Kandi Technologies Group Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:KNDI) has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2024, showcasing a revenue of $20.7 million and a net income of $0.8 million. The company is expanding its presence in North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, and has unveiled a range of new products, including a partnership with the NFL and Lowe's (NYSE:LOW) for a branded golf cart collection.
Kandi plans to spin off its US subsidiaries as a separately listed company by the end of the year and has no immediate plans for acquisitions prior to the spin-off. The company is also addressing tariffs on EVs and lithium batteries and is considering a CKD approach for electric UTV products to mitigate tariff impacts.
Key Takeaways
- Kandi reports Q1 revenue of $20.7 million and net income of $0.8 million.
- Expansion in North America, Southeast Asia, and European markets highlighted.
- New product launches include rechargeable batteries, electric vehicles, and NFL-branded golf carts.
- The NFL and Lowe's partnership is exclusive for the sale of Kandi-branded golf carts.
- A spin-off of US subsidiaries is planned, aiming for a dual listing by the end of the year.
- Kandi is tackling tariffs on EVs and lithium batteries, considering the CKD approach for certain products.
- The company confirms Johnny Tai as the CEO of Kandi America.
- Sales target of $500 million set for 2025, with expectations of better sales in fiscal year 2024.
- Kandi introduced the Kandi Smile golf cart, targeting the cross-border golf cart market.
- Share repurchase program to continue, with no new acquisitions anticipated before the spin-off.
Company Outlook
- Kandi sets a sales target of $500 million for 2025.
- Plans to expand international sales through trading companies and agencies in China.
- Aims to focus on newly developed pure electric vehicles in the golf cart and UTV categories.
- Management committed to improving shareholder communication.
Bearish Highlights
- Concerns raised about the impact of tariffs on EVs and lithium batteries.
- No new acquisitions planned before the spin-off of US subsidiaries.
Bullish Highlights
- Strong Q1 financial performance with solid net income.
- Expansion through strategic partnerships and product diversification.
- Positive outlook on achieving significant revenue growth by 2025.
Misses
- No mention of specific strategies to counter potential future tariffs or regulatory changes.
Q&A Highlights
- Management clarified Lowe's as the exclusive NFL partner for selling Kandi-branded golf carts.
- The spin-off process for US subsidiaries is ongoing, with no resources wasted on consulting fees.
- Kandi's approach to tariffs includes cost reduction and potential use of CKD for electric UTVs.
- Johnny Tai confirmed as the CEO of Kandi America.
- Management is considering a tender offer for stock repurchase at $3.50 per share.
- Future plans include entering the water sports market with electric products.
Kandi Technologies continues to navigate the competitive landscape of electric vehicles and related products with strategic partnerships and product innovation. The company's growth targets and market expansion efforts, alongside its handling of tariffs and shareholder relations, will be key factors to watch as it works towards its ambitious sales goals and corporate restructuring in the coming months.
InvestingPro Insights
Kandi Technologies Group Inc. (NASDAQ: KNDI) has been actively managing its financial position while expanding its market presence. According to InvestingPro, Kandi holds more cash than debt, which is a positive indicator of the company's ability to sustain its operations and invest in growth without the pressure of high leverage. Additionally, despite a challenging environment, Kandi has been profitable over the last twelve months, which speaks to the company's ability to manage its bottom line amidst its expansion and product diversification efforts.
InvestingPro Data shows a mixed picture of the company's financial health. With a market capitalization of $195.68 million and a high P/E ratio of 351.59, investors may be cautious about the company's valuation. The adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q4 2023 stands at a staggering 32,591.61, indicating a significant expectation of future earnings growth priced into the stock. Meanwhile, the revenue growth for the same period was modest at 4.91%, with a gross profit margin of 33.47%, suggesting the company maintains a solid grip on its operational efficiency.
Investors should note that Kandi's share price has experienced volatility, with a decline of over 16% in the past three months. While this may raise concerns, it could also present a potential opportunity for those who believe in the company's long-term strategy and market positioning.
For a deeper dive into Kandi's financials and additional InvestingPro Tips, including the company's cash burn rate and asset liquidity, investors can explore further with a subscription to InvestingPro. There are 10 additional InvestingPro Tips available for Kandi Technologies, providing a comprehensive analysis for those looking to make informed investment decisions. Remember to use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription.
Full transcript - Kandi Technolgies (KNDI) Q1 2024:
Operator: Greetings. Welcome to Kandi Technologies First Quarter 2024 Financial Results Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation. [Operator Instructions] Please note this conference is being recorded. I will now turn the conference over to Kewa Luo, Investor Relations Manager. Thank you. You may begin.
Kewa Luo: Thank you, operator. Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining us on today's conference call to discuss Kandi's results for the first quarter 2024. Earlier today, we issued a press release covering the results. You can find a press release on the company's website as well as from the newswire services. On the call with me today, are Mr. Xiaoming Hu, Chairman of the Board; Dr. Xueqin Dong, Chief Executive Officer; and Mr. Alan Lim, Chief Financial Officer. Dr. Dong will deliver prepared remarks in Chinese, which I will then translate. After that, we will have a Q&A session. Before we continue, please note that today's discussion will contain forward-looking statements made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. As such, the company's actual results may be materially different from the expectations expressed today. Further information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in the company's public filings with the SEC. The company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable law. Please note that unless otherwise stated, all figures mentioned during the conference call are in US dollars. With that, let me now turn the call over to our CEO, Xueqin Dong. Go ahead, Dr. Dong.
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Hello, everyone. I'm Xueqin Dong, the CEO of Kandi Technologies Group. Welcome to today's conference call. We are pleased to report a solid start to the year, with total revenue for the first quarter, approximately $20.7 million and net income around $0.8 million. Despite some fluctuations in sales and overall income due to the adjustments in our sales strategy, our expansion in the North American market is progressing smoothly through collaboration with large nationwide chains. We have also been advances in the Southeast Asian and European markets, laying the groundwork for robust sales in upcoming peak season. It is with pride that we highlight our stable balance sheet and healthy financial addition. Additionally, we have repurchased 564,302 shares this quarter, reflecting our confidence in the company's future growth. [Foreign Language] Currently, we are actively refining our product portfolio. Already in the first quarter, we have begun rolling out our rechargeable AA batteries to the market. Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce starter batteries and a more competitive lineup of all electric off-road vehicles and electric water sports products. We anticipate these new products will significantly drive our sales revenue upward. At the same time, we are gearing up to launch our limited edition golf cart collection. This unique series created in partnership with the National Football League and Lowe's, will feature branding for all 32 NFL teams. This initiative is a clear indication of our confidence in our future growth and our steadfast commitment to delivering value to our shareholders. I am confident that our strategic adjustments will garner the outstanding and support of our shareholders. [Foreign Language] Now, we will move on to the Q&A session. Chairman Hu Xiaoming and I will answer your questions. And Ms. Kewa and Mr. Alan will provide translation for English questions. Please go ahead and ask your questions.
Operator: [Operator Instructions] Our first question is from Michael Pfeffer with Oppenheimer & Company. Please proceed.
Michael Pfeffer: Hi. Thanks for taking my question. On the year-end 10-K press release, it was good to see the CEO for the first time mentioning Lowe's and making what appears to be an attempt at a very positive comment for the balance of this year. However, I assume due to a translation error, which should have been a positive statement, ended up putting a negative spin on the stock that started the severe price decline. Management was immediately notified to the error, which should have been immediately corrected, but instead chose to ignore it. Here is an excerpt from the PR that contained the confusing error. Do you want to just translate that quickly?
Kewa Luo: Sure. [Foreign Language] Go ahead.
Michael Pfeffer: Thanks. Dr. Dong, CEO of Kandi commented, we acquired Northern Group to expand our sales channels. Moreover, we further strengthened our partnership with Lowe's expanding to more than 10 supercenters in 2024 and thereby broadening our market coverage in North America. We're proud to return to profitability in 2023, marking an important milestone in our development journey. Lowe's refers to each of its 2,500 stores of supercenters in their advertising and promotions. The PR in question was the first time Kandi has even admitted in a PR that Kandi was stealthily doing business with Lowe's since mid '22. Without correcting that error in the PR, it gives an impression that Kandi is excited about Lowe's adding another 10 of the supercenters, when in reality, Kandi at that time had long since opened up all of its 2,500 stores based on store managers' discretion by last year's end. Please translate that. Thank you.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Michael Pfeffer: Also on the last conference call, Mr. Hu in response to questions stated. So for this year, on top of what we are working with the Lowe's superstores, we have now added the corporation with more than a dozen or so of the retail change with different scales currently are working on child sales in those superstores. In addition, on top of the cooperation of the supermarket, we are working with the dealership with more than 300 partnerships during '23. And in this upcoming 2024, we are trying to work with more than 1,000 dealerships in the US market. If you can just translate that and I'll get to my questions quickly. Thank you.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language] Go ahead.
Michael Pfeffer: Okay. So the questions. Since Kandi products were already available in all Lowe's supercenters at the time of the prior PR quote, what specifically was the CEO attempting to refer to with this partnership with Lowe's expanding to more than 10 supercenters in the 2024 quote to broaden market coverage.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] So first of all, in the last conference call, when we met about over 10 of the retail partners we are talking about, Lowe's is one of the retail partners. And then speaking of Lowe's, just want to clarify that we actually don't have the access to all 2,500 of them that rather this portion of it is still expanding based on our negotiation and collaboration.
Xiaoming Hu: [Foreign Language] So and Mr. Hu would also like to add more color that, as I just mentioned just now, we don't really have access to all the 2,500 of this retail stores of Lowe's. And currently, we have roughly 500 stores, although maybe not every -- those of the 500 stores we carry all of our products. It depends on the category of the products and type as well. And by the next few months, we hopefully will expand the retail stores working with Lowe's up to like 600 or 900 maybe the end of the year. We expect the stores that will cover our products will be over 1,000. And of course, that's our plan for now. So you're going to be clear, the collaborating sale with them.
Michael Pfeffer: Okay. That's give some clarity. Thank you. Regarding Mr. Hu's comment on the last conference call was this dozen or so the retail change with different sales. Currently, child sales, like, confused with the CEO's comments about the Lowe's superstore sales in the year-end PR. So can you just kind of explain a little bit more about that comment? Was it related to the child sales on the Lowe's superstores?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] So first of all, I believe that there have been no such confusion, because we keep stretching there over 10 of the retail partners that we are working with and Lowe's is one of them. As for the list of those retail partners of the magic retailers that we're working with, you can refer to the list on our Kandi America website. And speaking of the child sale, we are not quite sure if you mean the scale of the sales being small? Or do you mean the sales of the children products. Currently, we are selling all kind of our outdoor off-road like in the golf cart, the UTVs and ADBs with those partners. Hope it addresses your question.
Michael Pfeffer: Yeah, just I think the child sales was sort of your quote. So I guess trying to understand maybe what type of products are the child sales? Can you delineate that? Or is that not what you meant by child sales?
Kewa Luo: Can you remind us where the quote is, when you're referring to child sales.
Michael Pfeffer: Yeah, I'll have to find that.
Kewa Luo: Okay.
Michael Pfeffer: Yeah, here it is -- yeah, I think it's a quote when -- so I said it on the last conference call, Mr. Hu in response to question stated, so for this year, on top of what we're working with the Lowe's superstores, we have now added that corporation with more than a dozen or so of the retail chains with different scales. Currently, we are working on child sales in those superstores. I believe that's a quote from Mr. Hu, if I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but that's what I --
Kewa Luo: Okay. During the call not in the press release.
Alan Lim: I think you mean trial, not the child. The trial sales.
Michael Pfeffer: Trial, that clears it up. Trial sales, understood. Okay.
Alan Lim: Trial.
Kewa Luo: Yes, yes. That's right.
Michael Pfeffer: All right. Well, that makes it clear. Thank you very much. Maybe it's translated incorrectly in that quote. Thank you.
Alan Lim: Thank you.
Kewa Luo: I'm sorry, let me translate this first. [Foreign Language] Okay. I'm sorry. Operator, yes, we can take next question.
Operator: Thank you. Our next question is from Steve Miller, Private Investor. Please proceed.
Steve Miller: Good morning, Kewa. Just with regard to the previous question that you guys fielded, if you would resume fitting out a transcript of your -- of the Q&A call rather than rely on third parties, that would give you an opportunity to clear up any misstatements or mistranslation. Otherwise, this is what happens. People are taking statements that in fact are inaccurate. My first question is regarding the Lowe's NFL Cup. Last week, Lowe's added some promotional material on their Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) sponsored ads as well as adding a new website landing page on their e-commerce site, promoting a new line of Kandi golf carts as part of Lowe's 100 million a year NFL exclusivity sponsorship program. From the posting, each of the 36 NFL teams would have their own custom branded Kandi golf carts going on sale in August for the ball season Could you go ahead and translate that?
Kewa Luo: Okay. [Foreign Language] Go ahead. Continue.
Steve Miller: So this weekend, I assure you all shareholders were truly excited when they saw three pages on the Lowe's website showing the Kandi customized carts for the 36 NFL teams inviting advanced orders for delivery in August. However, same time on Sunday or Monday, it appears Lowe's took down those three landing pages. Clearly, Lowe's have been working on this web design for this project for some time and rightly so as it's a terrific idea. Meaning suddenly taken down was a surprise as was the taken down post on Kandi America's own Twitter homepage. Yet today, you proudly reveal the Lowe's NFL link up in your press release. Go ahead and translate that.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language] Continue.
Steve Miller: Okay. So my question is what's the status of this new Lowe's NFL golf cart offering? It's a terrific idea and should be heavily promoted by Kandi as well as Lowe's as it is a huge attention getter, not only will it help Kandi sales, but just as important to your credibility. That's my question.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] So first of all, there are actually only 32 teams in NFL and Lowe's is the exclusive partner of an NFL to sell the golf cart branded by Kandi. And as far as the website you mentioned, we believe that there are some adjustments to be taking care of. And we estimate that all the information on the website will be shown again with such news and product information by next week. Indeed, that is a very big deal for us, Kandi, and hopefully, that can promote our brand even more better.
Steve Miller: Great. And then my related question, what other products can we expect here to be selling through the Lowe's, Kandi-NFL relationship?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Currently, the products being sold between Lowe's and NFL of the brand under Kandi is the golf carts and we will see how it develops in the future, but that's the product for golf carts for now. Thank you.
Steve Miller: Okay. My next question is regarding your consultant and regarding the proposed spin-off. On the past two conference calls, questions were asked about a statement in your 10-K disclosing a consultant who was hired back in May of 2023, with the contract to terminate this once. The consultant was paid 300,000 shares of Kandi stock worth of $1 million. Alan had responded that the consultants hired for your plans spin-off the US subsidiaries as one separately listed public company. Nothing else is said. Go ahead and translate that.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language] Continue please.
Steve Miller: If I understand your intent, it would be a NASDAQ listing Kandi would retain a majority share position. The spin-off with release value of Kandi not represented in the current fair price and allow it to book as a separate company its own sales and P&L. Based on NASDAQ minimum prices and market cap, however, logic would seem to make it mandatory, that Kandi stock price have to be trading at least three times or four times higher than currently to get an underwriting sponsor firm to manage the IPO. Kandi shares has done nothing but going down since the consulting was higher. Can you go and translate that?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Steve Miller: Okay. My question is, what value has the $1 million consultant contract brought to Kandi, given where Kandi's share price stands today? And what is the contract's current status as a consultant being retained again or will be in the near future?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Even though maybe the contract has expired, however, the related process keeps moving, and the whole process has been proceeded. So we don't think those consulting fee will be wasted.
Steve Miller: I mean do you anticipate the spin-off will be finalized this year?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] So first of all, the plan is to do the dual listing, it's a spin-off, which is two separate concept. And the related process is being proceeded in orderly. If things go smoothly, hopefully, the whole process can be completed by the end of this year.
Steve Miller: Are you anticipating any new Kandi America acquisitions to be made before the spin-off will be consummated, for example, additional distribution and manufacturing facilities?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] We don't have such a plan or consideration for now.
Steve Miller: Out of curiosity, was the consultant Patrick Coe and his company or is it someone else? And why can't you disclose that in the SEC filings?
Kewa Luo: Are you asking who is this consultant, right? How come we don't disclose in the SEC filings.
Steve Miller: Yes.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Actually, for the -- as per the SEC disclosing guidance, we don't have to disclose the name and the party of our consultants because they are not underwriter. Hope it addresses your question.
Steve Miller: I understand. Can you comment on the impact of any of the recently announced tariffs on EVs within batteries?
Kewa Luo: I'm sorry, Steve. You're a little bit skipping your voice. Can you repeat your question?
Steve Miller: Sure. Can Mr. Hu comment on the impact, if any, of the recently announced tariffs on EVs and lithium batteries that was recently announced.
Kewa Luo: Okay. [Foreign Language]
Xiaoming Hu: [Foreign Language] So, first of all, our golf cart product, which is one of the major revenue streams right now is not under the scope of the electric vehicles. So that the 100% tariff will not impact the sales of our golf cart product. Secondly, the tariff of our lithium batteries has increased from 7.5% to 25%. We will try to respond by reducing the cost and some other expense cutting in order to make our products being the same competitors. Finally, as for the UTV product, even though the tariff has not been announced yet at the moment, that we will consider using the CKD approach to producers and manufacturer and that electric UTV products in the United States in order to avoid the tariff impact. Hope it address your question. Thank you.
Steve Miller: Thank you. And then the picture that Twitter -- on Twitter that Kandi America put up on their site. It showed Kandi America folks closing with the Mayor of Laredo, Texas with other locals in the middle of the field, not my curiosity, why did Kandi America post that image and what should we take from it?
Kewa Luo: Can you repeat? The picture with who?
Steve Miller: There was the Twitter Kandi America. They posted an image of Kandi America folks posing with the Mayor of Laredo, Texas with other local officials.
Kewa Luo: Okay. Okay. I got you. [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Well, actually, it's just for us to explore the opportunities and possibilities. And currently, there is no very -- many concrete development for now.
Steve Miller: Okay. And my last quick question is, this sounds odd, who currently is the CEO of Kandi America?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] The CEO of Kandi America is Johnny Tai and I believe that such information is also disclosed online on our website.
Steve Miller: Okay. Thank you. Yes. The Barry golf carts had put out a press release and had referred to someone else. Thank you very much for your response. Appreciate it.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: Thank you.
Operator: Our next question is from Terry McLemore with McLemore & Associates. Please proceed.
Terry McLemore: Yes, thank you. Two quick questions. First one is, can you give us an update on sales that are international, such as the retailers internationally that we're selling our golf carts through. That's the first question. And then the second question, can you give us guidance for the rest of 2024, and I know I'm just asking for a best guess here and maybe also for the calendar year 2025? Thank you.
Kewa Luo: Let's go one by one. Your first question is?
Terry McLemore: Yes. International sales, who the retailers are, what percentage?
Kewa Luo: International sales?
Terry McLemore: Yes.
Kewa Luo: Okay. [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Currently, we are trying to expand our sales to the regions such as Southeast Asia and then the European region. However, the scale is not big, but we are trying to expand down the road.
Terry McLemore: So no names that you can give us on that?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] As for the sales to those regions, we just mentioned earlier, actually, we deal with them through the trading companies and agencies in China. So, we don't really work with those channels directly.
Terry McLemore: Okay. Well, then can you give me any kind of guidance, best guess guidance for the rest of 2024 and 2025? I know last year, you talked about maybe doing $500 million in sales in 2025, but that may be a stretch at this point?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] We believe that the total sales of the whole annual fiscal year 2024 will be better compared to last year. As for the target for the 2025, we still try to impound the target to be $500 million and we're trying very hard to achieve such goal. Thank you.
Terry McLemore: Okay. All right. Thank you very much.
Kewa Luo: Thank you.
Operator: Our next question is from Fred Bracher with Concor Investments. Please proceed.
Unidentified Analyst: Thank you. Last week, Kandi America gave a peak on its homepage and Twitter page under golf carts of the new $9,900 Kandi smile. Similar, by the way, to a modern-looking Kandi Coco. What markets do you anticipate this new Kandi will attract? And how big a market do you expect this vehicle to go in both golf and LSEV configuration? I have another question after that. Thank you.
Kewa Luo: Okay. [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] So first of all, this is a new type of products, it is in convertible format. And it is really most for recreational usage as cross-border golf cart utilization. For further specs and other details of the product, you may refer and stay tuned to the information to be disclosed on our website. Thank you.
Unidentified Analyst: Okay. Thank you. Also, are there other legacy vehicles such as Coco that can be resurrected to as new generation EVs over the next few years?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Ongoing, we will primarily focus on our newly developed pure electric vehicles in the categories such as the golf cart ADV and UDV.
Unidentified Analyst: Okay. Thank you. A quick question. Any intention to keep buying Kandi shares?
Kewa Luo: You mean for the company? Buyback -- continued buyback shares?
Unidentified Analyst: Yes.
Kewa Luo: Okay. [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Correct. We will continue to do so to repurchase the shares of Kandi. Thank you.
Unidentified Analyst: Okay. Thank you very much.
Operator: Our next question is from Arthur Porcari with Corporate Strategies. Please proceed.
Arthur Porcari: Thank you. Well, aside from the awesome news about the Lowe's NFL Kandi collaboration announced today, what if any, new breaking news products surprises that Kandi have for us for this year that we don't already know about? On the last conference call, no less than three times when criticized by shareholders for not sharing news on new products through press releases and also a question about why Kandi doesn't follow the current trends reporting both GAAP and non-GAAP numbers, as most analysts prefer, we were told all this would be taken into future consideration. On each case, management reiterated that it could and would do better in the future. However, not only has it not done better in putting out breaking news, but has also now extended at time since the last breaking news PR to over six months. The last breaking news PR on Kandi actually put out by corporate was the NASDAQ News Retrieval on the -- if you go to NASDAQ News Retrieval service, you'll see which title Kandi Technology Board authorized a stock repurchase. So I must admit the Kandi NFL announcement today was certainly breaking news and as much appreciated. Go ahead and pass that on, if you would, please.
Kewa Luo: Okay. [Foreign Language] Continue please.
Arthur Porcari: Okay. Since the last November PR, Kandi has expanded its currently available products from the original single Coleman model to now more than a dozen conventional golf/LSEV carts plus new patented mini and mini-sized carts along with at least two UTVs, a $3,000 GoCart, three high-end e-bikes. And that's only locations and products that shareholders have found from the retailers' own ads on the Internet with no help from the Kandi IR department. New products and locations are only discovered through Internet searches of sponsored ads. As witnessed by the current stock price, which has in the past traded at over $20 a share on a little cash in one-third of current revenues, management has lost a large amount of respect on Wall Street from its current and past shareholders due to the lack of giving updated information. For example, Kandi's added Walmart (NYSE:WMT) in Q4 '23, with potentially 4,400 outlets Camping World (NYSE:CWH) 2,200 outlets, that's a New York Stock Exchange company. Costco (NASDAQ:COST) Canada, approximately 190 potential outlets, PV Corp 290 outlets and Rural King 120 outlets. Go ahead and read that to him.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language] Go ahead. Continue.
Arthur Porcari: Okay. This despite is brilliant redefining of its conversion from EV autos to electric off-road business model into a primary player in especially a potential trillion dollar electric space. Actually, more than incredible considering it's been less than two years since Kandi introduced that first single golf cart and it is already positioned in the top five in North America and growing internationally. Shareholders are upset to the similar indifference by management and promises with PDM or should I say not carried back with the new Wall Street investors. The fact is that based on year-end 2023 five-year record results, Kandi has by far the most fundamentally undervalued and profitable NASDAQ listed stock not trading at a 30% discount to its $2.90 cash, 60% discount to its book value and 35% discount to its net working capital. My questions. Go ahead and read that and I'll get you with questions.
Kewa Luo: Okay. [Foreign Language] Go ahead.
Arthur Porcari: Okay. I got four questions here and a couple of just add-ons. Does management who own only 17% of Kandi's stock feel any concern at all that some Chinese entity could come, make a buyout tender offer and double the current $230 price and still end up buying Kandi the whole company at a discount to its $5 a share book value and additionally accomplish most of its heavy lifting by using Kandi's on $2.90 a share cash to steal that control.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] So thank you very much for your concern. And a reminder, we will carefully evaluate and take appropriate measures to avoid such risk. Thank you.
Arthur Porcari: Okay. That's not much of an answer, but let's go on to the next question. Why is management wasting shareholder value by paying for three different IR groups each month, but not taking the good advice that I'm sure each has at times offered. And if that's not true, if they haven't offered that, that's a good reason to fire them all. Pass that one on.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Currently, we only employ one IR firm that is the Blueshirt Group. So actually, we don't have three separate IR team. And because currently, company is in a period of the strategic adjustments to be more focused on the golf cart vehicles in the US market, we still adhere to the idea that just to do more and talk less. As our strategic adjustment gradually take shape we will be more proactive in making the related adjustments in our pronouncement and the IR approach. Thank you.
Arthur Porcari: Actually, I think, you do -- well, you certainly have two, if not three, because Kandi America seems to use a trade IR group. And sometimes that pops up the press releases, but most of the time doesn't as far as Wall Street new services are concerned. Pass that on just as a response.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language] You said American trade? Is it the name of the IR?
Arthur Porcari: I don't know whoever it is. An IR firm that Kandi America uses.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] I believe that there are some separate IR team we work on a contract basis for US entities. But in the group level, we employ one IR firm that take care of our public information with investor relationship purpose.
Arthur Porcari: Well, I just find it hard to believe that with everything good that's going on after 15 years with Kandi now, where we used to do 40 press releases a year, now we're doing almost none when it comes to breaking news. And I think it has to do with splitting up of the IR responsibilities, it seems like the parent company should be the one that put out the IR, just an opinion. Pass that on please.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Yes. I think we will do the related adjustments on the road, and you will see the results ongoing. Thank you.
Arthur Porcari: Okay. Onto my -- rest of my questions. Several years ago, management promised shareholders that once Kandi had a predictable growing revenue stream, the company would start giving revenue and earnings guidance, mandatory to attract analysts and institutions, particularly in this competitive stock market. Over the past three years, despite a much stronger balance sheet, Kandi's institutional holdings has dropped from a peak of 15% to 3.6%. Can management give any reason why it refuses to confirm to the Wall Street desire for guidance and also non-GAAP, in addition to GAAP numbers as it did in the last two quarters -- I'm sorry, they did in the last two years of the prior CFO's term? Pass that on.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Thank you for your suggestions. We will further evaluate and contemplate your suggestion opinion and implement in our procedures. Thank you.
Arthur Porcari: Okay. Last conference call, saw a response from Mr. Hu that some management would be considered personally buying back shares in the open market as they did three years ago when they paid more than double the current price personally and the time cash in the bank was but a fraction where it is today. Open market company share buybacks are appreciated, but due to Kandi's low daily volume, the 20% average volume maximum number of shares that can be purchased under the current 10b-5 plan has been limited to maybe 15,000 or 20,000 shares per day. Why doesn't the company just make a straight $3.50 a share tender offer for at least 10 million shares of stock, which would only use 15% of its cash? I doubt it would be fully subscribed due to the stock quickly jumping above that price once shareholders realize management is serious about increasing shareholder value. Most importantly, such an action by an EV-related company in this specific market would get a lot of attention that one could not afford to pay for. Okay. Pass that on.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] Thank you for your suggestions and we appreciate that. We will take it into consideration and evaluate and react properly. Thank you.
Arthur Porcari: Okay. Well, it's my formal questions that I had for you, but I have just a few questions on what was recently announced today and what we've said on the conference call. I might add that as I addressed earlier in my comments, we keep getting this same thing. We'll take under consideration, take under consideration. We've been hearing that for years now. But go ahead and pass that on, and I'll go on to some follow-ups on the news that just came out.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language] Continue please.
Arthur Porcari: Okay. No, these are just some follow-ups on what's been said. Regarding the Lowe's 500 stores, I hold personally enough done in my Houston area, at least three Lowe's stores and two of them I actually know the managers in that department, and they were under the impression that Lowe's had all 2,500 stores or whatever it is, all 2,400 stores available to be buying Kandi's products. But I guess it's good news if we've been doing what we have with only 500 stores. And I can't believe that this NFL thing that we're doing now isn't going to probably expand to almost all the stores. Pass that on.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language] Please continue.
Arthur Porcari: Well, that was actually a question, but, okay.
Kewa Luo: What's the question you've said?
Arthur Porcari: Well, that was a question I had specifically about that subject that I was talking about the 500 stores if they had any further comments -- they probably don't have any further comment on that, but anyway, that's just what I've heard from the Lowe's managers. Okay. This one is interesting. I've said over the past few years, I'm charting with the company into how soon they think they would be able to pass Polaris (NYSE:PII). I think Mr. Hu made a comment on that a few years ago once we got involved in this industry, but what fascinates me is the missing link to Polaris is water sports. Today's press release actually mentioned we're getting into water sports. So I'd like more explanation what that's all about.
Kewa Luo: I'm sorry. Can you repeat your question one more time?
Arthur Porcari: Okay. What I'm saying is that in the past, I had charted management by kiddingly asking them how soon they could pass Polaris in this off-road vehicle industry. But the missing link at that time to Polaris is Polaris is well-known also for its water sports. So, my question is, today's press release specifically mentioned water sports as being a new product line you're getting into. Can you expand more on what that water sports is about?
Kewa Luo: Okay. [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] So, first of all, we try to focus on our own development of the new products, especially the pure electric off-road and then the water sports product. We try not to compete with anyone, but try to focus on our own development. As for the water sports primarily now in the market, you may see the sports yard or the fishing yard, they are running in the gas, which is noisy and they were hurt the fishing the ambience. So we try to research and development into the new products of the pure electric water sports products. And hopefully, we can have more update to share when we have more on concrete development.
Arthur Porcari: Are we talking wave runners here like Polaris has? Or are we just talking like motor -- electric motors for fishing boats? What are we specifically talking about water sports or both?
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Alan Lim: [Foreign Language] So, currently, we are focused in developing those -- the water sports on rather small scale like the fishing boat or the yacht for individual -- one-man yacht kind of scale of the product is our category of the R&D right now.
Arthur Porcari: I assume you mean by one million yacht wave runners or Jet Skis?
Alan Lim: Yes, rather Jet Ski kind of stuff.
Arthur Porcari: That's great. It's super.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Alan Lim: [Foreign Language] So to be more specific, Jet Ski mentioned, the comments that we have in the market. But what we're trying to do is rather not the Jet Ski, but rather it's like the speed boat or the yacht kind of thing, so we can actually sit in there, but that's only for a one-person size. Is it clear? So it's not really Jet Ski, but rather the boat or the speedboat kind of thing that's only one person capacity.
Arthur Porcari: That would sounds like a whole new product line that probably.
Alan Lim: Indeed. Yeah, the new product we try to innovate for the market. Correct. Just on the new style other than the common water sports product in the market right now.
Arthur Porcari: So it would probably be a patented situation like the mini was that you released earlier this year.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Alan Lim: [Foreign Language] That will be a own patent, our own patent.
Arthur Porcari: Right. Another one of our own patents. Okay, I'm just about done here. The potential is NFL collaboration to me is just incredible. I can't imagine maybe you should take off a six-passenger golf cart and back off the back seat in it and put a barbecue grill back there. It's -- people like doing that type of stuff at the sports events in the United States over here. But anyway, that's just a comment. So let's see here. Well, I guess, the highlight of this was I'm glad to hear that 2025 estimate of $500 million is still a target of Kandi. Anyway, as I said, I think that the $500 million 2025 number, should make a dramatic difference in the stock price if we can just get the story out. One last question, too. You've mentioned that you're already in 10 big box chains already, if I understood earlier correctly, we only know about five, at least that I'm aware of. So at some point in time, will we be disclosed who the other five are?
Kewa Luo: Okay. [Foreign Language]
Xueqin Dong: [Foreign Language] For now, we actually start working with those 10 different more than 10 different the retail partners at the moment, but then the scale may vary. Some are larger, some are rather relatively smaller. So we try not to disclose one-by-one actually on our Kandi American website. You can still see it on the vendor list, I mean, on the channel list. So for information please go to our website and down the road we will try to disclose such information like the search channel, the retail partners we have more frequently and in more details. Thank you.
Arthur Porcari: Okay. Well, thank you very much. A little bit disappointed in the revenues this quarter, but you've done a big expansion and have lot involved in getting this stuff to rollout. But this NFL thing sticks in my mind as being something very huge for the latter part of this year and in the future years. But other than that, pretty good job. Thank you.
Kewa Luo: [Foreign Language]
Operator: There are no further questions. At this time, I would like to turn the conference back over to management for closing remarks.
Kewa Luo: Thank you again for joining today's conference call. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact our IR, Blueshirt at gary@blueshirtgroup.co or you can contact us directly at ir@kandigroup.com. We look forward to updating you on our next earnings call. This concludes our call for today. Thank you very much. You may now all disconnect.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.