EX-99.3 4 tm2226744d1_ex99-3.htm EXHIBIT 99.3

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

 

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. Announces Record Revenue of $42.89 Million, an Increase of 1.71% for the First Half of Fiscal Year 2022

 

WENZHOU, China, September 28, 2022 -- ZK International Group Co., Ltd. (ZKIN) ("ZK International" or the "Company"), a designer, engineer, manufacturer, and supplier of patented high-performance stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products primarily used for water and gas supplies, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended March 31, 2022.

 

Financial Highlights for the First Half of Fiscal Year 2022

 

   For the Six Months Ended March 31, 
($ millions, except per share data)  2022   2021   % Change 
Revenue  $42.89   $42.17    1.71%
Gross profit  $3.97   $4.71    -15.73%
Gross margin   9.25%   11.16%   -1.91% pp* 
Income (loss) from operations  $0.24   $(1.65)   114.81%
Operating margin   0.57%   -3.91%   4.48% pp* 
Net income (loss)  $0.001   $(1.92)   100.07%
Diluted earnings per share  $0.00   $(0.03)   100%
Net book value per share  $3.10   $3.11    0.32%

* pp: percentage point(s)

 

·Revenue increased 1.71% to a record $42.89 million due to increased market demand over our stainless steel coil and nickel material. During six months ended March 31, 2022, the sales of stainless steel coil and nickel material accounts for approximately 65.36% of our total revenue, as compared to 53.85% of our total revenue during six months ended March 31, 2021.

 

·Gross profit decreased by 15.73% to $3.97 million. Gross margin was 9.25%, compared to 11.16% for the same period of the prior fiscal period. The decrease of gross profit was primarily due to increased sales percentage of low margin products such as stainless steel coil products and decreased sales percentage of high-margin products such as water and gas piping products.

 

·Income from operations was $0.24 million, compared to loss from operations of $1.65 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Operating margin was 0.57%, compared to -3.91% for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The decrease of operating margin was primarily due to decreased selling and marketing expenses and research and development expenses.

 

·Net income was $0.001 million. This compared to net loss of $1.92 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year.

 

·Net book value per share was $3.10 as of March 31, 2022, compared to $3.08 as of September 30, 2021.

 

Mr. Jiancong Huang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ZK International, commented, "Bucking the trend of a declining economy during the second quarter of 2020 as China battled the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to report record revenue increase for the first half of fiscal year 2020. With revenue increasing by 27.4% and across the $40 million mark for the first time in the Company’s history, our first half of fiscal year 2020 results underscore continuing order strength for our proprietary stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products. The decreases in gross and profit margins were one-off in nature and stem from management decision to provide discount on certain products in order to reduce inventory that certain customers were unable to fulfill due to COVID-19 effecting their respective businesses. Therefore, certain products were sold at deep discounts to some of our key customers in order to increase cash flow by reducing inventory level. Looking forward, we expect revenue to continue to grow and rebound of profit margins for the second half of the fiscal year 2020.”

 

 

 

 

Financial Results for the First Half of Fiscal Year 2022

 

Revenue

 

Revenue increased by $721,834 or 1.71%, to $ 42,890,657 for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $42,168,823 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by our increased sales of stainless steel coil and nickel material as compared to our stainless steel piping and fitting products. During six months ended March 31, 2022, the sales of stainless steel coil and strip accounts for approximately 65.36% of our total revenue, as compared to 53.85% of our total revenue during six months ended March 31, 2021.

 

Gross Profit

 

Our gross profit decreased by $740,649, or 15.73%, to $3,967,109 for the six months ended March 31, 2022 from $4,707,758 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. Gross profit margin was 9.25% for the six months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to 11.16% for the six months ended March 31, 2021. The decrease of gross profit was primarily due to increased weighted average selling prices of our water and gas piping products as the result of domestic demand recovery of construction materials and piping infrastructure. The gross profit of stainless steel coil products is approximately 0.57% due to the decrease of average selling price of stainless steel coil products, while our water and gas piping products generally have gross margin of 22.67% during six months ended March 31, 2022.

 

Selling and Marketing Expenses

 

We incurred $930,052 in selling and marketing expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $2,769,264 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. Selling and marketing expenses decreased by $1,839,212, or 66.42%, during the six months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the six months ended March 31, 2022. This decrease is primarily due to decreased marketing expenses paid for the marketing and promoting services provided to xSigma Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company. During the six months ended March 31, 2021, the Company entered into a Consultancy Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Dentoro Alliance LP, a company incorporated in the Republic of Ireland (the “Consultant”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Consultant agreed to provide marketing services for the business development of xSigma Corporation, including website development, social media and community management, content creation and public relations management. In exchange for the Consultant’s services, the Company agreed to pay the Consultant 250,000 ordinary shares of the Company. The shares are valued at $3.58/share.

 

General and Administrative expenses

 

We incurred $2,232,863 in general and administrative expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $1,166,210 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. General and administrative expenses increased by $1,066,653, or 91.46%, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. The increase is primarily due to decrease in travelling expenses and administrative staff salary.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

We incurred $560,216 in research and development expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $2,419,355 for the six months ended March 31, 2021. R&D expenses decreased by $1,859,139, or 76.84%, for the six months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. During the six months ended March 31, 2021, our various subsidiaries developed a DeFi exchange, a cryptocurrency trading platform, and an NFT platform, while those platforms were in late-stage development during the six months ended March 31, 2022 and therefore the related expenses decreased significantly.

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from Operations

 

As a result of the factors described above, we incurred operating income of $243,977 for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to operating loss of $1,647,071 for the six months ended March 31, 2021, an increase of operating income of $1,891,048.

 

Other Income (Expenses)

 

Our interest income and expenses were $4,493 and $465,466, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to interest income and expenses of $9,543 and $528,598, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2021. The decrease of interest expense is primarily due to the decrease of bank loan incurred during fiscal half year of 2022. Other income mainly consists of government grant for financial support to the Company under local government’s innovation incentive programs.

 

Net Income (loss)

 

As a result of the factors described above, we incurred net loss of $1,281 for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to net loss of $1,916,893 for the six months ended March 31, 2021, a increase in profit of $1,918,174.

 

Financial Condition

 

As of March 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments totaled $5.56 million, compared to $16.16 million as of September 30, 2021. Short-term bank borrowings were $18.91 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to $21.39 million as of September 30, 2021.

 

Accounts receivable was $29.55 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to $27.12 million as of September 30, 2021. Inventories were $23.78 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to $20.69 million as of September 30, 2021. Accounts payable was $3.32 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to $2.16 million as of September 30, 2021.

 

Total current assets and current liabilities were $72.09 million and $38.04 million, respectively, leading to a current ratio of 1.90 as of March 31, 2022. This compared to total current assets and current liabilities were $78.70 million and $44.51 million, respectively, and current ratio of 1.77 as of September 30, 2021.

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $5.86 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $4.23 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Net cash used in investing activities was $0.17 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $0.06 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Net cash used in financing activities was $1.65 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to net cash provided in financing activities of $23.82 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year.

 

About ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

 

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. is a China-based designer, engineer, manufacturer, and supplier of patented high-performance stainless steel and carbon steel pipe products that require sophisticated water or gas pipeline systems. The Company owns 33 patents, 21 trademarks, 2 Technical Achievement Awards, and 10 National and Industry Standard Awards. ZK International is Quality Management System Certified (ISO9001), Environmental Management System Certified (ISO1401), and a National Industrial Stainless Steel Production Licensee that is focused on supplying steel piping for the multi-billion dollar industries of Gas and Water sectors. ZK has supplied stainless steel pipelines for over 2,000 projects, including the Beijing National Airport, the "Water Cube", and "Bird's Nest", which were venues for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  Emphasizing superior properties and durability of its steel piping, ZK International is providing a solution for the delivery of high quality, highly sustainable, environmentally sound drinkable water not only to the China market but also to international markets such as Europe, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

 

 

 

 

For more information please visit www.ZKInternationalGroup.com. Additionally, please follow the Company on TwitterFacebookYouTube, and Weibo. For further information on the Company's SEC filings please visit www.sec.gov.

 

Safe Harbor Statement 

 

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate" or "continue" or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantee of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of ZK International. Actual results may differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties, as well as other risk factors that are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although ZK International believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in forward-looking statements will be realized.  In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking information included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by ZK International or any other person that their objectives or plans will be achieved. ZK International does not undertake any obligation to revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

 

 

 

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (Unaudited)

(IN U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

   For the Six Months Ended 
March 31,
 
   2022   2021 
Revenues   42,890,657   $42,168,823 
Cost of sales   38,923,548    37,461,065 
Gross profit   3,967,109    4,707,758 
           
Operating expenses:          
Selling and marketing expenses   930,052    2,769,264 
General and administrative expenses   2,232,863    1,166,210 
Research and development costs   560,216    2,419,355 
Total operating expenses   3,723,132    6,354,829 
           
Operating Income (loss)   243,977    (1,647,071)
           
Other income (expenses):          
Interest expenses   (465,466)   (528,598)
Interest income   4,493    9,543 
Other income (expenses), net   218,277    325,539 
Total other income (expenses), net   (242,696)   (193,516)
           
Income (Loss) before income taxes   1,281    (1,840,587)
           
Income tax provision   -    (76,306)
           
Net income (loss)   1,281   $(1,916,893)
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests   (9,635)   (1,334,346)
           
Net income (loss) attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.   (8,354)  $(582,547)
           
Net income (loss)   1,281   $(1,916,893)
           
Other comprehensive income:          
Foreign currency translation adjustment   871,641    1,863,153 
           
Total comprehensive income (loss)   872,922    (53,740)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests   (15,437)   (1,315,874)
Comprehensive income attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.   857,485    1,262,134 
           
Basic and diluted earnings per share          
Basic   -    (0.03)
Diluted   -    (0.03)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding          
Basic        19,243,252 
Diluted        21,743,252 

 

 

 

 

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of March 31, 2022 and September 30, 2021 (Unaudited)

 (IN U.S. DOLLARS)

 

  

2022

(Unaudited)

   2021 
Assets          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents  $5,244,796   $13,525,298 
Restricted cash   79,170    77,906 
Short-term Investment   236,619    2,560,760 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,258,356 and $2,221,870, respectively   29,545,643    27,124,959 
Notes receivable        
Other receivables   5,229,288    2,158,120 
Due from related parties   368,214     
Inventories   26,784,418    20,689,252 
Advance to suppliers   4,602,336    12,567,368 
Total current assets   72,090,484    78,703,663 
Property, plant and equipment, net   7,896,620    8,004,855 
Right-of use asset   123,042    54,166 
Intangible assets, net   9,563,588    8,749,987 
Deferred tax assets   359,265    353,460 
Long-term deposit   12,677,668    12,472,847 
Long-term investment   25,328,632    25,323,323 
TOTAL ASSETS  $128,039,299   $133,662,301 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $3,323,532   $2,159,731 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   5,629,919    6,875,769 
Lease liability - current portion   -    26,332 
Accrued payroll and welfare   1,776,071    1,853,019 
Advance from customers   2,492,270    5,666,214 
Due to related parties   441,359    1,072,335 
Convertible debentures   2,823,364    2,823,364 
Short-term bank borrowings   18,912,183    21,394,761 
Other borrowing - short term portion   288,418    283,758 
Income tax payable   2,354,910    2,354,832 
Total current liabilities   38,042,025    44,510,115 
Lease liability - long term portion   -    27,834 
TOTAL LIABILITIES  $38,042,025   $44,537,949 
           
Equity          
Common stock, no par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 28,918,177 and 16,558,037 shares issued and outstanding, respectively          
Additional paid-in capital   63,374,085    63,374,085 
Statutory surplus reserve   2,916,539    2,914,602 
Subscription receivable   (125,000)   (125,000)
Retained earnings   19,727,213    19,737,504 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   3,764,433    2,898,594 
Total equity attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.   89,657,270    88,799,785 
Equity attributable to non-controlling interests   340,004    324,567 
Total equity   89,997,274    89,124,352 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  $128,039,299   $133,662,301 

 

 

 

 

ZK International Group Co., Ltd. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 (Unaudited)

(IN U.S. DOLLARS)

 

   For the Six Months Ended 
March 31,
 
   2022   2021 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:          
Net income  $1,281   $(1,916,893)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:          
Depreciation expense   340,666    264,887 
Amortization expense   (938)   6,605 
Non-cash expenses   166,907    894,167 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   (1,965,921)   6,755,242 
Other receivables   (3,021,383)   2,420,300 
Notes receivable   (366,474)   38,197 
Inventories   (5,728,222)   428,946 
Advance to suppliers   8,132,790    (9,053,966)
Accounts payable   1,123,002    (4,379,215)
Notes payable   -    (45,783)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   (1,185,431)   (2,084,882)
Accrued payroll and welfare   (106,869)   (466,248)
Advance from customers   (3,251,552)   2,907,425 
Income tax payable   -    (3,111)
Net cash provided (used in) operating activities   (5,862,144)   (4,234,329)
           
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:          
Proceed from disposal of property, plant and equipment   -    62,728 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (165,772)   (4,871)
Net cash used in investing activities   (165,772)   57,857 
           
Cash Flows from Financing activities:          
Net proceeds from stock offering   -    27,340,977 
Net proceeds released from (placed into) bank acceptance notes   15    - 
Net proceeds released from short-term investment   2,355,010    305,222 
Net proceeds from (repayment to) short-term bank borrowings   (2,820,517)   351,006 
Net repayment of other borrowing   (539,337)   (156,929)
Repayments of loans of related parties   (645,521)   (1,138,134)
Cash advance to related parties   -    (2,878,572)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (1,650,350)   23,823,569 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   87,415    386,231 
           
Net change in cash and cash equivalents   (7,590,851)   20,033,328 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year   12,835,647    3,759,535 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year  $5,244,796   $23,792,863 
           
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:          
Cash paid for income taxes  $-   $167,862 
Cash paid for interest expenses  $465,465   $524,217