SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
(Mark
One)
FORM
10-K
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x
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ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
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For
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
or
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o
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TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
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For
the transition period from _____________to ______________
Commission
file number 000-51516
UNIVERSAL
TRAVEL GROUP
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Nevada
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90-0296536
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State or other jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
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2008
Shennan Road, Hualian Center, Room 301-309, Shenzhen, The People’s Republic of
China
(Address
of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code 011-86-
755-836-68489
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title
of each class
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Name
of each exchange on which registered
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|
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Securities
registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
Common
Stock, $0.001 par value per share
Preferred
Stock, $0.001 par value per share
(Title of
class)
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
o
Yes x No
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. x
Yes o No
Note – Checking the box above
will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those
Sections.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.
x
Yes o
No
Indicate
by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of
Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not
be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See
the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large
accelerated filer o
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Accelerated
filer o
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Non-accelerated
filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
|
|
Smaller
reporting company x
|
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Act).
o Yes x No
State the
aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by
non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was
last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the
last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal
quarter.
Note.—If a determination as to
whether a particular person or entity is an affiliate cannot be made without
involving unreasonable
effort and expense, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by
non-affiliates may be calculated on the basis of assumptions reasonable under
the circumstances, provided that the assumptions are set forth in this
Form.
The
aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock of the issuer
held by non-affiliates as of March 12, 2009 was
approximately $16,538,602.94 (24,684,482 shares of common
stock) based upon the closing price of the common stock as quoted by
Nasdaq OTC Bulletin Board on such date.
APPLICABLE
ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS
DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports
required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a
court. o Yes o No
(APPLICABLE
ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS)
Indicate
the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common
stock, as of the latest practicable date.
As
of March 12, 2009, there are presently 41,619,966 shares
of common stock, par value $0.001 issued and outstanding.
DOCUMENTS
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
List
hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of
the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the document is
incorporated: (1) Any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or
information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or
(c) under the Securities Act of 1933. The listed documents should be clearly
described for identification purposes (e.g., annual report to security holders
for fiscal year ended December 24, 1980).
PART
I
Item
1. Business.
History
and Organization
We were
incorporated on January 28, 2004, pursuant to the laws of the state of
Nevada.
On March
15, 2006, we entered into an Acquisition Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"Acquisition Agreement") with TAM of Henderson, Inc. ("TAM"), whereby TAM
acquired all of our outstanding shares of Common
Stock from our then sole stockholder and simultaneously merged with and into the
Company, with the Company as the surviving corporation.
On June
20, 2006, Mr. Xiao Jun ("Jun"), our former officer and director, acquired from
the then-majority-shareholder of our Company 8,000,000 shares of our Common
Stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $435,000 (the "Stock Transaction").
After giving effect to such acquisition, Jun held 8,000,000 of the 10,450,000
shares of our Common Stock then issued and outstanding, constituting, in the
aggregate, 77% of the then issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the
Company. In connection with his acquisition of shares in the Company, Jun was
appointed as our Chief Executive Officer.
On July
12, 2006 , we consummated the transaction contemplated by the Agreement and Plan
of Merger, dated as of June 26, 2006 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among the
Company, Merger Sub of Tam, Inc. ("Merger Subsidiary"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of us, Full Power Enterprise Global Limited (“Full Power”), and the
shareholders of Full Power. In accordance with the Merger Agreement, Merger
Subsidiary merged with and into Full Power, Merger Subsidiary ceased to exist
and Full Power was the surviving entity (the "Merger Transaction").
The Full
Power Shareholders received 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock in exchange for
all of the issued and outstanding shares of Full Power. As a result of the
Merger Transaction, Full Power became the Company's wholly owned subsidiary.
Full Power owns all of the issued and outstanding capital stock
of Shenzhen Yu Zhi Lu Aviation Service Company
Limited (“YZL”).
In
connection with the Merger Transaction, Jiangping Jiang (who, prior to the
Merger Transaction was a shareholder of Full Power), Xin Zhang and Hoi-Yui Lee
were appointed to our Board of Directors and Jun resigned from all positions
with us.
Business
Overview
With the
acquisition of Full Power and hence YZL, we shifted our business to the online
travel service industry in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). YZL, a
company organized under the laws of the PRC, is primarily engaged in the
business of providing domestic and international airline ticketing services and
cargo transportation agency services. Additionally, YZL provides hotel
reservations, packaged tours, and air delivery services both online
and through customer representative offices. YZL also owns an
aviation network (www.cnutg.com) that provides a complete air ticket sales
network.
During
2007, we made several acquisitions, which expanded our scope of
business.
On April
10, 2007, we acquired Shenzhen Speedy Dragon Enterprise Limited ("SSD") in
exchange for 714,285 shares of our shares of Common Stock and an interest-free
promissory note in the principal amount of $3,000,000, payable no later than
April 10, 2008. The note has been repaid in full.
SSD,
located in Shenzhen City, is a cargo logistics company providing commercial,
point-to-point parcel and container transportation services within the PRC. It
also operates as an international and domestic freight forwarding agency for
Chinese civil aviation companies and provides railway and express delivery
services. SSD relies upon independent delivery services with more than 200
vehicles and manages leased and owned warehouses totaling 40,000 square meters
(approximately 430,556 square feet), which it uses to stage, transfer, and store
packages in transit. During 2007, air cargo for which SSD arranged
transportation accounted for approximately 30% of the total air cargo market in
Shenzhen, China.
On August
6, 2007, we acquired Xi'an Golden Net Travel Serve Service Company Limited
("XGN") in exchange for 151,765 shares of our Common Stock and interest-free
promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $1,542,000, payable no
later than August 6, 2008. The note has been repaid in full.
XGN was
established in 2001 and focuses on the domestic tourism market. It provides air
tickets, train tickets and other travel-related services including servicing
individuals and groups attending conferences and exhibitions, making travel
arrangements for business studies, academic exchanges, travel adventures,
cultural education, sports competition, and theatrical performances. XGN also
specializes in central plains tours of Xi'an. Since 2005, XGN has
formed joint ventures with other travel agencies in Tibet, Xinjiang,
Shanxi and Inner Mongolia that focus on western plains routes.
In August
8, 2007, we acquired Shanghai Lanbao Travel Service Company Limited ("SLB") in
exchange for 600,000 shares of our Common Stock and interest-free promissory
notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,828,000, payable no later than
August 8, 2008. The note has been repaid in full.
SLB was
established in 2002 and its core business focus is a centralized real-time
booking system providing consumers and travel related businesses with hotel
bookings, air ticket and tourism information via the internet and mobile phone
text-messaging technology. It owns and manages the award winning China Booking
Association website, http://www.cba-hotel.com/, which receives approximately
200,000 visitors daily.
In
October 29, 2007, we acquired Foshan Overseas International Travel Service Co.,
Ltd. ("FOI") in exchange for 1,122,986 shares of our Common Stock and
interest-free promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $3,153,500,
payable no later than October 29, 2008. This note has been
repaid in full.
FOI was
established in 1990. Its core business focuses on both domestic and
international tourism, as well as packaged airfare, hotel and conference
reservations with ground transportation within the PRC. For three consecutive
years, FOI has been recognized as one of the 100 outstanding enterprises by the
China Tourism Bureau and in 2004 was voted one of the most credible enterprises
in the country. Last year it served more than 120,000 people with packaged tours
and conferences.
Sources
of Revenue
We have
four lines of business, namely (i) air-ticketing, (ii) hotel reservations, (iii)
packaged tours and (iv) air cargo agency services.
Air-ticketing
We earn a
commission for each air ticket sold. Our commission varies depending on the
season but it averages approximately 6% of each ticket sold.
Our
subsidiary, YZL (Shenzhen Yu Zhi Lu Aviation Service Company Limited) has
contracted with Chinese domestic airlines such as Air China, China Southern
Airlines and China Eastern Airlines and 34 international airlines
such as United Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Airlines to sell Chinese
domestic and international air tickets. YZL holds the “First Class
Air-Ticketing Agency” license from the General Administration of Civil Aviation
of China (“CAAC”). YZL has been in operation for more than ten
years.
Our
customers can make air-tickets enquiries via our web-sites - www.cnutg.com, and
www.cnutg.com.cn. Further,
we are also able to attend to our customers through our customer
representatives, our company offices and our franchises.
We
maintain an 800 square meters call center in Shenzhen and our call center has
100 seats to handle customer enquiries. We share commission with our
franchises. The share varies according to business seasonality and
varies from 1% in our favor to 3%.
Hotel
Reservations
We
generate revenue from paid hotel bookings in the form of
commissions.
Our
subsidiaries, YZL and SLB (Shanghai Lanbao Travel Service Company Limited) have
contracted with 2,000 hotels and 7,000 hotels, respectively. SLB has
established a China Booking Association comprising more than 1,000 travel
agencies who share more than 200,000 hotel resources
internationally.
Our
customers are able to enquire via SLB's website (www.cba-hotel.com). Additionally,
SLB maintains a 100 square meters call center in Shanghai and the call center
has 20 seats to handle hotel reservation enquiries.
Package
Tours
Our
subsidiaries, XGN (Xi'an Golden Net Travel Serve Service Company Limited) and
FOI (Foshan Overseas International Travel Service Co., Ltd.) are involved in the
packaged tour business. We contract with traffic service providers,
accommodation provides and leisure service providers to purchase air tickets,
train and coach tickets, accommodation and leisure or entertainment packages in
bulk and then resell them to our customers with a mark-up. FOI maintains 9 company
offices around the Guangzhou area, and XGN maintains 3 company offices in
Xi'an.
Air Cargo
Business
We are
through our subsidiary, SSD (Shenzhen Speedy Dragon Enterprise Limited) involved
in the air cargo business. We basically broker air cargo spaces and resell them
to local logistic companies to generate revenue. We have contracts
with Chinese domestic airlines like China Southern Airlines, Air China, and
Shenzhen Airlines and offer cargo spaces to over 52 major domestic cities in the
PRC. Our customers are charged based on the class and weight of goods
shipped.
Insurance
We
presently have Directors and Officers insurance with AIG. The policy
is for a term of one year commencing June 23, 2008 to June 23, 2009 for an
aggregate liability of $5,000,000. We have paid a premium of
$42,436 for the policy. We do not have any other
insurance.
Intellectual
Property
We have
applied to register the following trademarks with the Trademark Bureau of the
State Administration for Industry & Commerce:
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Trademark
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Class
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Registrant
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UTG
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16,
39, 43
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Shenzhen
Yu Zhi Lu Aviation Service Company Limited
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TRIPEASY
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39,
42
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Shenzhen
Yu Zhi Lu Aviation Service Company
Limited
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We,
through our subsidiary, XGN, have the “古都之旅” trademark
registered under Class 39 with the Trademark Burean of the State Administration
for Industry & Commerce. The term of the registration is valid
from January 7, 2005 through to January 6, 2015.
Class 16
(Paper goods and printed matter) covers paper, cardboard and goods made from
these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; bookbinding
material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household
purposes; artists' materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites
(except furniture); instructional and teaching material (except apparatus);
plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); playing cards;
printers' type; printing blocks.
Class 39
covers transport, packaging and storage of goods and travel
arrangements.
Class 42
(Computer, scientific & legal) covers scientific and technological services
and research and design relating thereto: industrial analysis and research
services; design and development of computer hardware and software; legal
services.
Class 43
(Hotels and Restaurants) covers services for providing food and drink; temporary
accommodations.
We have
also registered the following domain names:
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Domain Name
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Owner
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Registration
Date
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Expiration Date
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www.cnutg.com
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Shenzhen
Yuzhilu Aviation Service Company Ltd
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2006-05-05
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2011-05-05
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www.cnutg.com.cn
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Shenzhen
Yuzhilu Aviation Service Company Ltd
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2006-07-27
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2013-07-27
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www.cnutg.cn
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Shenzhen
Yuzhilu Aviation Service Company Ltd
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2006-07-27
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2012-07-27
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www.cnutg.net
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Shenzhen
Yuzhilu Aviation Service Company Ltd
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2006-07-27
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2012-07-27
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www.cnutg.net.cn
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Shenzhen
Yuzhilu Aviation Service Company Ltd
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2006-07-27
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2012-07-27
|
Customers
Our
customer base is very diversified and numerous. Almost all our
customers are individuals and none of our customers comprise more than 1% of our
revenue. The loss of any one of our customer will not have a material
adverse effect on any segment of our business or our business, as a
whole.
Revenue
Breakdown
Packaged
Tours
Below is
a breakdown the number of sales of our packaged tours for the past three
years:
|
Year
|
|
Visitors
|
|
|
Number
of visitors multiplied by
the number of days comprising the
tour
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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2006
|
|
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65,981 |
|
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238,924 |
|
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2007
|
|
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93,984 |
|
|
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364,676 |
|
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2008
|
|
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139,242 |
|
|
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521,270 |
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Air-ticketing
Below is
a breakdown of the number of air tickets sold for the past three
years:
|
Year
|
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Number of Tickets
|
|
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2006
|
|
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601,
000 |
|
|
2007
|
|
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1,084,000 |
|
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2008
|
|
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1,720,000 |
|
Hotel
Reservations
Below is
a breakdown of the number of hotel room nights booked through us for the past
three years:
|
Year
|
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Number of Room Nights
|
|
|
2006
|
|
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352,000 |
|
|
2007
|
|
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680,000 |
|
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2008
|
|
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1,466,000 |
|
Cargo
Below is
a breakdown of the volume of cargo shipped through us for the past three
years.
|
Year
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Tons
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
869 |
|
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2007
|
|
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3,612 |
|
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2008
|
|
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2,089 |
|
Suppliers
Our major
suppliers for our air-ticketing and air cargo business are mainly the PRC
domestic airlines. We contract directly and individually with each
hotel and supplier of the various components of our packaged tours.
We do not
have long term contracts with any one of our suppliers. We typically
sign one year contracts, which renew for successive one-year terms unless
earlier terminated by either party. The main terms of such contracts
would typically comprise terms pertaining to authorizations, trade deposits and
payment method.
We are
not dependent on any one supplier and most of our suppliers are competitors
against each other within their own industry. Accordingly, we are
able to choose the supplier with the most favorable terms to contract with and
because such terms vary from time to time, our list of suppliers constantly
changes too.
Our
online reservation database is managed in-house and we are not dependent on a
third party service provider to maintain our database and ensure that it is
stable and secure.
Sales
and Marketing
We
advertise our services for the general public through roadside billboards,
brochures, internet ads, cell phone message ads, newspapers and magazines
ads.
Sales and
marketing for the past three years account for very small percentage of our
revenue, and as our TRIPEASY Travel Service
Kiosks will be serving as an effective media platform in the coming years and a
marketing tool for us, we believe our sales and marketing expenses will not
increase materially.
Below is
the breakdown of sales and marketing expenses for our various subsidiaries for
the past year:
|
Subsidiary
|
|
Amount (RMB)/ (US$)
|
|
Foshan
Overseas International Travel Service Co., Ltd.
|
|
119,669
/ $17,496
|
|
Shenzhen
Speedy Dragon Enterprise Limited
|
|
11,000
/ $1,608
|
|
Shenzhen
Yu Zhi Lu Aviation Service Company Limited
|
|
870,000
/ $127,193 (Media Advertisement expenses)862,000 /
$126,024 (Airport Marketing expenses)
|
|
Shanghai
Lanbao Travel Service Company Limited
|
|
15,000
/ $2,192 (Advertisements)
25,000
/ $3,655 (Website)
17,000
/ $2,486
(Promotions)
|
We
anticipate that our sales and marketing expenses for fiscal year 2009 would
remain roughly the same.
Competition
Our main
competitors in China in the online booking industry for air-tickets and hotel
reservations include Ctrip.com International, Ltd. and eLong, Inc.
It is
very difficult to assess our competitors in the packaged tour business as there
are numerous packaged tour providers in the PRC that operate different routes
every year.
Our main
competitors for the cargo agency business stem from the direct sales departments
operated by the various airlines companies themselves.
Many of
our competitors, particularly those engaged in the online booking industry, are
better established than us, are more widely known to consumers, and have larger
infrastructures and greater capital resources.
Our
Competitive Advantage
We
believe that we have the following advantages over our competitors:
|
|
|
our
business model and sources of revenue are diversified in that we are
involved in the air ticketing, hotel reservations, packaged tours, and air
cargo agency businesses and any negative impact on one line of business
may buffered by our other lines of
businesses;
|
|
|
|
our
businesses and presence are spread out throughout the PRC, which makes us
less susceptible to a total loss or interruption to our business in the
event of a natural calamity; and
|
|
|
|
we
plan to roll out more of the TRIPEASY Travel Service
Kiosks (“Kiosks”) in 2009 in certain selected cities in the
PRC. The Kiosks would enable our customer to make travel
related inquiries and book their travel without a computer or an internet
connection. They should appeal to computer users who do not
make travel related transactions over the internet from their computers
and non-computer owners.
|
Our
Future Goals and Expansion Plans
We are planning a nationwide
rollout of the TRIPEASY Travel Service Kiosks
within the next two years. The Kiosks will be located everywhere
including hotels, office buildings, banks, shopping malls and MTR stations. The
Company will promote the Kiosks via local media such as newspapers, billboards
and internet ads, including its own award-winning website, www.cnutg.com, as
well as other related websites, which will in turn further the Company’s brand
recognition. The Kiosks themselves will provide a strong media platform to
strengthen Universal Travel Group’s franchise. Additionally, the Kiosks’
interface will feature the same look, feel and functionality as Universal Travel
Group’s new website, www.cnutg.com.cn,
which integrates the Company’s diversified services into a new platform with
selected value- added features and functionality.
The
Kiosks are interactive terminals placed in strategically targeted public areas.
They will enable convenient, fast and easy to use, real-time air ticketing
inquiries, reservations and purchases, as well as hotel and tour reservations.
The Kiosks will provide full 360° views of hotels and travel destinations and
accept payment via bank cards, debit cards and VISA. According to Credit Suisse
Research, the number of domestic travelers in the PRC that use online travel
services continues to rise, accounting for 16% of users in 2007, up from 12% in
2005. The Company initially plans to introduce the Kiosks in selected major
cities in the PRC, with approximately 600 Kiosks to be rolled out in 2009. Major
cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen have a higher proportion of people using
online travel services as compared to the rest of the PRC, representing 23% and
20% of the users in 2007, respectively. According to the China Internet Network
Information Center, the PRC is the world’s largest market for internet users.
Despite this, 95% of internet users still do not make purchases over the
internet. The TRIPEASY Kiosks will eliminate the need for a personal computer or
online access in order to make travel arrangements and are specifically targeted
at this demographic of users.
Our beta
testing of the Kiosks has shown promising results. The TRIPEASY Kiosks will
serve, together with our website and call center, to integrate our air ticket
sales, hotel room sales, and packaged tours businesses. We are working on a
cost-effective way for a potential rollout by bundling it with Byte Power (CQ)
Info Tech Limited's (a subsidiary of Byte Power Group Limited - ASE: BPG.AX)
E-Kiosks. This will allow us to enter a new market in Chongqing quickly and
efficiently.
Employees
At the
current time, in addition to our officers, we have approximately 200 full-time
employees. None of our employees is a member of a union and our relationships
with our employees are generally satisfactory. In accordance with Chinese Labor
Law, we provide social security and medical insurance to all our
employees.
Government
Regulations
General
Regulation of Businesses
Air-ticketing.
The air-ticketing business is subject to the supervision of China National
Aviation Transportation Association, or CNATA, and its regional branches. Prior
to March 31, 2006, the principal regulation governing air-ticketing in China is
the Administration on Civil Aviation Transporting Marketing Agency Business
Regulations (1993). The said regulation was abolished by PRC government on
January 24, 2008. Currently the principal regulation governing air-ticketing in
the PRC is the Rules on Cognizance of Qualification for Civil Aviation
Transporting Marketing Agencies (2006) which became effective on March 31,
2006.
Under
these regulations, prior to May 19, 2005, an air-ticketing agency was required
to obtain a permit from CAAC or its regional branch in every city in which the
agency propose to conduct its air-ticketing business. On and after May 19, 2005,
any entity that wishes to conduct the air-ticketing business in the PRC must
apply for an air-ticketing permit from CNATA. The regulations provide for a
transitional grace period for air-ticketing agencies that have obtained a valid
license from CAAC or its regional branch prior to the promulgation of the new
rules. These agencies are permitted to use their original licenses until such
licenses expire.
Travel
Agency. The travel industry is subject to the supervision of the China
National Tourism Administration and local tourism administrations. The principal
regulations governing travel agencies in the PRC include:
|
|
|
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Administration
of Travel Agencies Regulations (1996), as amended in December 2001;
and
|
|
|
|
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Administration
of Travel Agencies Regulations Implementing Rules
(2001).
|
Under
these regulations, a travel agency must obtain a license from the China National
Tourism Administration to conduct cross-border travel business, and a license
from the provincial-level tourism administration to conduct domestic travel
agency business.
Advertising.
The State General Administration of Industry and Commerce is responsible for
regulating advertising activities in the PRC. The principal regulations
governing advertising (including online advertising) in China
include:
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Administration
of Advertising Regulations (1987);
and
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|
|
|
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Implementing
rules of the Administration of Advertising Regulations
(2004).
|
Under
these regulations, any entity conducting advertising activities must obtain an
advertising permit from the local Administration of Industry and
Commerce.
Value-added
Telecommunications Business and Online Commerce. Our provision of
travel-related content on our websites is subject to PRC laws and regulations
relating to the telecommunications industry and Internet, and regulated by
various government authorities, including the Ministry of Information Industry
and the State General Administration of Industry and Commerce. The principal
regulations governing the telecommunications industry and Internet
include:
|
|
|
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Telecommunications
Regulations (2000);
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|
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The
Administrative Measures for Telecommunications Business Operating Licenses
(2001); and
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The
Internet Information Services Administrative Measures
(2000).
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Under
these regulations, Internet content provision services are classified as
value-added telecommunications businesses, and a commercial operator of such
services must obtain a value-added telecommunications business license from the
appropriate telecommunications authorities to conduct any commercial value-added
telecommunications operations in the PRC.
With
respect to online commerce, there are no specific PRC laws at the national level
governing online commerce or defining online commerce activities, and no
government authority has been designated to regulate online commerce. There are
existing regulations governing retail business that require companies to obtain
licenses to engage in the business. However, it is unclear whether these
existing regulations will be applied to online commerce.
Regulation
of Foreign Currency Exchange and Dividend Distribution
Foreign Currency
Exchange. The principal regulation governing foreign currency exchange
in the PRC is the Foreign Currency Administration Rules (1996), as
amended. Under these Rules, RMB is freely convertible for trade and
service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not for direct investment,
loan or investment in securities outside China unless the prior approval of the
State Administration for Foreign Exchange of the People’s Republic of
China is obtained.
Pursuant
to the Foreign Currency Administration Rules, foreign investment enterprises in
the PRC may purchase foreign currency without the approval of the State
Administration for Foreign Exchange of the PRC for trade and service-related
foreign exchange transactions by providing commercial documents evidencing these
transactions. They may also retain foreign exchange (subject to a cap approved
by the State Administration for Foreign Exchange of the PRC) to satisfy foreign
exchange liabilities or to pay dividends. In addition, if a foreign company
acquires a company in the PRC, the acquired company will also become a foreign
investment enterprise. However, the relevant PRC government authorities may
limit or eliminate the ability of foreign investment enterprises to purchase and
retain foreign currencies in the future. In addition, foreign exchange
transactions for direct investment, loan and investment in securities outside
the PRC are still subject to limitations and require approvals from the State
Administration for Foreign Exchange of the PRC.
Dividend
Distribution. The principal regulations governing distribution of
dividends of wholly foreign-owned companies include:
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The
Foreign Investment Enterprise Law (1986), as amended in October
2000;
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Administrative
Rules under the Foreign Investment Enterprise Law
(2001);
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Company
Law of the PRC (2005); and
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Enterprise
Income Tax Law and its Implementation Rules
(2007).
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Under
these regulations, foreign investment enterprises in the PRC may pay dividends
only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC
accounting standards and regulations. In addition, wholly foreign-owned
enterprises in the PRC are required to set aside at least 10% of their
respective accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds,
unless such reserve funds have reached 50% of their respective registered
capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends.
Under the
new EIT Law, dividends, interests, rent, royalties and gains on transfers of
property payable by a foreign-invested enterprise in the PRC to its foreign
investor who is a non-resident enterprise will be subject to a 10% withholding
tax, unless such non-resident enterprise’s jurisdiction of
incorporation has a tax treaty with the PRC that provides for a reduced rate of
withholding tax.
Under the
new EIT Law, an enterprise established outside the PRC with its “de facto
management body” within the PRC is
considered a resident enterprise and will be subject to the enterprise income
tax at the rate of 25% on its worldwide income. The “de facto
management body” is defined as the
organizational body that effectively exercises overall management and control
over production and business operations, personnel, finance and accounting, and
properties of the enterprise. It remains unclear how the PRC tax authorities
will interpret such a board definition.
According
to the new EIT law, enterprises that currently enjoy a preferential tax rate
will transition to the statutory enterprise income tax rate of 25% over five
years. The applicable tax rate will increase to 18% for 2008, 20% in
2009, 22% in 2010, 24% in 2011 and 25% in 2012. Enterprises who are
currently subject to an enterprise income tax rate of 24% will have their rates
increased to 25% in 2008.
The
current tax rates of our various subsidiaries are: for YZL (Shenzhen Yu Zhi Lu
Aviation Service Company Limited ), 15%; for SSD (,Shenzhen Speedy Dragon
Enterprise Limited) 15%, for SLB (Shanghai Lanbao Travel Service Company
Limited, 33%, for XGN (Xi'an Golden Net Travel Serve Service Company
Limited), 33% and for FOI (Foshan Overseas International Travel Service Co.,
Ltd.), 33%. For 2008, these rates will be adjusted to 18%, 18%, 25%, 25% and 25%
respectively.
Notwithstanding
the foregoing provision, the new EIT Law also provides that, if a resident
enterprise directly invests in another resident enterprise, the dividends
received by the investing resident enterprise from the invested enterprise are
exempted from income tax, subject to certain conditions.
Moreover,
under the new EIT Law, foreign ADS holders may be subject to a 10% withholding
tax upon dividends payable by a Chinese entity and gains realized on the sale or
other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares, if such income is sourced from
within the PRC and we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise.
Approvals,
licenses and certificates
We have
received the following licenses and approvals:
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“First
Class Air-Ticketing Agency” awarded by the CAAC and IATA to
YZL;
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“Second
Class Air Cargo Agency” awarded by the CAAC and IATA to
SSD;
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“International
Travel Agency” awarded by the China Travel Bureau to FOI;
and
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“Domestic
Travel Agency” awarded by the China Travel Bureau to
XGN.
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Item
1A. Risk
Factors.
The
reader should carefully consider each of the risks described below. If any of
the following risks described below should occur, our business, financial
condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected and
the
trading price of our Common Stock could decline significantly.
An
investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should
carefully consider the risks described below and the other information contained
in this prospectus before deciding to invest in our Common Stock.
Risks
Related to the Company
Risks
associated with business declines or disruptions in the travel industry
generally could reduce our revenue.
A large
part of our revenue is driven by the trends that occur in the travel industry in
the PRC, including the hotel, airline and packaged-tour industries. As the
travel industry is highly sensitive to business and personal discretionary
spending levels, it tends to decline during general economic downturns. Other
adverse trends or events that tend to reduce travel and are likely to reduce our
revenue include the following:
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an
outbreak of political or economic unrest in
China;
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a
recurrence of SARS or any other serious contagious
diseases;
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increased
prices in the hotel, airline, or other travel-related
industries;
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increased
occurrence of travel-related
accidents;
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outbreak
of war or conflict in the Asia-Pacific
region;
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increases
in terrorism or the occurrence of a terrorist attack in the
Asia-Pacific region;
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poor
weather conditions; and
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We could
be severely affected by changes in the travel industry and will, in many cases,
have little or no control over those changes. As a result of any of these
events, our operating results and financial conditions could be materially and
adversely affected.
Loss
of key personnel could affect our ability to successfully grow our
business.
We are
highly dependent upon the services of our senior management team. The permanent
loss for any of the key executives could have a material adverse effect upon our
operating results.
Our
management is comprised almost entirely of individuals residing in the PRC with
very limited English skills
Our
management is comprised almost entirely of individuals born and raised in the
PRC. As a result of differences in culture, educational background and business
experiences, our management may analyze, evaluate and present business
opportunities and results of operations differently from the way they are
analyzed, evaluated and presented by management teams of public companies in
Europe and the United States. In addition, our management has very limited
skills in English. Consequently, it is possible that our management team will
emphasize or fail to emphasize aspects of our business that might customarily be
emphasized in a different manner by comparable public companies from different
geographical and political areas.
Our
management is not familiar with the United States securities laws.
Our
management and the former owners of the businesses we acquire are generally
unfamiliar with the requirements of the United States securities laws and may
not appreciate the need to devote the resources necessary to comply with such
laws. A failure to adequately respond to applicable securities laws could lead
to investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory
authorities that could be costly, divert management's attention and disrupt our
business.
Our
operating history is not an adequate basis to judge our future
prospects.
We have
encountered and will continue to encounter risks and difficulties frequently
experienced by companies in evolving industries such as the travel service
industry in the PRC. Some of the risks relate to our ability to:
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attract
and retain customers and encourage our customers to engage in repeat
transactions;
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retain
our existing agreements with travel suppliers such as hotels and airlines
and to expand our service offerings on satisfactory terms with our travel
suppliers;
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operate,
support, expand and develop our operations, our call center, our website,
and our communications and other
systems;
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diversify
our sources of revenue;
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maintain
effective control of our expenses;
and
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respond
to changes in our regulatory
environment.
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If we are
not successful in addressing any or all of these risks, our business may be
materially affected in an adverse manner.
The
travel industry in China is seasonal.
Our
business travel operations experience seasonal fluctuations, reflecting seasonal
variations in demand for travel services. During the first quarter, demand for
travel services generally declines in the PRC and the number of
bookings flattens or decreases, in part due to a slowdown in business activity
during the Chinese New Year holiday. Demand for travel services generally peaks
during the second half of the year and there may be seasonal luctuations
in allocations of travel services made available to us by travel suppliers.
Consequently, our revenue may fluctuate from quarter to
quarter.
Our
business depends on the technology infrastructure of third parties.
We rely
on third-party computer systems and other service providers, including the
computerized reservation systems of airlines and hotels to make reservations and
confirmations. Other third parties provide, for instance, our back-up data
center, telecommunications access lines, significant computer systems and
software licensing, support and maintenance service and air-ticket delivery. Any
interruption in these or other third-party services or deterioration in their
performance could impair the quality of our service.
Risks
Related to our Common Stock
There
is a limited public market for our Common Stock.
There is
currently a limited public market for our Common Stock. Holders of our Common
Stock may, therefore, have difficulty selling their Common Stock, should they
decide to do so. In addition, there can be no assurances that such markets will
continue or that any shares of Common Stock, which may be purchased, may be sold
without incurring a loss. Any such market price of the Common Stock may not
necessarily bear any relationship to our book value, assets, past operating
results, financial condition or any other established criteria
of value, and may not be indicative of the market price for the Common Stock in
the future. Further, the market price for the Common Stock may be volatile
depending on a number of factors, including business performance, industry
dynamics, and news announcements or changes in general economic
conditions.
Ownership
of our Common Stock is concentrated.
Our
Common Stock is owned by a relatively small number of holders, some of whom have
business relationships in the PRC. A determination by any of such holders to
sell all or a substantial portion of its holdings could depress the trading
price of our Common Stock.
We
have not and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our Common
Stock.
We have
paid no dividends on our Common Stock to date and it is not anticipated that any
dividends will be paid to holders of our Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
While our future dividend policy will be based on the operating results and
capital needs of the business, it is currently anticipated that any earnings
will be retained to finance our future expansion and for the implementation of
our business plan. As an investor, you should take note of the fact that a lack
of a dividend can further affect the market value of our stock, and could
significantly affect the value of any investment in our Company.
We
will incur significant costs as a result of operating as a public company and
our management will be required to devote substantial time to compliance
requirements.
As a
public company we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses under
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, together with rules implemented by the
Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable market regulators. These rules
impose various requirements on public companies, including requiring certain
corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel will need to
devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance
requirements.
In
addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain
effective internal controls for financial reporting and disclosure controls and
procedures. In particular, commencing in 2007, we must perform system and
process evaluations and testing of our internal controls over financial
reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal
controls over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Our testing may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls
over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. Compliance
with Section 404 may require that we incur substantial accounting expenses and
expend significant management efforts. If we are not able to comply with the
requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if our accountants later
identify deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are
deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of our stock could decline
and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other
applicable regulatory authorities.
Our
Board of Directors has the authority, without stockholder approval, to issue
preferred stock with terms that may not be beneficial to common stock
holders.
Our
Amended and Restated Articles of incorporation authorizes the issuance of
preferred shares which may be issued with dividend, liquidation, voting and
redemption rights senior to our Common Stock without prior approval by the
stockholders. The Preferred Stock may be issued for such consideration as may be
fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may
issue such shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, with such
designations, preferences and rights or qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof as shall be stated in the resolution of
resolutions.
The
issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power and other
rights of the holders of common stock. Preferred stock may be issued quickly
with terms calculated to discourage, make more difficult, delay or prevent a
change in control of our Company or make removal of management more difficult.
As a result, the Board of Directors' ability to issue preferred stock may
discourage the potential hostile acquirer, possibly resulting in beneficial
negotiations. Negotiating with an unfriendly acquirer may result in, among other
things, terms more favorable to us and our stockholders. Conversely, the
issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect any market price of, and the
voting and other rights of the holders of the Common Stock. We presently have
no
plans to
issue any preferred stock.
Our
Common Stock is subject to the Penny Stock Regulations
Our
Common Stock and will likely be subject to the SEC's “penny stock” rules to the
extent that the price remains less than $5.00. Those rules, which require
delivery of a schedule explaining the penny stock market and the associated
risks before any sale, may further limit your ability to sell your
shares.
The SEC
has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be an equity
security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. Our Common Stock,
when and if a trading market develops, may fall within the definition of penny
stock and subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on
broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established
customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of
$1,000,000, or annual incomes exceeding $200,000 or $300,000, together with
their spouse).
For
transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special
suitability determination for the purchase of such securities and have received
the purchaser's prior written consent to the transaction. Additionally, for any
transaction, other than exempt transactions, involving a penny stock, the rules
require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a risk disclosure document
mandated by the Commission relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer
also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the
registered representative, current quotations for the securities and, if the
broker-dealer is the sole market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this
fact and the broker-dealer's presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly
statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock
held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
Consequently, the `penny stock` rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealers
to sell our Common Stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell their
Common Stock in the secondary market.
As
an issuer of “penny stock” the protection provided by the federal securities
laws relating to forward-looking statements does not apply to us and as a result
we could be subject to legal action.
Although
federal securities laws provide a safe harbor for forward-looking statements
made by a public company that files reports under the federal securities laws,
this safe harbor is not available to issuers of penny stocks. As a result, if we
are a penny stock, we will not have the benefit of this safe harbor protection
in the event of any legal action based upon a claim that the material provided
by us contained a material misstatement of fact or was misleading in any
material respect because of our failure to include any statements necessary to
make the statements not misleading. Such an action could hurt our financial
condition.
For more
information about penny stocks, contact the Office of Filings, Information and
Consumer Services of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or by telephone at 1-800-732-0330.
The
issuance of shares through our stock compensation plans may dilute the value of
existing stockholders and may affect the market price of our stock.
Although
we do not have an option or other equity-based incentive plan at present, in the
future we may use stock options, stock grants and other equity-based incentives,
to provide motivation and compensation to our officers, employees and key
independent consultants. The award of any such incentives will result in an
immediate and potentially substantial dilution to our existing stockholders and
could result in a decline in the value of our stock price. The exercise of these
options and the sale of the underlying shares of common stock and the sale of
stock issued pursuant to stock grants may have an adverse effect upon the price
of our stock.
Risks
Related to Doing Business in The People’s Republic of China
It
may be difficult for our stockholders to enforce their rights against the
Company or its officers or directors.
Because
our principal assets are located outside of the United States and some of our
directors and all of our executive officers reside outside of the United States,
it may be difficult for you to enforce your rights based on the United States
Federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors in the United
States or to enforce judgments of United States courts against us or them in the
People's Republic of China.
In
addition, our operating subsidiaries and substantially all of our assets are
located outside of the United States. You will find it difficult to enforce your
legal rights based on the civil liability provisions of the United States
Federal securities laws against us in the courts of either the United States or
the People's Republic of China and, even if civil judgments are obtained in
courts of the United States, to enforce such judgments in the courts
of the
People's Republic of China. In addition, it is unclear if extradition treaties
in effect between the United States and the People's Republic of China would
permit effective enforcement against us or our officers and directors of
criminal
penalties, under the United States Federal securities laws or
otherwise.
Our
business operations take place primarily in the PRC. Because Chinese laws,
regulations and policies are continually changing, our operations will face
numerous risks.
Because
our operations primarily take place outside of the United States and are subject
to Chinese laws, regulations and policies affecting any change of Chinese laws
may adversely affect our business, such as exchange controls and currency
restrictions, currency fluctuations and devaluations, changes in local economic
conditions, changes in Chinese laws and regulations, exposure to possible
expropriation or other Chinese government actions, and unsettled political
conditions. These factors may have a material adverse effect on our operations
or on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
China's
economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects,
including substantial governmental regulation, development, growth rate, control
of foreign exchange, significant restrictions on property rights, taxation
levels, and permitted allocation of resources. While the People's Republic of
China economy has experienced significant growth in the past 20 years, growth
has been uneven across different regions and among various economic sectors of
China. The government of the People's Republic of China has implemented various
measures to encourage economic development and guide the allocation of
resources, which may or may not achieve the desired results or stated goals.
Some of these measures may benefit the overall economy of People's Republic
of China, but may also have a negative effect on us or on the economy in
general. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be
adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in
tax regulations that are applicable to us. Since early 2004, the government of
the People's Republic of China has implemented certain measures to control the
pace of economic growth. Such measures may cause a decrease in the level of
economic activity in the People’s Republic of China, which could adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Limitations
on Chinese economic market reforms may discourage foreign investment in Chinese
businesses.
The value
of investments in Chinese businesses could be adversely affected by political,
economic and social uncertainties in China. The economic reforms in China in
recent years are regarded by China's central government as a way to introduce
economic market forces into China. Given the overriding desire of the
central
government leadership to maintain stability in China amid rapid social and
economic changes in the country, the economic market reforms of recent years
could be slowed, or even reversed.
We
face economic risks in doing business in the PRC.
As a
developing nation, the PRC's economy is more volatile than that of developed
Western industrial economies. It differs significantly from that of the U.S. or
a Western European country in such respects as structure, level of development,
capital reinvestment, resource allocation and self-sufficiency. Only in recent
years has the Chinese economy moved from what had been a command economy through
the 1970s to one that during the 1990s encouraged substantial private economic
activity. In 1993, the Constitution of China was amended to reinforce such
economic reforms. The trends of the 1990s indicate that future policies of the
Chinese government will emphasize greater utilization of market forces. For
example, in 1999 the Government announced plans to amend the Chinese
Constitution
to recognize private property, although private business will officially remain
subordinated to the state-owned companies, which are the mainstay of the Chinese
economy. However, there can be no assurance that, under some
circumstances, the government's pursuit of economic reforms will not be
restrained or curtailed. Actions by the central government of the PRC could have
a significant adverse effect on economic conditions in the country as a whole
and on the economic prospects for our Chinese operations.
Any
slowdown of economic growth in the PRC could have a negative effect on our
business. There can be no assurance that the growth of the economy in the PRC
will continue or that any slowdown will not have a negative effect on our
business.
Our
online business relies on the existence of an
adequate telecommunications infrastructure for continued growth of
China's internet market.
Although
private sector Internet service providers currently exist in the PRC, almost all
access to the Internet is maintained through a network owned by China Netcom
under the regulatory supervision of China's Ministry of Information Industry. In
addition, the national networks in the PRC connect to the Internet through a
government-controlled international gateway. This international gateway is the
only channel through which a domestic Chinese user can connect to the
international Internet network. We rely on this infrastructure and China Netcom
to provide data communications capacity, primarily through local
telecommunications lines. We cannot assure you that this infrastructure will be
further developed. In addition, we will have no access to alternative networks
and services, on a timely basis if at all, in the event of any infrastructure
disruption or failure. The Internet infrastructure in the PRC may not support
the demands associated with continued growth in Internet usage.
We
may suffer currency exchange losses if the Renminbi depreciates relative to the
U.S. Dollar.
Our
reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. However, a substantial portion of our
assets and revenues are denominated in the Chinese currency, Renminbi, commonly
referred to as RMB. Our assets and revenues expressed in our U.S. dollar
financial statements will decline in value of the Renminbi depreciates relative
to the U.S. dollar. Any such depreciation could adversely affect the market
price of our Common Stock. Very limited hedging transactions are available in
the PRC to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations and we do not
intend to engage in any such transactions. In addition, our currency exchange
losses may be magnified by Chinese exchange control regulations that restrict
our ability to convert Renminbi into U.S. Dollars.
We
may not be able to freely convert Renminbi into foreign currency.
A portion
of our revenues and operating expenses will be denominated in Renminbi while a
portion of our capital expenditures are denominated in U.S.
dollars.
Under
current Chinese regulations, the payment of dividends, trade and service-related
foreign transactions to a foreign investor of a foreign-invested enterprise is
treated as a "current account" payment for which the approval of the State
Administration of Foreign Exchange is not required. However, in order to
distribute dividends we may be required to file documentation to a designated
foreign exchange bank. The Bank must certify that all requirements have been
met, such as payment of taxes, directors' approval and a capital verification
report issued by an accounting firm. If a foreign-invested enterprise dissolves,
a return of capital, which includes foreign direct investment, is treated as a
"capital account" payment. This typically requires approval of the State
Administration of Foreign Exchanges' in addition to the filing of
documentation.
We may
currently convert Renminbi for transactions under the "current account" without
the approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange for settlement of
"current account" transactions, including payment of dividends,
by providing commercial documents evidencing these transactions. They may also
retain foreign exchange in their current accounts (subject to a ceiling approved
by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange) to satisfy foreign exchange
liabilities or to pay dividends. However, the relevant Chinese governmental
authorities may limit or eliminate the ability to purchase and retain foreign
currencies in the future. Such change of policy would materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
Chinese legal and judicial system may negatively impact foreign
investors.
In 1982,
the National Peoples Congress amended the Constitution of China to authorize
foreign investment and guarantee the "lawful rights and interests" of foreign
investors in the PRC. However, the PRC's system of laws is not yet
comprehensive. The legal and judicial systems in the PRC are still rudimentary,
and enforcement of existing laws is inconsistent. Many judges in the PRC lack
the depth of legal training and experience that would be expected of a judge in
a more developed country. Because the Chinese judiciary is relatively
inexperienced in enforcing the laws that do exist, anticipation of judicial
decision-making is more uncertain than would be expected in a more developed
country. It may be impossible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of
laws that do exist, or to obtain enforcement of the judgment of one
court by a court of another jurisdiction. The PRC's legal system is based on
written statutes; a decision by one judge does not set a legal precedent that is
required to be followed by judges in other cases. In addition, the
interpretation of Chinese laws may be varied to reflect domestic political
changes.
The
promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws and the pre-emption of local
regulations by national laws may adversely affect foreign investors. However,
the trend of legislation over the last 20 years has significantly enhanced the
protection of foreign investment and allowed for more control by foreign parties
of their investments in Chinese enterprises. There can be no assurance that a
change in leadership, social or political disruption, or unforeseen
circumstances affecting the PRC’s political, economic or social life, will not
affect the Chinese government's ability to continue to support and pursue these
reforms. Such a shift could have a material adverse effect on our business and
prospects.
The
practical effect of the Peoples Republic of China legal system on our business
operations in the PRC can be viewed from two separate but intertwined
considerations. First, as a matter of substantive law, the Foreign Invested
Enterprise laws provide significant protection from government interference. In
addition, these laws guarantee the full enjoyment of the benefits of corporate
Articles and contracts to Foreign Invested Enterprise participants. These laws,
however, do impose standards concerning corporate formation and governance,
which are not qualitatively different from the general corporation laws of the
several states. Similarly, the Peoples Republic of China accounting laws mandate
accounting practices, which are not consistent with U.S. Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles. The PRC's accounting laws require that an annual
"statutory audit" be performed in accordance with the PRC accounting standards
and that the books of account of Foreign Invested Enterprises are maintained in
accordance with Chinese accounting laws. Article 14 of the Peoples Republic of
China Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise Law requires a Wholly Foreign-Owned
Enterprise to submit certain periodic fiscal reports and statements to designate
financial and tax authorities, at the risk of business license revocation.
Second, while the enforcement of substantive rights may appear less clear than
United States procedures, the Foreign Invested Enterprises and Wholly
Foreign-Owned Enterprises are Chinese registered companies, which enjoy the same
status as other Chinese registered companies in business-to-business dispute
resolution. Generally, the Articles of Association provide that all business
disputes pertaining to Foreign Invested Enterprises are to be resolved by the
Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce in Stockholm, Sweden,
applying Chinese substantive law. Any award rendered by this arbitration
tribunal is, by the express terms of the respective Articles of Association,
enforceable in accordance with the "United Nations Convention on the Recognition
and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (1958)." Therefore, as a practical
matter, although no assurances can be given, the Chinese legal infrastructure,
while different in operation from its United States counterpart, should not
present any significant impediment to the operation of Foreign Invested
Enterprises.
Item
1B. Unresolved
Staff Comments.
Not applicable.
Item
2. Properties.
All land
in the PRC is owned by the government and cannot be sold to any individual or
entity. Instead, the government grants landholders a "land use right" after a
purchase price for such "land use right" is paid to the government. The "land
use right" allows the holder the right to use the land for a specified long-term
period of time and enjoys all the incidents of ownership of the land. The
following are the details regarding Universal travel Group’s
land use rights with regard to the land that it
uses in its business.
Our
principal executive offices are located at Shennan Road, Hualian Center Room 301
- 304, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China. The offices contain approximately
8,600 square feet of usable space and are subject to a lease which expires
October 2010. The monthly rent payable for these offices is $5,400.
In
addition to our headquarters, YZL maintains offices at the locations
listed below which require aggregate monthly payments of $14,760.
|
|
1.
|
Baoan
Airport Branch: BT61-62, Area B, Shenzhen Baoan
Airport.
|
|
|
2.
|
Fuyong
Branch: No. 129. Bai Shi Sha Blvd, Fuyong Zhen, Shenzhen
City.
|
|
|
3.
|
Longhua
Zhuojing Branch: No.11 Sheng Di Long Quan, Ban Ren Min Bei Road, Longhua
Blvd, Shenzhen City.
|
|
|
4.
|
Xinzhou
Branch: 1st Floor Business Center, Chu Tian Hotel, Hubei Building, Bin He
Road, Shenzhen City.
|
|
|
5.
|
No.
2008 Shennan Road, Hua Lian Building Suite 305-309, Shenzhen
City.
|
FOI
maintains 9 offices around the Guangzhou, which aggregate monthly rental amounts
to $4,430;
XGN
maintains 3 offices in Xi’an and the aggregate monthly rent amounts to
$707;
SLB
maintains its main office in Shanghai and its monthly rent is
$5,630;
SSD’s
headquarters are in Shenzhen Baoan Airport and its monthly rent is
$4,379.
We plan
to expand our operations and lease more office space in the near
future. We anticipate that our monthly rental expenses will increase
to about $50,000, including the rentals for our TRIPEASY Travel Service
Kiosks.
Item
3. Legal Proceedings.
We know
of no material, active, pending or threatened proceeding against us or our
subsidiaries, nor are we, or any subsidiary, involved as a plaintiff or
defendant in any material proceeding or pending litigation.
Item
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
None.
PART
II
Item
5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of
Equity
Securities.
Market
Information
Our
common stock is traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “UTVG.OB”.
Prior to August 21, 2006, the date we changed our name from TAM of Henderson,
Inc. to Universal Travel Group, our Common Stock was quoted under the symbol
"TMHN.OB".
The
prices set forth below reflect the quarterly high and low bid price information
for shares of our Common Stock for the periods indicated. These quotations are
taken from the OTC Bulletin Board. They reflect inter-dealer prices, without
retail markup, markdown or commission, and may not represent actual
transactions.
|
Calendar Quarter
|
|
Low Bid
|
|
|
High Bid
|
|
|
2007
First Quarter
|
|
$ |
0.40 |
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
2007
Second Quarter
|
|
$ |
1.57 |
|
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
2007
Third Quarter
|
|
$ |
1.85 |
|
|
$ |
4.08 |
|
|
2007
Fourth Quarter
|
|
$ |
2.75 |
|
|
$ |
5.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008
First Quarter
|
|
$ |
1.45 |
|
|
$ |
3.82 |
|
|
2008
Second Quarter
|
|
$ |
1.12 |
|
|
$ |
2.86 |
|
|
2008
Third Quarter
|
|
$ |
0.87 |
|
|
$ |
1.65 |
|
|
2008
Fourth Quarter
|
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
$ |
1.10 |
|
Holders
of Securities
As of
March 12, 2009, there were approximately 37 holders of record of our Common
Stock, including shares held in street name by brokerage firms. The
holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record
on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of the
Common Stock have no preemptive rights and no right to convert their
Common Stock into any other securities. There are no redemption or
sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock.
Our
Common Stock is covered by a Commission rule that imposes additional sales
practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons
other than established customers and accredited investors, which are generally
institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with net worth
in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly
with their spouse. For transactions covered by the rule, the broker-dealer must
make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and transaction prior
to the sale. Consequently, the rule may affect the ability of broker-dealers to
sell our securities and also may affect the ability of purchasers of our Common
Stock to sell their shares in the secondary market. It may also cause fewer
broker-dealers to be willing to make a market in our common stock, and it may
affect the level of news coverage we receive.
Dividends
We have
not declared or paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock since our inception,
and our board of directors currently intends to retain all earnings for use in
the business for the foreseeable future. Any future payment of dividends will
depend upon our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements
and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. There are currently
no restrictions that limit our ability to declare cash dividends on our Common
Stock and we do not believe that there are any that are likely to do so in the
future.
Securities
Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
In
January 2007, we adopted the Universal Travel Group 2007 Equity
Incentive Plan. In the first quarter of 2007, we issued 3,770,000 shares of our
Common Stock pursuant to the Plan for services rendered from October 2, 2006,
through February 28, 2007. At the time of issuance the 3,770,000
shares were valued at $1,583,400, of which $950,040 was charged against earnings
in 2006 and $633,360 was charged against earnings for 2007.
There are
no longer any shares available for issuance pursuant to the Universal Travel
Group 2007 Equity Incentive Plan.
During
2007 we issued options to purchase 100,000 shares to each of three newly
appointed directors. The options are exercisable for a period of approximately
10 years from the date of issuance and are exercisable at prices of $1.95; $2.85
and $3.75, respectively. All three directors have to date ceased to be directors
of the Company. Accordingly, only an aggregate of options to purchase
66,666 shares of our Common Stock has vested amongst these three
ex-directors.
Additionally,
on June 24, 2008, we granted an option to purchase 100,000 shares of our Common
Stock to our newly appointed director, Yizhao Zhang. His option is
exercisable for a period of approximately 10 years from the date of issuance and
is exercisable at $1.52 per share. The
option holder has no voting or dividend rights. We record the expense of the
stock options over the related vesting period. The options were valued using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model at the model at the date of grant stock
option pricing.
In
January 2009, we adopted the Universal Travel Group 2009 Incentive Stock
Plan. On January 20, 2009, we issued options to purchases 6,000,000
shares of Common Stock to our Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Jiangping Jiang at an
exercise price of $1.28. The remaining options to purchase 600,000
shares of Common Stock were issued on the same date to various employees at an
exercise price of $0.90. The term of each option was for 10
years. The options vest in six annual equal
installments. However, in the event (i) the Company reports an after
tax Net Income of $14,000,000 in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with
the SEC for its fiscal year 2008, then options to purchase one-third of the
shares granted shall vest and become immediately exercisable and each grantee of
such options shall be entitled to exercise his/her options rateably, (ii)
the Company reports an after tax Net Income of $18,000,000 in its Annual
Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for its fiscal year 2009, then options to
purchase another one-third of the shares granted shall vest and
become immediately exercisable and each grantee of such options shall be
entitled to exercise his/her options rateably and (iii) the Company reports an
after tax Net Income of $22,000,000 in its Annual Report on Form 10-K
filed with the SEC for its fiscal year 2010, then options to purchase another
one-third of the shares granted shall vest and become immediately exercisable
and each grantee of such options shall be entitled to exercise his/her options
rateably. As of the date of this Annual Report, all the
6,600,000 options to purchase our Common Stock under the Universal Travel Group
2009 Incentive Stock Plan have been issued and there are no longer any shares
available for issuance under the said Plan.
The
following table provides information as of the date hereof our outstanding
equity compensation plans and
arrangements.
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
|
Plan
Category
|
|
Number
of securities to be
issued
upon exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants
and rights
(a)
|
|
|
Weighted
average exercise
price
of outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
(b)
|
|
|
Number
of securities
remaining
available for
future
issuance under
equity
compensation plans
(excluding
securities
reflected
in column (a))
(c)
|
|
|
Equity
compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
6,600,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.24 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
Equity
compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
166,666 |
|
|
$ |
2.232 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
Total
|
|
|
166,666 |
|
|
$ |
2.232 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Warrants
On August
28, 2008, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Access
America Fund, LP, Chinamerica Fund LP, Pope Investments II LLC, Heller Capital
Investments, LLC, CGM as C/F Ronald I. Heller IRA, Investment Hunter, LLC, MARed
Investments, High Capital Funding, LLC, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith, FBO Beau L. Johnson (collectively, the “Buyers”) to sell to the Buyers
4,588,708 shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase 2,294,356 shares of
Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $7,112,500. The
Financing closed on August 29, 2008.
Each
warrant has an Exercise Price of $2.71 and a term of 5 years from the date of
issuance. We shall have the right at any time, on written notice given not less
than forty five (45) days prior to the Redemption Date (which is the date the
warrants are to be redeemed), to redeem the outstanding warrants at the
Redemption Price of one cent ($.01) per share of Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of the warrants, provided (i) the Market Price (as defined in the
warrant) of the Common Stock shall equal or exceed $8.13 for at least thirty
(30) Trading Days prior to the call for redemption by the Company, (ii) the
shares of Common Stock are trading on a recognized U.S. share exchange, which
shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or the
Nasdaq Stock Market (including the Global Select, Global and Capital Markets)
and (iii) we are current in all our reporting obligations under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. All warrants must be redeemed if any warrants are
redeemed.
We may
only exercise the right of redemption of the warrants if a registration
statement covering the sale by the holder(s) of the shares of Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of the warrants is current and effective on each day in
the period commencing on the first day of call for redemption and ending sixty
(60) days after the Redemption Date. In the event that, at any time subsequent
to the date on which the warrants are called for redemption and before the
Redemption Date, the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise or conversion
of the warrants are not subject to a current and effective registration
statement, our right to call the warrants for redemption shall terminate with
respect to all warrants that have not then been exercised or converted. The
Redemption Date shall be postponed for two (2) Trading Days for each day after
the warrants are called for redemption that the Market Price of the Common Stock
is less than the $8.13; provided, however, that if the Market Price shall be
less than $8.13 for ten (10) consecutive Trading Days or fifteen (15) Trading
Days during the period from the date the warrants are called for redemption to
the Redemption Date, our right to redeem any warrants not theretofore exercised
or converted shall terminate, subject to the right of the Company to call the
remaining warrants for redemption.
If we
were to sell or issue Common Stock at a price which is less than the Exercise
Price then in effect, or warrants, options, convertible debt or equity
securities with an exercise price per share or a conversion price which is less
than the Exercise Price then in effect, the Exercise Price shall be adjusted
immediately thereafter so that it shall equal the price determined by
multiplying the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior thereto by a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be the sum of the number of shares of
Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the issuance of such additional
shares and the number of shares of Common Stock which the aggregate
consideration received or receivable for the issuance of such additional shares
would purchase at the Exercise Price then in effect, and the denominator of
which shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately
after the issuance of such additional shares (including a pro forma adjustment
as though all such options, warrants and other convertible securities had been
exercised or converted). Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever
such an issuance is made. An adjustment shall not result in any change in the
number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this
Warrant.
Penny
Stock Regulations
Our
shares of Common Stock are subject to the "penny stock" rules of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and various rules under this Act. In general terms, "penny
stock" is defined as any equity security that has a market price less than $5.00
per share, subject to certain exceptions. The rules provide that any equity
security is considered to be a penny stock unless that security is registered
and traded on a national securities exchange meeting specified criteria set by
the SEC, issued by a registered investment company, and excluded from the
definition on the basis of price (at least $5.00 per share), or based on the
issuer's net tangible assets or revenues. In the last case, the issuer's net
tangible assets must exceed $3,000,000 if in continuous operation for at least
three years or $5,000,000 if in operation for less than three years, or the
issuer's average revenues for each of the past three years must exceed
$6,000,000.
Trading
in shares of penny stock is subject to additional sales practice requirements
for broker-dealers who sell penny stocks to persons other than established
customers and accredited investors. Accredited investors, in general, include
individuals with assets in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding
$200,000 (or $300,000 together with their spouse), and certain institutional
investors. For transactions covered by these rules, broker-dealers must make a
special suitability determination for the purchase of the security and must have
received the purchaser's written consent to the transaction prior to the
purchase. Additionally, for any transaction involving a penny stock, the rules
require the delivery, prior to the first transaction, of a risk disclosure
document relating to the penny stock. A broker-dealer also must disclose the
commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative,
and current quotations for the security. Finally, monthly statements must be
sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stocks. These rules may
restrict the ability of broker-dealers to trade or maintain a market in our
Common Stock, to the extent it is penny stock, and may affect the ability of
shareholders to sell their shares.
Purchases
of Equity Securities by the Company and Affiliated Purchasers
During
the fourth quarter of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, neither we nor
any "affiliated purchaser" (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange
Act) purchased any shares of our Common Stock, the only class of our outstanding
equity securities registered pursuant to section 12 of the Exchange
Act.
Recent
Sales of Unregistered Securities
The
following sets forth recent sales by the Company of unregistered securities
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008:
On
February 4, 2008, we received a commitment for $3.5 million in financing from
three Chinese financial institutions, namely Total Shine Group Limited, Victory
High Investments Limited and Think Big Trading Limited, in exchange for
1,301,481 shares of our Common Stock, a price of $2.70 per share. The proceeds
were to be used exclusively to reduce debt from past acquisitions. The funds
were to be paid in three installments: $600,000 was paid upon execution of the
equity financing agreement, $1,400,000 is to be paid no later than February 28,
2008 and the balance of $1,514,000 is to be paid no later than ten days after
the filing of our Annual report. The first round of financing closed on February
7, 2008. Proceeds from the first closing amounting to $599,994 were
paid directly to the shareholders of Foshan Overseas International
Travel Service Co., Ltd. (FOI) to satisfy an amount due to them under a note and
we issued 222,222 shares of our Common Stock to Total Shine Group Limited,
Victory High Investments Limited and Think Big Trading Limited. On
May 7, 2008 we terminated the equity financing agreement with the financial
institutions due to their failure to provide the remaining amounts according to
the agreement.
On August
28, 2008, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Access America
Fund, LP, Chinamerica Fund LP, Pope Investments II LLC, Heller Capital
Investments, LLC, CGM as C/F Ronald I. Heller IRA, Investment Hunter, LLC, MARed
Investments, High Capital Funding, LLC, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith, FBO Beau L. Johnson (collectively, the “Buyers”) to sell to the Buyers
4,588,708 shares of common stock, of the Company and warrants to purchase
2,294,356 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $7,112,500.
Each warrant has an exercise price of $2.71 and a term of 5 years from the date
of issuance.
The
private placements were exempt from registration under the Securities Act under
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 promulgated thereunder because
the securities were offered only to nine purchasers, all of which were
accredited investors, no general advertisement of the sale of securities was
made, and all other requirements of the exemption were satisfied.
The
following sets forth recent sales by the Company of unregistered securities
during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007:
On April
10, 2007, we, Full Power Enterprise Global Limited ("Full Power"), Shenzhen Yu
Zhi Lu Aviation Service Company Limited (“YZL”), Shenzhen Speedy Dragon
Enterprise Limited (“SSD”) and Song, entered into a share exchange agreement
pursuant to which YZL acquired 100% of SSD in a stock and cash transaction
valued at approximately US $4,000,000. Under the share exchange agreement, in
exchange for his shares in SSD, Song received both stock consideration and cash
consideration. The stock consideration consisted of
714,285
newly issued shares of our Common Stock.
On August
6, 2007, pursuant to a share exchange agreement, in exchange for the shares of
Xi'an Golden Net Travel Serve Service Company Limited (“XGN”), we issued to the
shareholders of XGN an aggregate of 151,765 shares of our Common Stock, which
were divided proportionally among the shareholders in accordance with their
respective ownership interests in XGN immediately before the closing of the
share exchange agreement.
On August
8, 2007, pursuant to a share exchange agreement, in exchange for the shares of
Shanghai Lanbao Travel Service Company Limited (“SLB”), we issued to the
shareholders of SLB an aggregate of 600,000 shares of our Common Stock, which
were divided proportionally among the shareholders in accordance with their
respective ownership interests in SLB immediately before the closing of the
share exchange agreement.
On
October 29, 2007, pursuant to a share exchange agreement, in exchange for the
shares of Foshan Overseas International Travel Service Co., Ltd. (“FOI”), we
issued to the shareholders of FOI an aggregate of 1,122,986 shares of our Common
Stock, which were divided proportionally among the shareholders in accordance
with their respective ownership interests in FOI immediately before the closing
of the share exchange agreement.
The
shares of the our Common Stock were issued to Song and the shareholders without
registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption
from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. Specifically,
(1) we had determined that Song and the shareholders are knowledgeable and
experienced in finance and business matters and thus they are able to evaluate
the risks and merits of acquiring our securities; (2) Song and the shareholders
have advised us that they are able to bear the economic risk of purchasing our
common stock; (3) we have provided Song the shareholders with access to the type
of information normally provided in a prospectus; and (4) we did not use any
form of public solicitation or general advertising in connection with the
issuance of the shares.
In
addition, the shares of our Common Stock were issued to Song and the
shareholders without registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act, in
reliance on the exemption from registration contained in Regulation S under the
Securities Act. We believe that the issuance
of our Common Stock to Song and the shareholders (the "Offshore Shareholders")
constituted an offshore transaction. Each of the Offshore Shareholders is a
resident of China. At the time the Registrant offered to issue its shares to the
Offshore Shareholders, each of the Offshore Shareholders was located in China.
Furthermore, at the time we issued our Common Stock to the Offshore
Shareholders, we reasonably believed that each of the Offshore Shareholders was
outside the United States. As a result, we believed that these facts enable us
to also rely on Regulation S for an exemption from the registration requirements
of Section 5 of the Securities Act with respect to the issuances to the Offshore
Shareholders.
The
following sets forth recent sales by the Company of unregistered securities
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006:
None.
No
underwriter was involved in any of the above issuances of securities. All of the
above securities were issued in reliance upon the exemptions set forth in
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act on the basis that they were issued under
circumstances not involving a public offering.
Other
than the securities mentioned above, we have not issued or sold any securities
without registration for the past three years from the date of this registration
statement.
Item
6. Selected Financial Data.
The
following selected consolidated financial data presented below are derived from
our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes of the Company, and
should be read in connection with those statements, some of which are included
herein. The
information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future results and
should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
|
UNIVERSAL
TRAVEL GROUP
|
|
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
|
|
FOR
THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
revenues,
|
|
$ |
76,759,411 |
|
|
$ |
44,294,853 |
|
|
$ |
10,013,788 |
|
|
Cost
of services
|
|
|
51,555,991 |
|
|
|
29,519,012 |
|
|
|
4,594,376 |
|
|
Gross
Profit
|
|
|
25,203,420 |
|
|
|
14,775,841
|
|
|
|
5,419,412 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling,
general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
6,128,553
|
|
|
|
3,229,526
|
|
|
|
1,353,434 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
based compensation
|
|
|
207,588 |
|
|
|
945,903 |
|
|
|
950,040 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
expenses
|
|
|
6,336,141 |
|
|
|
4,175,429 |
|
|
|
2,303,474 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
from operations
|
|
|
18,867,279
|
|
|
|
10,600,412
|
|
|
|
3,115,938 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Income (Expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
on disposal of assets
|
|
|
1,105 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Other
income
|
|
|
(8,402 |
) |
|
|
(25,105 |
) |
|
|
(36,383 |
) |
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
(39,416 |
) |
|
|
(3,293 |
) |
|
|
(11,994 |
) |
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
106,163 |
|
|
|
80,847 |
|
|
|
2,754 |
|
|
Total
Other Income (Expense)
|
|
|
59,450 |
|
|
|
52,449
|
|
|
|
(45,623 |
) |
|
Income
before income taxes
|
|
|
18,807,829 |
|
|
|
10,547,963
|
|
|
|
3,161,561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision
for income taxes
|
|
|
4,275,652 |
|
|
|
1,852,069
|
|
|
|
603,083 |
|
|
Net
income
|
|
$ |
14,532,177 |
|
|
$ |
8,695,894
|
|
|
$ |
2,558,478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income per common share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$ |
.38 |
|
|
$ |
.26 |
|
|
$ |
.07 |
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$ |
.37 |
|
|
$ |
.
.26 |
|
|
$ |
.07 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
|
38,562,155 |
|
|
|
33.629,518 |
|
|
|
30,450,000 |
|
|
Diluted
|
|
|
38,744,392 |
|
|
|
33,779,518 |
|
|
|
30,450,000 |
|
UNIVERSAL
TRAVEL GROUP
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER
31, 2008 and 2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
16,204,531 |
|
|
$ |
2,671,684 |
|
|
Accounts
receivable, net
|
|
|
10,715,206 |
|
|
|
5,403,820 |
|
|
Other
receivables and deposits, net
|
|
|
141,413 |
|
|
|
1,297,426 |
|
|
Refundable
acquisition deposit
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,453,050 |
|
|
Due
from shareholder
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,444,818 |
|
|
Trade
deposit
|
|
|
6,737,521 |
|
|
|
2,650,744 |
|
|
Advances
|
|
|
438,468 |
|
|
|
616,861 |
|
|
Escrow
deposits
|
|
|
762,800 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
319,257 |
|
|
|
713,668 |
|
|
Total
Current Assets
|
|
|
35,319,196 |
|
|
|
16,252,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property
& equipment, net
|
|
|
273,340 |
|
|
|
127,393 |
|
|
Intangible
assets
|
|
|
307,335 |
|
|
|
18,626 |
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
13,526,809 |
|
|
|
13,526,809 |
|
|
|
|
|
14,107,484 |
|
|
|
13,672,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Assets
|
|
$ |
49,426,680 |
|
|
$ |
29,924,899 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes
payable – bank
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
1,288,554 |
|
|
Note
payable – others
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,576,750 |
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
2,219,156 |
|
|
|
3,604,666 |
|
|
Customer
deposits
|
|
|
1,047,250 |
|
|
|
1,132,886 |
|
|
Income
tax payable
|
|
|
1,759,402 |
|
|
|
664,995 |
|
|
Total
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
5,025,808 |
|
|
|
8,267,851 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders'
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock, $.001 par value, 70,000,000 shares authorized, 41,619,966 and
36,809,036 issued and outstanding
|
|
|
41,621 |
|
|
|
36,810 |
|
|
Additional
paid in capital
|
|
|
15,833,368 |
|
|
|
8,601,534 |
|
|
Other
comprehensive income
|
|
|
1,520,166 |
|
|
|
545,164 |
|
|
Statutory
reserve
|
|
|
372,144 |
|
|
|
372,144 |
|
|
Retained
earnings
|
|
|
26,633,573 |
|
|
|
12,101,396 |
|
|
Total
Stockholders' Equity
|
|
|
44,400,872 |
|
|
|
21,657,048 |
|
|
Total
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
|
|
$ |
49,426,680 |
|
|
$ |
29,924,899 |
|
Item
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations.
Forward-Looking
Statements: No Assurances Intended
In
addition to historical information, this Annual Report contains forward-looking
statements, which are generally identifiable by use of the words “believes,”
“expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans to,” “estimates,” “projects,” or
similar expressions. These forward-looking statements represent Management’s
belief as to the future of Universal Travel Group. Whether those
beliefs become reality will depend on many factors that are not under
management’s control. Many risks and uncertainties exist that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these
forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or
publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking
statements.
Business
Overview
We are a
travel services provider in the People’s Republic of China engaged in providing
air ticketing and hotel booking services as well as domestic and international
packaged tourism services throughout the People’s Republic of China via both the
internet and customer representatives.
Under the
theme "Wings towards a more colorful life", our core services revolve around
travel services but we also provide air cargo agency services through
our subsidiary, SSD.
In 2007,
we completed the acquisitions of SSD, XGN, which specializes in
domestic packaged tour services, SLB, which specializes in hotel
reservations and FOI, which handles both domestic and international
travel inquiries.
In 2008,
we successfully integrated our packaged tours, air-ticketing and hotel
reservation businesses onto our newly developed on-line
platform, which provides rich and comprehensive travel information to
primarily leisure travelers.
In
October 2008, we successfully rolled out our TRIPEASY Kiosks. We believe that
the Kiosks are innovate self-service terminals capable of handling a full range
of booking services including packaged tours through a secured built-in payment
function that accepts all major Chinese bank cards. As of
the end of fiscal year 2008, we had 20 Kiosks manufactured and operating through
a pilot program, and based on the initial interest of the concept industry-wide,
we plan to roll additional TRIPEASY Kiosks at selected locations.
Major
Factors Affecting the Travel Industry
A variety
of factors affect the travel industry in the People’s Republic of China, and we
shall be discussing these together with an analysis of our results of operations
and financial condition.
Some of
these factors include:
|
(i)
|
Growth
in the Domestic Economy and Demand for Travel Services in the People’s
Republic of China.
|
We expect
that our financial results will continue to be affected by the overall growth of
the domestic economy and demand for travel services in the People’s Republic of
China and internationally.
According
to the statistics from the website of the National Bureau of Statistics of
China, the People’s Republic of China’s gross domestic product (or “GDP”)
increased from RMB13.6 trillion (US$1.7 trillion) in 2003 to RMB24.7 trillion
(US$3.4 trillion) in 2007, representing a compound annual growth rate of 16%.
China's GDP increased from RMB24.7 trillion (US$3.4 trillion) in 2007 to RMB30.1
trillion (US$4.3 trillion) in 2008, representing a annual growth rate of 9%. Per
capita, GDP rose from RMB10,542 (US$1,273) in 2003 to RMB18,665 (US$2,559) in
2007, representing a 15% compound annual growth rate; and from 2007 to 2008,
grew from RMB18,665(US$2,559) to RMB22,609(US$3,308), representing year over
year growth of 21%.
Such
unprecedented growth has led to a significant increase in the demand for travel
services.
According
to statistics from the website of the National Tourism Administration of
People's Republic of China, domestic tourism expenditure grew from RMB344.2
billion (US$41.6 billion) in 2003 to RMB777.1 billion (US$106.5 billion) in
2007, representing a compound annual growth of 23%. Expenditure increased from
RMB777.1 billion (US$106.5 billion) in 2007 to RMB874.9 billion (US$120.0
billion) in fiscal 2008, representing year over year growth of
12.6%. These figures include a 1.4% year over year decline in inbound
travel volume totaling $13.0 billion, which was affected by the global
recession.
The
number of outbound travelers (from the PRC to other countries) totaled
4.6million in 2008, an increase of 11.9% due to among other factors, the
depreciation of foreign currencies versus the RMB.
According
to the statistics from the website of the Civil Aviation Administration of
China, domestic passenger transportation volume grew 3.3% in 2008 compared to
2007; and domestic air cargo volume grew 0.3% in 2008 versus 2007. Notably,
fiscal 2008 was a period that saw several major events take hold including, but
not limited to, the snow storms that battered numerous parts of the country
throughout the Lunar New Year holiday period, the Tibetan political crisis, the
major Sichuan earthquake and the Beijing Olympic
games. Notwithstanding the unexpected events or drastic fluctuations
in the social and economic environment, we believe that demand for travel
services in the People’s Republic of China should continue to increase at a
healthy rate over the next several years as the overall economy and per capita
income continue to grow and show improvements.
|
(ii)
|
Seasonality
in the Travel Service Industry.
|
The
domestic travel services industry is characterized by seasonal fluctuations, and
accordingly, our revenue patterns may vary from quarter to quarter. Since
inception, revenue generated during the latter half of each calendar year has
generally been higher than in the first half, due primarily to the fact that the
latter half coincides with the peak domestic business and leisure travel.
However, given that the central government modifies public holiday policies from
time to time, and the fact that the Lunar New Year vacation period falls on
varying days each year, seasonality is subject to minor inconsistencies on a
comparable year over year basis. For example, the government authorized three
new 3-day public holiday period during calendar 2008 to incentive domestic
travel, and has further plans to further increase holiday periods in both 2009
and 2010. Such seasonality is difficult to discern throughout our
operating history as our revenue stream has evolved and become more diversified
as a result of our decision to gain scale through acquisitions, particularly
over the last several years. Going forward, however, we anticipate that
seasonality within our overall business will more closely relate to industry
standards, as we focus more on organic growth, particularly with respect to
the TRIPEASY Kiosk
rollout, and less so on acquisitive expansion.
|
(iii)
|
Disruptions
in the Travel Industry.
|
Because
travel patterns are typically sensitive to inclement weather, one-time events
and as previously mentioned, seasonality issues, travelers tend to modify their
travel plans in advance or in many cases with minimal notice depending on the
situation foreseen or unforeseen.
Examples
of specific events that occurred during 2008 and hence altered travel patterns
include:
|
|
•
|
snow
storms which affected a large part of the country during the Lunar New
Year Holiday period;
|
|
|
•
|
the
summer Olympics in August, which led to an increase in both travel product
offerings as well as hotel, airline and other travel-related
pricing;
|
|
|
•
|
the
major earthquakes in May 2008 and the aftermath which heavily affected
travel in the Sichuan area;
|
|
|
•
|
the
threat of terrorist attacks and increased security over international
events, which affected our cargo agency business;
and
|
|
|
•
|
a
sharp downturn throughout the major international financial centers such
as the United States and Europe.
|
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
THREE
MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
The
following table presents certain consolidated statement of operations
information derived from the consolidated statements of income for the three
months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
Revenue
Segment Analysis:
|
|
|
Three months ended
December 31, 2008
|
|
|
Three months ended
December 31, 2007
|
|
|
Increase /
(Decrease)
|
|
|
Percentage
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$ |
29,434,725 |
|
|
$ |
17,495,408 |
|
|
|
11,939,317 |
|
|
|
68.2 |
% |
|
Cost
of services
|
|
|
(19,090,311 |
) |
|
|
(12,099,577 |
) |
|
|
(6,990,734 |
) |
|
|
57.8 |
% |
|
Gross
Profit
|
|
|
10,344,414 |
|
|
|
5,395,831 |
|
|
|
4,948,583 |
|
|
|
91.7 |
% |
|
Selling,
General and Administration
|
|
|
(2,103,832 |
) |
|
|
(1,007,119 |
) |
|
|
(1,096,713 |
) |
|
|
108.9 |
% |
|
Stock
based compensation
|
|
|
(51,786 |
) |
|
|
|