (642)
Accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests   (7)   (7)
Comprehensive loss attributable to parent company  $(5,345)  $(8,485)
           
Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders per share -          
           
Basic  $0.35   $0.31 
Diluted  $0.35   $0.31 
           
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -          
Basic   30,185,702    30,847,706 
Diluted   30,189,537    30,849,009 

 

 

 

 

China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands of USD, except share and per share amounts)

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2023   2022 
Net product sales ($26,770 and $20,162 sold to related parties for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022)  $279,653   $263,557 
Cost of products sold ($14,326 and $14,036 purchased from related parties for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022)   235,317    226,112 
Gross profit   44,336    37,445 
Gain on other sales   1,395    3,036 
Less: Operating expenses          
Selling expenses   7,178    8,380 
General and administrative expenses   10,024    10,416 
Research and development expenses   12,996    16,023 
Total operating expenses   30,198    34,819 
Income from operations   15,533    5,662 
Other income, net   3,465    6,323 
Interest expense   (525)   (772)
Financial income, net   3,541    4,558 
Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies   22,014    15,771 
Less: Income taxes expense   2,316    4,114 
Add: Equity in loss of affiliated companies   (347)   (1,573)
Net income   19,351    10,084 
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   2,050    700 
Accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests   (15)   (15)
Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders  $17,286   $9,369 
Comprehensive income:          
Net income  $19,351   $10,084 
Other comprehensive income:          
Foreign currency translation loss, net of tax   (12,332)   (17,618)
Comprehensive income/(loss)   7,019    (7,534)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests   1,241    (353)
Accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests   (15)   (15)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to parent company  $5,763   $(7,196)
           
Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders per share -          
           
Basic  $0.57   $0.30 
Diluted  $0.57   $0.30 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -          
Basic   30,185,702    30,849,730 
Diluted   30,191,309    30,850,859 

 

 

 

 

China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated)

 

   June 30, 2023   December 31, 2022 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $95,620   $121,216 
Pledged cash   29,921    37,735 
Accounts and notes receivable, net - unrelated parties   217,493    214,308 
Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties   16,547    10,016 
Inventories   100,262    112,236 
Other current assets   28,063    25,207 
Total current assets   487,906    520,718 
Non-current assets:          
Property, plant and equipment, net   99,347    106,606 
Land use rights, net   9,080    9,555 
Long-term investments   62,179    59,810 
Other non-current assets   26,065    17,663 
Total assets  $684,577   $714,352 
           
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Short-term loans  $38,457   $45,671 
Accounts and notes payable-unrelated parties   205,951    218,412 
Accounts and notes payable-related parties   10,762    16,695 
Accrued expenses and other payables   45,972    48,311 
Other current liabilities   33,458    35,106 
Total current liabilities   334,600    364,195 
Long-term liabilities:          
Long-term tax payable   8,781    15,805 
Other non-current liabilities   6,761    6,937 
Total liabilities  $350,142   $386,937 
           
Commitments and Contingencies          
           
Mezzanine equity:          
Redeemable non-controlling interests   598    582 
           
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock, $0.0001 par value - Authorized - 80,000,000 shares; Issued – 32,338,302 and 32,338,302 shares as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively  $3   $3 
Additional paid-in capital   63,731    63,731 
Retained earnings-          
Appropriated   11,851    11,851 
Unappropriated   264,460    247,174 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   (14,936)   (3,413)
Treasury stock – 2,152,600 and 2,152,600 shares as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively   (7,695)   (7,695)
Total parent company stockholders’ equity   317,414    311,651 
Non-controlling interests   16,423    15,182 
Total stockholders’ equity   333,837    326,833 
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders’ equity  $684,577   $714,352 

 

 

 

 

China Automotive Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated)

 

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2023   2022 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $19,351   $10,084 
Adjustments to reconcile net income from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   9,528    12,012 
(Reversal)/provision of credit losses   (459)   527 
Deferred income taxes   237    2,945 
Equity in loss of affiliated companies   347    1,573 
Loss on fixed assets disposals   15    46 
(Increase)/decrease in:          
Accounts and notes receivable   (18,323)   (4,333)
Inventories   8,355    896 
Other current assets   (904)   (1,218)
Increase/(decrease) in:          
Accounts and notes payable   (10,323)   (6,156)
Accrued expenses and other payables   (604)   (2,643)
Long-term taxes payable   (5,268)   (2,809)
Other current liabilities   (2,004)   3,560 
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities   (52)   14,484 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
(Increase)/decrease in demand loans included in other non-current assets   (14)   291 
Cash received from property, plant and equipment sales   582    572 
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment (including $2,022 and $2,143 paid to related parties for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively)   (5,438)   (7,881)
Payments to acquire intangible assets   (2,361)   (41)
Investment under the equity method   (7,729)   (5,480)
Purchase of short-term investments   (40,491)   (59,758)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments   30,822    45,150 
Cash received from long-term investment   583    2,704 
Net cash used in investing activities   (24,046)   (24,443)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from bank loans   34,280    35,852 
Repayments of bank loans   (39,836)   (32,916)
Repayments of the borrowing for sale and leaseback transaction       (1,130)
Repurchase of common shares       (196)
Net cash (used in)/ provided by financing activities   (5,556)   1,610 
Effects of exchange rate on cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash   (3,756)   (7,327)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash   (33,410)   (15,676)
Cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash at beginning of the period   158,951    159,498 
Cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash at end of the period  $125,541   $143,822 

 

 

v3.23.2
Cover
Aug. 11, 2023
Cover [Abstract]  
Document Type 8-K
Amendment Flag false
Document Period End Date Aug. 11, 2023
Entity File Number 000-33123
Entity Registrant Name China Automotive Systems, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key 0001157762
Entity Tax Identification Number 33-0885775
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity Address, Address Line One No. 1 Henglong Road, Yu Qiao Development Zone
Entity Address, Address Line Two Shashi District
Entity Address, Address Line Three Jing Zhou City
Entity Address, City or Town Hubei Province
Entity Address, Country CN
City Area Code 86
Local Phone Number 27-8757 0027
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.0001 par value
Trading Symbol CAAS
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company false

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