ZK International Group Co., Ltd. Announces Record Revenues of $111.60 Million for the Fiscal Year 2023

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    WENZHOU, China, Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 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 audited financial results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.

    Financial Highlights for the Fiscal Year 2023

    For the Fiscal Year Ended
    September 30,

    ($ millions, except per share data)

    2023

    2022

    % Change

    Revenue

    $

    111.60

    $

    102.39

    8.99 %

    Gross profit

    $

    1.30

    $

    7.60

    -82.93 %

    Gross margin

    1.16 %

    7.42 %

    -6.26
    percentage

     points

    Loss from operations

    $

    (60.44)

    $

    (3.96)

    -1424.58 %

    Operating loss margin

    (54.16 %)

    (3.87 %)

    -50.29
    percentage
    points

    Net loss attributable to ZK

    International

    $

    (61.06)

    $

    (6.08)

    -904.06 %

    Diluted loss per share

    $

    (1.94)

    $

    (0.21)

    -835.72 %

    Net book value per share

    $

    0.80

    $

    2.80

    -71.43 %

    Revenue

    Revenues increased by $9.21 million or 8.99%, to $111.60 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 from $102.39 million for the year ended September 30, 2022. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by the following factors:

    1)  During the fiscal year 2023, the decline of real estate market in China, especially the collapse of Evergrande, has set pressure on the steel pipe market. To strengthen the cash flow and expand our market share, we lowered our weighted average selling price (“ASP”) to boost our sales volume. However, we have observed the recovery of real estate market and increase of market demand for the 2024 fiscal year, we have increased ASP for the 2024 fiscal year.

    2)  During 2023 fiscal year, the average selling price of electrolytic nickel increased by 33.33% from RMB 113,716 per ton in fiscal year 2022 to RMB 151,619 in fiscal year 2023; the average selling price of steel strip decreased by 1.82% from RMB 20.3 per kilogram in fiscal year 2022 to RMB 19.93 in fiscal year 2023; the average selling price of steel pipe decreased by 20.25% from RMB 140.26 per piece in fiscal year 2022 to RMB 111.86 in fiscal year 2023; the average selling price of pipe fittings decreased by 4.86% from RMB 22.65 each in fiscal year 2022 to RMB 21.55 in fiscal year 2023.

    3)  Due to the decrease of product prices, we had an overall increase in sales volume. The sales volume of steel strip increased by 87.73% from 753.91 tons in fiscal year 2022 to 1,415.29 tons in fiscal year 2023; Sales volume of pipes increased by 0.42% from 592,919 in fiscal year 2022 to 595,395 in fiscal year 2023; The sales volume of pipe fittings increased by 29.28% from 7,103,894 pieces in fiscal year 2022 to 9,183,690 pieces in fiscal year 2023.

    Gross Profit

    Our gross profit decreased by $6.30 million or 82.93% to $1.30 million for the year ended September 30, 2023 from $7.60 million for the year ended September 30, 2022. Gross profit margin was 1.16% for the year ended September 30, 2023, as compared to 7.42% for the year ended September 30, 2022. The decrease of gross profit was primarily due to decreased weighted average selling prices while our cost of raw material remained stable. However, we have observed the recovery of real estate market and increase of market demand for the 2024 fiscal year, we have increased ASP for the 2024 fiscal year which will improve our gross margin.

    Loss from Operations

    Loss from operations was $60.44 million, compared to loss from operations of $3.96 million for the prior fiscal year. The increase of operational loss was mainly due to the one-off asset impairment cost of intangible asset and long-term investment, and stock-based compensation incurred during 2023 fiscal year for the expenses related to our new business operations and subsidiaries.

    During 2023 fiscal year, the Company recorded asset impairment cost of $53.20 million, primarily for the write off of its long-term investment in CG Malta and the software platforms, including xSigma Trading, MaximNFT, and the Defi Exchange.

    For the 2021 and 2022 fiscal years, CG Malta achieved high growth with its online gaming services launched in more than 10 states in US with high growth rate of Real Money Handle and First-Time Depositor. However, during the 2023 fiscal year, the competition of gaming market has been increasingly intense. Market bullishness and valuations peaked in early-2023 and declined rapidly from there, preventing CG Malta from raising further capital to execute its business plan. For the best interest of the Company’s shareholder, the Company decided to stop funding CG Malta and instead demanded the management team of CG Malta took active measures to achieve organic growth and healthy cash flow. However, the business was unable to raise the capital required to fund the business plan, and therefore the shareholders of CG Malta passed shareholder resolution on November 27, 2023 to cease operations of CG Malta and wind up the entity. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company has written off the investment in CG Malta.

    During 2023 fiscal year, the Company evaluated the recoverability of the three platforms, including Defi Exchange, xSigma Trading, and MaximNFT and concluded that the carrying value of the three platforms may not be recoverable as it projects that the platform is likely to have continuing losses and it’s more likely than not this platform will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. For the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company wrote off the carrying value of the three platforms.

    Net Loss Attributable to ZK International

    Net loss attributable to ZK International was $61.06 million, or net loss of $1.94 per share. This compared to net loss attributable to ZK International of $6.08 million, or $0.21 per share, for the prior fiscal year.

    Net book value

    Net book value per share was $0.80 as of September 30, 2023, compared to $2.80 as of September 30, 2022.

    Mr. Jiancong Huang, Chairman of ZK International, commented, “while ZK International declared a net loss of $61 million for the year, this was largely due to a series of one-time write-offs related to various non-core investments. These write-offs are part of the company’s broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on high-growth opportunities, ensuring a more robust financial foundation for the future.”

    Mr. Huang continued, “While this year’s financial results reflect certain challenges, I am proud of the progress we have made in growing our revenue and strengthening our core business in China. The strategic decisions we’ve taken to write off certain investments position us for a more focused and profitable future. We remain committed to enhancing shareholder value and driving long-term growth for ZK International. As ZK International moves forward, the company remains confident in its ability to navigate the evolving market landscape and deliver sustainable value to its shareholders.”

    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

    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    (IN U.S. DOLLARS)

    As of September 30, 

    2023

    2022

    Assets

    Current assets

    Cash and cash equivalents

    $

    4,994,411

    $

    7,515,147

    Restricted cash

    50,995

    101,992

    Short-term Investment

    48,145

    915,616

    Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and provision for expected credit loss
        of $6,617,485 and $255,322, respectively

    14,967,186

    28,362,933

    Notes receivable

    54,825

    49,611

    Prepayment, deposit and other receivable – current

    383,413

    2,360,539

    Inventories

    17,937,425

    21,141,501

    Advance to suppliers

    4,810,044

    6,322,592

    Total current assets

    43,246,444

    66,769,931

    Property, plant and equipment, net

    7,836,017

    7,124,587

    Right-of-use asset – Operating lease

    43,840

    30,998

    Intangible assets, net

    1,437,384

    11,415,451

    Deferred tax assets

    320,164

    Prepayment, deposit and other receivable – Non-current

    292,070

    Long-term prepayment

    10,447,395

    Long-term accounts receivable

    5,527,682

    7,522,188

    Long-term investment

    285,540

    25,292,866

    TOTAL ASSETS

    $

    58,668,977

    $

    128,923,580

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    Current liabilities:

    Accounts payable

    $

    2,611,220

    $

    10,066,758

    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    4,964,893

    6,949,772

    Operating lease liability – current

    21,749

    10,754

    Accrued payroll and welfare

    1,918,415

    1,880,377

    Advance from customers

    821,694

    1,758,800

    Due to related parties

    1,111,001

    2,052,403

    Convertible debentures

    4,011,224

    3,352,311

    Bank borrowings  – current

    9,388,706

    16,257,820

    Notes payables

    41,118

    702,889

    Income tax payable

    669

    817,059

    Total current liabilities

    24,890,689

    43,848,943

    Operating lease liability – non-current

    11,811

    10,256

    Bank borrowings – non-current

    8,527,686

    TOTAL LIABILITIES

    $

    33,430,186

    $

    43,859,199

    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

    Equity

    Common stock, no par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 32,992,740 and 30,392,940 shares
        issued and outstanding, respectively

    Additional paid-in capital

    72,886,898

    70,872,765

    Statutory surplus reserve

    3,176,556

    3,176,556

    Subscription receivable

    (125,000)

    (125,000)

    Retained earnings (Deficits)

    (47,666,657)

    13,394,137

    Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (3,190,985)

    (2,640,753)

    Total equity attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

    25,080,812

    84,677,705

    Equity attributable to non-controlling interests

    157,980

    386,676

    Total equity

    25,238,792

    85,064,381

    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    $

    58,668,977

    $

    128,923,580

    ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

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

     For the year ended September 30, 

    2023

    2022

    2021

    Revenues

    $

    111,599,686

    $

    102,391,636

    $

    99,407,217

    Cost of sales

    (110,303,270)

    (94,796,037)

    (92,936,029)

    Gross profit

    1,296,416

    7,595,599

    6,471,188

    Operating expenses:

    Selling and marketing expenses

    2,117,810

    2,380,429

    3,117,906

    General and administrative expenses

    5,144,340

    5,421,575

    5,772,710

    Asset impairment loss

    53,203,517

    2,771,019

    Research and development costs

    1,274,337

    987,186

    1,234,161

    Total operating expenses

    61,740,004

    11,560,209

    10,124,777

    Operating loss

    (60,443,588)

    (3,964,610)

    (3,653,589)

    Other income (expenses):

    Interest expenses

    (1,583,734)

    (3,451,665)

    (1,196,648)

    Interest income

    36,699

    109,290

    13,733

    Income on investment

    50,649

    Other income (expense), net

    240,378

    (88,125)

    431,438

    Total other expenses, net

    (1,306,657)

    (3,430,500)

    (700,828)

    Loss before income taxes

    (61,750,245)

    (7,395,110)

    (4,354,417)

    Income tax recovery

    459,855

    1,340,844

    552,146

    Net loss

    $

    (61,290,390)

    $

    (6,054,266)

    $

    (3,802,271)

    Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests

    229,596

    (27,147)

    2,757

    Net loss attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

    (61,060,794)

    (6,081,413)

    $

    (3,799,514)

    Net loss

    (61,290,390)

    $

    (6,054,266)

    $

    (3,802,271)

    Other comprehensive income (loss):

    Foreign currency translation adjustment

    (549,332)

    (5,504,385)

    2,423,439

    Total comprehensive loss

    $

    (61,839,722)

    $

    (11,558,651)

    $

    (1,378,832)

    Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests

    228,696

    (62,109)

    (14,773)

    Comprehensive loss attributable to ZK International Group Co., Ltd.

    $

    (61,611,026)

    $

    (11,620,760)

    $

    (1,393,605)

    Basic and diluted loss per share

    Basic

    $

    (1.94)

    $

    (0.21)

    $

    (0.17)

    Diluted

    (1.94)

    (0.21)

    (0.17)

    Weighted average number of shares outstanding

    Basic

    31,445,962

    29,305,828

    21,873,594

    Diluted

    31,445,962

    29,431,781

    22,633,819

    ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

    FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023, 2022 AND 2021

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

    Shares

    Additional 

    paid-in 

    capital

    Subscription

    Receivable

    Statutory 

    surplus reserve

    Retained

    earnings
    (deficits)

    Accumulated

    other

    comprehensive

    income (loss)

    Non-

    controlling

    interests

    Total

    equity

    Balance at
        September 30, 2020

    16,558,037

    18,049,630

    2,904,699

    23,546,921

    492,685

    309,794

    45,303,729

    Issuance of common stock,
        net of offering costs

    7,080,762

    24,884,560

    (125,000)

    24,759,560

    Common stock issued in
        connection with
        conversion of convertible
        notes

    4,374,176

    11,443,067

    11,443,067

    Issuance of common stock
        related to exercise of
        warrants

    355,202

    1,345,056

    1,345,056

    Stock-based compensation

    550,000

    9,542,783

    9,542,783

    Unearned Compensation

    (1,891,011)

    (1,891,011)

    Foreign currency
        translations

    2,405,909

    17,530

    2,423,439

    Net loss

    9,903

    (3,809,417)

    (2,757)

    (3,802,271)

    Balance at September 30, 2021

    28,918,177

    63,374,085

    (125,000)

    2,914,602

    19,737,504

    2,898,594

    324,567

    89,124,352

    Stock incentive issuance

    1,407,200

    1,688,640

    1,688,640

    Stock issued in connection
        with conversion of
        convertible notes

    67,563

    116,781

    116,781

    Fair value change due to
        convertible notes
        extension

    678,782

    678,782

    Stock-based compensation

    5,603,615

    5,603,615

    Unearned Compensation

    (589,138)

    (589,138)

    Foreign currency
        translations

    (5,539,347)

    34,962

    (5,504,385)

    Net loss

    261,954

    (6,343,367)

    27,147

    (6,054,266)

    Balance at September 30,
        2022

    30,392,940

    70,872,765

    (125,000)

    3,176,556

    13,394,137

    (2,640,753)

    386,676

    85,064,381

    Stock-based compensation

    2,599,800

    1,839,733

    1,839,733

    Unearned Compensation

    174,400

    174,400

    Foreign currency
        translations

    (550,232)

    900

    (549,332)

    Net loss

    (61,060,794)

    (229,596)

    (61,290,390)

    Balance at
        September 30, 2023

    32,992,740

    72,886,898

    (125,000)

    3,176,556

    (47,666,657)

    (3,190,985)

    157,980

    25,238,792

    ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

    (IN U.S. DOLLARS)

     For the year ended September 30, 

    2023

    2022

    2021

    Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    Net loss

    $

    (61,290,390)

    $

    (6,054,266)

    $

    (3,802,271)

    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

    Depreciation expense

    677,275

    672,368

    568,038

    Amortization expense

    298,431

    830,481

    481,763

    Right of use assets

    (53,634)

    Bad debt expense and credit loss

    17,897,334

    227,837

    92,032

    Write-off of advance to suppliers

    108,395

    Deferred tax expenses

    322,897

    406,064

    Gain on accounts receivable factoring, net of discount

    (1,602,500)

    Impairment on intangible assets and long-term investment

    35,346,769

    2,771,019

    Change in unrecognized tax benefits

    (823,340)

    (1,428,458)

    (918,038)

    Stock compensation expense

    2,014,133

    2,674,807

    1,351,082

    Interest expense of convertible notes

    658,913

    1,324,510

    210,173

    Interest expense of financing lease

    44,458

    Interest expense of accounts receivable factoring

    359,051

    1,151,453

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    Accounts receivable

    8,165,567

    (12,059,620)

    5,804,654

    Other receivables and prepayments

    349,612

    (260,755)

    1,345,520

    Notes receivable

    (6,676)

    (53,853)

    201,187

    Inventories

    2,870,541

    (2,606,504)

    2,021,789

    Advance to suppliers

    1,401,001

    5,493,624

    (8,297,301)

    Accounts payable

    (7,451,608)

    8,803,924

    (8,662,576)

    Notes payable

    (666,355)

    762,986

    (159,823)

    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    (1,918,915)

    752,241

    2,428,410

    Accrued payroll and welfare

    130,063

    219,178

    211,632

    Advance from customers

    (923,844)

    (3,662,097)

    3,162,961

    Income tax payable

    (77,214)

    Long-term prepaid expenses

    707,470

    Lease liability – Operating lease

    (23,841)

    (28,595)

    53,635

    Net cash used in operating activities

    (1,905,912)

    (2,072,220)

    (3,479,064)

    Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

    Purchases of property, plant and equipment

    (656,178)

    (507,663)

    (114,319)

    Purchase of CIP

    (930,814)

    (12,666)

    (47,942)

    Purchases of intangible assets

    (707,470)

    (1,588,107)

    (1,983,812)

    Investment into CG Malta

    (25,000,000)

    Net cash used in investing activities

    (2,294,462)

    (2,108,436)

    (27,146,073)

    Cash Flows from Financing activities:

    Net proceeds released from (placed into) short-term investment

    852,542

    1,523,953

    (2,228,301)

    Proceeds from short-term bank borrowings

    21,486,396

    31,113,044

    31,203,129

    Repayments of short-term bank borrowings

    (19,350,091)

    (34,501,465)

    (28,144,978)

    Net (repayment) receiving for due to related parties

    (920,690)

    1,173,516

    (280,313)

    Repayment of other borrowing

    (279,004)

    (483,458)

    Proceeds from stock issuances

    24,758,458

    Proceeds from convertible notes issuances

    14,071,908

    Proceeds from stock warrants exercise

    1,345,056

    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    2,068,157

    (969,956)

    40,241,501

    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    (439,515)

    (835,453)

    227,305

    Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

    (2,571,733)

    (5,986,065)

    9,843,669

    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of period

    7,617,139

    13,603,204

    3,759,535

    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of period

    $

    5,045,406

    $

    7,617,139

    $

    13,603,204

    Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:

    Cash paid for income taxes

    $

    38,695

    $

    87,473

    $

    37,041

    Cash paid for interest expenses

    $

    774,929

    $

    976,091

    $

    338,575

    Non-cash transactions

    Offset between due from related parties and due to related parties balances

    $

    545,844

    623,363

    604,719

    Intangible assets obtained in exchange for settlement of long-term deposit

    $

    707,470

    749,252

    Source: ZK International Group Co., Ltd.