Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 2. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking
Statements
This
Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For
this purpose, any statements contained in this Form 10-Q that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking
statements. Without limiting the foregoing, words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”,
“anticipate”, “estimate” or “continue” or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. These statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending
on a variety of factors, many of which are not within our control. These factors include by are not limited to economic conditions generally
and in the industries in which we may participate, competition within our chosen industry, including competition from much larger competitors,
technological advances and failure to successfully develop business relationships.
Business
Overview
We
are a diversified holding company principally engaged through our subsidiaries in the development of EHome communities and other real
estate, financial services, digital transformation technologies, biohealth activities and consumer products with operations in the United
States, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and South Korea. We manage our three principal businesses primarily through our 85.5% owned subsidiary,
Alset International, a public company traded on the Singapore Stock Exchange. Through this subsidiary (and indirectly, through other
public and private U.S. and Asian subsidiaries), we are actively developing real estate projects near Houston, Texas in our real estate
segment. In our digital transformation technology segment, we focus on serving business-to-business (B2B) needs in e-commerce, collaboration
and social networking functions. Our biohealth segment includes the sale of consumer products.
We
also have ownership interests outside of Alset International, including a 36.9% equity interest in American Pacific Financial, Inc.,
formerly known as American Pacific Bancorp Inc. (“APF”), an indirect 13% equity interest in Holista CollTech Limited (“Holista”),
a 44.4% equity interest in DSS Inc. (“DSS”), an indirect 48.7% equity interest in Value Exchange International Inc. (“VEII”),
a 0.5% equity interest in New Electric CV Corporation (“NECV”, formerly known as “American Wealth Mining Inc.”)
and a 33.4% equity interest in Sharing Services Global Corporation (“SHRG”). APF is a financial network holding company.
Holista is a public Australian company that produces natural food ingredients (ASX: HCT). DSS is a multinational company operating businesses
within nine divisions: product packaging, biotechnology, direct marketing, commercial lending, securities and investment management,
alternative trading, digital transformation, secure living, and alternative energy. DSS is listed on the NYSE American (NYSE: DSS). VEII
is a provider of information technology services for businesses, and is traded on the OTCQB (OTCQB: VEII). NECV is a publicly traded
consumer products company (OTCPK: HIPH). SHRG markets and distributes health and wellness products, as well as member-based travel services,
using a direct selling business model. SHRG is traded on the OTCQB (OTCQB: SHRG).
We
generally acquire majority and/or control stakes in innovative and promising businesses that are expected to appreciate in value over
time. Our emphasis is on building businesses in industries where our management team has in-depth knowledge and experience, or where
our management can provide value by advising on new markets and expansion. We have at times provided a range of global capital and management
services to these companies in order to gain access to Asian markets. We have historically favored businesses that improve an individual’s
quality of life or that improve the efficiency of businesses through technology in various industries. We believe our capital and management
services provide us with a competitive advantage in the selection of strategic acquisitions, which creates and adds value for our company
and our stockholders.
Recent
Developments
Consummation
of the Merger of Alset Capital Acquisition Corp. and HWH International Inc.
On
January 9, 2024, two entities affiliated with Alset Inc. completed a previously announced transaction. On September 9, 2022, Alset Capital
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Alset Capital”) entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger
Agreement”) with our indirect subsidiary HWH International Inc., a Nevada corporation (“HWH”) and HWH Merger Sub Inc.,
a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Alset Capital (“Merger Sub”). The Company and its 85.5% owned subsidiary
Alset International own Alset Acquisition Sponsor, LLC, the sponsor (the “Sponsor”) of Alset Capital.
Pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, on January 9, 2024, a business combination between Alset Capital and HWH was effected through the merger of
Merger Sub with and into HWH, with HWH surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Alset Capital (the “Merger”),
and Alset Capital changing its name to HWH International Inc. (“New HWH”).
3
The
total consideration paid at the closing of the Merger by New HWH to the HWH shareholders was 12,500,000 shares of New HWH common stock.
Alset International owned the majority of the outstanding shares of HWH at the time of the business combination, and received 10,900,000
shares of New HWH as consideration for its shares of HWH.
New
HWH currently has 16,223,301 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Of these shares, a total of 13,577,375 shares of New HWH
common stock are now owned by the Sponsor and Alset International together. In addition, the Sponsor owns warrants convertible into up
to 236,875 shares of New HWH common stock upon exercise.
New
HWH is in the midst of implementing the new membership model described below (the “New Model”), that operates on a yearly
subscription basis. New HWH intends to resume membership sales, albeit under the New Model, in approximately 2nd quarter of 2024.
HWH
Members get exclusive discounts on HWH Marketplace products, priority invites to product launch events and other parties, and can earn
passive income when a member’s referral signs up for membership or makes an initial purchase through the HWH Marketplace products
through them.
Purchase
of Rental Business from Majority-Owned Subsidiary
On
December 9, 2022, Alset Inc. entered into an agreement with Alset EHome Inc. and Alset International pursuant to which Alset Inc. agreed
to reorganize the ownership of its home rental business. Previously, Alset Inc. and certain majority-owned subsidiaries collectively
owned 132 single-family rental homes in Texas. 112 of these rental homes are owned by subsidiaries of American Home REIT Inc. (“AHR”).
Alset Inc. owns 85.5% of Alset International, and Alset International indirectly owns approximately 99.9% of Alset EHome Inc.
The
closing of the transaction contemplated by this agreement was completed on January 13, 2023. Pursuant to this agreement, Alset Inc. has
become the direct owner of AHR and its subsidiaries that collectively own these 112 homes, instead of such homes being owned indirectly
through Alset International’s subsidiaries.
Alset
EHome Inc. sold AHR to Alset Inc. for a total consideration of $26,250,933, including the forgiveness of debt in the amount of $13,900,000,
a promissory note in the amount of $11,350,933 and a cash payment of $1,000,000. This purchase price represents the book value of AHR
as of November 30, 2022.
The
closing of this transaction was approved by the shareholders of Alset International and the transaction was closed on January 13, 2023.
Certain members of Alset Inc.’s Board of Directors and management are also members of the Board of Directors and management of
each of Alset International and Alset EHome Inc.
Public
Offering
On
February 6, 2023, we entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) in connection with an offering
(the “Offering”) of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), with Aegis Capital Corp.
(the “Underwriter”) as the underwriter, relating to an underwritten public offering of 1,727,273 shares of Common Stock at
a public offering price of $2.20 per share. The Underwriting Agreement provides the Underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an
additional 212,863 shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any.
The
net proceeds to the Company from the Offering were approximately $3.3 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and the payment
of other offering expenses associated with the Offering that are payable by the Company.
4
The
Offering closed on February 8, 2023. The Common Stock was being offered pursuant to an effective registration statement on Form S-3 (File
No. 333-264234), as well as a prospectus supplement in connection with the Offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Purchase
of Travel Business
On
June 14, 2023, the Company’s subsidiary completed acquisition of Hapi Travel Limited (“HTL”), an online travel business
started in Hong Kong and under common control of the Company. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the operations
of the acquired entity from its acquisition date. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination. Accordingly, consideration
paid by the Company to complete the acquisition is initially allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities assumed based upon their
estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The recorded amounts for assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and subject
to change during the measurement period, which is up to 12 months from the acquisition date. As a result of the acquisition of HTL, a
deemed dividend of $214,174 was generated as a result of the business combination, which represents the purchase price of $214,993 in
excess of identifiable equity.
The
common control transaction described above resulted in the following basis of accounting for the financial reporting periods:
●
The acquisition
of HTL was accounted for prospectively as of June 14, 2023 as this did not represent a change in reporting entity.
●
The acquisition of HTL
was under common control and was consolidated in accordance with ASC 850-50. The Consolidated financial statements were not retrospectively
adjusted for the acquisition of HTL as of January 1, 2022 for comparative purposes because the historical operations of HTL were
deemed to be immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Purchase
of Sentinel Brokers Company Inc. Shares
On
May 22, 2023 the Company’s indirect subsidiary, SeD Capital Pte Ltd (“SeD Capital”), entered into a Stock Purchase
Agreement, pursuant to which SeD Capital purchased 39.8 shares (11.6%) of the Common Stock of Sentinel Brokers Company Inc. (“Sentinel”)
for the aggregate purchase price of $279,719. Sentinel is a broker-dealer operating primarily as a fiduciary intermediary, facilitating
institutional trading of municipal and corporate bonds as well as preferred stock, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), and is a member of the Securities
Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). The Company has significant influence over Sentinel and its CEO holds a director
position on Sentinel’s Board of Directors.
Sale
of Certain Lots
Sale
of 131 Lots
On
October 28, 2022, 150 CCM Black Oak Ltd. (the “Seller”), a Texas Limited Partnership and subsidiary of the Company, entered
into a Contract for Purchase and Sale and Escrow Instructions (the “Agreement”) with Century Land Holdings of Texas, LLC,
a Colorado limited liability company (the “Buyer”). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Seller agreed to sell approximately
242 single-family detached residential lots comprising a residential community in the city of Magnolia, Texas known as the “Lakes
at Black Oak.” On November 28, 2022, the parties to the Agreement entered into an amendment to the Agreement (the “Amendment”).
Pursuant to the Amendment, the parties agreed that the Buyer would purchase approximately 131 single-family detached residential lots,
instead of 242 lots. This transaction closed on April 13, 2023.
5
Agreement
to Sell 110 Lots
On
March 16, 2023, 150 CCM Black Oak Ltd. (the “Seller”) entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase and
Sale Agreement”) with Rausch Coleman Homes Houston, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Rausch Coleman”). Pursuant
to the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Seller has agreed to sell approximately 110 single-family detached residential lots
which comprise a section of the Lakes at Black Oak. The transaction closed on May 15, 2023.
Agreement
to Sell 189 Lots
On
March 17, 2023, 150 CCM Black Oak Ltd. (the “Seller”) entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase and
Sale Agreement”) with Davidson Homes, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (“Davidson”). Pursuant to the terms
of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Seller had agreed to sell approximately 189 single-family detached residential lots developed
within section 2 of Lakes at Black Oak project. The sale of the first 94 lots closed on May 30, 2023. The sale of remaining lots closed
on January 4, 2024.
Issuance
of Convertible Loans to Value Exchange International, Inc.
On
January 27, 2023, the Company and New Electric CV Corporation (together with the Company, the “Lenders”) entered into a Convertible
Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with VEII. The Credit Agreement provides VEII with a maximum credit line of $1,500,000
with simple interest accrued on any advances of the money under the Credit Agreement at 8%. The Credit Agreement grants conversion rights
to each Lender. Each Advance shall be convertible, in whole or in part, into shares of VEII’s Common Stock at the option of the
Lender who made that Advance (being referred to as a “Conversion”), at any time and from time to time, at a price per share
equal the “Conversion Price”. In the event that a Lender elects to convert any portion of an Advance into shares of VEII
Common Stock in lieu of cash payment in satisfaction of that Advance, then VEII would issue to the Lender five (5) detachable warrants
for each share of VEII’s Common Stock issued in a Conversion (“Warrants”). Each Warrant will entitle the Lender to
purchase one (1) share of Common Stock at a per-share exercise price equal to the Conversion Price. The exercise period of each Warrant
will be five (5) years from date of issuance of the Warrant. On February 23, 2023, Hapi Metaverse loaned VEII $1,400,000 (the “Loan
Amount”). The Loan Amount can be converted into shares of VEII pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement for a period of three
years. There is no fixed price for the derivative security until Hapi Metaverse converts the Loan Amount into shares of VEII Common Stock.
On
September 6, 2023, the Company converted $1,300,000 of the principal amount loaned to VEII into 7,344,632 shares of VEII’s Common
Stock. Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, Hapi Metaverse received Warrants to purchase a maximum of 36,723,160 shares of VEII’s
Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.1770 per share. Such warrants expire five (5) years from date of their issuance.
On
December 14, 2023, Hapi Metaverse entered into a Convertible Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with VEII. On December
15, 2023, the company loaned VEII $1,000,000. The Credit Agreement was amended pursuant to an agreement dated December 19, 2023. Under
the Credit Agreement, as amended, this amount can be converted into VEII’s Common Shares pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement
for a period of three years. In the event that Hapi Metaverse converts this loan into shares of VEII’s Common Stock, the conversion
price shall be $0.045 per share. In the event that Hapi Metaverse elects to convert any portion of the loan into shares of VEII’s
Common Stock in lieu of cash payment in satisfaction of that loan, then VEII will issue to Hapi Metaverse five (5) detachable warrants
for each share of VEII’s Common Stock issued in a conversion (“Warrants”). Each Warrant will entitle the company to
purchase one (1) share of VEII’s Common Stock at a per-share exercise price equal to the Conversion Price. The exercise period
of each Warrant will be five (5) years from date of issuance of the Warrant. At the time of this filing, the company has not converted
the Loan Amount.
The
Company currently owns a total of 21,179,275 shares (representing approximately 48.7%) of VEII.
Mr.
Chan and another member of the Board of Directors of Hapi Metaverse, Lum Kan Fai Vincent, are both members of the Board of Directors
of VEII. In addition to Mr. Chan, two other members of the Board of Directors of Alset Inc. are also members of the Board of Directors
of VEII (Mr. Wong Shui Yeung and Mr. Wong Tat Keung).
6
SHRG
Shares Dividend Received from DSS
On
May 4, 2023, DSS distributed approximately 280 million shares of Sharing Services Global Corporation (“SHRG”) beneficially
held by DSS and its subsidiaries in the form of a dividend to the shareholders of DSS common stock. As a result of this distribution,
the Company directly received 70,426,832 shares of SHRG, and through its majority-owned subsidiary Alset International, and certain subsidiaries
of Alset International, indirectly received additional 55,197,696 shares of SHRG. The Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries now
collectively own 125,624,528 shares of SHRG, representing 33.4% of the issued and outstanding shares of SHRG Common Stock (such number
of SHRG shares held and ownership percentage do not include any shares held by affiliates of the Company which we do not hold a majority
interest in). Additionally, our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chan Heng Fai, directly and indirectly is the owner of
an additional 37,947,756 shares of SHRG and is a beneficial owner of approximately 43.5% of SHRG shares (including those shares owned
by Alset Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries).
Issuance
of Convertible Loans to Sharing Services Global Corp.
On
January 17, 2024, the Company received a Convertible Promissory Note (the “Convertible Note”) from Sharing Services Global
Corp. (“SHRG”), an affiliate of the Company, in exchange for a $250,000 loan made by the Company to SHRG. The Company may
convert a portion or all of the outstanding balance due under the Convertible Note into shares of SHRG’s common stock at the average
closing market price of SHRG stock within the last three (3) days from the date of conversion notice. The Convertible Note bears a 10%
interest rate and has a scheduled maturity six (6) months from the date of the Convertible Note, or July 17, 2024.
On
March 20, 2024, HWH International Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“HWH”), entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement
(the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) with SHRG, pursuant to which HWH purchased from SHRG a (i) Convertible Promissory Note
in the amount of $250,000, convertible into 208,333,333 shares of SHRG’s common stock at the option of HWH, and (ii) certain warrants
exercisable into 208,333,333 shares of SHRG’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.0012 per share, the exercise period of the
warrant being five (5) years from the date of the Securities Purchase Agreement, for an aggregate purchase price of $250,000. At the
time of filing, HWH has not converted any of the debt contemplated by the Convertible Note nor exercised any of the warrants.
Resignation
of Chief Operating Officer
On
March 10, 2024, Anthony S. Chan resigned as Chief Operating Officer of Alset Inc. (the “Company”), effective immediately,
due to personal reasons. Mr. Chan’s resignation is not the result of any disagreement with the Company. Mr. Chan remains as a consultant
to the Company.
Matters
that May or Are Currently Affecting Our Business
In
addition to the matters described above, the primary challenges and trends that could affect or are affecting our financial results include:
●
Our ability to improve our revenue through cross-selling and revenue-sharing arrangements among our diverse group of companies;
●
Our ability to identify complementary businesses for acquisition, obtain additional financing for these acquisitions, if and when needed,
and profitably integrate them into our existing operation;
●
Our ability to attract competent, skilled technical and sales personnel for each of our businesses at acceptable compensation levels
to manage our overhead;
●
Our ability to control our operating expenses as we expand each of our businesses and product and service offerings; and
●
The effects of public health issues such as a major epidemic or pandemic, including the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and our business.
7
Results
of Operations
Summary
of Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
Three- Months Ended
March 31, 2024
March 31, 2023
Revenue
$ 6,086,207
$ 926,936
Operating Expenses
$ (8,352,720 )
$ (3,016,666 )
Other Expenses
$ (5,047,279 )
$ (2,233,452 )
Income Tax Expense
-
-
Net Loss
$ (7,313,792 )
$ (4,323,182 )
Revenue
The
following tables set forth period-over-period changes in revenue for each of our reporting segments:
Three-months Ended
Change
March 31, 2024
March 31, 2023
Dollars
Percentage
Real Estate
$ 5,752,994
$ 633,811
$ 5,119,183
808 %
Biohealth
535
12,786
(12,251 )
-96 %
Digital Transformation Technology
-
14,040
(14,040 )
-100 %
Other
332,678
266,299
66,379
25 %
Total Revenue
$ 6,086,207
$ 926,936
$ 5,159,271
557 %
Revenue
was $6,086,207 and $926,936 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in property sales from the
Lakes at Black Oak Project in the first three months of 2024 contributed to higher revenue in this period.
The
Company plans to continue its near-term focus on lot sales to regional and national builders. Funds from such lot sales will substantially
improve the Company’s liquidity, strengthen its financial position and meet is working capital requirements.
Revenue
from rental business was $707,592 and $633,811 in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company expects that
the revenue from this business will continue to increase as we acquire more rental houses and successfully rent them.
In
May 2023, the Company entered into lease agreement for one of its model houses located in Montgomery County, Texas. The revenue from
the lease was $6,300 in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
In
January 2024, the Company entered into lease agreement for another model house located in Montgomery County, Texas. The revenue from
the lease was $6,602 in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
In
recent years, the Company expanded its biohealth segment to the South Korean market through one of the subsidiaries of HWH International
Inc., HWH World Inc (“HWH World”). HWH World operates based on a direct sale model of health supplements. HWH World recognized
$535 and $ 12,786 in revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The
category described as “Other” includes corporate and financial services, food and beverage business and new venture businesses.
“Other” includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments, primarily consisting of unallocated corporate
overhead costs, including administrative functions not allocated to the reportable segments from global functional expenses.
The
financial services, food and beverage businesses and new venture businesses are small and diversified, and accordingly they are not separately
addressed as one independent category. In the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the revenue from other businesses was $332,678
and $1,083,971, respectively, generated by Korean, Singaporean and Chinese café shops and restaurants.
8
Cost
of Revenues and Operating Expenses
The
following tables sets forth period-over-period changes in cost of revenues for each of our reporting segments:
Three-months Ended
Change
March 31, 2024
March 31, 2023
Dollars
Percentage
Real Estate
$ 4,533,660
$ 602,340
$ 3,931,320
653 %
Biohealth
2,041
14,367
(12,326 )
-86 %
Digital Transformation Technology
-
4,568
(4,568 )
-100 %
Other
122,666
68,006
54,660
80 %
Total Cost of Revenues
$ 4,658,367
$ 689,281
$ 3,969,086
576 %
Cost
of revenues increased from $689,281 in the three months ended March 31, 2023 to $4,658,367 in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
The increase is a result of the increase in sales in the Lakes at Black Oak Project. Capitalized construction expenses, finance costs
and land costs are allocated to sales. We anticipate the total cost of revenues to increase as revenue increases.
The
gross margin increased from $237,655 to $1,427,840 in the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively. The increase of gross
margin was caused by the increase in sales in the Lakes at Black Oak Project.
The
following tables sets forth period-over-period changes in operating expenses for each of our reporting segments.
Three-months Ended
Change
March 31, 2024
March 31, 2023
Dollars
Percentage
Real Estate
$ 361,696
$ 440,017
$ (78,321 )
-18 %
Biohealth
826,961
141,290
685,671
485 %
Digital Transformation Technology
163,707
139,903
23,804
17 %
Other
2,341,990
1,606,175
735,815
46 %
Total Operating Expenses
$ 3,694,354
$ 2,327,385
$ 1,366,969
59 %
The
increase of operating expenses in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 was mostly caused by recording of
goodwill and investment.
Other
Income (Expense)
In
the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company had other expenses of $5,047,279 compared to other expenses of $2,233,452 in the three
months ended March 31, 2023. The gain on sale of stock of subsidiary and foreign exchange transaction gain are the primary reason for
the volatility in these two periods. Gain on the sale of stock of subsidiary was $15,695,977 in the three months ended March 31, 2024,
compared to $0 gain in the three months ended March 31, 2023. Foreign exchange transaction gain was $1,193,636 the three months ended
March 31, 2024, compared to a loss of $788,302 in the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Net
Loss
In
the three months ended March 31, 2024 the Company had net loss of $7,313,792 compared to net loss of $4,323,182 in the three months ended
March 31, 2023.
9
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Our
real estate assets have decreased to $39,883,629 as of March 31, 2024 from $42,137,152 as of December 31, 2023. This
decrease reflects the sale of multiple lots in Lakes at Black Oak project during first three months of 2024.
Our
cash has decreased from $26,921,727 as of December 31, 2023 to $23,727,542 as of March 31, 2024. Our liabilities decreased from $9,066,700
at December 31, 2023 to $6,670,132 at March 31, 2024. Our total assets have decreased to $96,710,288 as of March 31, 2024 from $126,314,028
as of December 31, 2023 mainly due to decrease in cash held in Trust Account after shareholders of HWH International Inc. redeemed their
shares.
On
April 17, 2019, SeD Maryland Development LLC entered into a Development Loan Agreement with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (“M&T
Bank”) in the principal amount not to exceed at any one time outstanding the sum of $8,000,000, with a cumulative loan advance
amount of $18,500,000. The line of credit bore interest rate on LIBOR plus 375 basis points. SeD Maryland Development LLC was also provided
with a Letter of Credit (“L/C”) Facility in an aggregate amount of up to $900,000. The L/C commission will be 1.5% per annum
on the face amount of the L/C. Other standard lender fees will apply in the event the L/C is drawn down. The loan is a revolving line
of credit. The L/C Facility is not a revolving loan, and amounts advanced and repaid may not be re-borrowed. Repayment of the Loan Agreement
is secured by a $2,600,000 collateral fund and a Deed of Trust issued to the Lender on the property owned by SeD Maryland. On March 15,
2022, approximately $2,300,000 was released from collateral, leaving approximately $300,000 as collateral for outstanding letters of
credit. On December 14, 2023 approximately $201,751 was released from collateral, leaving approximately
$100,000 as collateral for outstanding letters of credit.
The
future development timeline of Lakes at Black Oak will be based on multiple conditions, including the amount of funds which may be raised
from capital markets, the loans we may secure from third party financial institutions, and government reimbursements which may be received.
The development will be step by step and expenses will be contingent on the amount of funding we will receive.
On
November 13, 2023, 150 CCM Black Oak Ltd. (the “Seller”), a Texas Limited Partnership, entered into two Contracts for Purchase
and Sale and Escrow Instructions (each an “Agreement,” collectively, the “Agreements”) with Century Land Holdings
of Texas, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (the “Buyer”). Pursuant to the terms of one of the aforementioned Agreements,
the Seller has agreed to sell approximately 142 single-family detached residential lots (the “Section 4 Agreement”) comprising
a section of a residential community in the city of Magnolia, Texas known as the “Lakes at Black Oak.” The selling price
of these lots is anticipated to equal approximately $7.4 million. Pursuant to the other Agreement, the Seller has agreed to sell 63 single-family
detached residential lots (the “Alset Villas Agreement”) in the city of Magnolia, Texas. In 2021, our subsidiary Alset EHome
Inc. acquired approximately 19.5 acres of partially developed land near Houston, Texas which was used to develop a community named Alset
Villas (“Alset Villas”). Alset EHome was in the process of developing the 63 lots at Alset Villas in 2023. The selling price
of these lots is anticipated to equal approximately $3.3 million. The closing of the transactions described above depends on the satisfaction
of certain conditions, and is expected to take place during the second quarter of 2024. In addition, the Company will be entitled to
receive certain reimbursements in the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2025.
The
management believes that the available cash in bank accounts and favorable cash revenue from real estate projects are sufficient to fund
our operations for at least the next 12 months.
Summary
of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
Three-months Ended
2024
2023
Net cash used in operating activities
$ (1,509,247 )
$ (3,289,083 )
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
$ (1,758,503 )
$ 671,484
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
$ (240,182 )
$ 3,433,921
10
Cash
Flows from Operating Activities
Net
cash used in operating activities was $1,509,247 in the first three months of 2024, as compared to net cash used operating activities
of $3,289,083 in the same period of 2023. Capitalization of real estate expenses was the main reason for the cash used in operating activities
in 2023. Prepayment of expenses and investment in trading securities were the main reason for the cash used in 2024
Cash
Flows from Investing Activities
Net
cash used in investing activities was $1,758,503 in the first three months of 2024, as compared to net cash provided by investing activities
of $671,484 in the same period of 2023. In the three months ended March 31, 2024 we invested $646,785 in marketable securities, issued
$1,144,317 in loans to related parties and received $34,671 from repayment of related party notes receivable. In the three months ended
March 31, 2023 we invested $412,500 in marketable securities, issued $1,521,368 in loans to related parties and received $2,613,629 from
repayment of related party notes receivable.
Cash
Flows from Financing Activities
Net
cash used in financing activities was $240,182 in the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to net cash provided of $3,433,921
in the three months ended March 31, 2023. In the first three months of 2024 the Company borrowed $119,621 from a third part loan and
repaid $359,803 of note payable. The cash provided by financing activities in the first three months of 2023 is caused by the proceeds
from stock issuance of $3,433,921.
Impact
of Inflation
We
believe that inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 or the year
ended December 31, 2023. We cannot assure you that future inflation will not have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial
condition.
Impact
of Foreign Exchange Rates
The
effect of foreign exchange rate changes on the intercompany loans (under ASC 830), which mostly consist of loans from Singapore to the
United States and which were approximately $23 million and $23 million on March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, are the
reason for the significant fluctuation of foreign currency transaction Gain or Loss on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
and Other Comprehensive Loss. Because the intercompany loan balances between Singapore and United States will remain at approximately
$23 million over the next year, we expect this fluctuation of foreign exchange rates to still significantly impact the results of operations
in 2024, especially given that the foreign exchange rate may and is expected to be volatile. If the amount of intercompany loan is lowered
in the future, the effect will also be reduced. However, at this moment, we do not expect to repay the intercompany loans in the short
term.
Emerging
Growth Company Status
We
are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various
reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies.” Section 107
of the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided
in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging
growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies.
We have elected to take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company or until we affirmatively and
irrevocably opt out of this exemption.
Seasonality
The
real estate business is subject to seasonal shifts in costs as certain work is more likely to be performed at certain times of the year.
This may impact the expenses of our subsidiary Alset EHome Inc. from time to time. In addition, should we commence building homes, we
are likely to experience periodic spikes in sales as we commence the sales process at a particular location.
11
Item
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
As
a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, the Company is not required to provide the information
required by this Item.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.