CHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — EZGO Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: EZGO) (“EZGO” or “we”, “our”, or the “Company”), a leading short-distance transportation solutions provider in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended March 31, 2024.
Financial Highlights (all results compared to the prior fiscal year period unless otherwise noted)
Revenues were $8.6 million, an increase of 66.1% Units sold of e-bicycle reached 4,766, a decrease of 76.7% Units sold of batteries and battery packs reached 243,336, an increase of 2614.6% Gross margin was 5.7%, compared with 3.5% Net loss was $4.7 million, compared with $5.0 million The Company has cash and cash equivalents of approximately $0.7 million at March 31, 2024, compared to approximately $17.3 million at September 30, 2023
Management Commentary
During the six months ending on March 31, 2024, due to the continuous decline in upstream raw materials price of lithium batteries, the penetration rate of lithium batteries in the e-bicycle industry gradually increased, and the sales volume of lithium batteries through various channels expanded significantly. The Company’s management promptly seized this opportunity to expand its business, including increasing the models of e-bicycle batteries and expanding energy storage lithium battery products, appropriately shortening the supplier payment terms, and extending customer payment terms. The additional of ordinary shares and accompanying warrants issuance completed in September 2023 also provided a solid financial foundation for the Company’s lithium battery business expansion. However, during the same period, the Company’s production and sales volume of e-bicycles experienced a significant decline due to intensified market competition, hindered new product launches, and the sales of Tianjin Jiahao Bicycles Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin Jiahao”).
Although the downward trend in e-bicycles production and sales has significantly slowed down, and sales are expected to rebound in the second half-year with the introduction of new products, in the medium term, the competition in the e-bicycles market in mainland China remains fierce, industry capacity clearance is still accelerating, and going overseas remains the main direction for breakthroughs. In addition, the smart electronic control subsidiary, Changzhou Higgs Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (“Changzhou Higgs”), acquired at the beginning of 2023 has partially increased the Company’s sales volume and product gross margin through its production of smart electronic control modules. Moreover, with the advancement of the government-led industrial equipment upgrade plan, the sales revenue and profits of the subsidiary’s main products are expected to experience considerable growth.
Based on management’s assessment of macroeconomics and industrial competition, along with our own resource endowment, management has adjusted our business strategies as follows: (i) we halted the production of low and middle-end products and focused on the design, development, and production of mid-to-high-speed electric motorcycles through joint ventures or partnerships; (ii) we further enhanced the development and market promotion of lithium battery products for low-speed vehicles (including e-bicycle, e-tricycle and low-speed four-wheeled scooters ); (iii) we have actively expanded overseas sales channels for our products, in the hope of alleviating our dependency on current domestic sales channels; and (iv) we also made equity investments in some of the high-quality suppliers in the electric motorcycles and lithium battery industry.
Financial Review for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2024
Net Revenues
Net revenues from continuing operations for the six months ended March 31, 2024 were approximately $8.6 million, a 66.1% increase from approximately $5.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in revenues was mainly driven by the increase in sales of batteries and battery packs and sales of electronic control system, and partially offset by the decrease of sales of e-bicycles.
The following table identifies revenue from continuing operations and discontinued operations, as well as reportable segments for the six months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
For the six months ended March 31,
Change
Segment
2023
%
2024
%
Amount
%
Sales of batteries
and battery packs
Battery cells and
packs segment
$
1,732,871
33.6
5,847,751
68.2
$
4,114,880
237.5
Sales of e-
bicycles
E-bicycle sales
segment
3,001,709
58.2
1,755,485
20.5
(1,246,224)
(41.5)
Sales of
electronic
control system
and intelligent
robots
Electronic control
system and
intelligent robot
sales segment
–
–
739,390
8.6
739,390
N/A
Others
427,118
8.2
232,667
2.7
(194,451)
(45.5)
Subtotal
Net revenue
from continuing
operations
5,161,698
100.0
8,575,293
100.0
3,413,595
66.1
Rental of lithium
batteries and e-
bicycles
Rental segment
120
0.0
8
0.0
(112)
(93.3)
Subtotal
Net revenue
from
discontinued
operation
120
0.0
8
0.0
(112)
(93.3)
Total
Net revenues
$
5,161,818
100.0
8,575,301
100.0
$
3,413,483
66.1
The revenue from sales of batteries and battery packs for six months ended March 31, 2024 was $5,847,751, compared to $1,732,871 for six months ended March 31, 2023, representing an increase of 237.5%, which was mainly due to the increase in sales volume supported by several new large orders of major customers. Such increase resulted from the increased acceptance of our lithium battery packs in the market and the development of the lead-acid battery market in Sichuan. Overall, our sales volume of lithium battery packs increased by 719.1% for the six months ended March 31, 2024 compared with the same period in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. The revenue generated from the sales of the lead-acid battery packs was $931,801 for the six months ended March 31,2024 compared $162,552 for the six months ended March 31, 2023.
The sales of e-bicycles decreased by 41.5% or $1,246,224 to $1,755,485 for six months ended March 31, 2024 from $3,001,709 for six months ended March 31, 2023 due to the decreased sales volume of the e-bicycles resulted from the fierce competition of the e-bicycle industry. The leading companies were forced to penetrate into the middle and low-end e-bicycles market due to the performance pressure and the small and middle companies had to reduced sales price in response to the competition. Overall, our sales volume decreased by 76.7% for the six months ended March 31, 2024 compared with the same period in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. Furthermore, the increase in the unit price of e-bicycles can be attributed to a shift in our product offerings. Initially, our sales focused on naked e-bicycles without batteries, whereas our current sales encompass complete e-bicycle packages, inclusive of batteries. For the six months ended March 31, 2024, we acquired a major customer, a shared travel service provider, and 93.6% of our revenue in sales of e-bicycle was attributable to the customer.
The revenue from sales of electronic control system and intelligent robots for six months ended March 31, 2024 was $739,390, a new business segment established during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenues consists primarily of manufacturing and purchase cost of e-bicycles, purchase cost of battery packs, purchase of components of the electronic control system, commission processing expenses for intelligent robots, depreciation, maintenance, and other overhead expenses.
Our cost of revenues increased by $3,107,809, or 62.4%, to $8,087,494 for six months ended March 31,2024 from $4,979,685 for six months ended March 31, 2023, which was primarily due to the increased sales of batteries and battery packs and partially offset by the decrease of manufacturing and purchase cost for sales of e-bicycles. The change in cost of revenue directly corresponded with the change in revenue from the sales of batteries and battery packs segment and e-bicycle sales segment.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024 was $182,013 and $487,799, or 3.5% and 5.7% of net revenues, respectively.
Gross profit margin for six months ended March 31, 2024 increased from 3.5% to 5.7%, primarily due to the higher margin of sales of electronic control system and sales of batteries and battery packs. The electronic control system developed and manufactured by Changzhou Higgs was embedded with highly complex software and the limited competition in the market results in a relatively high gross profit margin of 43.7% for electronic control system sales, which accounts for 8.6% of our total revenue. The gross profit margin from sales of batteries and battery packs was increased from 3.9% to 4.4% for six months ended March 31, 2024, which was primarily due to the decrease in purchase cost of battery packs resulted from the management’s wise decision to purchase more lithium batteries during the prices decline.
Selling and Marketing Expenses
Our selling and marketing expenses increased by $21,481, or approximately 7.5%, to $307,127 for the six months ended March 31, 2024 from $285,646 for the six months ended March 31, 2023, which was attributable to an increase in employee benefits expense.
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses increased by $952,142, or approximately 45.1%, to $3,064,960 for the six months ended March 31, 2024 from $2,112,818 for the six months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the addition of credit losses for accounts receivable of $934,146, which mainly resulted from the operational difficulties of several e-bicycle customers, especially individual dealers.
Research and Development Expenses
Our research and development expenses increased by $130,089, or 48.1%, to $400,596 for the six months ended March 31, 2024 from $270,507 for the six months ended March 31, 2023, which was primarily attributed to the increased amortization expenses of patents and software copyright which were considered as important underlying assets in the business acquisition of Changzhou Sixun Technology Co., Ltd. (“Changzhou Sixun”), which was acquired on January 25, 2023.
Other Expense/(income), Net
We recorded other expense, net of $2,549,807 and $1,459,048 for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively, representing a decrease of 42.8%. The significant decrease in other expense, net is primarily attributable to the loss from disposal of Tianjin Jiahao for the six months ended March 31, 2023, which was approximately $2.6 million. For the six months ended March 31, 2024, the impairment loss of goodwill was recognized of US$1.4 million, compared to nil for the six months ended March 31, 2023.
Income Tax Benefits, Net
Income tax benefits, net was $41,276 and $79,488 for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively. The reason is the increased deferred tax assets for six months ended March 31, 2024, due to the increase in temporary deductible difference.
Net Loss
Net loss for the six months ended March 31, 2024 was approximately $4.7 million, compared to approximately $5.0 million for the same period in 2023, as a result of the explanations provided above.
About EZGO Technologies Ltd.
EZGO’s vision is to build a leading short-distance transportation solution provider and intelligent manufacturer in China. Leveraging an Internet of Things (IoT) management platform, EZGO has established a business model centered on the sale of battery packs, e-bicycles, electronic control system and intelligent robots. EZGO also conducts the design and manufacturing of e-bicycles, electronic control system and intelligent robots to deliver tailored products in accordance with customer requirements. For additional information, please visit EZGO’s website at www.ezgotech.com.cn. Investors can visit the “Investor Relations” section of EZGO’s website at www.ezgotech.com.cn/Investor.
Exchange Rate
This press release contains translations of certain Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”) amounts into U.S. dollars (“US$”) at specified rates solely for the convenience of the readers. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.2203 to US$1.00 for the items in balance sheets, the exchange rate in effect as of March 29, 2024, as set forth in the H.10 Statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. All translations from RMB to US$ were made at the rate of RMB7.2064 to US$1.00 for the items in statements of operations and comprehensive loss, which is the average exchange rate for the six months ended March 31, 2024, according to the H.10 Statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the growth of the short-distance transportation solutions market in China and the other international markets the Company plans to serve; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and the international markets the Company plans to serve and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.
For more information, please contact:
Ascent Investor Relations LLC
Tina Xiao
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 646-932-7242
EZGO TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In U.S. dollars except for number of shares)
As of
September 30,
2023
As of
March 31,
2024
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
17,253,120
$
656,468
Restricted cash
875
851
Short-term investments
685,307
1,500,000
Accounts receivable, net
3,780,073
4,259,933
Notes receivable
10,965
55,830
Inventories, net
828,878
4,217,946
Advances to suppliers, net
18,756,368
23,836,085
Amount due from related parties, current
8,257,211
11,471,188
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,322,302
6,216,085
Total current assets
52,895,099
52,214,386
Non-current assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net
3,839,943
6,704,839
Intangible assets, net
2,572,844
2,299,840
Land use right, net
1,646,446
1,646,818
Right-of-use assets, net
46,652
63,342
Goodwill
3,057,943
1,730,582
Deferred tax assets, net
160,825
241,846
Long-term investments
12,190,534
14,988,167
Other non-current assets
5,497,233
2,704,198
Total non-current assets
29,012,420
30,379,632
Total assets
$
81,907,519
$
82,594,018
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
Short-term borrowings
$
1,000,548
$
2,853,067
Accounts payable
898,685
432,402
Advances from customers
1,039,310
813,268
Income tax payable
395,433
390,935
Lease liabilities, current
41,570
29,218
Amount due to related parties
850,213
1,972,352
Accrued expenses and other payables
6,119,355
5,796,090
Current liabilities of discontinued operation
693,843
708,773
Total current liabilities
11,038,957
12,996,105
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term borrowings
4,385,965
6,911,070
Lease liabilities, non-current
–
32,356
Total non-current liabilities
4,385,965
6,943,426
Total liabilities
15,424,922
19,939,531
Commitments and contingencies (Note 21)
EQUITY
Ordinary shares (par value of $0.04 per share; 12,510,000 shares
authorized as of September 30, 2023 and March 31, 2024; 2,552,576
and 2,553,514 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30,
2023 and March 31, 2024, respectively)*
102,103
102,141
Subscription receivable
(7,800)
(7,800)
Additional paid-in capital
81,801,967
82,162,666
Statutory reserve
335,477
335,477
Accumulated deficits
(14,772,562)
(18,825,119)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(4,066,713)
(3,650,601)
Total EZGO Technologies Ltd.’s shareholders’ equity
63,392,472
60,116,764
Non-controlling interests
3,090,125
2,537,723
Total equity
66,482,597
62,654,487
Total liabilities and equity
$
81,907,519
$
82,594,018
*
The shares data are presented on a retroactive basis to reflect the 40 to 1 reverse share split.
EZGO TECHNOLOGIES LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In U.S. dollars except for number of shares)
Six Months Ended March 31,
2023
2024
Net revenues
$
5,161,698
$
8,575,293
Cost of revenues
(4,979,685)
(8,087,494)
Gross profit
182,013
487,799
Operating expenses:
Selling and marketing
(285,646)
(307,127)
General and administrative
(2,112,818)
(3,064,960)
Research and development
(270,507)
(400,596)
Total operating expenses
(2,668,971)
(3,772,683)
Loss from operations
(2,486,958)
(3,284,884)
Other income (expenses):
Financial (expense) income, net
(26,338)
248,802
Non-operating income (expenses), net
38,387
(35,139)
Fair value changes in contingent asset
–
(310,667)
Impairment loss of goodwill
–
(1,362,044)
Loss from disposal of a subsidiary
(2,561,856)
–
Total other expenses, net
(2,549,807)
(1,459,048)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
(5,036,765)
(4,743,932)
Income tax benefit, net
41,276
79,488
Net loss from continuing operations
(4,995,489)
(4,664,444)
Income from discontinued operation, net of tax
131
30
Net loss
$
(4,995,358)
$
(4,664,414)
Net loss from continuing operations
$
(4,995,489)
$
(4,664,444)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests from continuing
operations
(201,048)
(611,857)
Net loss attributable to EZGO Technologies Ltd.’s shareholders from
continuing operations
(4,794,441)
(4,052,587)
Income from discontinued operation, net of tax
131
30
Net income attributable to EZGO Technologies Ltd.’s shareholders from
discontinued operation
131
30
Net loss attributable to EZGO Technologies Ltd.’s shareholders
$
(4,794,310)
$
(4,052,557)
Net loss from continuing operations per ordinary share:
Basic and diluted
$
(6.54)
$
(1.59)
Net loss from discontinued operation per ordinary share:
Basic and diluted
$
–
$
–
Net loss per ordinary share:
Basic and diluted
$
(6.54)
$
(1.59)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic and diluted*
733,386
2,552,576
*
The shares data are presented on a retroactive basis to reflect the 40 to 1 reverse share split.
EZGO TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In U.S. dollars except for number of shares)
Six Months Ended March 31,
2023
2024
Loss from continuing operations before non-controlling interests
$
(4,995,489)
$
(4,664,444)
Income from discontinued operation, net of tax
131
30
Net loss
(4,995,358)
(4,664,414)
Other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation adjustment
1,067,488
475,567
Comprehensive loss
(3,927,870)
(4,188,847)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests
(295,168)
(552,402)
Comprehensive loss attributable to EZGO Technologies Ltd.’s
shareholders
$
(3,632,702)
$
(3,636,445)
EZGO TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In U.S. dollars)
Six Months Ended March 31,
2023
2024
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss from continuing operation
$
(4,995,489)
$
(4,664,444)
Net income from discontinued operation, net of tax
131
30
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Allowance for credit losses
300,266
1,025,366
Provision for inventories
(39,711)
42,971
Depreciation and amortization
555,918
532,950
Share-based compensation
151,875
360,737
Fair value changes in contingent asset
–
310,667
Loss from disposal of a subsidiary
2,561,856
–
Loss from long-term investment
110,789
102,419
Impairment loss of goodwill
–
1,362,044
Deferred tax benefits
(49,375)
(79,488)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
1,954,599
(1,466,444)
Notes receivable
(18,635)
(44,837)
Advances to suppliers
(5,137,730)
(3,562,143)
Inventories
(3,258,216)
(3,429,869)
Amount due from related parties, current
(1,717,313)
606,011
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(180,560)
(616,233)
Accounts payable
(168,069)
(476,623)
Advances from customers
1,035,271
(237,395)
Income tax payable
5,587
(8,660)
Lease liabilities
–
(51,081)
Accrued expenses and other payables
701,730
(416,184)
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations
(8,187,076)
(10,710,206)
Net cash used in operating activities
(8,187,076)
(10,710,206)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(26,808)
(3,342,151)
Purchase of land use right
(1,748,169)
–
Purchase of short-term investments
–
(1,500,000)
Purchase of long-term investments
(7,174,496)
(29,104)
Prepayment for intent long-term investment
(1,318,788)
(3,219,361)
Loans to related parties
(1,569,072)
(2,778,965)
Collection of loans to related parties
1,540,976
–
Net cash inflow from disposal of subsidiaries
2,579,717
457,094
Net cash outflow due to acquisition of Changzhou Sixun
(578,629)
–
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations
(8,295,269)
(10,412,487)
Net cash used in investing activities
(8,295,269)
(10,412,487)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
759,737
2,581,039
Repayments of short-term borrowings
(2,580,238)
(735,457)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
–
2,483,903
Loans from related parties
1,053,057
653,962
Repayments of loans from related parties
(130,176)
(460,702)
Collection of receivable from a shareholder
100,737
–
Cash receipts from equity issuance, net of issuance cost
14,400,000
–
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations
13,603,117
4,522,745
Net cash provided by financing activities
13,603,117
4,522,745
Effect of exchange rate changes
749,738
3,272
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(2,129,490)
(16,596,676)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at beginning of the period
4,413,218
17,253,995
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at end of the period
$
2,283,728
$
657,319
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash to the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2,280,198
$
656,468
Restricted cash
3,530
851
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
2,283,728
$
657,319
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:
Income tax paid
$
2,512
$
12,450
Interest paid
$
40,450
$
35,663
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING
ACTIVITIES:
Shares issued for acquisition of Changzhou Sixun
$
8,080,448
$
–
Increase of non-controlling interests from acquisition of Changzhou Sixun
$
273,698
$
–
Recognition of right-of use assets and lease liabilities
$
–
$
70,688