Alset Inc.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Sep 30, 2024
Filed with the SEC on Nov 14, 2024 and accepted by EDGAR at Nov 14, 2024, 16:15 ET.
Management's discussion and analysis
As filed, 46,853 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained in this Form 10-Q that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” or “continue” or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, many of which are not within our control. These factors include but are not limited to economic conditions generally and in the industries in which we may participate, competition within our chosen industry, including competition from much larger competitors, technological advances and failure to successfully develop business relationships.
Business Overview
We are a diversified holding company principally engaged through our subsidiaries in the development of EHome communities and other real estate, financial services, digital transformation technologies, biohealth activities and consumer products with operations in the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, South Korea and the People’s Republic of China. We manage a significant portion of our three principal businesses through our 85.7% owned subsidiary, Alset International, a public company traded on the Singapore Stock Exchange. Through this subsidiary (and indirectly, through other public and private U.S. and Asian subsidiaries), we are actively developing real estate projects near Houston, Texas in our real estate segment. In our digital transformation technology segment, we focus on serving business-to-business (B2B) needs in e-commerce, collaboration and social networking functions. Our biohealth segment includes the sale of consumer products. Alset Inc. and Alset International Limited collectively own 88.1% of HWH International Inc. (described in further detail below). We also have certain wholly owned subsidiaries that collectively own 132 single family residential rental properties in Montgomery and Harris Counties, Texas.
We also have minority ownership interests, including a 36.9% equity interest in American Pacific Financial, Inc., formerly known as American Pacific Bancorp Inc. (“APF”), a 44.4% equity interest in DSS Inc. (“DSS”), an indirect 48.7% equity interest in Value Exchange International Inc. (“VEII”), a 0.5% equity interest in New Electric CV Corporation (“NECV”, formerly known as “American Wealth Mining Inc.”) and a 29% equity interest in Sharing Services Global Corporation (“SHRG”). APF is a financial network holding company. DSS is a multinational company operating businesses within nine divisions: product packaging, biotechnology, direct marketing, commercial lending, securities and investment management, alternative trading, digital transformation, secure living, and alternative energy. DSS is listed on the NYSE American (NYSE: DSS). VEII is a provider of information technology services for businesses, and is traded on the OTCQB (OTCQB: VEII). NECV is a publicly traded consumer products company (OTCPK: HIPH). SHRG markets and distributes health and wellness products, as well as member-based travel services, using a direct selling business model. SHRG is traded on the OTCQB (OTCQB: SHRG).
We generally acquire majority and/or control stakes in innovative and promising businesses that are expected to appreciate in value over time. Our emphasis is on building businesses in industries where our management team has in-depth knowledge and experience, or where our management can provide value by advising on new markets and expansion. We have at times provided a range of global capital and management services to these companies in order to gain access to Asian markets. We have historically favored businesses that improve an individual’s quality of life or that improve the efficiency of businesses through technology in various industries. We believe our capital and management services provide us with a competitive advantage in the selection of strategic acquisitions, which creates and adds value for our Company and our stockholders.
Recent Developments
Consummation of the Merger of Alset Capital Acquisition Corp. and HWH International Inc.
On January 9, 2024, two entities affiliated with Alset Inc. completed a previously announced transaction. On September 9, 2022, Alset Capital Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Alset Capital”) entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with our indirect subsidiary HWH International Inc., a Nevada corporation (“HWH Nevada”) and HWH Merger Sub Inc., a Nevada corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Alset Capital (“Merger Sub”). The Company and its 85.7% owned subsidiary Alset International own Alset Acquisition Sponsor, LLC, the sponsor (the “Sponsor”) of Alset Capital.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on January 9, 2024, a Business Combination between Alset Capital and HWH Nevada was effected through the merger of Merger Sub with and into HWH Nevada, with HWH Nevada surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Alset Capital (the “Merger”), and Alset Capital changing its name to HWH International Inc. (“New HWH”).
The total consideration paid at the closing of the Merger by New HWH to the shareholders of HWH Nevada was 12,500,000 shares of New HWH common stock. Alset International owned the majority of the outstanding shares of HWH Nevada at the time of the business combination, and received 10,900,000 shares of New HWH as consideration for its shares of HWH Nevada.
Following these transactions, HWH International Inc. is now a purpose-driven lifestyle company encompassing differentiated offerings from four core pillars: Hapi Marketplace, Hapi Cafe, Hapi Travel and Hapi Wealth Builder. HWH International Inc. seeks to develops new pathways to help people in their pursuit of Health, Wealth and Happiness. HWH International Inc. is listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol HWH.
Stock Purchase Agreement and Debt Conversion Agreements
On September 24, 2024, HWH entered into two (2) debt conversion agreements with creditors (each an “Agreement,” or collectively, the “Agreements”): (i) Alset International Limited (which is HWH’s majority stockholder); and (ii) Alset Inc. (which in turn is Alset International Limited’s majority stockholder). Each Agreement converts debt owed by HWH to the respective creditor into shares of HWH’s common stock.
Under the terms of their respective Agreements, Alset Inc. converted $300,000 of HWH’s debt into 476,190 shares of HWH’s common stock, and Alset International Limited converted $3,501,759 of HWH’s debt into 5,558,347 shares of HWH’s common stock. Under the Agreements, the debt conversions resulted in the issuance of newly issued shares of HWH’s common stock. The price at which the debt conversion was fixed was set at $0.63 per share of HWH common stock. Cumulatively, the newly issued shares contemplated by the Agreements represented 6,034,537 new shares of HWH’s common stock.
On September 26, 2024, Alset Inc. entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) with the Company’s majority owned subsidiary, Alset International Limited. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company will purchase 6,500,000 shares (the “Shares”) of HWH International Inc. (the Nasdaq-listed company). As consideration for the Shares, the Company will issue a secured promissory note to Alset International Limited in the original principal amount of $4,095,000 (the “Promissory Note”). The Promissory Note bears an interest rate of 5% per annum and a maturity date of September 26, 2026, and will be secured by collateral specified in a security agreement (the “Security Agreement”), between the Company and Alset International Limited.
Our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and majority stockholder, Chan Heng Fai, is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alset International Limited and the Chairman of HWH. In addition, certain other members of our board are also officers and/or directors of Alset International Limited and HWH.
The closing of the transactions described above is contingent upon the approval of the stockholders of Alset International Limited and the satisfaction of other closing conditions.
Purchase of Travel Business
On June 14, 2023, the Company’s subsidiary completed acquisition of Hapi Travel Limited (“HTL”), an online travel business started in Hong Kong and under common control of the Company. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the operations of the acquired entity from its acquisition date. The acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination. Accordingly, consideration paid by the Company to complete the acquisition is initially allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The recorded amounts for assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and subject to change during the measurement period, which is up to 12 months from the acquisition date. As a result of the acquisition of HTL, a deemed dividend of $214,174 was generated as a result of the business combination, which represents the purchase price of $214,993 in excess of identifiable equity.
The common control transaction described above resulted in the following basis of accounting for the financial reporting periods:
- The acquisition of HTL was accounted for prospectively as of June 14, 2023 as this did not represent a change in reporting entity.
- The acquisition of HTL was under common control and was consolidated in accordance with ASC 850-50. The condensed consolidated financial statements were not retrospectively adjusted for the acquisition of HTL as of January 1, 2022 for comparative purposes because the historical operations of HTL were deemed to be immaterial to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
Sale of Certain Lots
Agreement to Sell 142 Lots and 63 Lots
On November 13, 2023, 150 CCM Black Oak Ltd. (the “Seller”), a Texas Limited Partnership, entered into two Contracts for Purchase and Sale and Escrow Instructions (each an “Agreement,” collectively, the “Agreements”) with Century Land Holdings of Texas, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (the “Buyer”). Pursuant to the terms of one of the aforementioned Agreements, the Seller has agreed to sell approximately 142 single-family detached residential lots comprising a section of a residential community in the city of Magnolia, Texas known as the “Lakes at Black Oak.” The selling price of these lots is anticipated to equal approximately $7.4 million. On July 1, 2024, the Seller closed the sale of 70 of the lots contemplated by the Agreement, generating approximately $3.8 million. Pursuant to the other Agreement, the Seller has agreed to sell 63 single-family detached residential lots in the city of Magnolia, Texas. In 2021, our subsidiary Alset EHome Inc. acquired approximately 19.5 acres of partially developed land near Houston, Texas which was used to develop a community named Alset Villas (“Alset Villas”). Alset EHome was in the process of developing the 63 lots at Alset Villas in 2023. The selling price of these lots is anticipated to equal approximately $3.3 million. The closing of the transactions described above depends on the satisfaction of certain conditions. The sale of the first 70 lots closed on July 1, 2024 generating approximately $3.8 million. The sale of the additional 72 lots closed on October 10, 2024 generating approximately $3.9 million.
Issuance of Convertible Loans to Value Exchange International, Inc.
On January 27, 2023, Hapi Metaverse and New Electric CV Corporation (together with the Company, the “Lenders”) entered into a Convertible Credit Agreement (the “1st VEII Credit Agreement”) with VEII. The 1st VEII Credit Agreement provides VEII with a maximum credit line of $1,500,000 with simple interest accrued on any advances of the money under the 1st VEII Credit Agreement at 8%. The 1st VEII Credit Agreement grants conversion rights to each Lender. Each Advance shall be convertible, in whole or in part, into shares of VEII’s Common Stock at the option of the Lender who made that Advance (being referred to as a “Conversion”), at any time and from time to time, at a price per share equal the “Conversion Price”. In the event that a Lender elects to convert any portion of an Advance into shares of VEII Common Stock in lieu of cash payment in satisfaction of that Advance, then VEII would issue to the Lender five (5) detachable warrants for each share of VEII’s Common Stock issued in a Conversion (“Warrants”). Each Warrant will entitle the Lender to purchase one (1) share of Common Stock at a per-share exercise price equal to the Conversion Price. The exercise period of each Warrant will be five (5) years from date of issuance of the Warrant. On February 23, 2023, Hapi Metaverse loaned VEII $1,400,000 (the “Loan Amount”). The Loan Amount can be converted into shares of VEII pursuant to the terms of the 1st VEII Credit Agreement for a period of three years. There is no fixed price for the derivative security until Hapi Metaverse converts the Loan Amount into shares of VEII Common Stock.
On September 6, 2023, Hapi Metaverse converted $1,300,000 of the principal amount loaned to VEII into 7,344,632 shares of VEII’s Common Stock. Under the terms of the 1st VEII Credit Agreement, Hapi Metaverse received Warrants to purchase a maximum of 36,723,160 shares of VEII’s Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.1770 per share. Such warrants expire five (5) years from date of their issuance.
On December 14, 2023, Hapi Metaverse entered into a Convertible Credit Agreement (“2nd VEII Credit Agreement”) with VEII. On December 15, 2023, Hapi Metaverse loaned VEII $1,000,000. The 2nd VEII Credit Agreement was amended pursuant to an agreement dated December 19, 2023. Under the 2nd VEII Credit Agreement, as amended, this amount can be converted into VEII’s Common Shares pursuant to the terms of the 2nd VEII Credit Agreement for a period of three years. In the event that Hapi Metaverse converts this loan into shares of VEII’s Common Stock, the conversion price shall be $0.045 per share. In the event that Hapi Metaverse elects to convert any portion of the loan into shares of VEII’s Common Stock in lieu of cash payment in satisfaction of that loan, then VEII will issue to Hapi Metaverse five (5) detachable warrants for each share of VEII’s Common Stock issued in a conversion (“Warrants”). Each Warrant will entitle Hapi Metaverse to purchase one (1) share of VEII’s Common Stock at a per-share exercise price equal to the Conversion Price. The exercise period of each Warrant will be five (5) years from date of issuance of the Warrant. At the time of this filing, Hapi Metaverse has not converted the Loan Amount.
On July 15, 2024, the Company entered into a Convertible Credit Agreement (“3rd VEII Credit Agreement”) with VEII for an unsecured credit line in the maximum amount of $110,000 (“2024 Credit Line”). Advances of the principal under the 3rd VEII Credit Agreement accrue simple interest at 8% per annum. Each Advance under the 3rd VEII Credit Agreement and all accrued interest thereon may, at the election of VEII, or the Company, be: (1) repaid in cash; (2) converted into shares of VEII Common Stock; or (3) be repaid in a combination of cash and shares of VEII Common Stock. The principal amount of each Advance under the 3rd VEII Credit Agreement is due and payable on the third (3rd) annual anniversary of the date that the Advance is received by VEII along with any unpaid interest accrued on the principal (the “Advance Maturity Date”). Prior to the Advance Maturity Date, unpaid interest accrued on any Advance shall be paid on the last business day of June and on the last business day of December of each year in which the Advance is outstanding and not converted into shares of VEII Common Stock. Company may prepay any Advance under the 3rd VEII Credit Agreement and interests accrued thereon prior to Advance Maturity Date without penalty or charge. At the time of this filing, the Company has not converted the Loan Amount.
The Company currently owns a total of 21,179,275 shares (representing approximately 48.7%) of VEII.
Our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chan Heng Fai, and another member of the Board of Directors of Hapi Metaverse, Lum Kan Fai Vincent, are both members of the Board of Directors of VEII. In addition to Mr. Chan, two other members of the Board of Directors of Alset Inc. are also members of the Board of Directors of VEII (Wong Shui Yeung and Wong Tat Keung).
SHRG Shares Dividend Received from DSS
On May 4, 2023, DSS distributed approximately 280 million shares of SHRG beneficially held by DSS and its subsidiaries in the form of a dividend to the shareholders of DSS common stock. As a result of this distribution, the Company directly received 70,426,832 shares of SHRG, and through its majority-owned subsidiary Alset International, and certain subsidiaries of Alset International, indirectly received additional 55,197,696 shares of SHRG. The Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries now collectively own 89,732 shares of SHRG following a 1-for-1,400 reverse split of SHRG Common Stock on September 12, 2024, representing 29% of the issued and outstanding shares of SHRG Common Stock (such number of SHRG shares held and ownership percentage do not include any shares held by affiliates of the Company which we do not hold a majority interest in). Our CEO, Chan Heng Fai, directly and indirectly is the owner of an additional 27,106 shares of SHRG and is a beneficial owner of approximately 43.5% of the issued and outstanding SHRG shares (including those shares owned by Alset Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries).
Issuance of Convertible Loans to Sharing Services Global Corp.
On January 17, 2024, the Company received a Convertible Promissory Note (the “1st SHRG Convertible Note”) from Sharing Services Global Corp., an affiliate of the Company, in exchange for a $250,000 loan made by the Company to SHRG. The Company may convert a portion or all of the outstanding balance due under the 1st SHRG Convertible Note into shares of SHRG’s common stock at the average closing market price of SHRG stock within the last three (3) days from the date of conversion notice. The 1st SHRG Convertible Note bears a 10% interest rate and has a scheduled maturity six (6) months from the date of the 1st SHRG Convertible Note, or July 17, 2024. The terms of the note and maturity date were subsequently extended.
On March 20, 2024, the Company’s subsidiary HWH International Inc. entered into a securities purchase agreement with SHRG, pursuant to which HWH purchased from SHRG a (i) Convertible Promissory Note (the “2nd SHRG Convertible Note) in the amount of $250,000, convertible into 148,810 shares of SHRG’s common stock at the option of HWH, and (ii) certain warrants exercisable into 148,810 shares of SHRG’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.68 per share, the exercise period of the warrant being five (5) years from the date of the securities purchase agreement, for an aggregate purchase price of $250,000. At the time of this filing, HWH has not converted any of the debt contemplated by the 2nd SHRG Convertible Note nor exercised any of the warrants.
On May 9, 2024, HWH entered into a securities purchase agreement with SHRG, pursuant to which HWH purchased from SHRG a Convertible Promissory Note (the “3rd SHRG Convertible Note”) in the amount of $250,000, convertible into 89,286 shares of SHRG’s common stock at the option of HWH for an aggregate purchase price of $250,000. The 3rd SHRG Convertible Note bears an 8% interest rate and has a scheduled maturity three years from the date of the 3rd SHRG Convertible Note. Additionally, upon signing the 3rd SHRG Convertible Note, SHRG owns the Company commitment fee of 8% of the principal amount, which will be paid either in cash or in common stock of SHRG, at the discretion of the Company. At the time of this filing, HWH has not converted any of the debt contemplated by the 3rd SHRG Convertible Note.
On June 6, 2024, HWH entered into a securities purchase agreement with SHRG, pursuant to which HWH purchased from SHRG a Convertible Promissory Note (the “4th SHRG Convertible Note”) in the amount of $250,000, convertible into 89,286 shares of SHRG’s common stock at the option of HWH for an aggregate purchase price of $250,000. The Convertible Note bears an 8% interest rate and has a scheduled maturity three years from the date of the 4th SHRG Convertible Note. Additionally, upon signing the 4th SHRG Convertible Note, SHRG owns the Company commitment fee of 8% of the principal amount $20,000 in total, which will be paid either in cash or in common stock of SHRG, at the discretion of the Company. At the time of this filing, HWH has not converted any of the debt contemplated by the 4th SHRG Convertible Note.
On August 13, 2024, HWH entered into a securities purchase agreement with SHRG, pursuant to which HWH purchased from SHRG a Convertible Promissory Note (the “5th SHRG Convertible Note”) in the amount of $100,000, convertible into 35,714 shares of SHRG’s common stock at the option of the Company for an aggregate purchase price of $100,000. The 5th SHRG Convertible Note bears an 8% interest rate and has a scheduled maturity three years from the date of the 5th SHRG Convertible Note. Additionally, upon signing the 5th SHRG Convertible Note, SHRG owed the Company a commitment fee of 8% of the principal amount, $8,000 in total, to be paid either in cash or in common stock of SHRG, at the discretion of the Company. At the time of this filing, HWH has not converted any of the debt contemplated by the 5th SHRG Convertible Note.
Planned Acquisition of New Energy Asia Pacific Inc.
On December 13, 2023, the Company entered into a term sheet (the “Term Sheet”), with Chan Heng Fai (the “Seller”), the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and largest stockholder of the Company. Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the Company will purchase from the Seller all of the issued and outstanding shares of New Energy Asia Pacific Inc. (“NEAPI”), a corporation incorporated in the State of Nevada. NEAPI owns 41.5% of the issued and outstanding shares of New Energy Asia Pacific Limited (“New Energy”), a Hong Kong corporation.
Under the terms of the Term Sheet, the consideration for the acquisition of NEAPI will be $103,750,000, to be paid in the form of a convertible promissory note (the “Note”) to be issued to the Seller. The Note shall have a term of five years and shall pay interest at a rate of 3% per annum. Either the Company or the Seller may convert all or any portion of the outstanding debt contemplated by the Note into shares of the Company’s common stock during the term of the Note. The conversion price for the Note has been set at $12.00 per share (based on a calculation of the approximate adjusted NAV of the Company per share as at September 30, 2023) which is equivalent to approximately 16 times the last market trading price of AEI of $0.75 as of December 12, 2023. The closing of this acquisition will be subject to certain standard closing conditions, including stockholder approval and no objection from Nasdaq.
New Energy focuses on distributing all-electric versions of special-purpose and transportation vehicles, charging stations and batteries. The Company intends for this to be a strategic move, in line with the Company’s commitment to advancing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for the future. Currently, New Energy has a strong pipeline of demand, with signed collective sales secured via Memorandums of Understanding totaling up to $42 million in value and continues to garner strong interest from local government departments and market demand. New Energy will seek to significantly increase revenues in the coming months relating to both electric chargers and electric vehicles. New Energy’s expertise extends across Asia, with established service and training centers in China and Hong Kong, and ongoing development planned in various parts of the world. The Seller is a member of the Board of Directors of New Energy.
The Term Sheet was approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Company’s Board of Directors has received a fairness opinion reflecting that the transaction is fair to the Company’s stockholders from a financial point of view. The Seller and his son, who is also a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, recused themselves from all deliberation and voting regarding this acquisition and the Term Sheet.
The Company and the Seller anticipate entering into definitive documents for this acquisition in the immediate future.
Purchase of DSS Shares
On May 21, 2024, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “DSS Securities Purchase Agreement”) with the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chan Heng Fai, and Heng Fai Holdings Limited, a company wholly owned by Mr. Chan. Pursuant to the DSS Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company will purchase 982,303 shares of DSS Inc., a NYSE-listed company. These shares include 979,325 shares of DSS common stock to be acquired from Mr. Chan and 2,978 shares to be acquired from Heng Fai Holdings Limited (collectively, the “Shares”). The Shares represent approximately 13.9% of the total issued and outstanding shares of DSS as of the date hereof. As consideration for the Shares, the Company will issue a total of 3,316,488 shares of its common stock to Mr. Chan and Heng Fai Holdings Limited. The consideration to be paid for the Shares is based on the relevant market closing price of DSS common stock and the Company’s common stock as of May 3, 2024.
Approval of the transactions described herein was granted by the Board of Directors of the Company (“the Board”) during a meeting of the Board held on May 6, 2024. Mr. Chan and Chan Tung Moe, another member of the Board and the son of Mr. Chan, recused themselves from discussion and voting on the approval of such transaction and the acquisition of the DSS Shares.
The closing of the transactions contemplated by the DSS Securities Purchase Agreement remains subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders and no objection from the Nasdaq.
Matters that May or Are Currently Affecting Our Business
In addition to the matters described above, the primary challenges and trends that could affect or are affecting our financial results include:
- Our ability to improve our revenue through cross-selling and revenue-sharing arrangements among our diverse group of companies;
- Our ability to identify complementary businesses for acquisition, obtain additional financing for these acquisitions, if and when needed, and profitably integrate them into our existing operations;
- Our ability to attract competent and skilled technical and sales personnel for each of our businesses at acceptable compensation levels to manage our overhead;
- Our ability to control our operating expenses as we expand each of our businesses and product and service offerings; and
- The effects of public health issues such as a major epidemic or pandemic, including the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and our business.
Results of Operations
Summary of Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
| Three- Months Ended September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | Nine-months Ended September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $4,960,711 | $990,199 | $12,173,964 | $21,070,983 |
| Operating Expenses | $(5,924,492) | $(3,067,103) | $(18,213,728) | $(20,128,121) |
| Other Income (Expenses) | $2,433,020 | $(14,903,980) | $(954,752) | $(28,060,334) |
| Income Tax Expense | $- | $(45,124) | $- | $(45,124) |
| Net Loss | $1,469,239 | $(17,026,008) | $(6,994,516) | $(27,162,596) |
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Revenue
The following tables set forth period-over-period changes in revenue for each of our reporting segments:
| Three-months Ended September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | Change Dollars | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | $4,539,699 | $711,634 | $3,828,065 | 538% |
| Digital Transformation Technology | - | 20 | (20) | -100% |
| Other | 421,012 | 278,545 | 142,467 | 51% |
| Total Revenue | $4,960,711 | $990,199 | $3,970,512 | 401% |
| Nine-months Ended September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | Change Dollars | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | $10,997,704 | $20,227,362 | $(9,229,658) | -46% |
| Biohealth | - | 12,786 | (12,786) | -100% |
| Digital Transformation Technology | - | 28,094 | (28,094) | -100% |
| Other | 1,176,260 | 802,741 | 373,519 | 47% |
| Total Revenue | $12,173,964 | $21,070,983 | $(8,897,019) | -42% |
Revenue was $4,960,711 and $990,199 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Revenue was $12,173,964 and $21,070,983 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in property sales from the Lakes at Black Oak Project in the first nine months of 2024 contributed to lower revenue in this period.
In late 2022 and early 2023, the Company entered into three contracts with builders to sell multiple lots from its Lakes at Black Oak project. The sales contemplated by these contracts were contingent on certain conditions which the parties to such contracts had to meet and were expected to generate approximately $23 million of funds from operations, not including certain expenses that the Company was required to pay. The sale of 335 lots closed in the first six months of 2023 generating approximately $18.1 million revenue. The sale of remaining lots closed on January 4, 2024 generating approximately $5.0 million revenue.
On November 13, 2023, the Company entered into two contracts with builders to sell multiple lots from its Lakes at Black Oak and Alset Villa projects. The closing of these transactions depends on the satisfaction of certain conditions. The sale of the first 70 lots closed on July 1, 2024 generating approximately $3.8 million. The sale of the remaining 72 lots closed on October 10, 2024 generating approximately $3.9 million.
The Company plans to continue its near-term focus on lot sales to regional and national builders. Funds from such lot sales will substantially improve the Company’s liquidity, strengthen its financial position and meet is working capital requirements.
Revenue from rental business was $724,699 and $705,334 in the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Revenue from rental business was $2,150,204 and $2,030,112 in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company expects that the revenue from this business will continue to increase as we acquire more rental houses and successfully rent them.
In May 2023, the Company entered into lease agreement for one of its model houses located in Montgomery County, Texas. The revenue from the lease was $6,300 and $18,900 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. The revenue from the lease was $6,300 and $10,500 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
In January 2024, the Company entered into lease agreement for another model house located in Montgomery County, Texas. The revenue from the lease was $6,602 and $19,807 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively.
The Company operates its biohealth segment in the South Korean market through one of the subsidiaries of HWH International Inc., HWH World Inc (“HWH World”). HWH World operates based on a direct sale model of health supplements. HWH World recognized $0 and $0 in revenue in the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. HWH World recognized $0 and $12,786 in revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The revenue from our Digital Transformation Technology segment, in the amount of $0 and $28,094, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, was for the services rendered to customers. The Company began generating revenue from a project providing AI chatbot services to Value Exchange Int’l (Hong Kong) Limited, a related company of the Company and a subsidiary of VEII located in Hong Kong, on a monthly basis in 2022. This service was terminated on June 30, 2023.
The category described as “Other” includes corporate and financial services, food and beverage business, digital transformation technology, and new venture businesses. “Other” includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments, primarily consisting of unallocated corporate overhead costs, including administrative functions not allocated to the reportable segments from global functional expenses.
The financial services, food and beverage businesses and new venture businesses are small and diversified, and accordingly they are not separately addressed as one independent category. In the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the revenue from other businesses was $421,012 and $278,545, respectively. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the revenue from other businesses was $1,176,260 and $802,741, respectively, generated by Korean, Singaporean and Chinese café shops and restaurants.
Cost of Revenues and Operating Expenses
The following tables sets forth period-over-period changes in cost of revenues for each of our reporting segments:
| Three-months Ended September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | Change Dollars | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | $2,700,952 | $587,232 | $2,113,720 | 360% |
| Biohealth | 22 | (88,141) | 88,163 | -100% |
| Digital Transformation Technology | - | 6 | (6) | -100% |
| Other | 248,850 | 81,962 | 166,888 | 204% |
| Total Cost of Revenues | $2,949,824 | $581,059 | $2,368,765 | 408% |
| Nine-months Ended September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | Change Dollars | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | $7,882,274 | $12,755,702 | $(4,873,428) | -38% |
| Biohealth | 3,409 | 21,516 | (18,107) | -84% |
| Digital Transformation Technology | - | 9,145 | (9,145) | -100% |
| Other | 552,466 | 222,470 | 329,996 | 148% |
| Total Cost of Revenues | $8,438,149 | $13,008,833 | $(4,570,684) | -35% |
Cost of revenues increased from $581,059 in the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $2,949,824 in the three months ended September 30, 2024. Cost of revenues decreased from $13,008,833 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $8,438,149 in the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The decrease is a result of the decrease in sales in the Lakes at Black Oak project. Capitalized construction expenses, finance costs and land costs are allocated to sales. We anticipate the total cost of revenues to increase as revenue increases.
The gross margin increased from $409,140 to $2,010,887 in the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively. The gross margin decreased from $8,062,150 to $3,735,815 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively. The decrease of gross margin was caused by the decrease in sales in the Lakes at Black Oak Project.
The following tables sets forth period-over-period changes in operating expenses for each of our reporting segments.
| Three-months Ended September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | Change Dollars | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | $381,254 | $426,542 | $(45,288) | -11% |
| Biohealth | (204,709) | 160,821 | (365,530) | -227% |
| Digital Transformation Technology | 130,908 | 125,316 | 5,592 | 4% |
| Other | 2,667,214 | 1,773,365 | 893,849 | 50% |
| Total Operating Expenses | $2,974,667 | $2,486,044 | $488,623 | 20% |
9
| Nine-months Ended September 30, 2024 | September 30, 2023 | Change Dollars | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | $1,321,120 | $1,418,743 | $(97,623) | -7% |
| Biohealth | 910,354 | 638,738 | 271,616 | 43% |
| Digital Transformation Technology | 421,543 | 327,746 | 93,797 | 29% |
| Other | 7,122,562 | 4,734,061 | 2,388,501 | 50% |
| Total Operating Expenses | $9,775,579 | $7,119,288 | $2,656,291 | 37% |
The increase of operating expenses in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 was mostly caused by recording impairment of goodwill and investment.
Other Income (Expense)
In the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company had other income of $2,433,020 compared to other expenses of $14,903,980 in the three months ended September 30, 2023. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company had other expenses of $6,994,516 compared to other expenses of $28,060,334 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The loss on sale of securities and loss on consolidation of subsidiary are the primary reason for the volatility in these two periods. Realized loss on security investment was $679,204 in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $11,291,166 loss in the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Loss on consolidation of subsidiary was $0 in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a loss of $21,657,036 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Net Loss
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 the Company had net income of $1,469,239 compared to net loss of $17,026,008 in the three months ended September 30, 2023. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company had net loss of $6,994,516 compared to net loss of $27,162,596 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our real estate assets have decreased to $37,904,992 as of September 30, 2024 from $42,137,152 as of December 31, 2023. This decrease primarily reflects the sale of properties in the Lakes at Black Oak project.
Our cash has decreased from $26,921,727 as of December 31, 2023 to $16,679,183 as of September 30, 2024. Our liabilities decreased from $9,066,700 at December 31, 2023 to $5,390,173 at September 30, 2024. Our total assets have decreased to $98,788,837 as of September 30, 2024 from $126,314,028 as of December 31, 2023 mainly due to decrease in cash held in Trust Account after shareholders of HWH International Inc. redeemed their shares.
On April 17, 2019, SeD Maryland Development LLC entered into a Development Loan Agreement with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (“M&T Bank”) in the principal amount not to exceed at any one time outstanding the sum of $8,000,000, with a cumulative loan advance amount of $18,500,000. The line of credit bore interest rate on LIBOR plus 375 basis points. SeD Maryland Development LLC was also provided with a Letter of Credit (“L/C”) Facility in an aggregate amount of up to $900,000. The L/C commission is 1.5% per annum on the face amount of the L/C. Other standard lender fees apply in the event the L/C is drawn down. The loan is a revolving line of credit. The L/C Facility is not a revolving loan, and amounts advanced and repaid may not be re-borrowed. Repayment of the Loan Agreement is secured by a $2,600,000 collateral fund and a Deed of Trust issued to the Lender on the property owned by SeD Maryland. On March 15, 2022, approximately $2,300,000 was released from collateral, leaving approximately $300,000 as collateral for outstanding letters of credit. On December 14, 2023 approximately $201,751 was released from collateral, leaving approximately $100,000 as collateral for outstanding letters of credit.
The future development timeline of Lakes at Black Oak will be based on multiple conditions, including the amount of funds which may be raised from capital markets, the loans we may secure from third party financial institutions, and government reimbursements which may be received. The development will be step by step and expenses will be contingent on the amount of funding we will receive.
On November 13, 2023, 150 CCM Black Oak Ltd. (the “Seller”), a Texas Limited Partnership, entered into two Contracts for Purchase and Sale and Escrow Instructions (each an “Agreement,” collectively, the “Agreements”) with Century Land Holdings of Texas, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (the “Buyer”). Pursuant to the terms of one of the aforementioned Agreements, the Seller has agreed to sell approximately 142 single-family detached residential lots (the “Section 4 Agreement”) comprising a section of a residential community in the city of Magnolia, Texas known as the “Lakes at Black Oak.” The selling price of these lots is anticipated to equal approximately $7.4 million. Pursuant to the other Agreement, the Seller has agreed to sell 63 single-family detached residential lots (the “Alset Villas Agreement”) in the city of Magnolia, Texas. In 2021, our subsidiary Alset EHome Inc. acquired approximately 19.5 acres of partially developed land near Houston, Texas which was used to develop a community named Alset Villas (“Alset Villas”). Alset EHome was in the process of developing the 63 lots at Alset Villas in 2023. The selling price of these lots is anticipated to equal approximately $3.3 million. The closing of the transactions described above depends on the satisfaction of certain conditions. The sale of the first 70 lots closed on July 1, 2024 generating approximately $3.8 million. In addition, the Company will be entitled to receive certain reimbursements in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2025.
The management believes that the available cash in bank accounts and favorable cash revenue from real estate projects are sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months.
Summary of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
| Nine-months Ended 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | $(8,751,416) | $8,255,675 |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | $18,707,934 | $(748,188) |
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | $(21,370,610) | $3,408,560 |
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $8,751,416 in the first nine months of 2024, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $8,255,675 in the same period of 2023. Property sales from the Black Oak project in 2023 were the main reason for the cash provided by operating activities in 2023.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities was $18,707,934 in the first nine months of 2024, as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $748,188 in the same period of 2023. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company issued $1,368,083 in loans to related parties and $1,212,021 in loans receivable. At the same time, we received $101,096 from repayment of related party loan and withdrew cash from trust account of $21,102,871 for redemption of HWH’s shares. In the nine months ended September 30, 2023 we invested $734,688 in real estate improvements, issued $1,693,455 in loans to related parties and received $2,675,735 from repayment of related party notes receivable.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $21,370,610 in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to net cash provided of $3,408,560 in the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2024 is caused by repayment of $398,000 of note payable and repayment of HWH’s shares of $21,102,871. In that same period, the Company borrowed $130,261 from commercial loan. The cash provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2023 is caused by the proceeds from stock issuance of $3,433,921.
Impact of Inflation
We believe that inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 or the year ended December 31, 2023. We cannot assure you that future inflation will not have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.
Impact of Foreign Exchange Rates
The effect of foreign exchange rate changes on the intercompany loans (under ASC 830), which mostly consist of loans from Singapore to the United States and which were approximately $26 million and $23 million on September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, are the reason for the significant fluctuation of foreign currency transaction Gain or Loss on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Loss. Because the intercompany loan balances between Singapore and United States will remain at approximately $26 million over the next year, we expect this fluctuation of foreign exchange rates to still significantly impact the results of operations in 2024, especially given that the foreign exchange rate may and is expected to be volatile. If the amount of intercompany loan is lowered in the future, the effect will be reduced. However, at this moment, we do not expect to repay the intercompany loans in the short term.
Emerging Growth Company Status
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies.” Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company or until we affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of this exemption.
Seasonality
The real estate business is subject to seasonal shifts in costs as certain work is more likely to be performed at certain times of the year. This may impact the expenses of our subsidiary Alset EHome Inc. from time to time. In addition, should we commence building homes, we are likely to experience periodic spikes in sales as we commence the sales process at a particular location.
Market risk
As filed, 157 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.
As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Controls and procedures
As filed, 1,673 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective as of September 30, 2024 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes in the Company’s Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Figures reported in this filing
Standardized line items from the XBRL in this filing, for the period ended 2024-09-30. Comparative periods it repeats are left out.
| Line item | Period | Value | XBRL concept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3 months2024-07-01 to 2024-09-30 | $5.0m | us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax |
| Revenue | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | $12.2m | us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax |
| Cost of revenue | 3 months2024-07-01 to 2024-09-30 | $2.9m | us-gaap:CostOfRevenue |
| Cost of revenue | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | $8.4m | us-gaap:CostOfRevenue |
| Gross profit | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | $3.7m | us-gaap:GrossProfit |
| Operating income | 3 months2024-07-01 to 2024-09-30 | −$963.8k | us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss |
| Operating income | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | −$6.0m | us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss |
| Interest expense | 3 months2024-07-01 to 2024-09-30 | $9.5k | us-gaap:InterestExpenseNonoperating |
| Interest expense | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | $111.6k | us-gaap:InterestExpenseNonoperating |
| Net income | 3 months2024-07-01 to 2024-09-30 | $1.7m | us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss |
| Net income | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | −$6.3m | us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss |
| Diluted EPS | 3 months2024-07-01 to 2024-09-30 | $0.19 | us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted |
| Diluted EPS | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | −$0.68 | us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted |
| Basic EPS | 3 months2024-07-01 to 2024-09-30 | $0.19 | us-gaap:EarningsPerShareBasic |
| Basic EPS | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | −$0.68 | us-gaap:EarningsPerShareBasic |
| Diluted shares (weighted) | 3 months2024-07-01 to 2024-09-30 | 9,235,119 shares | us-gaap:WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding |
| Diluted shares (weighted) | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | 9,235,119 shares | us-gaap:WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding |
| Operating cash flow | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | −$8.8m | us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities |
| Capital expenditure | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | $67.6k | us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment |
| Share repurchases | 9 months2024-01-01 to 2024-09-30 | $21.1m | us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock |
| Cash and equivalents | At period end2024-09-30 | $16.7m | us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue |
| Current assets | At period end2024-09-30 | $57.1m | us-gaap:AssetsCurrent |
| Total assets | At period end2024-09-30 | $98.8m | us-gaap:Assets |
| Current liabilities | At period end2024-09-30 | $3.4m | us-gaap:LiabilitiesCurrent |
| Total liabilities | At period end2024-09-30 | $5.4m | us-gaap:Liabilities |
| Long-term debt | At period end2024-09-30 | $137.9k | us-gaap:LongTermDebt |
| Shareholders' equity | At period end2024-09-30 | $84.2m | us-gaap:StockholdersEquity |
Source: SEC EDGAR, the filing index for accession 0001493152-24-045889. Last ingested by Listed: Oct 30, 2026, 17:16 ET. Listed shows no prices and gives no investment advice.