UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16

OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of April 2018

 

Commission file number: 001-37655

 

CHINA CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTERS, INC.

(Registrant’s name)

 

c/o Shandong Taiying Technology Co., Ltd.

1366 Zhongtianmen Dajie, Xinghuo Science and Technology Park, High-tech Zone, Taian City, Shandong Province,
People’s Republic of China 27100

(Address of principal executive office)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F  ☒  Form 40-F ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ☐

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explanatory Note:

 

On April 27, 2018, China Customer Relations Centers, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the six and twelve months ended December 31, 2017. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

  

  CHINA CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTERS, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Gary Wang
    Gary Wang
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

Dated: April 30, 2018

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Number   Description of Exhibit
     
99.1   Press Release dated April 27, 2018 announcing financial results for the six and twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

 

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

China Customer Relations Centers, Inc. Announces Second Half and Full Year 2017 Financial Results

 

TAI’AN, China, Apr. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- China Customer Relations Centers, Inc. (NASDAQ: CCRC) (“CCRC” or the “Company”), a leading call center business process outsourcing (“BPO”) service provider in China, today announced its financial results for the six and twelve months ended December 31, 2017.

 

Second Half 2017 Highlights (all comparisons to prior year unless noted)

 

Revenues increased by 41.8% to a Company record of $54.2 million driven by continued expansion of business.

 

Gross profit increased by 40.2% to $13.5 million. Gross margin decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 24.8%.

 

Net income attributable to common shareholders increased by 22.1% to $4.7 million.

 

Earnings per share was $0.26, versus $0.20 for the same period of the prior year.

 

Full Year 2017 Highlights

 

Revenues increased by 22.3% to $89.0 million driven by continued expansion of business.

 

Gross profit increased by 19.2% to $23.4 million. Gross margin decreased by 0.7 percentage points to 26.3%

 

Net income attributable to common shareholders increased by 6.0% to $8.8 million.

 

Earnings per share was $0.48, versus $0.45 for 2016.

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had service capacity of 13,992 seats, compared to 11,057 seats at the end of 2016.

 

Mr. Gary Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CCRC, commented, “We are very pleased to report strong results with record revenues and net income for both the second half and full year of 2017. While our relationships with existing customers, including the provincial subsidiaries of China Mobile and China Telecom, remained steady and strong, we continued to attract high-profile new customers, adding China Merchants Bank, Shouqi Limousine & Chauffeur, OFO Shared Bicycles, Tmall.com, and TianAn Life Insurance during 2017.”

 

Mr. Wang continued, “Looking ahead, as we continue to expand our service capacity and geographical footprint, we are excited about the prospects of our business and expect the strong growth momentum to continue in 2018 and beyond.”

  

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Six Months Ended December 31, 2017 Financial Results (Unaudited)

 

   For the Six Months Ended December 31, 
($ millions, except per share data)  2017   2016   % Change 
Revenues  $54.2   $38.3    41.8%
Gross profit  $13.5   $9.6    40.2%
Gross margin   24.8%   25.1%   -0.3 pp 
Operating income  $5.6   $3.4    64.4%
Operating margin   10.3%   8.9%   1.4 pp 
Net income attributable to CCRC  $4.7   $3.7    27.0%
EPS - basic and diluted  $0.26   $0.20    27.0%

 

Revenues

 

For the six months ended December 31, 2017, revenues increased by $15.9 million, or 41.8%, to $54.2 million from $38.3 million for the same period of the prior year. We continued to see strong demand for our business from existing BPO clients as well as new clients during the six months ended December 31, 2017.

 

Cost of revenues

 

Cost of revenues consists primarily of salaries, payroll taxes and employee benefits costs of our customer service associates and other operations personnel. Cost of revenues also includes direct communications costs, rent expense, information technology costs, and facilities support. Cost of revenues increased by $12.1 million, or 42.3%, to $40.8 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017 from $28.7 million for the same period of the prior year. As a percentage of revenues, cost of revenues was 75.2% for the six months ended December 31, 2017, compared to 74.9% for the same period of the prior year.

 

Gross profit and gross margin

 

Gross profit increased by $3.9 million, or 40.2%, to $13.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017 from $9.6 million for the same period of the prior year. Gross margin decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 24.8% for the six months ended December 31, 2017 from 25.1% for the same period of the prior year.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.7 million, or 27.0%, to $7.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017 from $6.2 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was a result of higher payroll and bonus expenses paid to the administrative and research personnel and the management team. We anticipate that our administrative expenses, particularly those related to support personnel costs, professional fees, as well as Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, will continue to increase in 2018 due to the continuing expansion of our business.

 

Operating income and operating margin

 

Income from operations increased by $2.2 million, or 64.4%, to $5.6 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017 from $3.4 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase in operating income was mainly driven by an increase in revenues and partially offset by increases in selling, general and administrative expenses. Operating margin was 10.3% for the six months ended December 31, 2017, compared to 8.9% for the same period of the prior year.

  

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Other income (expenses)

 

We received government grants, which are discretionary and unpredictable in nature, of $0.6 million during the six months ended December 31, 2017, compared to $0.4 million during the same period of the prior year. Government grants as a percentage of net income were 11.8% for the six months ended December 31, 2017, compared to 9.6% for the same period of the prior year. Total other income, net of other expenses, decreased by $0.4 million, or 58.9%, to $0.3 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017 from $0.7 million for the same period of the prior year.

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

Income before provision for income taxes increased by $1.8 million, or 41.7%, to $5.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017 from $4.1 million for the same period of the prior year. The increase in income before provision for income taxes was mainly due to the increase in income from operations and partially offset by decrease in other income.

 

Income taxes

 

Provision for income taxes was $1.0 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017, compared to $0.4 million for the same period of the prior year.

 

Net income and earnings per share

 

Net income increased by $1.2 million, or 31.3%, to $4.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2017 from $3.7 million for the same period of the prior year. After deducting net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net income attributable to common shareholders was $4.7 million, or $0.26 per basic and diluted share, for the six months ended December 31, 2017, compared to $3.7 million, or $0.20 per basic and diluted share, for the same period of the prior year.

 

Fiscal Year 2017 Financial Results

 

   For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
($ millions, except per share data)  2017   2016   % Change 
Revenues  $89.0   $72.7    22.3%
Gross profit  $23.4   $19.6    19.2%
Gross margin   26.3%   27.0%   -0.7 pp 
Operating income  $8.6   $8.6    1.1%
Operating margin   9.7%   11.8%   -2.0 pp 
Net income attributable to CCRC  $8.8   $8.3    6.0%
EPS - basic and diluted  $0.48   $0.45    6.0%

 

Revenues

 

For the year of 2017, revenues increased by $16.2 million, or 22.3%, to $89.0 million from $72.7 million for 2016. We continued to see strong demand for our business from existing BPO clients as well as new clients during the six months ended December 31, 2017. We added several high-profile clients, including China Merchants Bank, OFO Shared Bicycles, Rong360.com, and TianAn Life Insurance, and dropped several lower volume clients due to seat limitations during 2017. 

 

The provincial subsidiaries of China Mobile and China Telecom remained the two largest customers and accounted for 28% and 9%, respectively, of total revenues in 2017, compared to 34% and 14%, respectively, of total revenues in 2016. Top 5 customers accounted for 57% of revenues in 2017, compared to 71% of revenues in 2016.

  

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Cost of revenues

 

Cost of revenues consists primarily of salaries, payroll taxes and employee benefits costs of our customer service associates and other operations personnel. Cost of revenues also includes direct communications costs, rent expense, information technology costs, and facilities support. Cost of revenues increased by $12.5 million, or 23.5%, to $65.6 million for 2017 from $53.1 million for 2016. As a percentage of revenues, cost of revenues was 73.7% for 2017, compared to 73.0% for 2016.

 

Gross profit and gross margin

 

Gross profit increased by $3.8 million, or 19.2%, to $23.4 million for 2017 from $19.6 million for 2016. Gross margin decreased by 0.7 percentage points to 26.3% for 2017 from 27.0% for 2016.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $3.7 million, or 33.2%, to $14.8 million for 2017 from $11.1 million for 2016. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was a result of higher payroll and bonus expenses paid to the administrative and research personnel and the management team. We anticipate that our administrative expenses, particularly those related to support personnel costs, professional fees, as well as Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, will continue to increase in 2018 due to the continuing expansion of our business.

 

Operating income and operating margin

 

Income from operations increased by $0.1 million, or 1.1%, to $8.64 million for 2017 from $8.55 million for 2016. The increase in operating income was mainly driven by an increase in gross profit and partially offset by increases in selling, general and administrative expenses. Operating margin was 9.7% for 2017, compared to 11.8% for 2016.

 

Other income (expenses)

 

We received government grants, which are discretionary and unpredictable in nature, of $1.9 million during 2017, compared to $0.8 million during 2016. Government grants as a percentage of net income were 20.7% for 2017, compared to 9.7% for 2016. Total other income, net of other expenses, increased by $0.6 million, or 47.1%, to $1.7 million for 2017 from $1.2 million for 2016.

Income before provision for income taxes

 

Income before provision for income taxes increased by $0.6 million, or 6.6%, to $10.4 million for 2017 from $9.7 million for 2016. The increase in income before provision for income taxes was mainly due to the increase in other income as well as slight increase in income from operations.

 

Income taxes

 

Provision for income taxes was $1.3 million for 2017, compared to $1.4 million for 2016.

 

Net income and earnings per share

 

Net income increased by $0.8 million, or 10.1%, to $9.1 million for 2017 from $8.3 million for 2016. After deducting net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net income attributable to common shareholders was $8.8 million, or $0.48 per basic and diluted share, for 2017, compared to $8.3 million, or $0.45 per basic and diluted share, for 2016.

  

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Financial Conditions

 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had cash of $18.6 million, compared to $15.9 million at December 31, 2016. Total working capital was $30.0 million as of December 31, 2017, compared to $23.2 million at the end of 2016.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $3.0 million for 2017, compared to $5.7 million for 2016. Net cash used in investing activities was $4.9 million for 2017, compared to $1.0 million for 2016. Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.7 million for 2017, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $1.5 million for 2016.

 

Recent Development

 

On September 16, 2017, The Company held its 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at its headquarters in Taian City, Shandong Province.  The Company’s shareholders: 1) ratified the appointment of MaloneBailey, LLC as its independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year of 2017; and 2) reelected Jie Xu and Tianjun Zhang as Class I Directors.

 

Notice

 

Rounding amounts and percentages: Certain amounts and percentages included in this press release have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this press release have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, certain percentage amounts in this press release may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in the financial statements. In addition, certain other amounts that appear in this press release may not sum due to rounding.

 

About China Customer Relations Centers, Inc.

 

The Company is a BPO service provider focusing on the complex, voice-based segment of customer care services, including:

 

customer relationship management;

 

technical support;

 

sales;

 

customer retention;

 

marketing surveys; and

 

research.

 

The Company’s service is currently delivered from call centers located at over 20 cities across 12 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China, including Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hebei, Xinjiang, Guangxi, Jiangxi, Chongqing, Beijing, Henan, Shanghai and Sichuan. More information about the Company can be found at: www.ccrc.com.

  

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Forward-Looking 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.  Specifically, the Company’s statements regarding its: 1) expansion of its service capacity and geographical footprint; 2) anticipated increase in administrative costs; and 3) continued growth and business outlook, are 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 call center business process outsourcing market in China; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China 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.  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 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 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:

Tony Tian, CFA
Weitian Group LLC
Email: tony.tian@weitian-ir.com
Phone: +1-732-910-9692

  

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CHINA CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

   

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2017   2016 
         
ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents  $18,628,365   $15,947,268 
Accounts receivable, net   23,689,583    13,595,396 
Notes receivable   -    547,259 
Notes receivable – related party, current   968,277    - 
Prepayments   1,277,149    504,780 
Due from related parties, net   219,051    248,866 
Restricted cash   -    500,000 
Other current assets   1,084,929    1,041,923 
    Total current assets   45,867,354    32,385,492 
Cost method investments   3,688,676    - 
Notes receivable - related party, non-current   -    907,297 
Property and equipment, net   6,067,338    4,360,976 
Deferred tax assets   313,463    69,864 
    Total non-current assets   10,069,477    5,338,137 
Total assets  $55,936,831   $37,723,629 
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
Short term loan  $3,842,371   $- 
Accounts payable   495,177    664,838 
Accounts payable - related parties   46,661    129,489 
Accrued liabilities and other payables   4,724,823    3,603,471 
Deferred revenue   607,660    607,160 
Wages payable   5,565,078    2,885,735 
Income taxes payable   541,321    883,654 
Due to related parties   -    446,050 
    Total current liabilities   15,823,091    9,220,397 
    Total liabilities   15,823,091    9,220,397 
Equity          
Common shares, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 18,329,600 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016   18,330    18,330 
Additional paid-in capital   11,202,396    11,178,774 
Retained earnings   25,292,402    17,226,261 
Statutory reserves   2,597,031    2,067,835 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   80,868    (1,987,968)
    Total China Customer Relations Centers, Inc. shareholders’ equity   39,191,027    28,503,232 
Noncontrolling interest   922,713    - 
Total equity   40,113,740    28,503,232 
Total liabilities and equity  $55,936,831   $37,723,629 

  

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CHINA CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

  

   For The Years Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
             
Revenues, net  $88,971,787   $72,731,706   $59,350,721 
Cost of revenues   65,562,563    53,098,552    46,891,617 
Gross profit   23,409,224    19,633,154    12,459,104 
Operating expenses:               
Selling, general & administrative expenses   14,766,524    11,082,106    7,259,279 
Total operating expenses   14,766,524    11,082,106    7,259,279 
Income from operations   8,642,700    8,551,048    5,199,825 
Interest expense   (1,609)   (50,383)   (278,363)
Government grants   1,885,340    801,125    1,027,581 
Other income   175,995    479,387    225,306 
Other expense   (331,641)   (55,003)   (124,473)
Total other income   1,728,085    1,175,126    850,051 
Income before provision for income taxes   10,370,785    9,726,174    6,049,876 
Income tax provision   1,255,654    1,448,923    1,275,633 
Net income   9,115,131    8,277,251    4,774,243 
Less: net income attribute to noncontrolling interest   341,672    -    - 
Net income attribute to China Customer Relations Center, Inc.  $8,773,459   $8,277,251   $4,774,243 
                
Comprehensive income               
Net income  $9,115,131   $8,277,251   $4,774,243 
Foreign currency translation adjustment   2,141,796    (1,537,534)   (684,590)
Total comprehensive income   11,256,927    6,739,717    4,089,653 
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest   401,324    -    - 
Comprehensive income attributable to China Customer Relations Centers, Inc.  $10,855,603   $6,739,717   $4,089,653 
                
Earnings per share attributable to China Customer Relations Centers, Inc.               
Basic  $0.48   $0.45   $0.30 
Diluted  $0.48   $0.45   $0.30 
Weighted average common shares outstanding               
Basic   18,329,600    18,329,600    16,015,079 
Diluted   18,329,600    18,329,600    16,015,079 

  

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CHINA CUSTOMER RELATIONS CENTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

 

   For The Years Ended December 31, 
   2017   2016   2015 
Cash flows from operating activities            
Net income  $9,115,131   $8,277,251   $4,774,243 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:               
Depreciation   1,852,152    1,542,352    1,340,961 
Allowance for doubtful accounts   429,803    805,870    - 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment   2,416    -    - 
Deferred income taxes   (230,043)   (84,067)   (172,000)
Changes in assets and liabilities:               
Accounts receivable   (9,269,755)   (5,561,722)   (2,499,956)
Due from related parties, net   -    -    (114,670)
Due to related parties   -    -    (2,394)
Prepayments   (1,313,830)   (767,516)   (447,311)
Other current assets   25,925    (63,669)   191,536 
Accounts payable   (505,372)   193,639    113,033 
Accounts payable - related parties   (88,136)   25,276    - 
Wages payable   2,393,214    277,335    908,720 
Income taxes payable   (386,825)   (67,681)   586,931 
Deferred revenue   (38,813)   634,644    - 
Accrued liabilities and other payables   1,016,373    454,572    1,277,678 
Net cash provided by operating activities   3,002,240    5,666,284    5,956,771 
Cash flows from investing activities               
Purchase of property and equipment   (2,082,719)   (478,775)   (1,614,696)
    Change of restricted cash   500,000    -    (500,000)
    Proceeds from sale of property and equipment   108    -    - 
Payments for cost method investments   (3,509,404)   -    - 
Loan to third party   -    (563,896)   - 
Repayments from third party   233,596    -    - 
Advances to related parties   (7,400)   (18,210)   (930,536)
Repayments from related parties   -    40,011    1,095,087 
Net cash used in investing activities   (4,865,819)   (1,020,870)   (1,950,145)
Cash flows from financing activities               
Proceeds from issuances of common shares   -    -    8,497,024 
Contribution from noncontrolling investor in subsidiary   353,581    -    - 
Repayments to related parties   (473,914)   -    - 
Borrowings of short term loan   3,780,490    -    3,800,367 
Repayments of short term loans   -    (1,510,962)   (7,478,890)
Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities   3,660,157    (1,510,962)   4,818,501 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   884,519    (811,033)   (298,288)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents   2,681,097    2,323,419    8,526,839 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year   15,947,268    13,623,849    5,097,010 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year  $18,628,365   $15,947,268   $13,623,849 

 

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