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NOCERA, INC. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (form 10-K)
NOCERA, INC. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (form

About this update from Nocera, Inc.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, our consolidated financial statements and the financial data included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K reflect our reorganization and have been prepared as if our current corporate structure had been in place throughout the relevant periods. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties, please see the items listed above under the section captioned "Risk Factors", as well as any other cautionary language contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 29 Operations Overview As of December 31, 2019 , we provide land-based recirculation aquaculture systems for fish farming. Our primary business operations consist of the design, development and production of RASs large scale fish tank systems, for fish farms along with expert consulting, technology transfer, and aquaculture project management services to new and existing aquaculture management business services. Through our branch office, we also procure and sell eel in Taiwan . In addition, as of December 2022 , we sell food items, including our signature seafood porridge bowl, through our flagship bento box store located at the Ning Xia Night Market in the Datong District of Taipei City, Taiwan. In October 2020 , the government of Taiwan began supporting the Green Power and Solar Sharing Fish Farms initiative. In view of the opportunities resulting from this initiative, in October 2020 , Nocera ceased all of its operations in China and moved all of its technology and back-office operations to Taiwan. We now only operate out of Taiwan. Our current mission is to provide consulting services and solutions in aquaculture projects to reduce water pollution and decrease the disease problems of fisheries. Our goal is to become a global leader in the land-based aquaculture business. We are now poised to grow our existing operations in Taiwan and expand into the development and management of land-based fish farms in Taiwan and North and South America . We do not currently have any intentions of conducting operations in China or Hong Kong . Effective December 31, 2020 , we entered into a series of contractual agreements with Xin Feng Construction Co., Ltd. , a funded limited liability company registered in Taiwan (R.O.C.), whereby we agreed to provide technical consulting and related services to XFC. On November 30, 2022 , we entered into a Purchase of Business Agreement with Han-Chieh Shih , in which we sold our controlling interest of XFC, to the Purchaser for a total purchase cash price of $300,000 . The closing of the XFC Sale occurred on November 30, 2022 and the XFC VIE agreements were terminated in connection with the XFC Sale. As of the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have no intention of providing services to construct indoor RASs and solar sharing fish farms in Taiwan . As of September 30, 2021 , we launched our first RAS demo site in Taiwan and engaged the demo site into the testing phase to raise eel. Currently, we are promoting our RASs in Taiwan and looking for opportunities to cooperate with local solar energy industry and to expand our business into the U.S. We believe the U.S. is a potentially lucrative market to penetrate. On September 7, 2022 , we entered into a series of contractual agreements with the majority stockholder of Meixin Institutional Food Development Co., Ltd. , a Taiwan corporation and a food processing and catering company, and Meixin, of which we purchased 80% controlling interest of Meixin for $4,300,000 . The Meixin VIE Agreements essentially confer control and management of Meixin as well as substantially all of the economic benefits of the Selling Stockholder in Meixin to us. As a result, we have been determined to be the primary beneficiary of Meixin and Meixin became our VIE. We employ a sales and marketing strategy targeting Taiwan government-supported solar fish farms. We are planning on expanding our sales and marketing model through the use of online marketing, data intelligence, and the establishment of a distributor network. The online marketing and data intelligence is designed to generate sales leads internationally outside of Taiwan that can be directed to our sales department for further follow-up. We plan to sell and develop fish farms in Taiwan , the U.S. , and Brazil . We expect to sell over five thousand tanks in the next five years. Our production facility is to be established in Taiwan , and we plan to sell the systems into the Americas and European countries as well. We also intend to build fish farming demo sites in the United States and Brazil in 2023 to promote our fish farming systems to the global market. As of February 16, 2023 , we completed the acquisition of 229 acres of land in Montgomery County, Alabama , of which we intend to build RASs on that land for fish farming. 30 Key Factors Affecting our Performance As a result of a number of factors, our historical results of operations may not be comparable to our results of operations in future periods, and our results of operations may not be directly comparable from period to period. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the key factors impacting our results of operations. Known Trends and Uncertainties Inflation Prices of certain commodity products, including raw materials, are historically volatile and are subject to fluctuations arising from changes in domestic and international supply and demand, labor costs, competition, market speculation, government regulations, trade restrictions and tariffs. Increasing prices in the component materials for our goods may impact the availability, the quality and the price of our products, as suppliers search for alternatives to existing materials and increase the prices they charge. Our suppliers may also fail to provide consistent quality of products as they may substitute lower cost materials to maintain pricing levels. Nocera's cost base also reflects significant elements for freight, including fuel, which has significantly increased due to the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and Russia's initiation of military action against Ukraine . Rapid and significant changes in commodity prices such as fuel and plastic may negatively affect our profit margins if Nocera is unable to mitigate any inflationary increases through various customer pricing actions and cost reduction initiatives. Geopolitical Conditions Our operations could be disrupted by geopolitical conditions, trade disputes, international boycotts and sanctions, political and social instability, acts of war, terrorist activity or other similar events. From time to time, we could have a large revenue stream associated with a particular customer or a large number of customers located in a particular geographic region. Decreased demand from a discrete event impacting a specific customer, industry, or region in which we have a concentrated exposure could negatively impact our results of operations. In February 2022 , Russia initiated significant military action against Ukraine . In response, the U.S. and certain other countries imposed significant sanctions and export controls against Russia , Belarus and certain individuals and entities connected to Russian or Belarusian political, business, and financial organizations, and the U.S. and certain other countries could impose further sanctions, trade restrictions, and other retaliatory actions should the conflict continue or worsen. It is not possible to predict the broader consequences of the conflict, including related geopolitical tensions, and the measures and retaliatory actions taken by the U.S. and other countries in respect thereof as well as any counter measures or retaliatory actions by Russia or Belarus in response, including, for example, potential cyberattacks or the disruption of energy exports, is likely to cause regional instability, geopolitical shifts, and could materially adversely affect global trade, currency exchange rates, regional economies and the global economy. The situation remains uncertain, and while it is difficult to predict the impact of any of the foregoing, the conflict and actions taken in response to the conflict could increase our costs, reduce our sales and earnings, impair our ability to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Foreign Currency Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar and our operations in Taiwan use their local currency as their functional currencies. Substantially all of our revenue and expenses are in NT dollars. We are subject to the effects of exchange rate fluctuations with respect to any of such currency. For example, the value of the NT dollar depends to a large extent on Taiwan government policies and Taiwan's domestic and international economic and political developments, as well as supply and demand in the local market. The income statements of our operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in each applicable period. To the extent the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, the translation of these foreign currencies denominated transactions results in reduced revenue, operating expenses and net income for our international operations. We are also exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations as we convert the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars in consolidation. 31 Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic The current outbreak of COVID-19 has globally resulted in the loss of life, business closures, restrictions on travel, and widespread cancellation of social gatherings. The initial spread of COVID-19 in Asia caused some business disruption resulting in reduced net revenue in December 2019 . There continues to be considerable uncertainty around the duration of the pandemic and its resultant economic effects. Therefore, we expect this matter to negatively impact our operating results for the foreseeable future. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, including: · new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the disease; · the duration and spread of the outbreak; · the severity of travel restrictions imposed by geographic areas in which we operate, mandatory or voluntary business closures; · regulatory actions taken in response to the pandemic, which may impact merchant operations, consumer and merchant pricing, and our product offerings; · other business disruptions that affect our workforce; · the impact on capital and financial markets; and · actions taken throughout the world, including in markets in which we operate, to contain the COVID-19 outbreak or treat its impact. In addition, the current outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in a widespread global health crisis and adversely affected global economies and financial markets, and similar public health threats could do so in the future. Substantially all our revenues were concentrated in Taiwan pending expansion into other international markets. Consequently, our results of operations will likely be adversely, and may be materially affected, to the extent that the COVID-19 pandemic or any epidemic harms Taiwan's economy and society and the global economy in general. Any potential impact to our results will depend on, to a large extent, future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by government authorities and other entities to contain the COVID-19 pandemic or treat its impact, almost all of which are beyond our control. If the disruptions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic or other matters of global concern continue for an extensive period of time, the operations of our business may be materially adversely affected. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic or a similar public health threat has an impact on our business, it is likely to also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in the "Risk Factors" section of Part I Item 1A. 32 Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Assumptions We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the financial reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. We consider the policies discussed below to be critical to an understanding of our financial statements. The SEC defines critical accounting policies as those that are, in management's view, most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and those that require significant judgments and estimates. The accounting principles we utilized in preparing our consolidated financial statements conform in all material respects to U.S. GAAP. Reclassification Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the allowance for doubtful receivables; the useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets; impairment of long-lived assets; recoverability of the carrying amount of inventory; fair value of financial instruments; provisional amounts based on reasonable estimates for certain income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") and the assessment of deferred tax assets or liabilities. These estimates are often based on complex judgments and assumptions that management believes to be reasonable but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Fair Value Measurement We apply ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands financial statement disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) on the measurement date in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. ASC Topic 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques, which is based on whether the inputs into the valuation technique are observable or unobservable. The hierarchy is as follows: Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instruments. Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. Unobservable inputs are valuation technique inputs that reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. 33 Our management is responsible for determining the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangibles identified as of the acquisition date and considered a number of factors including valuations from an independent appraiser. When available, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of an asset or liability. If quoted market prices are not available, we measure fair value using valuation techniques that use, when possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters, such as interest rates and currency rates. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, there are no assets or liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include all cash on hand and cash in bank with no restrictions. The balance of cash as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 were $2,906,074 and $2,444,009 , respectively. Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable are stated at the original amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts, if any, based on a review of all outstanding amounts at period end. An allowance is also made when there is objective evidence that we will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. We analyze the aging of the customer accounts, coverage of credit insurance, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, historical and current economic trends and changes in its customer payment patterns when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets, Net Prepaid expense and other assets, net consist of receivable from prepaid rent, etc. Management reviews its receivable balance each reporting period to determine if an allowance for doubtful accounts is required. An allowance for doubtful account is recorded in the period in which loss is determined to be probable based on an assessment of specific evidence indicating doubtful collection, historical experience, account balance aging, and prevailing economic conditions. Bad debts are written off against the allowance after all collection efforts have ceased. Inventories Inventories are stated at lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. Inventories include raw materials, work in progress and finished goods. The variable production overhead is allocated to each unit of product on the basis of the actual use of the production facilities. The allocation of fixed production overhead to the costs of conversion is based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Where there is evidence that the utility of inventories, in their disposal in the ordinary course of business, will be less than cost, whether due to physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels, or other causes, the inventories are written down to net realizable value. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost represents the purchase price of the asset and other costs incurred to bring the asset into its existing use. Maintenance, repairs, and betterments, including replacement of minor items, are charged to expense; major additions to physical properties are capitalized. 34 Depreciation of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which are shown as follows. Useful life Shorter of the remaining lease terms and Leasehold improvements estimated useful lives Furniture and fixture 5 years Equipment 3 years Machinery 5 years Vehicle 5 years Upon sale or disposal, the applicable amounts of asset cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount less proceeds from disposal is charged or credited to income. Business Combination For a business combination, the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are recognized at the acquisition date and measured at their fair values as of that date. In a business combination achieved in stages, the identifiable assets and liabilities, as well as the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, are recognized at the full amounts of their fair values. In a bargain purchase in which the total acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration transferred plus any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, that excess in earnings is recognized as a gain attributable to the acquirer. Deferred tax liability and assets are recognized for the deferred tax consequences of differences between the tax bases and the recognized values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740-10. Variable Interest Entity A variable interest entity ("VIE") is an entity (investee) is an entity in which the investor has obtained a controlling interest even if it has less than a majority of voting rights, according to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). A VIE is subject to consolidation if a VIE meets one of the following three criteria as elaborated in ASC Topic 810-10, Consolidation: (a) equity-at-risk is not sufficient to support the entity's activities; (b) as a group, the equity-at-risk holders cannot control the entity; or (c) the economics do not coincide with the voting interest. If a firm is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the holdings must be disclosed on the balance sheet. The primary beneficiary is defined as the person or company with the majority of variable interests. A corporation formed, owned, and operated by two or more businesses (ventures) as a separate and discrete business or project (venture) for their mutual benefit is defined as a joint venture. Goodwill and Intangible Assets We recognize goodwill in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other. Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of October 1st of each year, and is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. An impairment charge for goodwill is recognized only when the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than its carrying amount. 35 We recognize intangibles assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other. Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization are stated at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment at least annually. The estimates of fair value are based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment, which primarily incorporates management assumptions about expected future cash flows. Although these assets are not currently impaired, there can be no assurance that future impairments will not occur. Share-Based Compensation We determine our share-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (ASC 718), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees based on the grant date fair value of the award. Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of phantom award grants requires the input of subjective assumptions. We use the Black-Scholes pricing model to value our phantom awards. Share-based compensation expense is calculated using our best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management's judgment. Significant estimates include our expected volatility. If different estimates and assumptions had been used, our phantom unit valuations could be significantly different and related share-based compensation expense may be materially impacted. The Black-Scholes pricing model requires inputs such as the risk-free interest rate, expected term, expected volatility and expected dividend yield. We base the risk-free interest rate that we use in the Black-Scholes pricing model on zero coupon U.S. Treasury instruments with maturities similar to the expected term of the award being valued. The expected term of phantom awards is estimated from the vesting period of the award and represents the weighted average period that our phantom awards are expected to be outstanding. We estimated the volatility based on the historic volatility of our guideline companies, which we feel best represent our Company. We have never paid and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and, therefore, we use an expected dividend yield of zero in the pricing model. We account for forfeitures as they occur. Commitments and Contingencies In the normal course of business, we are subject to contingencies, including legal proceedings and claims arising out of its business that relate to a wide range of matters, such as government investigations and tax matters. We recognize a liability for such contingency if it determines it is probable that a loss has occurred and a reasonable estimate of the loss can be made. We may consider many factors in making these assessments including historical and the specific facts and circumstances of each matter. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenues when our customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive in exchange for those goods. We recognize revenues following the five step model prescribed under ASU No. 2014-09. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, we apply the following steps: · Step 1: Identify the contract (s) with a customer · Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract · Step 3: Determine the transaction price · Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract · Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation 36 We considered revenue is recognized when (or as) we satisfy performance obligations by transferring a promised goods and provide maintenance service to a customer. Revenue is measured at the transaction price which is based on the amount of consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for transferring the promised goods and providing maintenance service to the customer. Contracts with customers are comprised of invoices, and written contracts. We do not have arrangements for returns from customers. We have no sales incentive programs. We provide goods, maintenance service warranties for the goods sold with a period varying from 18 months to 72 months, with the majority of the periods being 18 months, and exclusive sales agency license to its customers. For performance obligation related to providing products, we expect to recognize the revenue according to the delivery of products. For performance obligation related to maintenance service warranties, we expect to recognize the revenue on a ratable basis using a time-based output method. The performance obligations are typically satisfied as services are rendered on a straight-line basis over the contract term, which is generally for 18 months as a majority of the maintenance service warranties periods provided are 18 months. For performance obligation related to exclusive agency license, we recognize the revenue ratably upon the satisfaction over the estimated economic life of the license. We do not have amounts of contract assets since revenue is recognized as control of goods is transferred. The contract liabilities consist of advance payments from customers and deferred revenue. Advance payments from customers are expected to be recognized as revenue within 12 months. Deferred revenue is expected to be recognized as revenue within 12 months. Cost of Sales Cost of sales consists primarily of purchase cost of merchandise goods, material costs, labor costs, depreciation, and related expenses, which are directly attributable to the production of the product. Write-down of inventories to lower of cost or net realizable value is also recorded in cost of sales. Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each period end based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates, applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Leases In February 2016 , the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Leases (ASC Topic 842), which amends the lease requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. Under the new lease accounting standard, a lessee will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for most leases on the balance sheet. The new standard also modifies the classification criteria and accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases, and enhances the disclosure requirements. Leases will continue to be classified as either finance or operating leases. We adopted ASC Topic 842 using the modified retrospective transition method effective January 1, 2019 . There was no cumulative effect of initially applying ASC Topic 842 that required an adjustment to the opening retained earnings on the adoption date nor revision of the balances in comparative periods. As a result of the adoption, we recognized a lease liability and right-of-use asset for each of our existing lease arrangement. The adoption of the new lease standard does not have a material impact on our consolidated income statement or our consolidated statement of cash flow. 37 Uncertain Tax Positions We account for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized and recorded as necessary in the provision for income taxes. According to the PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the statute of limitations is three years if the underpayment of taxes is due to computational errors made by the taxpayer or the withholding agent. The statute of limitations is extended to five years under special circumstances, where the underpayment of taxes is more than RMB 100,000 . In the case of transfer pricing issues, the statute of limitation is ten years. There is no statute of limitation in the case of tax evasion. We record interest and penalties on uncertain tax provisions as income tax expense. There are no uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and we have no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. We do not believe that the unrecognized tax benefits will change over the next twelve months. Comprehensive (Loss) Income Comprehensive income or loss is comprised of our net (loss) income and other comprehensive income or loss. The component of other comprehensive income or loss consists solely of foreign currency translation adjustments, net of the income tax effect. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions Our reporting currency is the United States dollar ("US$"). The functional currency of our VIE in Taiwan is Taiwan New Dollar ("TWD"), and the functional currency of our Hong Kong subsidiary is Hong Kong dollars ("HK$"). The functional currency of PRC companies is the Renminbi ("RMB"). In the consolidated financial statements, the financial information of our subsidiary and the consolidated VIE has been translated into US$. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates on the balance sheet date, equity amounts are translated at historical exchange rates, except for changes in accumulated deficit during the year which is the result of income statement translation process, and revenue, expense, gains or losses are translated using the average exchange rate during the year. Translation adjustments are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments and are shown as a separate component of other comprehensive income or loss in the consolidated statements of changes in equity and comprehensive (loss) income. The exchange rates as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are 6.9646 and 6.4854, respectively. The annual average exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 are 6.7208 and 6.3700, respectively. (Loss) Earnings per Share Basic (loss) earnings per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income attributable to holders of common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised or converted into common shares. Recently Issued Accounting Standards See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herewith. Results of Operations The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. 38 Consolidated Statements of Operations For the years ended December 31, 2022 2021 Net Sales $ 16,338,754 $ 9,945,325 Cost of sales (16,071,659 ) (9,000,733 ) Gross profit 267,095 944,592 Operating expenses General and administrative expenses (5,447,303 ) (10,419,684 ) Total operating expenses (5,447,303 ) (10,419,684 ) Loss from operations (5,180,208 ) (9,475,092 ) Other income (expense) 419,811 (4,055 ) Loss before income taxes (4,760,397 ) (9,479,147 ) Income tax (expense) benefit 23,808 (139,932 ) Net loss (4,736,589 ) (9,619,079 ) Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests 76,319 - Net loss attributable to the Company $ (4,812,908 ) $ (9,619,079 ) Comprehensive (loss) income Net loss (4,736,589 ) (9,619,079 ) Foreign currency translation income (loss) (89,688 ) (63,676 ) Total comprehensive loss (4,826,277 ) (9,682,755 ) Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest 76,319 - Less: Foreign currency translation loss attributable to non-controlling interest - - Comprehensive loss attributable to the Company $ (4,902,596 ) $ (9,682,755 ) Loss per share Basic(1) $ (0.6111 ) $ (1.0757 ) Diluted(1) $ (0.6111 ) $ (1.0757 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic(1) 7,876,367 6,107,727 Diluted(1) 7,876,367 6,107,727 (1) On August 11, 2022, the Company effected a 2:3 reverse stock split for each share of common stock issued and outstanding. All shares and associated amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the stock split. 39 Comparison of Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 Revenue Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $16.3 million compared to approximately $9.9 million for the comparable period in 2021. The revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 was mostly made from the construction services of XFC and the fish trading business from NTB. The revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 was generated from XFC delivery of construction services to its customers. As of December 31, 2021 , JC Development Co., Ltd. ("JCD") and us mutually agreed to termination of the Regional Agency Cooperation Agreement dated as of September 2019 , as amended by the Regional Agency Cooperation Supplementary Agreement dated as of May 31, 2020 , by and between Grand Smooth Inc Ltd and JCD. Gross profit Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $0.3 million , compared to approximately $0.9 million for the comparable period in 2021. The decrease of gross profit margin was mainly because in 2022 we sold XFC and the revenue recognition decreased in November 2022 . General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses were $5.4 million , for the year ended December 31, 2022 , compared to $10.4 million for the comparable period in 2021. The significant decrease was mainly because in 2021 we recognized significant share based compensation expenses to employees and consultants for professional services. Other income (expense) Other income of $419,811 for the year ended December 31, 2022 , compared to other expense were $(4,055) for the comparable period in 2021. The income for the year ended December 31, 2022 was mainly due to the waiver of payables. During the year ended December 31, 2022 , we recorded an income tax benefit of $23,808 as compared to income tax expense of $139,932 for the comparable period in 2021. Net loss attributable Net loss attributable to us (excluding net loss attributable to non-controlling interest) for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $4.7 million compared to net loss attributable to us (excluding net income attributable to non-controlling interest) approximately of $9.6 million for the comparable period in 2021. The significant decrease was mainly because in 2021 we recognized significant share based compensation expenses to employees and consultants for professional services. Liquidity and Capital Resources; Going Concern We had net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the cash balance was $2.9 million as of December 31, 2022 . As of December 31, 2022 , we had an accumulated deficit of $14,747,461 . In their audit report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 included in this report, our auditors have expressed their concern as to our ability to continue as a going concern. We continue to control our cash expenses as a percentage of expected revenue on an annual basis and thus may use its cash balances in the short-term to invest in revenue growth. Management is focused on growing our existing product offering, as well as our customer base, to increase our revenues. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to generate cashflows from operations and obtain financing. We cannot give assurance that we can increase our cash balances or limit our cash consumption and thus maintain sufficient cash balances for our planned operations or future acquisitions. Future business demands may lead to cash utilization at levels greater than recently experienced. We may need to raise additional capital in the future. However, we cannot assure that we will be able to raise additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all. Subject to the foregoing, however, management believes that our current cash balances coupled with anticipated cash flow from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements for at least one year from the date of issuance of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. 40 To date, we have funded our operations through revenues, loans from our officers, and the issuance of equity securities. We obtained a financial support letter from Mr. Yin-Chieh Cheng , the Chief Executive Officer, also the Chairman of the Board and our principal stockholder. · On April 1, 2021 , we entered in a securities purchase agreement with certain investors for an aggregate of 80,000 shares of its preferred stock at a per share purchase price of $2.50 . As part of the transaction, the investors received one Class C warrant and one Class D warrant for the subscription of each preferred share. Each Class C warrant consist of the right to purchase up one share of common stock to at an exercise price of $3.75 per share exercisable for 36 months from the date of issuance. Each Class D warrants consist of the right to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $7.50 per share exercisable for 36 months from the date of issuance. The subscription was completed on August 10, 2021 · In August 2021 , we issued 80,000 shares of preferred shares of $0.001 each at an issue price of $2.50 per share to certain investors credited as fully paid. · On September 27, 2021 , we entered into securities purchase agreements with investors, pursuant to which we issued in a registered direct offering, an aggregate of 32,000 shares of our common stock at a per share purchase price of $3.75 . In addition, the investors also received one Class C Warrant and one Class D Warrant for the subscription of each preferred share. On December 31, 2021 , we consummated a private offering of 278,667 units at a purchase price of $7.50 per unit to 28 investors for gross proceeds of $2,090,000 . Each unit consisted of one share of the Company's common stock and an "equity kicker" of one share of our common stock, for a total of 557,334 shares of common stock. · On August 10, 2022 , our Registration Statement relating to the Public Offering was declared effective by the SEC . The Public Offering consisted of 1,880,000 units at a public offering price of $3.50 per unit, with each unit consisting of (i) one (1) share of our common stock and (ii) a warrant to purchase two (2) shares of our common stock. We received total gross proceeds of $6.58 million from the Public Offering and after deducting the underwriting commissions, discounts and offering expenses, we received net proceeds of approximately $5.3 million . On August 11, 2022 , the shares of our common stock began trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol "NCRA." The Shares and the Warrants comprising the units were immediately separable and issued separately in the Public Offering, which closed on August 15, 2022 . In connection with the Public Offering and pursuant to the underwriting agreement between the underwriters named therein and us, we granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 282,000 additional shares of our common stock and warrants, equivalent to 15% of the units sold in the Public Offering, at the public offering price of $3.50 per unit, less underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any. On September 23, 2022 , the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 282,000 warrants from us for gross proceeds of $2,820 . The warrants were issued to the underwriters on September 26, 2022 . The following table provides detailed information about our net cash flows for the periods indicated: For the years ended December 31, 2022 2021 Net cash provided by (used in) provided by operating activities $ (1,910,977 ) $ 251,729 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (4,030,834 ) (25,067 ) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities 6,288,391 1,203,833 Effect of the exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents 115,485 (10,017 ) Increase in cash and cash equivalents $ 462,065 $ 1,420,478 41 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net cash used in operating activities amounted to $1,910,977 for the year ended December 31, 2022 . This reflected a net loss of $4,736,589 , as adjusted for non-cash items primarily including loss on disposal of XFC of $2,569,975 , depreciation of $66,907 and share-based compensation of $413,453 , and offset by effect of changes in working capital including an decrease of $1,221,285 of inventories. Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $251,729 for the year ended December 31, 2021 . This reflected a net loss of $9,619,079 , as adjusted for non-cash items primarily including share-based compensation of $6,638,371 , consultancy services settled by equities of $3,045,150 and offset by effect of changes in working capital including increase of accounts receivable in the amount of $252,338 . Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net cash used in investing activities was $4,030,834 for the year ended December 31, 2022 which were primarily cash paid for acquisition of a subsidiary. Net cash used in investing activities was $25,067 for the year ended December 31, 2021 which were primarily attributable to the purchase of equipment and intangible asset. Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to $6,288,391 for the year ended December 31, 2022 , which were primarily arising from proceeds from issuance of common stock and other borrowings during the year. Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to $1,203,833 for the year ended December 31, 2021 , which were primarily arising from proceeds from issuance of common stock and preferred stock during the year. Since we plan to build our land-based fish farming demo sites in the U.S. , Japan , and Thailand to promote our fish farming systems to the global market, we expect that we will require additional capital, which includes construction costs, marketing costs, operation costs, etc., to meet our long-term operating requirements. We expect to obtain financing from stockholders or raise additional capital through, among other things, the sale of equity or debt securities. The stockholders are committed to provide additional financing required when we try to raise additional capital from third party investors or banks. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in raising this additional capital. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Please refer to the Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herewith. © Edgar Online, source Glimpses