Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item
2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Cautionary
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The
discussion below contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. We have used words such as “believes,” “intends,”
“anticipates,” “expects” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are
based on information currently available to us and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results
of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities and the timing of certain events to
differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws,
we undertake no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements contained
herein to reflect future events, developments, or changed circumstances, or for any other reason.
Overview
We
are a Nevada holding company which conducts operations through our wholly-owned China-based subsidiaries. Our business is conducted and
reported in four segments, namely, bromine, crude salt, chemical products and natural gas.
Through
our wholly-owned subsidiary, SCHC, we produce and trade bromine and SHSI for crude salt production and trading. We are one of the largest
producers of bromine in China, as measured by production output. Elemental bromine is used to manufacture a wide variety of bromine compounds
used in industry and agriculture. Bromine also is used to form intermediary chemical compounds such as Tetramethylbenzidine. Bromine
is commonly used in brominated flame retardants, fumigants, water purification compounds, dyes, medicines and disinfectants. Crude salt
is the principal material in alkali production as well as chlorine alkali production and is widely used in the chemical, food and beverage,
and other industries.
Through
our wholly-owned subsidiary, SYCI, we manufacture and sell chemical products used in oil and gas field exploration, oil and gas distribution,
oil field drilling, papermaking chemical agents, inorganic chemicals and materials that are used for human and animal antibiotics.
Our
wholly-owned subsidiary, DCHC, was established to explore and develop natural gas and brine resources (including bromine and crude salt)
in Sichuan Province, China.
As
disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2017, the Company received, on September 1, 2017, letters
from the Yangkou County, Shouguang City government addressed to each of its subsidiaries, SCHC and SYCI, which stated that in an effort
to improve the safety and environmental protection management level of chemical enterprises, the plants are requested to immediately
stop production and perform rectification and improvements in accordance with the country’s new safety and environmental protection
requirements. In the Company’s press release of August 11, 2017 and on its conference call of August 14, 2017, the Company addressed
concerns that increased government enforcement of stringent environmental rules that were adopted in early 2017 to insure corporations
bring their facilities up to necessary standards so that pollution and other negative environmental issues are limited and remediated,
could have an impact on our business in both the short and long-term. The Company also expressed that although it believed its facilities
were fully compliant at the time, the Company did not know how its facilities would fare under the new rules. Teams of inspectors from
the government were sent to many provinces to inspect all mining and manufacturing facilities. The local government requested that facilities
be closed, so that the facilities could undergo the inspection and analysis in the most efficient manner by inspectors’ team. As
a result, our facilities were closed on September 1, 2017.
The
Company believes that this is another step by the government to improve the environment. It further believes the goal of the government
is not to close all plants, but rather to codify the regulations related to project approval, land use, planning approval and environmental
protection assessment approval so that illegal plants are not able to open in the future and so that plants close to population centers
do not cause serious environmental damage. In addition, the Company believes that the Shandong provincial government wants to assure
that each of its regional and county governments has applied the Notice in a consistent manner.
The
Shouguang City Bromine Association, on behalf of all the bromine plants in Shouguang, started discussions with the local government agencies.
The local governmental agencies confirmed the facts that their initial requirements for the bromine industry did not include the project
approval, the planning approval and the land use rights approval and that those three additional approvals were new requirements of the
provincial government. The Company understood from the local government that it has been coordinating with several government agencies
to solve these three outstanding approval issues in a timely manner and that all the affected bromine plants willnot be allowed to commence
production prior to obtaining those approvals.
In
February 2019, the Company received a notification from the local government of Yangkou County that its Factory No. 1, No. 4, No. 7 and
No. 9 had passed inspection and could resume operations. In April 2019, Factory No. 1 and No. 7 resumed operations.
On
February 28, 2020, the Company announced that it received an approval from the government to resume bromine production after winter temporary
closure. Subsequently, it received another approval from the Shouguang Yangkou People’s Government dated on March 5, 2020 to resume
production at its bromine factories No. 1, No. 4, No. 7 and No. 9 in order to meet the needs of bromide products for epidemic prevention
and control. With these two approvals, the Company was allowed to resume production at all four bromine factories.
The
Company received an oral notification from the government for its Factory No. 8, which permitted Factory No.8 to resume production in
August 2022. Factory No.8 started to contribute revenue in the fourth quarter 2022.
42
Pursuant
to the notification from the government of Shouguang City, all bromine facilities in Shouguang City were temporarily closed from December
10, 2022 until February 1, 2023 8:00 AM China Time. To comply with such notification, the Company had temporarily stopped production
at its bromine facilities during the aforesaid period and reopened the operating bromine and crude salt factories in February, 2023 as
planned.
The
Company is still waiting for governmental approval for factories No. 2 and No. 10. To its knowledge, the government is currently completing
its planning process for all mining areas including that for prevention of flood. As a result, the Company may be required to make some
modifications to our current wells and aqueducts prior to commencement of operations of these factories in order to satisfy the local
government’s requirements.
On
November 24, 2017, Gulf Resources received a letter from the People’s Government of Yangkou County, Shouguang City notifying the
Company that due to the new standards and regulations relating to safety production and environmental pollution, from certain local governmental
departments, such as the municipal environmental protection department, the security supervision department and the fire department,
its chemical enterprises would have to be relocated to a new industrial park called Bohai Marine Fine Chemical Industry Park. Although
our chemical companies were in compliance with regulations, they were also close to a residential area. As a result, the government determined
we should relocate to the Bohai park. Chemical companies that are not being asked to move into the park are being permanently closed.
Since our factories closed, the Company has secured from the government the land use rights for its chemical plant. On January 6, 2020,
the Company received the environmental protection approval by the government of Shouguang City, Shandong Province for the proposed Yuxin
Chemical factory. The Company began the construction on its new chemical facilities located at Bohai Marine Fine Chemical Industrial
Park in June 2020. The construction was expected to take approximately one year and an additional six months to complete the equipment
installation and testing, however due to the COVID epidemic and electrical restrictions, the opening of the chemical factory has been
delayed. [The Company has received the refrigeration and air compressor units. On July 26, 2023, the Company announced that the delivery
of the remaining equipment for its Yuxin chemical factory has been temporarily delayed and to review its chemical products strategy.
In
January 2017, the Company completed the first brine water and natural gas well field construction in Daying located in Sichuan Province
and commenced trial production in January 2019. On May 29, 2019, the Company received a verbal notice from the government of Tianbao
Town ,Daying County, Sichuan Province, whereby the Company is required to obtain project approval for its well located in Daying, including
the whole natural gas and brine water project, and approvals for safety production inspection, environmental protection assessment, and
to solve the related land issue. Until these approvals have been received, the Company has to temporarily halt trial production at its
natural gas well in Daying. In compliance with the Chinese government new policies, the Company is also required to obtain an exploration
license and a mining license for bromine and natural gas, respectively. Pursuant to the Opinions of the Ministry of Natural Resources
on Several Issues in Promoting the Reform of Mineral Resources Management (Trial) promulgated by the Ministry of Natural Resources of
PRC on January 9, 2020, which came into effect on May 1, 2020, privately owned enterprises are allowed to participate in the natural
gas production. The Company plans to proceed with its applications for the natural gas and brine project approvals with related government
departments until after the governmental planning has been finalized the land and resource planning for Sichuan Province.
In
April 2022, Shouguang Hengde Salt Industry Co. Ltd (“SHSI”), our subsidiary, was incorporated in Shandong Province, China,
for crude salt production and trading.
On
January 28, 2020 we completed a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of our common stock, such that for each five shares outstanding prior to
the stock split there was one share outstanding after the reverse stock split. All shares of common stock referenced in this report have
been adjusted to reflect the stock split figures.
Recent
Developments
Acquisition
Agreements
In
June 2024, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, Shouguang Hengde Salt Industry Co. Ltd ( “SHSI”) entered into crude
salt field acquisition agreements with Shouguang Qingshuibo Farm Co., LTD. (“Seller A”), Shouguang city Yangkou town Dingjia
Zhuangzi village stock economic cooperative (“Seller B”), Shouguang city Yangkou town Shanjia Zhuangzi village stock economic
cooperative (“Seller C”), Shouguang City Yangkou town Zhengjia Zhuangzi village stock economic cooperative (“Seller
D”), and Shouguang city Yangkou town Renjia Zhuangzi village stock economic cooperative (“Seller E”), respectively,
as amended in December 2024. A summary of these agreements are set forth below:
On
June 26, 2024, SHSI entered into an acquisition agreement with Seller A, pursuant to which Seller A agrees to transfer to SHSI, and
SHSI agrees to purchase, 2,380,000 square meters of crude salt field (including the land lease fee) for RMB54.40 per square meter,
with the total transfer price of RMB129,472,000. The term of transfer is from June 29, 2024 to June 28, 2044. 80% of the transfer
price shall be paid upon the execution of the agreement, and the remaining 20% shall be paid in shares of common stock of the
Company within three months from the date of the agreement after SHSI has inspected the and accepted the crude salt field in
writing. Subsequently, on December 17, 2024, the parties entered into an amendment to the agreement, pursuant to which the Article
2.2 of the agreement has been amended as follows: eighty percent (80%) of the total amount, equaling RMB103,577,600 had been paid
on the date of signing the contract by both parties. The remaining RMB25,894,400 shall be paid in a combination of common stock of
the Company and cash as follows: (1) RMB10,357,800 shall be paid in shares, calculated on a per share price of US$1.5, using the
exchange rate RMB/US$:7.27. These shares shall be issued by the Company to Seller A or Seller A’s designated parties within
three months after SHSI has inspected and accepted the crude salt field in writing; (2) the balance shall be paid in cash before
December 31, 2028.
43
On
June 27, 2024, SHSI entered into an acquisition agreement with each Seller B, Seller C, Seller D and Seller E, respectively, pursuant
to which the sellers agreed to transfer to SHSI, and SHSI agrees to purchase from the sellers, 750,000, 804,000, 385,000, and 822,000
square meters of crude salt field (including the land lease fee) for RMB54.10, RMB54.90, RMB54.00, and RMB55.70 per square meter, respectively,
with the total transfer price of RMB40,575,000, RMB44,139,600, RMB20,790,000, and RMB45,785,400, respectively. The term of transfers
is from June 29, 2024 to June 28, 2044. 80% of the transfer price shall be paid upon the execution of the agreements, and the remaining
20% shall be paid in shares of common stock of the Company within three months from the date of the agreements after SHSI has inspected
the and accepted the crude salt fields in writing.
On
December 17, 2024, SHSI entered into an amendment to the acquisition agreement with Seller B, pursuant to which the Article 2.2 of the
agreement has been amended as follows: (80%) of the total amount, equaling RMB32,460,000 had been paid on the date of signing the contract
by both parties. The remaining RMB8,115,000 shall be paid in a combination of common stock of the Company and cash as follows: (1) RMB3,246,000
shall be paid in shares, calculated on a per share price of US$1.5, using the exchange rate RMB/US$:7.27. These shares shall be issued
by the Company to Seller B or Seller B’s designated parties within three months after SHSI has inspected and accepted the crude
salt field in writing; (2) the balance shall be paid in cash before December 31, 2028.
On
December 17, 2024, SHSI entered into an amendment to the acquisition agreement with Seller C, pursuant to which the Article 2.2 of
the agreement has been amended as follows: Eighty percent (80%) of the total amount, equaling RMB35,311,680 had been paid on the
date of signing the contract by both parties. The remaining RMB8,827,920 shall be paid in a combination of common stock of the
Company and cash as follows: (1) RMB3,531,168 shall be paid in shares, calculated on a per share price of US$1.5 per, using the
exchange rate RMB/US$:7.27. These shares shall be issued by the Company to Seller C or Seller C’s designated parties within
three months after SHSI has inspected and accepted the crude salt field in writing; (2) the balance shall be paid in cash before
December 31, 2028.
On
December 17, 2024, SHSI entered into an amendment to the acquisition agreement with Seller D, pursuant to which the Article 2.2 of
the agreement has been amended as follows: Eighty percent (80%) of the total amount, equaling RMB 16,632,000 had been paid on the
date of signing the contract by both parties. The remaining RMB 4,158,000 shall be paid in a combination of common stock of the
Company and cash as follows: (1) RMB1,663,200 shall be paid in shares, calculated on a per share price ofUS$1.5, using the exchange
rate RMB/US$:7.27. These shares shall be issued by the Company to Seller D or Seller D’s designated parties within three
months after SHSI has inspected and accepted the crude salt field in writing; (2) the balance shall be paid in cash before December
31, 2028.
On
December 17, 2024, SHSI entered into an amendment to the acquisition agreement with Seller E, pursuant to which the Article 2.2 of the
agreement has been amended as follows: Eighty percent (80%) of the total amount, equaling RMB36,628,320 had been paid on the date of
signing the contract by both parties. The remaining RMB9,157,080 shall be paid in a combination of common stock of the Company and cash
as follows: (1) RMB3,662,832 shall be paid in shares, calculated on a per share price of US$1.5, using the exchange rate RMB/US$:7.27.
These shares shall be issued by the Company to Seller E or Seller E’s designated party within three months after SHSI has inspected
and accepted the crude salt field in writing; (2) the balance shall be paid in cash by SHSI to Seller E before December 31, 2028.
44
In
accordance to each amendment, the parties also acknowledged and agreed that, in compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635, the issuance
of shares pursuant to the agreement may not exceed 19.9% of the total outstanding shares of common stock of the Company prior to the
issuance of the shares (the “19.9% Threshold”), unless such issuance is approved by the shareholders of the Company in accordance
with the Nasdaq rules and regulations. SHSI shall cause the Company to take all necessary steps to obtain such shareholder approval if
the issuance of shares under the agreement exceeds the 19.9% Threshold.
On
December 30, 2024, SHSI and each of the sellers mutually acknowledged and confirmed that the salt land provided by each seller meets
the acquisition criteria, is in the anticipated usable condition, and has been accepted and handed over to SHSI.
On
February 28, 2025, the transactions as contemplated by the acquisition agreements were closed. On the closing date, the Company issued
a total of 2,059,694 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $1.50 per share, to five individuals, who are citizens
residing in the People’s Republic of China, designated by each seller.
Nasdaq
Compliance
On
May 6, 2025, the Company was notified by the Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”)
that the Staff granted the Company’s request to transfer the listing of its common stock, par value $0.0005 per share (the “Common
Stocks”), from The Nasdaq Global Select Market tier to The Nasdaq Capital Market tier, and that the Staff granted the Company’s
request for a second 180-calendar day period, or until November 3, 2025 (the “Second Compliance Period”), to regain compliance
with the $1.00 bid price requirement, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). To regain compliance with such minimum price requirement,
the Company must evidence a closing bid price of at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. The transfer
of the listing of the Common Stocks from The Nasdaq Global Select Market to The Nasdaq Capital Market took effect with the open of business
on May 8, 2025. The transfer is not expected to impact trading in the Common Stocks, which will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the
symbol “GURE.”
As
previously announced, on November 5, 2024, the Staff notified the Company that the bid price for the Common Stocks had closed below $1.00
per share for 30 consecutive business days and, as a result, the Company no longer satisfied Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a) (1), the minimum
bid price requirement applicable to The Nasdaq Global Select Market issuers. Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company
was afforded an initial 180-calendar day grace period, through May 5, 2025, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement.
Issuers
listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market are not eligible for a second 180-day grace period under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. However,
based upon the Company’s compliance with the various criteria required under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(ii) to obtain a
second 180-day grace period applicable to issuers listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, the Company applied to transfer the listing of
its Common Stocks to The Nasdaq Capital Market. As noted above, the Staff approved the Company’s transfer application on May 6,
2025.
The
Company intends to closely monitor the closing bid price for its Common Stocks and consider all available options to timely remedy the
bid price deficiency. If at any time during the Second Compliance Period, the closing bid price of the Common S tock s is at least $1.00
per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, the Staff will provide the Company with written confirmation of compliance and
the matter will be closed, unless the Staff exercises its discretion to extend this ten-day period pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(H).
The
Company can give no assurance that it will regain or demonstrate compliance during the Second Compliance Period. If the Company is not
able to demonstrate compliance with the minimum bid price requirement by November 3, 2025, or the Company does not comply with the terms
of the extension, the Staff will provide written notification to the Company that the Common Stocks will be delisted. At that time, the
Company may appeal the Staff’s determination to the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”). The Company’s appeal
request would stay any delisting action by the Staff at least pending a hearing before the Panel and the expiration of any extension
that may be granted by the Panel to the Company following the hearing.
The
Company has provided written notice to Nasdaq of its intention to cure the deficiency during the Second Compliance Period by effecting
a reverse stock split, if necessary.
45
Our
current corporate structure chart is set forth in the following diagram:
As
a result of our acquisitions of SCHC and SYCI, our historical financial statements and the information presented below reflects the accounts
of SCHC, SYCI, SHSI and DCHC. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements
and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
46
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The
following table presents certain information derived from the condensed consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders’
equity for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.
Comparison
of the Three-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024
Three-Month
Period Ended
June 30,
2025
(Restated)
Three-Month
Period Ended
June 30,
2024
Percent
Change
Increase/
(Decrease)
Net revenue
$ 8,343,785
$ 2,383,169
250 %
Cost of revenue
(7,366,702 )
(5,112,058 )
44 %
Gross profit (loss)
977,083
(2,728,889 )
136 %
Sales and marketing expenses
(14,802 )
(13,633 )
9 %
Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown
(727,774 )
(1,714,503 )
(58 )%
General and administrative expenses
(1,025,780 )
(689,972 )
49 %
Loss from operations
(791,273 )
(5,146,997 )
(85 )%
Interest expense
(21,674 )
(24,814 )
(13 )%
Interest income
1,795
34,791
(95 )%
Other expense, net
(3,212 )
—
—
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
—
(29,169,008 )
(100 )%
Loss before taxes
(814,364 )
(34,306,028 )
(98 )%
Income tax benefit
—
1,208,110
(100 )%
Net Loss
$ (814,364 )
$ (33,097,918 )
(98 )%
Net
Loss of $814,364 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 was mainly attributable to increased general and administrative expenses.
Net
Loss of $33,097,918 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2024 was mainly attributable to decreased sales and reduced margins. The
company also suffered a loss of $29,169,008 on retirement of fixed assets.
Net
Revenue. The table below shows the changes in net revenue in the respective segment of the Company for the three-month period
ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024:
Net Revenue by Segment
Percent
Change
Three-Month
Period Ended
June 30,
2025
Three-Month
Period Ended
June 30,
2024
of Increase
Net Revenue
Segment
% of total
% of total
Bromine
$ 7,676,374
92 %
$ 1,859,234
78 %
313 %
Crude Salt
667,411
8 %
523,935
22 %
27 %
Chemical Products
—
—
—
—
—
Natural Gas
—
—
—
—
—
Total sales
$ 8,343,785
100 %
$ 2,383,169
100 %
250 %
Three-Month Period Ended
Percentage
Change
Increase
Bromine and crude salt segments product sold in tonnes
June 30, 2025
June 30, 2024
(Decrease)
Bromine
1,972
782
152 %
Crude Salt
25,934
24,852
4 %
47
Bromine
segment
For
the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the net revenue for the bromine segment was $7,676,374 and $1,859,234, respectively.
The increase of the net revenue of bromine was due to a increase in selling prices and tonnes sold of bromine in the second quarter of
2025. The sale price of bromine in the second quarter of 2025 was 64% higher than in the second quarter of 2024, and the quantity sold
was 152% higher than in the second quarter of 2024.
Crude
salt segment
For
the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the net revenue for the crude salt segment was $667,411 and $523,935,
respectively. The increase of net revenue of crude salt was mainly due to 22% increase in average selling price of crude salt for
the three-month period ended June 30, 2025.
Chemical
products segment
For
the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the net revenue for the chemical products segment was $0 due to the closure of
our chemical factories since September 1, 2017.
Natural
g as segment
For
the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the net revenue for the natural gas segment was $0.
Cost
of Revenue
Cost of Revenue by Segment
Percent Change of
Three-Month Period Ended
Three-Month Period Ended
Cost of
June 30, 2025 (Restated)
June 30, 2024
Revenue
Segment
% of total
% of total
Bromine
$ 7,017,116
95 %
$ 4,729,059
93 %
48 %
Crude Salt
349,586
5 %
382,999
7 %
(9 )%
Chemical Products
—
—
—
—
—
Natural Gas
—
—
—
—
—
Total
$ 7,366,702
100 %
$ 5,112,058
100 %
44 %
Cost
of revenue reflects mainly the raw materials consumed and the direct salaries and benefits of staff engaged in the production process,
electricity, depreciation and amortization of manufacturing plant and machinery and other manufacturing costs. Our cost of revenue
was $7,366,702 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $2,254,644 (or 44%) as compared to the same period in 2024
due to the increase of net revenue by 250% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024 .
48
Bromine
production capacity and utilization of our factories
The
table below represents the annual capacity and utilization ratios for all of our bromine producing properties:
Annual
Production
Capacity
(in tonnes)
Utilization
Ratio (i)
Three-month period ended June 30, 2024
31,506
9 %
Three-month period ended June 30, 2025
31,506
26 %
Variance of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024
—
17 %
(i)
Utilization ratio is calculated based on the annualized actual production volume in tonnes for the periods divided by the annual production
capacity in tonnes.
Bromine
segment
For
the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, the cost of revenue for the bromine segment was $7,017,116.
For
the three-month period ended June 30, 2024, the cost of revenue for the bromine segment was $4,729,059.
The increase in costs is mainly due to the increase
in sales volume.
Crude
salt segment
For
the three-month period ended June 30, 2025 the cost of revenue for the crude salt segment was $349,586.
For
the three-month period ended June 30, 2024 the cost of revenue for the crude salt segment was $382,999.
The decrease in costs is mainly due to the lower average
unit issue cost of raw salt.
Chemical
products segment
Cost
of revenue for our chemical products segment for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 was $0.
Natural
g as segment
Cost
of revenue for our natural gas segment for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 was $0.
Gross
Profit (Loss). Gross profit was $977,083, or 12%, of net revenue for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, representing
a increase of $3,705,972, as compared to a gross loss of $2,728,889, or 115%, of net revenue for the same period in 2024.
Gross Profit (Loss) by Segment
% Point Change
Three-Month Period Ended
Three-Month Period Ended
of Gross
June 30, 2025 (Restated)
June 30, 2024
Profit
(Loss) Margin
Segment
Gross Profit
(Loss) Margin
Gross Profit (Loss)
Margin
Bromine
$ 659,258
9 %
$ (2,869,825 )
(154 )%
163 %
Crude Salt
317,825
48 %
140,936
27 %
21 %
Chemical Products
—
—
—
—
—
Natural Gas
—
—
—
—
—
Total Gross Profit
$ 977,083
12 %
$ (2,728,889 )
(115 )%
126 %
Bromine
segment
For
the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, the gross profit margin for our bromine segment was 9%, compared to gross loss margin of
154% in the three-month period ended June 30, 2024. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily attributable to the higher average
selling price of bromine of $3,892 per ton in the three-month period ended June 30, 2025 compared to $2,379 per ton in the three-month
period ended June 30, 2024 and the number of sales was up 152% from the second quarter of 2024.
49
Crude
salt segment
For
the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, the gross profit margin for our crude salt segment was 48%.
For the three-month period ended June 30, 2024,
the gross profit margin for our crude salt segment was 27%.
For the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, the increase in the gross
profit of crude salt was mainly due to a 22% increase in the average selling price of crude salt compared to the same period in 2024.
Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales
and marketing expenses were $14,802 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, a increase
of $1,169 (or 9%) as compared to $5,053 for the same period in 2024.
Direct
labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown. On September 1, 2017, the Company received notification from the government
of Yangkou County, Shouguang City of PRC that stated that production at all its bromine and crude salt and chemical factories should
be halted with immediate effect in order for the Company to perform rectification and improvement in accordance with the county’s
new safety and environmental protection requirements. On November 24, 2017, the Company received a letter from the Government of Yangkou
County, Shouguang City notifying the Company to relocate its two chemical production plants located in the second living area of the
Qinghe Oil Extraction Plant to Bohai Park. As a result, direct labor and factory overhead costs (including depreciation of plant and
machinery) in the amount of $727,774 and $1,714,503 incurred for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively,
for the factories that have not resumed production were presented as part of the operating expenses.
General
and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were $1,025,780 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025,
representing an increase of $335,808 as compared to $689,972 for the same period in 2024.
Loss
from Operations. Loss from operations was $791,273 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to loss from operations
of $5,146,997 in the same period in 2024.
Income (loss) from Operations by Segment
Three-Month
Period Ended
June 30,
2025 (Restated)
Three-Month
Period Ended
June 30,
2024
Segment:
% of total
% of total
Bromine
$ (134,041 )
19 %
$ (4,662,586 )
94 %
Crude Salt
(181,160 )
26 %
130,024
(3 %)
Chemical Products
(348,203 )
49 %
(339,254 )
7 %
Natural Gas
(43,255 )
6 %
(73,773 )
2 %
loss from operations before corporate costs
(706,659 )
100 %
(4,945,589 )
100 %
Corporate costs
(84,614 )
(201,408 )
Loss from operations
$ (791,273 )
$ (5,146,997 )
Bromine
segment
Loss
from operations from our bromine segment was $134,041 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to loss from operations
of $4,662,586 in the same period in 2024. This decrease was due to a 152% increase in tonnes sold and a 64% increase in average selling
price.
Crude
salt segment
Loss
from operations from our crude salt segment was $181,160 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to income from operations
of $130,024 in the same period in 2024. This is mainly due to the increase in amortization of salt pans.
50
Chemical
products segment
Loss
from operations from our chemical products segment was $348,203 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to loss from
operations of $339,254 in the same period in 2024.
Natural
g as segment
Loss
from operations from our natural gas segment was $43,225 for the three -month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to a loss from operations
of $73,773 in the same period in 2024.
Interest
Expenses. Interest expenses of $21,674 represented interest on finance lease for the three-month
period ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $3,140 as compared to the same period in 2024.
Interest
Income. Interest income of $1,795 mainly represented interest income from bank interest income for the three-month
period ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $32,996 as compared to the same period in 2024.
Other Expense, net. For the three-month
period ended June 30, 2025, other expense, net increased from $0 to $3,212 compared with the same period of 2024.
Loss
on disposal of property, plant and equipment. Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment was $29,169,008 in the fiscal
year 2024. In June 2024, considered the bromide well and transmission channel have been in use for many years, the Company conducted
a site inspection and found that some wells and channels were seriously damaged by water seepage which in turn required write-off or
new construction, and the write-off amount is $29,169,008.
Net
Loss. Net loss was $814,364 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to a net loss of $33,097,918 in
the same period in 2024.
Comparison
of the Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024
Six-Month
Period Ended
June 30,
2025
(Restated)
Six-Month
Period Ended
June 30,
2024
Percent
Change
Increase/
(Decrease)
Net revenue
$ 9,948,232
$ 3,690,231
170 %
Cost of revenue
(8,964,166 )
(7,231,903 )
24 %
Gross profit (loss)
984,066
(3,541,672 )
128 %
Sales and marketing expenses
(19,855 )
(18,124 )
10 %
Direct labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown
(3,953,582 )
(5,449,192 )
(27 )%
General and administrative expenses
(2,452,789 )
(1,407,428 )
74 %
Loss from operations
(5,442,160 )
(10,416,416 )
(48 )%
Interest expense
(43,396 )
(49,644 )
(13 )%
Interest income
4,224
70,851
(94 )%
Other expense, net
(3,212 )
(4,003 )
(20 )%
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
—
(29,169,008 )
(100 )%
Loss before taxes
(5,484,544 )
(39,568,220 )
(86 )%
Income tax benefit
—
2,478,170
(100 )%
Net Loss
$ (5,484,544 )
$ (37,090,050 )
(85 )%
Net
loss of $5,484,544 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 was mainly attributable to increased general and administrative expenses.
Net
loss of $37,090,050 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2024 was mainly attributable to decreased sales and reduced margins. The
company also suffered a loss of $29,169,008 on retirement of fixed assets .
51
Net
Revenue. The table below shows the changes in net revenue in the respective segment of the Company for the six-month period ended
June 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024:
Net Revenue by Segment
Percent Increase
Six-Month Period Ended
Six-Month Period Ended
of Net
June 30, 2025
June 30, 2024
Revenue
Segment
% of total
% of total
Bromine
$ 9,158,243
92 %
$ 3,005,431
81 %
205 %
Crude Salt
789,989
8 %
640,606
18 %
23 %
Chemical Products
—
—
—
—
—
Natural Gas
—
—
44,194
1 %
(100 )%
Total sales
$ 9,948,232
100 %
$ 3,690,231
100 %
170 %
Six-Month Period Ended
Percentage
Change
Bromine and crude salt segments product sold in tonnes
June 30, 2025
June 30, 2024
Increase
Bromine (excluding volume sold to SYCI)
2,375
1,233
93 %
Crude Salt
30,667
28,924
6 %
Bromine
segment
Net
revenue from our bromine segment increased to $9,158,243 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 compared to $3,005,431 for the
same period in 2024 due to the higher selling price of bromine and tonnes sold of bromine.
Crude
salt segment
Net
revenue from our crude salt segment increased to $789,989 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 compared $640,606 for the same
period in 2024 due to the higher selling tonnes of crude salt.
Chemical
products segment
For
the six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the net revenue for the chemical products segment was $0 due to the closure of our
chemical factories since September 1, 2017.
Natural
g as segment
For
the six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the net revenue for the natural gas segment was $0 and $44,194, respectively. The
100% decrease in revenue was primarily due to the expiration of contracts.
Cost
of Revenue
Cost of Revenue by Segment
% Change
Six-Month Period Ended
Six-Month Period Ended
of Cost of
June 30, 2025 (Restated)
June 30, 2024
Revenue
Segment
% of total
% of total
Bromine
$ 8,550,340
95 %
$ 6,801,811
94 %
26 %
Crude Salt
413,826
5 %
429,893
6 %
(4 )%
Chemical Products
—
—
—
—
—
Natural Gas
—
—
199
0 %
(100
)%
Total
$ 8,964,166
100 %
$ 7,231,903
100 %
24 %
Cost
of revenue reflects mainly the raw materials consumed-direct salaries and benefits of staff engaged in the production process, electricity,
depreciation and amortization of manufacturing plant and machinery and other manufacturing costs. Our cost of revenue was $8,964,166
for six-month period ended June 30, 2025, representing a $1,732,263 (or 24%) increase compared to the six-month period ended June 30,
2024. The increase in costs was mainly due to a significant increase in sales volume.
52
Bromine
production capacity and utilization of our factories
The
table below represents the annual capacity and utilization ratios for all of our bromine producing properties:
Annual
Production
Capacity
(in tonnes)
Utilization
Ratio (i)
Six-month period ended June 30, 2024
31,506
4 %
Six-month period ended June 30, 2025
31,506
15 %
Variance of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024
—
11 %
(i)
Utilization ratio is calculated based on the annualized actual production volume in tonnes for the periods divided by the annual production
capacity in tonnes.
Bromine
segment
For
the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the cost of revenue for the bromine segment was $8,550,340.
For
the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, the cost of revenue for the bromine segment was $6,801,811.
The increase in costs is mainly due to the increase in sales volume.
Crude
salt segment
For
the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the cost of revenue for the crude salt segment was $413,826.
For
the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, the cost of revenue for the crude salt segment was $429,893.
The decrease in costs is mainly due to the lower average
unit issue cost of raw salt.
Chemical
products segment
Cost
of revenue for our chemical products segment for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 was $0.
Natural
g as segment
Cost
of revenue for our natural gas segment for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 was $0 and $199, respectively.
Gross
Profit (Loss). Gross profit was $984,066, or 10%, of net revenue for six-month period ended June 30, 2025 compared to a loss
of $3,541,672, or 96%, of net revenue for the same period in 2024.
Gross Profit (Loss) by Segment
% Point Change
Six-Month Period Ended
Six-Month Period Ended
of Gross
June 30, 2025 (Restated)
June 30, 2024
Profit Margin
Segment
Gross Profit (Loss) Margin
Gross Profit (Loss) Margin
Bromine
$ 607,903
7 %
$ (3,796,380 )
(126 )%
133 %
Crude Salt
376,163
48 %
210,713
33 %
15 %
Chemical Products
—
—
—
—
—
Natural Gas
—
—
43,995
100 %
—
Total Gross Profit (Loss)
$ 984,066
10 %
$ (3,541,672 )
(96 )%
106 %
Bromine
segment
For
the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the gross profit margin for our bromine segment was 7%, compared to gross loss margin of
126% in the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily attributable to the higher average
selling price of bromine of $3,857 per ton in the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 compared to $2,438 per ton in the six-month period
ended June 30, 2024.
53
Crude
salt segment
For
the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the gross profit margin for our crude salt segment was 48%.
For
the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 the gross profit margin for our crude salt segment was 33%.
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the increase in the gross profit of crude salt compared to the six-month
period ended June 30, 2024, was mainly due to a 6% increase in the sales volume of crude salt and an increase in its unit selling price.
Chemical
products segment
For
the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, the gross profit margin for our chemical segment was 0% due to the closure of our plant and
factories to perform rectification and improvement. As a result, there were no chemical products for sale for the six-month period ended
June 30, 2025.
Natural
g as segment
Gross
profit for our natural gas segment for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 was $0 and $43,995 respectively.
Sales and Marketing Expenses .
Sales and marketing expenses were $19,855 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, an
increase of $1,731 (or 10%) as compared to $18,124 for the same period in 2024.
Direct
labor and factory overheads incurred during plant shutdown On September 1, 2017, the Company received notification from the government
of Yangkou County, Shouguang City of PRC that stated that production at all its bromine and crude salt and chemical factories should
be halted with immediate effect in order for the Company to perform rectification and improvement in accordance with the county’s
new safety and environmental protection requirements. On November 24, 2017, the Company received a letter from the Government of Yangkou
County, Shouguang City notifying the Company to relocate its two chemical production plants located in the second living area of the
Qinghe Oil Extraction Plant to Bohai Park. As a result, direct labor and factory overhead costs (including depreciation of plant and
machinery) in the amount of $3,953,582 and $5,449,192 incurred for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively,
for the factories that have not resumed production were presented as part of the operating expense.
General
and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were $2,452,789 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025,
a increase of $1,045,361 (or 74%) as compared to $1,407,428 for the same period in 2024.
Loss
from Operations. Loss from operations was $5,442,160 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to loss from operations
of $10,416,416 in the same period in 2024.
Loss from Operations by Segment
Six-Month Period Ended
June 30, 2025 (Restated)
Six-Month Period Ended
June 30, 2024
Segment:
% of total
% of total
Bromine
$ (3,508,547 )
69 %
$ (9,445,401 )
93 %
Crude Salt
(768,969 )
15 %
54,932
(1 %)
Chemical Products
(710,095 )
14 %
(654,078 )
7 %
Natural Gas
(88,099 )
2 %
(101,482 )
1 %
Loss from operations before corporate costs
(5,075,710 )
100 %
(10,146,029 )
100 %
Corporate costs
(366,450 )
(270,387 )
Loss from operations before taxes
$ (5,442,160 )
$ (10,416,416 )
Bromine
segment
Loss
from operations from our bromine segment was $3,508,547 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to an loss from operations
of $9,445,401 in the same period in 2024. This decrease was due to a 93% increase in tonnes sold and a 58% increase in average selling
price.
Crude
salt segment
Loss
from operations from our crude salt segment was $768,969 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to an income from operations
of $54,932 in the same period in 2024. The increase in operating losses was mainly due to the depreciation resulting from the new acquisition
of crude salt assets in 2024.
54
Chemical
products segment
Loss
from operations from our chemical products segment was $710,095 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to a loss from
operations of $654,078 in the same period in 2024.
Natural
g as segment
Loss
from operations from our natural gas segment was $88,099 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to a loss from operations
of $101,482 in the same period in 2024.
Interest
Expenses. Interest expenses of $43,396 represented and interest on finance lease for the
six-month period ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $6,248 as compared to the same period in 2024.
Interest
Income. Interest income of $4,224 mainly represented bank interest income for the six -month
period ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $66,627 as compared to the same period in 2024.
Other Expense, net.
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, other expense, net decreased from $4,003 to $3,212 compared with the same period
of 2024.
Loss
on disposal of property, plant and equipment. Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment was $29,169,008 in the fiscal
year 2024. In June 2024, considered the bromide well and transmission channel have been in use for many years, the Company conducted
a site inspection and found that some wells and channels were seriously damaged by water seepage which in turn required write-off or
new construction, and the write-off amount is $29,169,008.
Net
Loss. Net loss was $5,484,544 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, compared to a net loss of $37,090,050 in
the same period in 2024.
LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As
of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $7,736,081 as compared to $10,075,162 as of December 31, 2024. The components of this
decrease of $2,339,081 are reflected below.
Statement
of Cash Flows
Six-Month Period Ended June 30,
2025
2024
Net cash used in operating activities
$ (2,139,734 )
$ (812,141 )
Net cash used in investing activities
—
(28,923,642 )
Net cash used in financing activities
(260,997 )
(31,866,665 )
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
61,650
(253,907 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$ (2,339,081 )
$ (61,856,355 )
For
the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, we met our working capital and capital investment requirements by using cash on hand.
Net
Cash used in Operating Activities
During
the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, cash flow used in operating activities of approximately $2.14 million was mainly due to a net
loss of $5.48 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $2.57 million, an increases in prepayment and deposits of $2.33 million and
offset by a non-cash adjustment related to depreciation and amortization of $6.45 million and amortization of finance lease right-of-use
asset of 1.55 million.
During
the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, cash flow used in operating activities of approximately $0.8 million was mainly due to a net
loss of $37.09 million, offset by depreciation and amortization expenses of $8.84 million and loss on disposal of equipment of $29.17
million.
55
Accounts
receivable
Cash
collections on our accounts receivable had a major impact on our overall liquidity. The following table presents the aging analysis of
our accounts receivable as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
% of total
% of total
Aged 1-30 days
$ 3,150,850
100 %
$ 419,581
74 %
Aged 31-60 days
—
—
144,942
26 %
Aged 61-90 days
—
—
—
—
Aged 91-120 days
—
—
—
—
Aged 121-150 days
—
—
—
—
Aged 151-180 days
—
—
—
—
Aged 181-210 days
—
—
—
—
Aged 211-240 days
—
—
—
—
Total
$ 3,150,850
100 %
$ 564,523
100 %
The
overall accounts receivable balance as of June 30, 2025 increased by $2,586,327, as compared to those of December 31, 2024. We have policies
in place to ensure that sales are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. We perform ongoing credit evaluations on the financial
condition of our customers.
Inventories
Our
inventory consists of the following:
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
% of total
% of total
Raw materials
$ 37,545
7 %
$ 10,610
3 %
Finished goods
477,468
93 %
304,761
97 %
Total
$ 515,013
100 %
$ 315,371
100 %
The
net inventory level as of June 30, 2025 increased by $199,642 (or 63%), as compared to the net inventory level as of December 31, 2024.
The increase in inventory is due to the growth in current sales volume.
56
Raw
materials increased by $26,935 as of June 30, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024.
Our
finished goods increased by $172,707 as of June 30, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024.
Net
Cash Used in Investing Activities
We have no investing activities for the six-month
period ended June 30, 2025 .
During
the six months ended June 30, 2024, we used approximately $28.92 million for purchase of fixed assets.
Net
Cash Used in Financing Activities.
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025, we used $0.3 million to fulfil finance lease obligations.
For
the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, net cash used in financing activities was $31.87 million, which was used for the principal
payment for obligations under finance leases.
We
believe that our available funds and cash flow generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated ongoing operating
needs and our obligations as they fall due in the next twelve (12) months.
We
had available cash of approximately $7.74 million on June 30, 2025, all which is in highly liquid current deposits earning no or little
interest. We do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
We
intend to continue to focus our efforts on the activities of SCHC, SYCI, SHSI and DCHC as these segments continue to expand within the
Chinese market.
We
may not be able to identify, successfully integrate or profitably manage any business or business segment we may acquire, or any expansion
of our business. An expansion may involve a number of risks, including possible adverse effects on our operating results, diversion of
management’s attention, inability to retain key personnel, risks associated with unanticipated events, and the financial statement
effect of potential impairment of acquired intangible assets, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our condition and
results of operations. In addition, if competition for acquisition candidates or operations were to increase, the cost of acquiring businesses
could increase materially. We may effect an acquisition with a target business which may be financially unstable, under-managed, or in
its early stages of development or growth. Our inability to implement and manage our expansion strategy successfully may have a material
adverse effect on our business and future prospects.
Contractual
Obligations and Commitments
We
have no significant contractual obligations not fully recorded on our consolidated balance sheets or fully disclosed in the notes to
our consolidated financial statements. Additional information regarding our contractual obligations and commitments on June 30, 2025
is provided in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. See “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.”
Material
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We
do not currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements falling within the definition of Item 303(a) of Regulation S-K.
Critical
Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our
consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America and this requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We
base its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Accordingly, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We have identified
the following critical accounting policies and estimates used by us in the preparation of our financial statements: accounts receivable
and allowance for doubtful accounts, inventories and allowance for obsolescence, assets retirement obligation, property, plant and equipment,
recoverability of long-lived assets, mineral rights, leases, revenue recognition, income taxes, and loss contingencies. These policies
and estimates are described in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2025.
Item
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Pursuant
to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K (§ 229.305(e)), the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item as
it is a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1).
57
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.