(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number
and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g)
of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d)
of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each
of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 36,026,309 ordinary
shares issued and outstanding as of March 15, 2023.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a
well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
If this report is an annual or transition report,
indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:
(1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405
of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large
accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
If an emerging growth company that prepares its
financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition
period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange
Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial
reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or
issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has
used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
If “Other” has been checked in response
to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
If this is an annual report, indicate by check
mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
Unless otherwise indicated or the context requires
otherwise, references in this annual report:
Our business is conducted by Zhejiang Jiuzi, our
PRC subsidiary using Renminbi, or RMB, the official currency of China. Our consolidated financial statements are presented in United States
dollars. In this annual report, we refer to assets, obligations, commitments and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements
in United States dollars. These dollar references are based on the exchange rate of RMB to United States dollars (“$” or “US$”),
determined as of a specific date or for a specific period. Changes in the exchange rate will affect the amount of our obligations and
the value of our assets in terms of United States dollars which may result in an increase or decrease in the amount of our obligations
(expressed in dollars) and the value of our assets, including accounts receivable (expressed in dollars). This annual report on 20-F contains
translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollar amounts at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. The relevant
exchange rates are listed below:
We have relied on statistics provided by a variety
of publicly-available sources regarding China’s expectations of growth. We did not, directly or indirectly, sponsor or participate
in the publication of such materials, and these materials are not incorporated in this annual report other than to the extent specifically
cited in this annual report. We have sought to provide current information in this annual report and believe that the statistics provided
in this annual report remain up-to-date and reliable, and these materials are not incorporated in this annual report other than to the
extent specifically cited in this annual report. Except where otherwise stated, all ordinary share accounts provided herein are on a pre-share-increase
basis.
Certain matters discussed in this report may constitute
forward-looking statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,”
“plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify
such forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements
due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation, those discussed under “Item 3—Key Information—Risk
Factors,” “Item 4—Information on the Company,” “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects,” and elsewhere in this report, as well as factors which may be identified from time to time in our other filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or in the documents where such forward-looking statements appear. All written
or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
The forward-looking statements contained in this
report reflect our views and assumptions only as of the date this report is signed. Except as required by law, we assume no responsibility
for updating any forward-looking statements.
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. Selected Financial Data
Summary of Financial Position and Cash Flows Jiuzi
Holdings Inc. and the subsidiaries:
The consolidated financial statements included
in this annual report reflect financial position and cash flows of the registrant, Cayman Islands incorporated parent company, Jiuzi Holdings
Inc. Limited, together with those of its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis. The tables below are condensed consolidating schedules
summarizing separately the financial position and cash flows of the registrant, Cayman Islands incorporated parent company, Jiuzi Holdings
Inc. Limited (“Parent Company” in the tables below), and its subsidiaries (“Non-VIE subsidiaries” in the tables
below), together with eliminating adjustments. The VIE structure has been dissolved on January 20, 2023:
Consolidated Statements of Operations Information
| |
For the year ended October 31, 2022 | |
| |
Cayman | | |
HK | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE and consolidated subsidiaries | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidating | |
Revenues | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 6,215,718 | | |
| - | | |
| 6,215,718 | | |
| - | | |
| 6,215,718 | |
Cost of revenues | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 6,458,162 | | |
| - | | |
| 6,458,162 | | |
| - | | |
| 6,458,162 | |
Share of loss from non-VIE subsidiaries | |
| (12,295,546 | ) | |
| (12,228,930 | ) | |
| 12,295,546 | | |
| (12,228,930 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 12,228,930 | | |
| - | |
Share of income/(loss) from VIEs | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (12,235,731 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 12,235,731 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Net Income (loss) | |
| (16,832,101 | ) | |
| (12,295,546 | ) | |
| 12,295,546 | | |
| (16,832,101 | ) | |
| (12,228,930 | ) | |
| (12,235,731 | ) | |
| 12,235,731 | | |
| (12,228,930 | ) | |
| 12,228,930 | | |
| (16,832,101 | ) |
Comprehensive income | |
| (18,429,093 | ) | |
| (13,610,922 | ) | |
| 13,610,922 | | |
| (18,429,093 | ) | |
| (13,544,304 | ) | |
| (12,358,696 | ) | |
| 12,358,696 | | |
| (13,544,304 | ) | |
| 13,544,304 | | |
| (18,429,093 | ) |
| |
For
the year ended October 31, 2021 | |
| |
Cayman | | |
HK | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE
and
consolidated
subsidiaries | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidating | |
Revenues | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 9,536,987 | | |
| - | | |
| 9,536,987 | | |
| - | | |
| 9,536,987 | |
Cost of revenues | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 4,909,704 | | |
| - | | |
| 4,909,704 | | |
| - | | |
| 4,909,704 | |
Share of loss from non-VIE subsidiaries | |
| 1,307,998 | | |
| 1,455,984 | | |
| (1,307,998 | ) | |
| 1,455,984 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| | | |
| (1,455,984 | ) | |
| - | |
Share of income/(loss) from VIEs | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 1,433,167 | | |
| - | | |
| (1,433,167 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Net Income (loss) | |
| 778,037 | | |
| 1,307,998 | | |
| (1,307,998 | ) | |
| 778,037 | | |
| 1,455,984 | | |
| 1,433,167 | | |
| (1,433,167 | ) | |
| 1,455,984 | | |
| (1,455,984 | ) | |
| 778,037 | |
Comprehensive income | |
| 778,037 | | |
| 1,307,998 | | |
| (1,307,998 | ) | |
| 778,037 | | |
| 1,488,184 | | |
| 2,008,024 | | |
| (1,433,167 | ) | |
| 2,063,041 | | |
| (1,455,984 | ) | |
| 1,385,094 | |
| |
For the year ended October 31, 2020 | |
| |
Cayman | | |
HK | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE and
consolidated
subsidiaries | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidating | |
Revenues | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 8,210,595 | | |
| - | | |
| 8,210,595 | | |
| - | | |
| 8,210,595 | |
Cost of revenues | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 2,190,768 | | |
| - | | |
| 2,190,768 | | |
| - | | |
| 2,190,768 | |
Share of loss from non-VIE subsidiaries | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| (3,423,542 | ) | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (3,423,542 | ) | |
| - | |
Share of income/(loss) from VIEs | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| - | | |
| (3,423,542 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Net Income (loss) | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| (3,423,542 | ) | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| (3,423,542 | ) | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| (3,423,542 | ) | |
| 3,423,542 | |
Comprehensive income | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| (3,423,542 | ) | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| 3,423,542 | | |
| 3,569,845 | | |
| (3,423,542 | ) | |
| 3,569,845 | | |
| (3,423,542 | ) | |
| 3,569,845 | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets Information
| |
As of October 31, 2022 | |
| |
Cayman | | |
HK | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE and
consolidated
subsidiaries | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidating | |
Current assets | |
| 2,000,446 | | |
| 61,673 | | |
| - | | |
| 2,062,119 | | |
| 13,587 | | |
| 10,172,690 | | |
| - | | |
| 10,384,852 | | |
| - | | |
| 12,248,396 | |
Intercompany receivables | |
| 10,878,595 | | |
| - | | |
| (10,575,297 | ) | |
| 303,298 | | |
| 9,073,749 | | |
| - | | |
| (9,073,749 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (303,298 | ) | |
| - | |
Investments in non-VIE subsidiaries | |
| (3,958,189 | ) | |
| 6,556,413 | | |
| 3,958,189 | | |
| 6,556,413 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (6,556,413 | ) | |
| - | |
Equity in VIEs through VIE agreements | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (2,501,756 | ) | |
| -- | | |
| 2,501,756 | | |
| - | | |
| (6,859,711 | ) | |
| - | |
Non-current assets | |
| 6,920,406 | | |
| 6,556,413 | | |
| (6,617,108 | ) | |
| 6,859,711 | | |
| 6,571,991 | | |
| 3,077,780 | | |
| (6,571,993 | ) | |
| 2,879,203 | | |
| (6,859,711 | ) | |
| 3,077,780 | |
Total assets | |
| 8,920,852 | | |
| 6,618,086 | | |
| (6,617,108 | ) | |
| 8,921,830 | | |
| 6,585,578 | | |
| 13,250,470 | | |
| (6,571,993 | ) | |
| 13,264,055 | | |
| - | | |
| 15,326,174 | |
Intercompany payables | |
| - | | |
| 10,575,297 | | |
| (10,575,297 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 9,377,047 | | |
| (9,073,749 | ) | |
| 303,298 | | |
| (303,298 | ) | |
| - | |
Total liabilities | |
| 2,839,632 | | |
| 10,576,275 | | |
| (10,575,297 | ) | |
| 2,840,610 | | |
| 29,165 | | |
| 15,752,226 | | |
| (9,073,749 | ) | |
| 6,707,642 | | |
| (303,298 | ) | |
| 9,244,954 | |
Shareholders’ equity | |
| 6,081,220 | | |
| (3,958,189 | ) | |
| 3,958,189 | | |
| 6,081,220 | | |
| 6,556,413 | | |
| (2,501,756 | ) | |
| 2,501,756 | | |
| 6,556,413 | | |
| (6,556,413 | ) | |
| 6,081,220 | |
| |
As of October 31, 2021 | |
| |
Cayman | | |
HK | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE and
consolidated
subsidiaries | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidating | |
Current assets | |
| 3,930,303 | | |
| 365,515 | | |
| - | | |
| 4,295,818 | | |
| 2,638,437 | | |
| 15,285,949 | | |
| - | | |
| 17,924,386 | | |
| - | | |
| 22,220,204 | |
Intercompany receivables | |
| 8,353,208 | | |
| - | | |
| (8,012,522 | ) | |
| 340,686 | | |
| 4,891,978 | | |
| - | | |
| (4,891,978 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (340,686 | ) | |
| - | |
Investments in non-VIE subsidiaries | |
| 10,045,861 | | |
| 17,692,868 | | |
| (10,045,861 | ) | |
| 17,692,868 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (17,692,868 | ) | |
| - | |
Equity in VIEs through VIE agreements | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 10,163,310 | | |
| - | | |
| (10,163,310 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Non-current assets | |
| 18,399,069 | | |
| 17,692,868 | | |
| (18,058,383 | ) | |
| 18,033,554 | | |
| 15,055,288 | | |
| 5,932,720 | | |
| (15,055,288 | ) | |
| 5,932,720 | | |
| (18,033,554 | ) | |
| 5,932,720 | |
Total assets | |
| 22,329,372 | | |
| 18,058,383 | | |
| (18,058,383 | ) | |
| 22,329,372 | | |
| 17,693,725 | | |
| 21,218,669 | | |
| (15,055,288 | ) | |
| 23,857,106 | | |
| (18,033,554 | ) | |
| 28,152,924 | |
Intercompany payables | |
| - | | |
| 8,012,522 | | |
| (8,012,522 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 5,232,664 | | |
| (4,891,978 | ) | |
| 340,686 | | |
| (340,686 | ) | |
| - | |
Total liabilities | |
| - | | |
| 8,012,522 | | |
| (8,012,522 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 857 | | |
| 11,055,359 | | |
| (4,891,978 | ) | |
| 6,164,238 | | |
| (340,686 | ) | |
| 5,823,552 | |
Shareholders’ equity | |
| 22,329,372 | | |
| 10,045,861 | | |
| (10,045,861 | ) | |
| 22,329,372 | | |
| 17,692,868 | | |
| 10,163,310 | | |
| (10,163,310 | ) | |
| 17,692,868 | | |
| (17,692,868 | ) | |
| 22,329,372 | |
Consolidated Cash Flows Information
| |
For the year ended October 31, 2022 | |
| |
Cayman | | |
HK | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE and
consolidated
subsidiaries | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidating | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | |
| (3,190,669 | ) | |
| (66,617 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (3,257,286 | ) | |
| (5,309,275 | ) | |
| (306,089 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (5,615,364 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (8,872,650 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | |
| - | | |
| (2,800,000 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (2,800,000 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 236,884 | | |
| - | | |
| 236,884 | | |
| 2,800,000 | | |
| 236,884 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | |
| 3,742,490 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 3,742,490 | | |
| 2,800,000 | | |
| (115,742 | ) | |
| - | | |
| 2,684,258 | | |
| (2,800,000 | ) | |
| 3,626,748 | |
| |
For the year ended October 31, 2021 | |
| |
Cayman | | |
HK | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE and
consolidated
subsidiaries | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidating | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | |
| (8,878,937 | ) | |
| 8,012,522 | | |
| - | | |
| (866,415 | ) | |
| (121,627 | ) | |
| (1,160,565 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (1,282,192 | ) | |
| (2,662,530 | ) | |
| (4,811,137 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | |
| - | | |
| (7,500,000 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (7,500,000 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (1,485,306 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (1,485,306 | ) | |
| 7,500,000 | | |
| (1,485,306 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | |
| 12,809,240 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 12,809,240 | | |
| 7,500,000 | | |
| 38,916 | | |
| - | | |
| 7,538,916 | | |
| (7,500,000 | ) | |
| 12,848,156 | |
| |
For the year ended October 31, 2020 | |
| |
Cayman | | |
HK | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
WFOE | | |
VIE and consolidated subsidiaries | | |
Elimination | | |
Subtotal | | |
Elimination | | |
Consolidating | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 515,297 | | |
| - | | |
| 515,297 | | |
| - | | |
| 515,297 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (26,288 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (26,288 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (26,288 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (164,056 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (164,056 | ) | |
| - | | |
| (164,056 | ) |
Exchange Rate Information
Our financial information is presented in U.S.
dollars. Our functional currency is Renminbi (“RMB”), the currency of the PRC. Transactions which are denominated in currencies
other than RMB are translated into RMB at the exchange rate quoted by the People’s Bank of China at the dates of the transactions.
Exchange gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in a currency other than the RMB are included in statements of operations
as foreign currency transaction gains or losses. Our financial statements have been translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation”, which was subsequently codified
within Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”. The financial information is
first prepared in RMB and then is translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates as to assets and liabilities and average exchange
rates as to revenue and expenses. Capital accounts are translated at their historical exchange rates when the capital transactions occurred.
The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in
shareholders’ equity.
Translation adjustments included in accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) amounted to -1,074,299 and $ 541,615 as of October 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The balance sheet
amounts, with the exception of shareholders’ equity at October 31, 2022 and 2021 were translated at RMB 7.30034 and RMB 6.39675
to $1.00, respectively. The shareholders’ equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rates applied
to the statement of income accounts for the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021 were RMB 6.61051 and RMB 6.42420 to $1.00, respectively.
Cash flows are also translated at average translation rates for the periods, therefore, amounts reported on the statement of cash flows
will not necessarily agree with changes in the corresponding balances on the consolidated balance sheet.
We make no representation that any RMB or U.S.
dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all.
The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of RMB into
foreign exchange and through restrictions on foreign trade. We do not currently engage in currency hedging transactions.
3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.
3.C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.
3.D. Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
We rely on China’s automotive industry
for our net revenues and future growth, the prospects of which are subject to many uncertainties, including government regulations and
policies.
We rely on China’s automotive industry for
our net revenues and future growth. We have greatly benefited from the rapid growth of China’s automotive industry during the past
few years. However, the prospects of China’s automotive industry are subject to many uncertainties, including those relating to
general economic conditions in China, the urbanization rate of China’s population and the cost of automobiles. In addition, government
policies may have a considerable impact on the growth of the automotive industry in China. For example, in an effort to alleviate traffic
congestion and improve air quality, a number of cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Harbin, and Hangzhou, have issued
regulations to limit the number of new passenger car plates issued each year starting from 2010. In 2018, Beijing local government extended
for another year existing restrictions on private vehicle use, which greatly reduced the number of automobiles on the road. On the bright
side, both central and local governments in China have adopted a series of favorable policies targeted at new energy vehicle manufacturers.
For example, on January 29, 2019, the Development and Reformation Commission released a national development plan that launched a new
energy public transportation vehicle subsidy plan and reinforced the existing battery infrastructure development. On June 6, 2019, the
Development and Reformation Commission released a proposal that eliminates restrictions on NEV purchase and use. Such regulatory developments,
as well as other uncertainties, may affect the growth prospects of China’s automotive industry, and in turn reduce consumer
demand for automobiles. If automakers, auto dealers or automotive service providers reduce their marketing expenditures as a result, our
business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Our business is substantially dependent
on our collaboration with our suppliers, including automakers, auto dealers, and automotive service providers, and our agreements with
them typically do not contain long-term contractual commitments.
Our business is substantially dependent on our
collaboration with automakers, auto dealers and automotive service providers. We generally enter into letters of intent for the cooperation
on sales and services with them without imposing any contractual obligations requiring them to maintain their relationships with us beyond
the completion of each such event we organize or beyond the contractual term. Accordingly, there is no guarantee for future cooperation
after the event and there is no assurance that we can maintain stable and long-term business relationships with any such automakers. Further,
there is no written contract between us and the battery factories or 4S stores; there is no guarantee that the battery factories and 4S
stores will continue their cooperative relationship with us, or we may suffer a loss if they do not honor the oral agreements/commitment
with us. If a significant number of our industry vehicle buyers terminate or do not renew their agreements with us and we are not able
to replace these business partners on commercial reasonable terms in a timely manner or at all, our business, results of operations and
financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.
Other factors that may influence the adoption
of alternative fuel vehicles, and specifically electric vehicles, include:
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perceptions about electric vehicle quality, safety, design, performance and cost, especially if adverse events or accidents occur that are linked to the quality or safety of electric vehicles, and the speed of the vehicles and battery performance; |
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perceptions about vehicle safety in general, in particular safety issues that may be attributed to the use of advanced technology, including electric vehicle and regenerative braking systems, battery overheating issues and periodic maintenance requirements; |
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the limited range over which electric vehicles may be driven on a single battery charge and the speed at which batteries can be recharged; |
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the decline of an electric vehicle’s range resulting from deterioration over time in the battery’s ability to hold a charge; |
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concerns about electric grid capacity and reliability as the increase in electricity load of NEVs may cause a gap in the area’s installed power supply capacity and transmission line capacity; |
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the availability of NEVs, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which are still new compared to traditional gasoline vehicles and many vehicle manufacturers do not have the technology and/or experience to produce NEVs; |
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improvements in the fuel economy of the internal combustion engine; |
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the availability of service for electric vehicles; |
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the environmental consciousness of consumers; |
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access to charging stations, standardization of electric vehicle charging systems and consumers’ perceptions about convenience and cost to charge an electric vehicle; |
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the availability of tax and other governmental incentives to purchase and operate electric vehicles or future regulation requiring increased use of nonpolluting vehicles; |
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perceptions about and the actual cost of alternative fuel; and |
Any of the factors described above may cause current or potential vehicle
buyers not to purchase NEVs. If the market for electric vehicles does not develop as we expect or develops more slowly than we expect,
our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be affected.
We may be affected by the perceptions about
electric vehicle quality, safety, design, performance, and cost, especially if adverse events or accidents occur that are linked to the
quality or safety of electric vehicles, and the speed of the vehicles and battery performance.
Our growth is highly dependent upon the consumers’
adoption of electric vehicles in general. The market for alternative fuel vehicles, especially for electric vehicles, is still relatively
new. Though the market is rapidly evolving with changing technologies, customers’ demand for electric vehicles may fluctuate significantly
due to various factors. Such factors include price competition, additional competitors, evolving government regulation and industry standards,
frequent new vehicle announcements, safety concerns, and changing consumer behavior. If the electric vehicle market does not develop as
we expect or electric vehicles are subject to an elevated risk related to quality, safety, design, performance, and cost, our business,
prospects, financial condition, and operating results will be harmed. We aim to provide vehicles buyers with comprehensive customer solutions.
However, to the extent that there are safety concerns or limitations to the vehicles’ speed, battery performance, and other technical
limits, we rely heavily on the manufacturers and their technology development, which is beyond our control and expertise. Besides, there
could be unanticipated challenges that may hinder our ability to provide our solutions or business development. Our reputation and business
may be materially and adversely affected to the extent we might be unable to anticipate industry development and customer perceptions.
We may be affected by perceptions about
vehicle safety in general, particularly safety issues that may be attributed to the use of advanced technology, including electric vehicle
and regenerative braking systems, battery overheating issues, and periodic maintenance requirements.
Developments in electric vehicles technology may
materially and adversely affect our business and prospects in ways we do not currently anticipate. Any safety concerns could impact the
entire electric vehicle industry, whichever manufacturers produce such vehicles. For instance, safety concerns for lithium-ion battery
packs and the adverse accidents related to the Chevrolet Volt battery pack fires substantially affected customer perceptions about electric
vehicles. Any failure by the manufacturers to successfully react to safety issues could materially harm our competitive position and growth
prospects. Furthermore, even if the manufacturers are able to keep pace with changes in technology and develop newer, safer models, customers
may still associate safety concerns with advanced technology in general and, as a result, our competitiveness may suffer. In addition,
we will need to re-train our staff to keep up with the changing technologies and to learn the new models. As technologies change, we plan
to provide vehicle buyers with a selection of new models with the latest technology, particularly battery technology, which could involve
substantial costs and lower investment returns for existing vehicles. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively
with alternative vehicles or source.
We may be affected by the limited range
over which electric vehicles may be driven on a single battery charge and the speed at which batteries can be recharged.
Most all-electric vehicles can last 100-200 miles
on a single full charge. However, many factors will accelerate the power consumption and shorten the cruising range, including external
temperatures, the use of radio or air-conditioning systems, elevated terrain, and constant acceleration and braking. Though a single fully
charged electric vehicle is well situated to journeys within cities and suburbs, its cruising range is still much less than a gasoline
car that typically runs 350-400 miles on a full tank of gas. Furthermore, the speed at which the battery can be recharged differs between
traditional fuel cars and electric vehicles. Generally, refueling a gasoline car takes a few minutes while recharging an electric vehicle
can take 25-60 minutes using fast chargers and several hours with slower chargers, depending on the battery size and charging speed. Under
extreme weather conditions, the range of battery charging time plummets dramatically. If the manufacturers fail to address
the limited range over which electric vehicles may be driven on a single battery charge and the speed at which batteries can be recharged,
we may be failed to attract new NEV buyers. It may also adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
The electric vehicle market development
relies on the electric grid capacity and reliability as the increase in electric vehicles’ electricity load may cause a gap in the
area’s installed power supply capacity and transmission line capacity.
The growth of the electric vehicle market depends
on adequate charging infrastructure and consumer perception of charging efficiency. According to the World Resources Institute’s
report on NEVs’ impact on China’s electric grid (source: https://www.wri.org.cn/sites/default/files/), the urban power grid’s
peak load will increase by 10% to 11%, the maximum load demand to 1,000 to 4,000MW, due to NEVs in the next couple of decades. The location
and the charging time for electric vehicles are critical to the grid development, as excess demand can overburden the grid at peak hours.
Such an increase may cause a gap in the installed power supply capacity and the transmission line capacity in certain areas. In addition,
the popularization of fast charging will add to the complexity and uncertainty of the electric vehicles’ efficiency, mainly due
to the uncertainties of charging time and capacities of charging multiple NEVs simultaneously. The advancement of the battery technology
and electric vehicles’ grid load will require significant and thoughtful investment in a network of charging stations. Not to mention
that installing a charger at a home or commercial site requires cooperating with local permitting and inspection regulations. Accordingly,
the electric vehicle market would require a higher standard for electric grid capacity, electric grid reliability, power supply capacity,
and transmission line capacity. If the utilities and grid concerns are not addressed in the future, the electric vehicle market and our
business development could be materially and adversely affected.
The unavailability, reduction or elimination
of government and economic incentives or government policies which are favorable for electric vehicles and domestically produced vehicles
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
Our growth depends significantly on the availability
and amounts of government subsidies, economic incentives and government policies that support the growth of NEVs generally and electric
vehicles specifically.
On April 10, 2018, President Xi Jinping vowed
to open China’s economy further and lower import tariffs on products including cars, in a speech during the Boao Forum. According
to an announcement by the Chinese government, the tariff on imported passenger vehicles (other than those originating in the United States
of America) will be reduced to 15% starting from July 1, 2018. As a result, our pricing advantage could be diminished. On June 28, 2018,
the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, and the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM, promulgated the Special Administrative
Measures for Market Access of Foreign Investment, or the Negative List, effective on July 28, 2018, under which the limits on foreign
ownership of auto manufacturers will be lifted by 2022 for internal combustion engines vehicles and in 2018 for NEVs. As a result, foreign
electrical vehicles competitors, such as Tesla, could build wholly-owned facilities in China without the need for a domestic joint venture
partner. These changes could increase our competition and reduce our pricing advantage.
Our vehicles also benefit from government policies
including tariffs on imported cars. However, China’s central government has announced a phase-out schedule for the subsidies
provided for purchasers of certain NEVs, which provides that the amount of subsidies provided for purchasers of certain NEVs in 2021 will
be reduced by 20% as compared to 2020 levels. Any reduction in national subsidies will also lower the maximum local subsidies
that can be provided. Furthermore, China’s central government provides certain local governments with funds and subsidies to support
the roll out of a charging infrastructure. See “Regulation— Government Policies Relating to New Energy Vehicles in the PRC.”
These policies are subject to change and beyond our control. We cannot assure you that any changes would be favorable to our business.
Furthermore, any reduction, elimination or discriminatory application of government subsidies and economic incentives because of policy
changes, the reduced need for such subsidies and incentives due to the perceived success of electric vehicles, fiscal tightening or other
factors may result in the diminished competitiveness of the alternative fuel vehicle industry generally or our electric vehicles in particular.
Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
We may fail to successfully grow or operate
our franchise business as our franchisees may fail to operate the franchise stores effectively or we may be unable to maintain our relationships
with our franchisees.
We generate our revenues through initial franchise
fees and sales commissions. We expect our revenues to increase as we grow. We rely on our existing franchisees to open and operate new
vehicle stores and our ability to attract new franchisees. Our franchisees are independent operators and are responsible for the profitability
and financial viability of their franchisee stores. However, if our franchisees fail to operate their stores effectively or grow their
operations, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Upon expiration of the franchise agreement, we
may not be able to renew because it is subject to mutual agreement by both parties. If we fail to renew the franchise agreement, it may
also adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to effectively monitor
the operations of franchise stores.
Our franchisees are required to comply with our
standardized operating procedures and requirements for the franchise stores. However, we may not be able to effectively monitor the operations
of these stores as our franchisees may deviate from our standards and requirements. Moreover, we do not control the actions of their employees,
including their salespersons. As a result, the quality of franchise stores operations may be adversely affected by any number of factors
beyond our control.
While we ultimately can take action to terminate
or choose not to renew existing franchise agreements with franchisees who do not comply with the terms and conditions stipulated by our
franchise agreements, including standardized operating procedures, we may not be immediately aware or able to identify problems or take
actions quickly enough to resolve these problems. This may lead to potential legal and regulatory non-compliance incidents.
For instance, lack of the requisite permits and licenses to operate the franchise stores or a failure in registration of franchise agreements
with PRC authorities may subject our franchisees to regulatory risks, which may significantly affect our brand, the results of operations
of the franchise stores and in turn adversely and materially affect our financial condition.
We depend on certain key personnel and loss
of these key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our success is, to a certain extent, attributable
to the management, sales and marketing, and research and development expertise of key personnel. We depend upon the services of Mr. Shuibo
Zhang, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Mr. Francis Zhang, our Chief Financial Officer and Director, for the continued
growth and operation of our Company, due to his industry experience, technical expertise, as well as his personal and business contacts
in the PRC. Although we have no reason to believe that our directors and executive officers will discontinue their services with us or
Zhejiang Jiuzi, the interruption or loss of his services would adversely affect our ability to effectively run our business and pursue
our business strategy as well as our results of operations. We do not carry key man life insurance for any of our key personnel, nor do
we foresee purchasing such insurance to protect against the loss of key personnel.
We may not be able to hire and retain qualified
personnel to support our growth and if we are unable to retain or hire these personnel in the future, our ability to improve our products
and implement our business objectives could be adversely affected.
We must attract, recruit and retain a sizeable
workforce of technically competent employees. Competition for senior management and personnel in the PRC is intense and the pool of qualified
candidates in the PRC is limited. We may not be able to retain the services of our senior executives or personnel, or attract and retain
high-quality senior executives or personnel in the future. This failure could materially and adversely affect our future growth and financial
condition.
If we fail to maintain and enhance our brand
name recognition, we may face difficulty in attracting new franchisees and meeting customer demands.
Although our brand is well-respected in the NEV
industry in China, we still believe that maintaining and enhancing our brand name recognition in a cost-effective manner is critical to
achieving widespread acceptance of our current and future vehicles and services and is an important element in our effort to increase
our customer base. Successful promotion of our brand name will depend largely on our marketing efforts and ability to provide reliable
and quality products at competitive prices. Brand promotion activities may not necessarily yield increased revenue, and even if they do,
any increased revenue may not offset the expenses we will incur in marketing activities. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain
our brand, or if we incur substantial expenses in an unsuccessful attempt to promote and maintain our brand, we may fail to attract new
vehicle buyers or retain our existing vehicle buyers, in which case our business, operating results and financial condition, would be
materially adversely affected.
Our success depends on our ability to protect
our intellectual property.
Our success depends on our ability to obtain and
maintain trademark protection for our brand name, in the PRC and in other countries. There is no assurance that any of our existing and
future trademarks will be held valid and enforceable against third-party infringement or that our vehicles will not infringe any third-party
patent or intellectual property. We have owned valid trademarks within PRC. Third parties may oppose our trademark applications or otherwise
challenge our use of the trademarks. In the event that our trademarks are successfully challenged, we could be forced to rebrand our products,
which could result in loss of brand recognition and could require us to devote resources to advertising and marketing these new brands.
Further, our competitors may infringe our trademarks, or we may not have adequate resources to enforce our trademarks.
Adverse publicity associated with our network
marketing program, or those of similar companies, could harm our financial condition and operating results.
The results of our operations may be significantly
affected by the public’s perception of our product and similar companies. This perception depends upon opinions concerning:
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the safety and quality of the vehicles we sell; |
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the safety and quality of similar vehicles distributed by other companies; and |
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our franchisees and sales forces. |
Adverse publicity concerning any actual or purported
failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding product claims and advertising, good manufacturing practices, or other
aspects of our business, whether or not resulting in enforcement actions or the imposition of penalties, could have an adverse effect
on our goodwill and could negatively affect our sales and ability to generate revenue.
Share-based compensation may have an impact
on our future profit. Exercise of the share options granted will increase the number of our shares, which may affect the market price
of our shares.
We adopted an equity incentive plan on July 7,
2021, July 28, 2022, and January 17, 2023 which we refer to as 2021 plan, 2022 Plan, and 2023 Plan, respectively, to enhance our ability
to attract and retain qualified individuals and align their interests with the company’s growth and performance. The maximum aggregate
numbers of ordinary shares we are authorized to issue pursuant to all awards under the 2021 Plan, 2022 Plan, and 2023 Plan are 1,000,000
ordinary shares, 2,000,000 ordinary shares and 1,200,000 ordinary shares, respectively.
As of the date hereof, we have awarded 1,000,000
ordinary shares under the 2021 Plan, and 700,000 ordinary shares under the 2023 Plan.
We believe the granting of share-based awards
helps us attract and retain key personnel and employees, and we expect to grant share-based compensation to employees in the future.
As a result, our expenses associated with share-based compensation may increase, which may have an adverse effect on our results
of operations.
A severe or prolonged downturn in the global
or Chinese economy could materially and adversely affect our business and our financial condition.
The Chinese economy has slowed down since 2012
and such slowdown may continue. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies
adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s leading economies, including the United States and
China. There have been concerns over unrest and terrorist threats in the Middle East, Europe and Africa, which have resulted in volatility
in oil and other markets, and over the conflicts involving Ukraine and Syria. There have also been concerns on the relationship among
China and other Asian countries, which may result in or intensify potential conflicts in relation to territorial disputes. Economic conditions
in China are sensitive to global economic conditions, as well as changes in domestic economic and political policies and the expected
or perceived overall economic growth rate in China. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the global or Chinese economy may materially and
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, continued turbulence in the international markets
may adversely affect our ability to access capital markets to meet liquidity needs.
We may encounter operational risks originating
from our inability to collect advances paid to our suppliers in the event of the suppliers’ default.
We rely on our suppliers to procure vehicles and
we pay substantial amount of advances to our suppliers before they deliver. In the event that our suppliers are unable to fulfill their
duties under the contracts, we will need to file civil claim suits against the suppliers in order to recover the advances. However, we
are not certain if we are able to recover the advances paid to the suppliers in the event of default. If we are not able to collect the
advances, we may have to absorb the loss. Such uncertainty may cause financial stress to our operation and cash flow.
During the year ended October 31, 2022, we generated
write-offs of advances to suppliers of the amount of $2,942,315. We have filed civil claim suits against certain vendors for failing to
deliver the purchased vehicles according to the terms of the agreements, and demanded that the vendors refund the advance paid and compensate
the Company for liquidated damages. Given the uncertainty of collectability, we have written off the advance paid to the suppliers.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
Previous contractual arrangements in relation
to the PRC Operating Entities may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and they may determine that we or the PRC Operating
Entities owe additional taxes, which could negatively affect our financial condition and the value of your investment.
Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements
and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We could face material and adverse
tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the previous contractual arrangements in relation to the PRC Operating Entities
were not entered into on an arm’s length basis in such a way as to result in an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable
PRC laws, rules and regulations, and adjust income of the previous VIE in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing
adjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions recorded by the PRC Operating Entities for PRC tax purposes,
which could in turn increase their tax liabilities without reducing our tax expenses. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose
late payment fees and other penalties on the PRC Operating Entities for the adjusted but unpaid taxes according to the applicable regulations.
Our financial position could be materially and adversely affected if the PRC Operating Entities’ tax liabilities increase or if
they are required to pay late payment fees and other penalties.
We may lose the ability to use and enjoy
assets held by our PRC Operating Entities that are critical to the operation of our business if the any of the PRC Operating Entities
declare bankruptcy or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.
The PRC Operating Entities holds certain assets
that may be critical to the operation of our business, including permits, domain names and most of our intellectual property rights. If
any of the PRC Operating Entities declare bankruptcy and all or part of their assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors
or are otherwise disposed of without our consent, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could materially
and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if any of the PRC Operating Entities undergo
an involuntary liquidation proceeding, third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of their assets, thereby hindering our
ability to operate our business, which could materially or adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our current corporate structure and business
operations may be substantially affected by the newly enacted Foreign Investment Law.
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s
Congress promulgated the Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020. On December 26, 2019, the PRC State Council
approved the Implementation Rules of Foreign Investment Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2020. Since the Foreign Investment
Law and its implementation rules are relatively new, substantially uncertainties exist in relation to its interpretation and implementation.
It has a catch-all provision under definition of “foreign investment” that includes investments made by foreign investors
in China through other means as provided by laws, administrative regulations or the State Council.
The Foreign Investment Law grants national treatment
to foreign-invested entities, except for those foreign-invested entities that operate in industries specified as either “restricted”
or “prohibited” from foreign investment in the “negative list”, which is most recently jointly promulgated by
the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce and took effective on July 23, 2020. The Foreign Investment
Law provides that foreign-invested entities operating in “restricted” or “prohibited” industries will require
market entry clearance and other approvals from relevant PRC government authorities. If any of our business of is “restricted”
from foreign investment under the “negative list” effective at the time, we may be deemed to be in violation of the Foreign
Investment Law and we may be required to restructure our business operations, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business
operation.
We are a holding company, and will rely
on dividends paid by our subsidiaries for our cash needs. Any limitation on the ability of our subsidiaries to make dividend payments
to us, or any tax implications of making dividend payments to us, could limit our ability to pay our parent company expenses or pay dividends
to holders of our ordinary shares.
We are a holding company and conduct substantially
all of our business through our PRC subsidiaries, which are limited liability company established in China. We may rely on dividends to
be paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other
cash distributions to our shareholders, to service any debt we may incur and to pay our operating expenses. If our PRC subsidiaries incur
debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions
to us.
Under PRC laws and regulations, Jiuzi WFOE may
pay dividends only out of its accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition,
a wholly foreign-owned enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of its accumulated after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund
a certain statutory reserve fund, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of its registered capital.
Our PRC subsidiaries generate primarily all of
their revenue in Renminbi, which is not freely convertible into other currencies. As a result, any restriction on currency exchange may
limit the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to use the Renminbi revenues to pay dividends to us. The PRC government may continue to strengthen
its capital controls, and more restrictions and substantial vetting process may be put forward by State Administration of Foreign Exchange
(the “SAFE”) for cross-border transactions falling under both the current account and the capital account. Any limitation
on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other kinds of payments to us could materially and adversely limit our
ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct
our business.
In addition, the Enterprise Income Tax Law and
its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax rate of up to 10% will be applicable to dividends payable by Chinese companies
to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government
and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC resident enterprises are incorporated. Any limitation on the ability of
our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make
investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
The approval or filing requirement of the
China Securities Regulatory Commission may be required in connection with any future offing we may conduct, and, if required, we cannot
predict whether we will be able to obtain such approval or complete such filings.
The M&A Rules requires an overseas special
purpose vehicles that are controlled by PRC companies or individuals formed for the purpose of seeking a public listing on an overseas
stock exchange through acquisitions of PRC domestic interests using shares of such special purpose vehicles or held by its shareholders
as considerations to obtain the approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, prior to the listing and trading
of such special purpose vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. However, the application of the M&A Rules remains
unclear. If CSRC approval is required, it is uncertain whether it would be possible for us to obtain the approval.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial
Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Measures, and five supporting
guidelines, which will come into effect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Trial Measures, domestic companies that seek to offer or list
securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill the filing procedure and report relevant information to the CSRC. See
“Regulations – Regulation Relating to M&A and Overseas Listings.” However, since the Trial Measures was newly promulgated,
its interpretation, application and enforcement remain unclear. If the filing procedure with the CSRC under the Trial Measures is required
for this offering and any future offerings, listing or any other capital raising activities, it is uncertain whether we could complete
the filing procedure in a timely manner, or at all. Any failure to complete such filings may subject us to regulatory actions or other
sanctions from the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in
China, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of China, limit our operating privileges in China, delay or restrict the repatriation
of the proceeds from offering of securities overseas into China or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the trading price of our Ordinary Shares.
We believe that neither Jiuzi Holdings, nor any
of its subsidiaries, are currently required to obtain approval from or make filings with the Chinese authorities, including the China
Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, or Cybersecurity Administration Committee, or CAC, to list on U.S exchanges or issue securities
to foreign investors. We have not been denied any permission or clearance either as of the date of this annual report. However, if we
were required to obtain approval or make filings in the future and were denied permission or clearance from Chinese authorities to list
on U.S. exchanges or the review of filings got unreasonably delayed, we will not be able to continue listing on U.S. exchange, which would
materially affect the interest of the investors. It is uncertain when and whether the Company will be required to obtain permission from
or make filing with the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such permission is obtained or when the
filings are completed, whether it will be denied or rescinded on on a later date. Although the Company is currently not required to obtain
permission from or make filings with any of the PRC federal or local government to obtain such permission or clearance and has not received
any denial to list on the U.S. exchange, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws
and regulations relating to its business or industry.
Risks Relating to Doing Business in China
There are significant legal and other obstacles
to obtaining information needed for shareholder investigations or litigation outside China or otherwise with respect to foreign entities.
We conduct substantially all of our business operations
in China, and a majority of our directors and senior management are based in China, which is an emerging market. The SEC, U.S. Department
of Justice and other authorities often have substantial difficulties in bringing and enforcing actions against non-U.S. companies and
non-U.S. persons, including company directors and officers, in certain emerging markets, including China. Additionally, our public shareholders
may have limited rights and few practical remedies in emerging markets where we operate, as shareholder claims that are common in the
United States, including class action securities law and fraud claims, generally are difficult to pursue as a matter of law or practicality
in many emerging markets, including China. For example, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to obtaining information
needed for shareholder investigations or litigation outside China or otherwise with respect to foreign entities. Although the local authorities
in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatory authorities of another country or region to implement
cross-border supervision and administration, the regulatory cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the Unities States
has not been efficient in the absence of a mutual and practical cooperation mechanism. According to Article 177 of the PRC Securities
Law which became effective in March 2020, no foreign securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection
activities within the territory of the PRC. Accordingly, without the consent of the competent PRC securities regulators and relevant authorities,
no organization or individual may provide the documents and materials relating to securities business activities to foreign securities
regulators.
As a result, our public shareholders may have
more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling
shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States.
PRC regulation of loans to, and direct investments
in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies may delay or prevent us from using proceeds from the offering and/or future financing activities
to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC operating subsidiaries.
In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on
Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents’ Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment
through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, which replaces the previous SAFE Circular 75. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents,
including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities, to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct or indirect
offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any
offshore acquisitions that we may make in the future.
Under SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who make,
or have prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37 made, direct or indirect investments in offshore special purpose vehicles, or
SPVs, are required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. In addition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect
shareholder of an SPV, is required to update its registration with the local branch of SAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material
change. Moreover, any subsidiary of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders to update their registration with
the local branch of SAFE to reflect any material change. If any PRC resident shareholder of such SPV fails to make the required registration
or to update the registration, the subsidiary of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing its profits or the proceeds from
any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited from making additional capital contributions
into its subsidiaries in China. In February, 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration
Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign
direct investments and outbound direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, must be filed with qualified banks
instead of SAFE. Qualified banks should examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE. We have used
our best efforts to notify PRC residents or entities who directly or indirectly hold shares in our Cayman Islands holding company and
who are known to us as being PRC residents to complete the foreign exchange registrations. However, we may not be informed of the identities
of all the PRC residents or entities holding direct or indirect interest in our company, nor can we compel our beneficial owners to comply
with SAFE registration requirements. We cannot assure you that all other shareholders or beneficial owners of ours who are PRC residents
or entities have complied with, and will in the future make, obtain or update any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE
regulations. Failure by such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE regulations, or failure by us to amend the foreign
exchange registrations of our PRC subsidiaries, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment
activities, and limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends to us or affect our ownership structure,
which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Furthermore, as these foreign exchange and outbound
investment related regulations are relatively new and their interpretation and implementation has been constantly evolving, it is unclear
how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border investments and transactions, will be interpreted,
amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review and approval
process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings,
which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure you that we have complied or will be able
to comply with all applicable foreign exchange and outbound investment related regulations. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC
domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary
approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability
to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.
As an offshore holding company with PRC subsidiaries,
we may transfer funds to our subsidiaries or finance our operating entity by means of loans or capital contributions. Any capital contributions
or loans that we, as an offshore entity, make to our Company’s PRC subsidiaries, including from the proceeds from the offering,
are subject to the above PRC regulations. We may not be able to obtain necessary government registrations or approvals on a timely basis,
if at all. If we fail to obtain such approvals or make such registration, our ability to make equity contributions or provide loans to
our Company’s PRC subsidiaries or to fund their operations may be negatively affected, which may adversely affect their liquidity
and ability to fund their working capital and expansion projects and meet their obligations and commitments. As a result, our liquidity
and our ability to fund and expand our business may be negatively affected.
We must remit the offering proceeds to China
before they may be used to benefit our business in China, and this process may take several months to complete.
The process for sending the proceeds from the
offering back to China may take as long as six months after the closing of the offering. As an offshore holding company of our PRC operating
subsidiaries, we may make loans to our subsidiaries, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries. Any loans
to our subsidiaries are subject to PRC regulations. For example, loans by us to our subsidiaries in China, which are foreign-invested
enterprises, to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with SAFE.
To remit the proceeds of the offering, we must
take the following steps:
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First, we will open a special foreign exchange account for capital account transactions. To open this account, we must submit to SAFE certain application forms, identity documents, transaction documents, form of foreign exchange registration of overseas investments of the domestic residents, and foreign exchange registration certificate of the invested company. As of the date hereof, we have already opened a special foreign exchange account for capital account transactions. |
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Second, we will remit the offering proceeds into this special foreign exchange account. |
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Third, we will apply for settlement of the foreign exchange. In order to do so, we must submit to SAFE certain application forms, identity documents, payment order to a designated person, and a tax certificate. |
The timing of the process is difficult to estimate
because the efficiencies of different SAFE branches can vary significantly. Ordinarily the process takes several months but is required
by law to be accomplished within 180 days of application.
We may also decide to finance our subsidiaries
by means of capital contributions. These capital contributions must be approved by MOFCOM or its local counterpart. We cannot assure you
that we will be able to obtain these government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future capital contributions by
us to our subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds of the offering and to capitalize our Chinese
operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business. If
we fail to receive such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds of the offering and to capitalize our Chinese operations may be negatively
affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment
in PRC entities by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from making loans or additional capital contributions
to our PRC operating subsidiaries.
As an offshore holding company of our PRC subsidiary,
we may make loans to our PRC Operating Subsidiaries or may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, subject to satisfaction
of applicable governmental registration and approval requirements.
Any loans we extend to Jiuzi WFOE, which are treated
as foreign-invested enterprises under PRC law, cannot exceed the statutory limit and must be registered with the local counterpart of
the SAFE.
We may also decide to finance Jiuzi WFOE by means
of capital contributions. According to the relevant PRC regulations on foreign-invested enterprises in China, these capital contributions
are subject to registration with or approval by the MOFCOM or its local counterparts. In addition, the PRC government also restricts the
convertibility of foreign currencies into Renminbi and use of the proceeds. On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated Circular 19, which took
effect and replaced certain previous SAFE regulations from June 1, 2015. SAFE further promulgated Circular 16, effective on June 9, 2016,
which, among other things, amend certain provisions of Circular 19. According to SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16, the flow and use
of the Renminbi capital converted from foreign currency denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested company is regulated such
that Renminbi capital may not be used for business beyond its business scope or to provide loans to persons other than affiliates unless
otherwise permitted under its business scope. Violations of the applicable circulars and rules may result in severe penalties, including
substantial fines as set forth in the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations. If our subsidiaries require financial support from
us or Jiuzi WFOE in the future and we find it necessary to use foreign currency-denominated capital to provide such financial support,
our ability to fund our PRC Operating Subsidiaries’ operations will be subject to statutory limits and restrictions, including those
described above. These circulars may limit our ability to transfer the net proceeds from the offering to our subsidiaries, and we may
not be able to convert the net proceeds from the offering into Renminbi to invest in or acquire any other PRC companies in China. Despite
the restrictions under these SAFE circulars, Jiuzi WFOE may use its income in Renminbi generated from their operations to finance the
PRC Operating Subsidiaries through entrustment loans to the PRC Operating Subsidiaries or loans to the PRC Operating Subsidiaries’
shareholders for the purpose of making capital contributions to the PRC Operating Subsidiaries. In addition, our PRC subsidiary can use
Renminbi funds converted from foreign currency registered capital to carry out any activities within their normal course of business and
business scope, including to purchase or lease servers and other relevant equipment and fund other operational needs in connection with
their provision of services to the relevant PRC Operating Subsidiaries under the applicable exclusive technical support agreements.
In light of the various requirements imposed by
PRC regulations on loans to, and direct investment in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we cannot assure you that we will be
able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with
respect to future loans to Jiuzi WFOE or our PRC Operating Subsidiaries or future capital contributions by us to Jiuzi WFOE. If we fail
to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds we expect to receive from the offering and to
fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund
and expand our business.
Adverse changes in political and economic
policies of the PRC government could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, which could reduce the demand
for our products and services and materially and adversely affect our competitive position.
Substantially all of our business operations are
conducted in China. Accordingly, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects are subject to economic, political
and legal developments in China. Although the Chinese economy is no longer a planned economy, the PRC government continues to exercise
significant control over China’s economic growth through direct allocation of resources, monetary and tax policies, and a host of
other government policies such as those that encourage or restrict investment in certain industries by foreign investors, control the
exchange between RMB and foreign currencies, and regulate the growth of the general or specific market.
From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative
and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. Any administrative and court proceedings in China may be protracted, resulting in substantial
costs and diversion of resources and management attention. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion
in interpreting and implementing statutory provisions and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative
and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. These uncertainties may impede
our ability to enforce the contracts we have entered into and could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in
part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all and may have retroactive effect.
As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of any of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such unpredictability
towards our contractual, property (including intellectual property) and procedural rights could adversely affect our business and impede
our ability to continue our operations.
These government involvements have been instrumental
in China’s significant growth in the past 30 years. In response to the recent global and Chinese economic downturn, the PRC government
has adopted policy measures aimed at stimulating the economic growth in China. If the PRC government’s current or future policies
fail to help the Chinese economy achieve further growth or if any aspect of the PRC government’s policies limits the growth of our
industry or otherwise negatively affects our business, our growth rate or strategy, our results of operations could be adversely affected
as a result.
Changes in China’s economic, political
or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
All of our operations are located in China. Accordingly,
our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic
and social conditions in China generally and by continued economic growth in China as a whole.
The Chinese economy differs from the economies
of most developed countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control
of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization
of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment of improved corporate
governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition,
the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese
government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of
foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant
growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The Chinese government
has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit
the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may
be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese
government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate increases, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures
may cause decreased economic activity in China, and since 2012, China’s economic growth has slowed down. Any prolonged slowdown
in the Chinese economy may reduce the demand for our products and services and materially and adversely affect our business and results
of operations.
Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law, we
may be classified as a “Resident Enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable tax consequences
to us and our non-PRC stockholders.
China passed the Enterprise Income Tax Law, or
the EIT Law, and its implementing rules, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008. Under the EIT Law, an enterprise established
outside of China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,” meaning
that it can be treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. The implementing rules of the EIT
Law define de facto management as “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel,
accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.
On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of
Taxation of China issued the Notice Concerning Relevant Issues Regarding Cognizance of Chinese Investment Controlled Enterprises Incorporated
Offshore as Resident Enterprises pursuant to Criteria of de facto Management Bodies, or the Notice, further interpreting the application
of the EIT Law and its implementation to offshore entities controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group. Pursuant to the Notice, an enterprise
incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction and controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group will be classified as a “non-domestically
incorporated resident enterprise” if (i) its senior management in charge of daily operations reside or perform their duties mainly
in China; (ii) its financial or personnel decisions are made or approved by bodies or persons in China; (iii) its substantial assets and
properties, accounting books, corporate stamps, board and stockholder minutes are kept in China; and (iv) all of its directors with voting
rights or senior management reside in China. A resident enterprise would be subject to an enterprise income tax rate of 25% on its worldwide
income and must pay a withholding tax at a rate of 10% when paying dividends to its non-PRC stockholders. Because substantially all of
our operations and senior management are located within the PRC and are expected to remain so for the foreseeable future, we may be considered
a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes and therefore subject to the PRC enterprise income tax at the rate of 25%
on its worldwide income. However, it remains unclear as to whether the Notice is applicable to an offshore enterprise controlled by a
Chinese natural person. Therefore, it is unclear how tax authorities will determine tax residency based on the facts of each case.
If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are
a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow.
First, we may be subject to the enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income as well as PRC enterprise income
tax reporting obligations. In our case, this would mean that income such as non-China source income would be subject to PRC enterprise
income tax at a rate of 25%. Currently, we do not have any non-China source income, as we conduct our sales in China. However, under the
EIT Law and its implementing rules, dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiaries would be deemed as “qualified investment income
between resident enterprises” and therefore qualify as “tax-exempt income” pursuant to clause 26 of the EIT Law. Second,
it is possible that future guidance issued with respect to the new “resident enterprise” classification could result in a
situation in which the dividends we pay with respect to our ordinary shares, or the gain our non-PRC shareholders may realize from the
transfer of our ordinary shares, may be treated as PRC-sourced income and may therefore be subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax. The EIT
Law and its implementing regulations are, however, relatively new and ambiguities exist with respect to the interpretation and identification
of PRC-sourced income, and the application and assessment of withholding taxes. If we are required under the EIT Law and its implementing
regulations to withhold PRC income tax on dividends payable to our non-PRC shareholders, or if non-PRC stockholders are required to pay
PRC income tax on gains on the transfer of their ordinary shares, our business could be negatively impacted and the value of your investment
may be materially reduced. Further, if we were treated as a “resident enterprise” by PRC tax authorities, we would be subject
to taxation in both China and such countries in which we have taxable income, and our PRC tax may not be creditable against such other
taxes.
We may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act and Chinese anti-corruption law.
We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act (the “FCPA”), and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials
and political parties by U.S. persons and issuers as defined by the statute for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We are
also subject to Chinese anti-corruption laws, which strictly prohibit the payment of bribes to government officials. We have operations
agreements with third parties, and make sales in China, which may experience corruption. Our activities in China create the risk of unauthorized
payments or offers of payments by one of our franchisees and their employees, consultants or distributors, because these parties are not
always subject to our control. Our franchisees are independent operators and are not subject to our control regarding to our FCPA practice.
Although we believe, to date, we have complied
in all material respects with the provisions of the FCPA and Chinese anti-corruption law, our existing safeguards and any future improvements
may prove to be less than effective, and the employees, consultants, franchisees or distributors of our franchisees may engage in conduct
for which we might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA or Chinese anti-corruption law may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions,
and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In
addition, the government may seek to hold our Company liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we
invest or that we acquire.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal
system, including uncertainties regarding the enforcement of laws, and sudden or unexpected changes in laws and regulations in China could
adversely affect us and limit the legal protections available to you and us.
The PRC Operating Subsidiaries were formed under
and are governed by the laws of the PRC. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for
reference, but have limited precedential value. In 1979, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations
governing economic matters in general, such as foreign investment, corporate organization and governance, commerce, taxation and trade.
As a significant part of our business is conducted in China, our operations are principally governed by PRC laws and regulations. However,
since the PRC legal system continues to evolve rapidly, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform
and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to us. Uncertainties
due to evolving laws and regulations could also impede the ability of a China-based company, such as our company, to obtain or maintain
permits or licenses required to conduct business in China. In the absence of required permits or licenses, governmental authorities could
impose material sanctions or penalties on us. In addition, some regulatory requirements issued by certain PRC government authorities may
not be consistently applied by other PRC government authorities (including local government authorities), thus making strict compliance
with all regulatory requirements impractical, or in some circumstances impossible. For example, we may have to resort to administrative
and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we enjoy either by law or contract. However, since PRC administrative and court
authorities have discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to predict the
outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore,
the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or
at all and may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after
the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainty over the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual
property) and procedural rights, could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
Furthermore, if China adopts more stringent standards
with respect to environmental protection or corporate social responsibilities, we may incur increased compliance costs or become subject
to additional restrictions in our operations. Intellectual property rights and confidentiality protections in China may also not be as
effective as in the United States or other countries. In addition, we cannot predict the effects of future developments in the PRC
legal system on our business operations, including the promulgation of new laws, or changes to existing laws or the interpretation or
enforcement thereof. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available to us and our investors, including you. Moreover,
any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and management attention.
The PRC government has significant oversight and
discretion over the conduct of our business and may intervene or influence our operations as the government deems appropriate to further
regulatory, political and societal goals. The PRC government has recently published new policies that significantly affected certain
industries such as the education and internet industries, and we cannot rule out the possibility that it will in the future release regulations
or policies regarding our industry that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore,
the PRC government has recently indicated an intent to exert more oversight and control over securities offerings and other capital markets
activities that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based companies like us. Any such action, once taken by the
PRC government, could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause
the value of such securities to significantly decline or in extreme cases, become worthless.
Governmental control of currency conversion
may affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility
of the RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our
revenues in RMB. Under our current corporate structure, our income is primarily derived from dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries.
Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to remit sufficient foreign currency
to pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign
exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from trade-related
transactions can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. However,
approval from appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China
to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may also at its discretion
restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents
us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies
to our security-holders.
We are a holding company and we rely on
our subsidiaries for funding dividend payments, which are subject to restrictions under PRC laws.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman
Islands, and we operate our core businesses through our PRC Operating Subsidiaries. Therefore, the availability of funds for us to pay
dividends to our shareholders and to service our indebtedness depends upon dividends received from our PRC Operating Subsidiaries If our
PRC Operating Subsidiaries incur debt or losses, their ability to pay dividends or other distributions to us may be impaired. As a result,
our ability to pay dividends and to repay our indebtedness will be restricted. PRC laws require that dividends be paid only out of the
after-tax profit of our PRC subsidiaries calculated according to PRC accounting principles, which differ in many aspects from generally
accepted accounting principles in other jurisdictions. PRC laws also require enterprises established in the PRC to set aside part of their
after-tax profits as statutory reserves. These statutory reserves are not available for distribution as cash dividends. In addition, restrictive
covenants in bank credit facilities or other agreements that we or our subsidiaries may enter into in the future may also restrict the
ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. These restrictions on the availability of our funding may impact our ability to pay
dividends to our shareholders and to service our indebtedness.
Our business may be materially and adversely
affected if any of our PRC subsidiaries declare bankruptcy or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.
The Enterprise Bankruptcy Law of the PRC, or the
Bankruptcy Law, came into effect on June 1, 2007. The Bankruptcy Law provides that an enterprise will be liquidated if the enterprise
fails to settle its debts as and when they fall due and if the enterprise’s assets are, or are demonstrably, insufficient to clear
such debts.
Our PRC subsidiaries hold certain assets that
are important to our business operations. If our PRC subsidiaries undergo a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, unrelated
third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
According to SAFE’s Notice of the State
Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies for Direct Investment,
effective on 17 December 2012, and the Provisions for Administration of Foreign Exchange Relating to Inbound Direct Investment by Foreign
Investors, effective May 13, 2013, if any of our PRC subsidiaries undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, prior approval
from SAFE for remittance of foreign exchange to our shareholders abroad is no longer required, but we still need to conduct a registration
process with the SAFE local branch. It is not clear whether “registration” is a mere formality or involves the kind of substantive
review process undertaken by SAFE and its relevant branches in the past.
Substantial uncertainties exist with respect
to the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate
structure, corporate governance and business operations.
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s
Congress approved the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced three existing laws on foreign
investments in China, namely, the PRC Equity Joint Venture Law, the PRC Cooperative Joint Venture Law and the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise
Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The PRC Foreign Investment Law embodies an expected PRC regulatory
trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts
to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic invested enterprises in China. The PRC Foreign Investment Law
establishes the basic framework for the access to, and the promotion, protection and administration of foreign investments in view of
investment protection and fair competition.
According to the PRC Foreign Investment Law, “foreign
investment” refers to investment activities directly or indirectly conducted by one or more natural persons, business entities,
or otherwise organizations of a foreign country (collectively referred to as “foreign investor”) within China, and the investment
activities include the following situations: (i) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other investors, establishes
a foreign-invested enterprise within China; (ii) a foreign investor acquires stock shares, equity shares, shares in assets,
or other like rights and interests of an enterprise within China; (iii) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other
investors, invests in a new project within China; and (iv) investments in other means as provided by laws, administrative regulations,
or the State Council.
According to the PRC Foreign Investment Law, the
State Council will publish or approve to publish the “negative list” for special administrative measures concerning foreign
investment. The PRC Foreign Investment Law grants national treatment to foreign-invested entities, or FIEs, except for those FIEs
that operate in industries deemed to be either “restricted” or “prohibited” in the “negative list”.
Because the “negative list” has yet to be published, it is unclear whether it will differ from the current Special Administrative
Measures for Market Access of Foreign Investment (Negative List). The PRC Foreign Investment Law provides that FIEs operating in foreign
restricted or prohibited industries will require market entry clearance and other approvals from relevant PRC governmental authorities.
If a foreign investor is found to invest in any prohibited industry in the “negative list”, such foreign investor may be required
to, among other aspects, cease its investment activities, dispose of its equity interests or assets within a prescribed time limit and
have its income confiscated. If the investment activity of a foreign investor is in breach of any special administrative measure for restrictive
access provided for in the “negative list”, the relevant competent department shall order the foreign investor to make corrections
and take necessary measures to meet the requirements of the special administrative measure for restrictive access.
The PRC government will establish a foreign investment
information reporting system, according to which foreign investors or foreign-invested enterprises shall submit investment information
to the competent department for commerce concerned through the enterprise registration system and the enterprise credit information publicity
system, and a security review system under which the security review shall be conducted for foreign investment affecting or likely affecting
the state security.
Furthermore, the PRC Foreign Investment Law provides
that foreign invested enterprises established according to the existing laws regulating foreign investment may maintain their structure
and corporate governance within five years after the implementing of the PRC Foreign Investment Law.
In addition, the PRC Foreign Investment Law also
provides several protective rules and principles for foreign investors and their investments in the PRC, including, among others, that
a foreign investor may freely transfer into or out of China, in Renminbi or a foreign currency, its contributions, profits, capital gains,
income from disposition of assets, royalties of intellectual property rights, indemnity or compensation lawfully acquired, and income
from liquidation, among others, within China; local governments shall abide by their commitments to the foreign investors; governments
at all levels and their departments shall enact local normative documents concerning foreign investment in compliance with laws and regulations
and shall not impair legitimate rights and interests, impose additional obligations onto FIEs, set market access restrictions and exit
conditions, or intervene with the normal production and operation activities of FIEs; except for special circumstances, in which case
statutory procedures shall be followed and fair and reasonable compensation shall be made in a timely manner, expropriation or requisition
of the investment of foreign investors is prohibited; and mandatory technology transfer is prohibited.
Notwithstanding the above, the PRC Foreign Investment
Law stipulates that foreign investment includes “foreign investors invest through any other methods under laws, administrative regulations
or provisions prescribed by the State Council”. Therefore, there are possibilities that future laws, administrative regulations
or provisions prescribed by the State Council may regard contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment, and then whether our
previous contractual arrangement would be recognized as foreign investment, whether our contractual arrangement would be deemed to be
in violation of the foreign investment access requirements and how the above-mentioned contractual arrangement would be handled are
uncertain.
The Chinese government exerts substantial
influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities. We are currently not required to obtain approval
from Chinese authorities to list on U.S exchanges, however, if our subsidiaries or the holding company were required to obtain approval
in the future and were denied permission from Chinese authorities to list on U.S. exchanges, we will not be able to continue listing on
U.S. exchange, which would materially affect the interest of the investors.
The Chinese government has exercised and continues
to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability
to operate through our subsidiaries in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation,
environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose
new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part
to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision
not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in
the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof,
and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.
For example, the Chinese cybersecurity regulator
announced on July 2 that it had begun an investigation of Didi Global Inc. (NYSE: DIDI) and two days later ordered that the company’s
app be removed from smartphone app stores.
As such, the Company’s business segments
may be subject to various government and regulatory interference in the provinces in which they operate. The Company could be subject
to regulation by various political and regulatory entities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions.
The Company may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure
to comply.
Furthermore, it is uncertain when and whether
the Company will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to list on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such
permission is obtained, whether it will be denied or rescinded. Although the Company is currently not required to obtain permission from
any of the PRC federal or local government to obtain such permission and has not received any denial to list on the U.S. exchange, our
operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to its business or
industry, if we falsely and inadvertently conclude that such approvals are not required when they are, or applicable laws, regulations,
or interpretations change and we are required to obtain approval in the future.
Recently, the General Office of the Central Committee
of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions on Severe and Lawful Crackdown
on Illegal Securities Activities, which were available to the public on July 6, 2021. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen
the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies. These opinions
proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems, to deal with the risks and incidents
facing China-based overseas-listed companies and the demand for cybersecurity and data privacy protection. Moreover, the State
Internet Information Office issued the Measures of Cybersecurity Review (Revised Draft for Comments, not yet effective) on July 10,
2021, which require operators with personal information of more than 1 million users who want to list abroad to file a cybersecurity
review with the Office of Cybersecurity Review. The aforementioned policies and any related implementation rules to be enacted may subject
us to additional compliance requirement in the future. While we believe that our operations are not affected by this, as these opinions
were recently issued, official guidance and interpretation of the opinions remain unclear in several respects at this time. Therefore,
we cannot assure you that we will remain fully compliant with all new regulatory requirements of these opinions or any future implementation
rules on a timely basis, or at all.
On December 24, 2021, the CSRC, together with
other relevant government authorities in China issued the Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Securities
Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments), and the Measures for the Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing
by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments) (“Draft Overseas Listing Regulations”). The Draft Overseas Listing Regulations
requires that a PRC domestic enterprise seeking to issue and list its shares overseas (“Overseas Issuance and Listing”) shall
complete the filing procedures of and submit the relevant information to CSRC. The Overseas Issuance and Listing includes direct and indirect
issuance and listing. Where an enterprise whose principal business activities are conducted in PRC seeks to issue and list its shares
in the name of an overseas enterprise (“Overseas Issuer”) on the basis of the equity, assets, income or other similar rights
and interests of the relevant PRC domestic enterprise, such activities shall be deemed an indirect overseas issuance and listing (“Indirect
Overseas Issuance and Listing”) under the Draft Overseas Listing Regulations. Therefore, the offering would be deemed an Indirect
Overseas Issuance and Listing under the Draft Overseas Listing Regulations. As such, the Company would be required to complete the filing
procedures of and submit the relevant information to CSRC after the Draft Overseas Listing Regulations become effective.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely
affect our business and the value of our securities.
Changes in the value of the RMB against the U.S.
dollar, Euro and other foreign currencies are affected by, among other things, changes in China’s political and economic conditions.
Any significant revaluation of the RMB may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition, and the value of, and
any dividends payable on our shares in U.S. dollar terms. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from
the offering into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on RMB amount we
would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of paying dividends on
our ordinary shares or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the
U.S. dollar amount available to us. In addition, fluctuations of the RMB against other currencies may increase or decrease the cost of
imports and exports, and thus affect the price-competitiveness of our products against products of foreign manufacturers or products relying
on foreign inputs.
Since July 2005, the RMB is no longer pegged to
the U.S. dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant
short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the
medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange
rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Increases in labor costs in the PRC may
adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The currently effective PRC Labor Contract
Law, or the Labor Contract Law was first adopted on June 29, 2007 and later amended on December 28, 2012. The PRC Labor Contract Law
has reinforced the protection of employees who, under the Labor Contract Law, have the right, among others, to have written employment
contracts, to enter into employment contracts with no fixed term under certain circumstances, to receive overtime wages and to terminate
or alter terms in labor contracts. Furthermore, the Labor Contract Law sets forth additional restrictions and increases the costs involved
with dismissing employees. To the extent that we need to significantly reduce our workforce, the Labor Contract Law could adversely affect
our ability to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner, and our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, for
employees whose employment contracts include noncompetition terms, the Labor Contract Law requires us to pay monthly compensation after
such employment is terminated, which will increase our operating expenses.
We expect that our labor costs, including wages
and employee benefits, will continue to increase. Unless we are able to pass on these increased labor costs to our vehicle buyers by increasing
the prices of our products and services, our financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
Part of our shareholders are not in compliance
with the PRC’s regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents, and as a result, the shareholders may be
subject to penalties if we are not able to remediate the non-compliance.
In July 2014, the State Administration of Foreign
Exchange promulgated the Circular on Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration over the Overseas Investment and Financing and
Roundtrip Investment by Domestic Residents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or “Circular 37”. According to Circular 37, prior
registration with the local SAFE branch is required for Chinese residents to contribute domestic assets or interests to offshore companies,
known as SPVs. Circular 37 further requires amendment to a PRC resident’s registration in the event of any significant changes with
respect to the SPV, such as an increase or decrease in the capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger,
division, or other material event. Further, foreign investment enterprises established by way of round-tripping shall complete the
relevant foreign exchange registration formalities pursuant to the prevailing foreign exchange control provisions for direct investments
by foreign investors, and disclose the relevant information such as actual controlling party of the shareholders truthfully.
Currently, two of our beneficial owners, who are
PRC residents, have not completed the Circular 37 Registration. We have asked our shareholders who are Chinese residents to make the necessary
applications and filings as required by Circular 37. We attempt to comply, and attempt to ensure that our shareholders who are subject
to these rules comply, with the relevant requirements. We cannot, however, provide any assurances that all of our shareholders who are
Chinese residents will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable registration or comply with other requirements required
by Circular 37 or other related rules. The Chinese resident shareholders’ failure to comply with Circular 37 registration would
not impose penalties on our Company, while it may result in restrictions being imposed on part of foreign exchange activities of the offshore
special purpose vehicles, including restrictions on its ability to receive registered capital as well as additional capital from Chinese
resident shareholders who fail to complete Circular 37 registration; and repatriation of profits and dividends derived from special purpose
vehicles to China, by the Chinese resident shareholders who fail to complete Circular 37 registration, are also illegal. In addition,
the failure of the Chinese resident shareholders to complete Circular 37 registration may subject each of the shareholders to fines less
than RMB50,000. We cannot assure you that each of our Chinese resident shareholders will in the future complete the registration process
as required by Circular 37.
We may become subject to a variety of laws
and regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. We may be liable for improper use or
appropriation of personal information provided by our customers.
We may become subject to a variety of laws and
regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. These laws and regulations are continuously
evolving and developing. The scope and interpretation of the laws that are or may be applicable to us are often uncertain and may be conflicting,
particularly with respect to foreign laws. In particular, there are numerous laws and regulations regarding privacy and the collection,
sharing, use, processing, disclosure, and protection of personal information and other user data. Such laws and regulations often vary
in scope, may be subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent among different jurisdictions.
We expect to obtain information about various
aspects of our operations as well as regarding our employees and third parties. We also maintain information about various aspects of
our operations as well as regarding our employees. The integrity and protection of our customer, employee and company data is critical
to our business. Our customers and employees expect that we will adequately protect their personal information. We are required by applicable
laws to keep strictly confidential the personal information that we collect, and to take adequate security measures to safeguard such
information.
The PRC Criminal Law, as amended by its Amendment
7 (effective on February 28, 2009) and Amendment 9 (effective on November 1, 2015), prohibits institutions, companies and their employees
from selling or otherwise illegally disclosing a citizen’s personal information obtained during the course of performing duties
or providing services or obtaining such information through theft or other illegal ways. On November 7, 2016, the Standing Committee of
the PRC National People’s Congress issued the Cyber Security Law of the PRC, or Cyber Security Law, which became effective on June
1, 2017.
Pursuant to the Cyber Security Law, network operators
must not, without users’ consent, collect their personal information, and may only collect users’ personal information necessary
to provide their services. Providers are also obliged to provide security maintenance for their products and services and shall comply
with provisions regarding the protection of personal information as stipulated under the relevant laws and regulations.
The Civil Code of the PRC (issued by the PRC National
People’s Congress on May 28, 2020 and effective from January 1, 2021) provides main legal basis for privacy and personal information
infringement claims under the Chinese civil laws. PRC regulators, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, MIIT, and the Ministry
of Public Security have been increasingly focused on regulation in the areas of data security and data protection.
The PRC regulatory requirements regarding cybersecurity
are constantly evolving. For instance, various regulatory bodies in China, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry
of Public Security and the SAMR, have enforced data privacy and protection laws and regulations with varying and evolving standards and
interpretations. In April 2020, the Chinese government promulgated Cybersecurity Review Measures, which came into effect on June 1, 2020.
According to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, operators of critical information infrastructure must pass a cybersecurity review when
purchasing network products and services which do or may affect national security.
In November 2016, the Standing Committee of China’s
National People’s Congress passed China’s first Cybersecurity Law (“CSL”), which became effective in June 2017.
The CSL is the first PRC law that systematically lays out the regulatory requirements on cybersecurity and data protection, subjecting
many previously under-regulated or unregulated activities in cyberspace to government scrutiny. The legal consequences of violation of
the CSL include penalties of warning, confiscation of illegal income, suspension of related business, winding up for rectification, shutting
down the websites, and revocation of business license or relevant permits. In April 2020, the Cyberspace Administration of China and certain
other PRC regulatory authorities promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective in June 2020. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity
Review Measures, operators of critical information infrastructure must pass a cybersecurity review when purchasing network products and
services which do or may affect national security.
On June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the
NPC promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect on September 1, 2021. The Data Security Law also sets forth the data security
protection obligations for entities and individuals handling personal data, including that no entity or individual may acquire such data
by stealing or other illegal means, and the collection and use of such data should not exceed the necessary limits The costs of compliance
with, and other burdens imposed by, CSL and any other cybersecurity and related laws may limit the use and adoption of our products and
services and could have an adverse impact on our business. Further, if the enacted version of the Measures for Cybersecurity Review mandates
clearance of cybersecurity review and other specific actions to be completed by companies like us, we face uncertainties as to whether
such clearance can be timely obtained, or at all.
On July 10, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration
of China issued a revised draft of the Measures for Cybersecurity Review for public comments (the “Review Measures”), and
on December 28, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China jointly with the relevant authorities published Measures for Cybersecurity
Review (2021) which took effect on February 15, 2022 and replaced the Review Measures. Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021) stipulates
that operators of critical information infrastructure purchasing network products and services, and online platform operator (together
with the operators of critical information infrastructure, the “Operators”) carrying out data processing activities that affect
or may affect national security, shall conduct a cybersecurity review, any online platform operator who controls more than one million
users’ personal information must go through a cybersecurity review by the cybersecurity review office if it seeks to be listed in
a foreign country. Since we are not an Operator, nor do we control more than one million users’ personal information, we would not
be required to apply for a cybersecurity review under the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021).
Under the Data Security Law enacted on September
1, 2021 and the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (2021) implemented on February 15, 2022, since we are not an Operator, nor do we control
more than one million users’ personal information, we would not be required to apply for a cybersecurity review by the CAC. However,
if the CSRC, CAC or other regulatory agencies later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals for
any follow-on offering, we may be unable to obtain such approvals and we may face sanctions by the CSRC, CAC or other PRC regulatory agencies
for failure to seek their approval which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities
to our investors and the securities currently being offered may substantially decline in value and be worthless.
If the custodians or authorized users of
our controlling non-tangible assets, including chops and seals, fail to fulfill their responsibilities, or misappropriate or misuse these
assets, our business and operations may be materially and adversely affected
Under PRC law, legal documents for corporate transactions,
including agreements and contracts that our business relies on, are executed using the chop or seal of the signing entity or with the
signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with the relevant local branch of the State Administration
for Market Regulation (“SMAR”), formerly known as the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (“SAIC”).
We generally execute legal documents by affixing chops or seals, rather than having the designated legal representatives sign the documents.
We use two major types of chops: corporate chops
and finance chops. Chops are seals or stamps used by a PRC company to legally authorize documents, often in place of a signature. We use
corporate chops generally for documents to be submitted to government agencies, such as applications for changing business scope, directors
or company name, and for legal letters. We use finance chops generally for making and collecting payments, including issuing invoices.
Use of corporate chops must be approved by our legal department and administrative department, and use of finance chops must be approved
by our finance department. The chops of our subsidiary are generally held by the relevant entities so that documents can be executed locally.
Although we usually utilize chops to execute contracts, the registered legal representatives of our subsidiary have the apparent authority
to enter into contracts on behalf of such entities without chops, unless such contracts set forth otherwise.
In order to maintain the physical security of
our chops, we generally have them stored in secured locations accessible only to the designated key employees of our legal, administrative
or finance departments. Our designated legal representatives generally do not have access to the chops. Although we have approval procedures
in place and monitor our key employees, including the designated legal representatives of our subsidiary, the procedures may not be sufficient
to prevent all instances of abuse or negligence. In addition, we also separate the authorized user of chops from the keeper of keys to
the storage room and install security camera for the storage room. There is a risk that our key employees or designated legal representatives
could abuse their authority, for example, by binding our subsidiary with contracts against our interests, as we would be obligated to
honor these contracts if the other contracting party acts in good faith in reliance on the apparent authority of our chops or signatures
of our legal representatives. If any designated legal representative obtains control of the chop in an effort to obtain control over the
relevant entity, we would need to have a shareholder or board resolution to designate a new legal representative to take legal action
to seek the return of the chop, apply for a new chop with the relevant authorities, or otherwise seek legal remedies for the legal representative’s
misconduct. If any of the designated legal representatives obtains and misuses or misappropriates our chops and seals or other controlling
intangible assets for whatever reason, we could experience disruption to our normal business operations. We may have to take corporate
or legal action, which could involve significant time and resources to resolve the matter, while distracting management from our operations,
and our business operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Increases in labor costs in the PRC may
adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The currently effective PRC Labor Contract
Law, or the Labor Contract Law was first adopted on June 29, 2007 and later amended on December 28, 2012. The PRC Labor Contract Law
has reinforced the protection of employees who, under the Labor Contract Law, have the right, among others, to have written employment
contracts, to enter into employment contracts with no fixed term under certain circumstances, to receive overtime wages and to terminate
or alter terms in labor contracts. Furthermore, the Labor Contract Law sets forth additional restrictions and increases the costs involved
with dismissing employees. To the extent that we need to significantly reduce our workforce, the Labor Contract Law could adversely affect
our ability to do so in a timely and cost-effective manner, and our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, for
employees whose employment contracts include noncompetition terms, the Labor Contract Law requires us to pay monthly compensation after
such employment is terminated, which will increase our operating expenses.
We expect that our labor costs, including wages
and employee benefits, will continue to increase. Unless we are able to pass on these increased labor costs to our vehicle buyers by increasing
the prices of our products and services, our financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
Part of our shareholders are not in compliance
with the PRC’s regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents, and as a result, the shareholders may be
subject to penalties if we are not able to remediate the non-compliance.
In July 2014, the State Administration of Foreign
Exchange promulgated the Circular on Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration over the Overseas Investment and Financing and
Roundtrip Investment by Domestic Residents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or “Circular 37”. According to Circular 37, prior
registration with the local SAFE branch is required for Chinese residents to contribute domestic assets or interests to offshore companies,
known as SPVs. Circular 37 further requires amendment to a PRC resident’s registration in the event of any significant changes with
respect to the SPV, such as an increase or decrease in the capital contributed by PRC individuals, share transfer or exchange, merger,
division, or other material event. Further, foreign investment enterprises established by way of round-tripping shall complete the
relevant foreign exchange registration formalities pursuant to the prevailing foreign exchange control provisions for direct investments
by foreign investors, and disclose the relevant information such as actual controlling party of the shareholders truthfully.
Currently, two of our beneficial owners, who are
PRC residents, have not completed the Circular 37 Registration. We have asked our shareholders who are Chinese residents to make the necessary
applications and filings as required by Circular 37. We attempt to comply, and attempt to ensure that our shareholders who are subject
to these rules comply, with the relevant requirements. We cannot, however, provide any assurances that all of our shareholders who are
Chinese residents will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable registration or comply with other requirements required
by Circular 37 or other related rules. The Chinese resident shareholders’ failure to comply with Circular 37 registration would
not impose penalties on our Company, while it may result in restrictions being imposed on part of foreign exchange activities of the offshore
special purpose vehicles, including restrictions on its ability to receive registered capital as well as additional capital from Chinese
resident shareholders who fail to complete Circular 37 registration; and repatriation of profits and dividends derived from special purpose
vehicles to China, by the Chinese resident shareholders who fail to complete Circular 37 registration, are also illegal. In addition,
the failure of the Chinese resident shareholders to complete Circular 37 registration may subject each of the shareholders to fines less
than RMB50,000. We cannot assure you that each of our Chinese resident shareholders will in the future complete the registration process
as required by Circular 37.
We may become subject to a variety of laws
and regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. We may be liable for improper use or
appropriation of personal information provided by our customers.
We may become subject to a variety of laws and
regulations in the PRC regarding privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data protection. These laws and regulations are continuously
evolving and developing. The scope and interpretation of the laws that are or may be applicable to us are often uncertain and may be conflicting,
particularly with respect to foreign laws. In particular, there are numerous laws and regulations regarding privacy and the collection,
sharing, use, processing, disclosure, and protection of personal information and other user data. Such laws and regulations often vary
in scope, may be subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent among different jurisdictions.
Under the new PRC Data Security Law enacted in
September 2021, we believe that we are not subject to the cybersecurity review by the CAC, given that: (i) our products and services are
offered not directly to individual users but through our institutional customers; (ii) we do not possess a large amount of personal information
in our business operations; and (iii) data processed in our business does not have a bearing on national security and thus may not be
classified as core or important data by the authorities. However, there remains uncertainty as to how the Draft Measures will be interpreted
or implemented and whether the PRC regulatory agencies, including the CAC, may adopt new laws, regulations, rules, or detailed implementation
and interpretation related to the Draft Measures. If any such new laws, regulations, rules, or implementation and interpretation comes
into effect, we will take all reasonable measures and actions to comply and to minimize the adverse effect of such laws on us.
We cannot assure you that PRC regulatory agencies,
including the CAC, would take the same view as we do, and there is no assurance that we can fully or timely comply with such laws. In
the event that we are subject to any mandatory cybersecurity review and other specific actions required by the CAC, we face uncertainty
as to whether any clearance or other required actions can be timely completed, or at all. Given such uncertainty, we may be further required
to suspend our relevant business, shut down our website, or face other penalties, which could materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition, and results of operations.
We are not enrolled in the PRC’s employee’s
housing funds program, and as a result, Zhejiang Jiuzi and its subsidiary may be subject to future additional requirements should local
government regulations on housing funds change.
Pursuant to the Social Security Law of the PRC,
or the Social Security Law, which was promulgated by the SCNPC on October 28, 2010 and amended on December 29, 2018, employers shall pay
the basic pension insurance, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance for employees.
We have been complying with local regulations regarding social security and employee insurance. We have not received any notification
or warning from PRC authorities. We have not provided employees with housing funds. All our employees are located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang,
where local government imposes no mandatory requirements on employers to provide housing funds to employees. However, central government
promulgated rules regarding employees housing funds. For example, in accordance with the Regulations on Management of Housing Provident
Fund (the “Regulations of HPF”), which were promulgated by the PRC State Council on April 3, 1999, and last amended on March
24, 2002, employers must register at the designated administrative centers and open bank accounts for employees’ housing funds deposits.
Employers and employees are also required to pay and deposit housing funds in an amount no less than 5% of the monthly average salary
of each of the employees in the preceding year in full and on time. Zhejiang Jiuzi had not opened such bank accounts or deposited its
employees’ housing funds. We believe that we are currently not in violation of the housing funds regulations as it is not mandatory
in Hangzhou city. If in the future, local government adopts new rules requiring employers to provide housing funds to employees, we will
be required to provide housing funds to our employees, failing which we may be subject to administrative and monetary penalties.
If we become directly subject to the recent
scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity involving U.S.-listed Chinese companies, we may have to expend significant resources to investigate
and resolve the matter which could harm our business operations, and our reputation and could result in a loss of your investment in our
ordinary shares, especially if such matter cannot be addressed and resolved favorably.
Recently, U.S. public companies that have substantially
all of their operations in China, have been the subject of intense scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity by investors, financial
commentators and regulatory agencies, such as the SEC. Much of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity has centered around financial
and accounting irregularities, a lack of effective internal controls over financial accounting, inadequate corporate governance policies
or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result of the scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity,
the publicly traded stock of many U.S. listed Chinese companies has sharply decreased in value and, in some cases, has become virtually
worthless. Many of these companies are now subject to shareholder lawsuits and SEC enforcement actions and are conducting internal and
external investigations into the allegations. It is not clear what effect this sector-wide scrutiny, criticism and negative publicity
will have on our Company, our business operations. If we become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are
proven to be true or untrue, we will have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend the Company. This
situation may be a major distraction to our management. If such allegations are not proven to be groundless, our Company and business
operations will be severely hampered and your investment in our ordinary shares could be rendered worthless.
You may face difficulties in protecting
your interests and exercising your rights as a stockholder since we conduct substantially all of our operations in China, and almost all
of our officers and directors reside outside the U.S.
Although we are incorporated in the Cayman Islands,
we conduct substantially all of our operations in China. All of our current officers and almost all of our directors reside outside the
U.S. and substantially all of the assets of those persons are located outside of the U.S. It may be difficult for you to conduct due diligence
on the Company or such directors in your election of the directors and attend shareholders meeting if the meeting is held in China. We
plan to have one shareholder meeting each year at a location to be determined, potentially in China. As a result of all of the above,
our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against our management, directors or major
shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation doing business entirely or predominantly within the U.S.
Our financial and operating performance
may be adversely affected by general economic conditions, natural catastrophic events, epidemics, public health crises, and a downturn
in NEV purchase behavior.
Our operating results will be subject to fluctuations
based on general economic conditions, in particular those conditions that impact the NEV industry. Deterioration in economic conditions
could cause decreases in both volume and reduce and/or negatively impact our short-term ability to grow our revenues. Further, any decreased
collectability of accounts receivable or early termination of agreements due to deterioration in economic conditions could negatively
impact our results of operations.
Our business is subject to the impact of natural
catastrophic events such as earthquakes, floods or power outages, political crises such as terrorism or war, and public health crises,
such as disease outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics in the U.S. and global economies, our markets and business locations. Currently, the
spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) is still causing increased travel restrictions and disruption and shutdown of businesses. Our
franchisees may experience impacts from quarantines, market downturns and changes in customer behavior related to pandemic fears and impacts
on the workforce if the virus becomes widespread in any of our markets. NEV sales is strongly influenced by changes in consumer behavior
due to spread of pandemics, and therefore our industry is vulnerable to any pandemic event. Our vehicle buyers and franchisees may experience
financial distress, file for bankruptcy protection, go out of business, or suffer disruptions in their business due to the coronavirus
outbreak; as a result, our revenues may be impacted. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our results will depend on future developments,
which are highly uncertain and will include emerging information concerning the severity of the coronavirus and the actions taken by governments
and private businesses to attempt to contain the coronavirus, but is likely to result in a material adverse impact on our business, results
of operations and financial condition at least for the near term.
Similarly, natural disasters, wars (including
the potential of war), terrorist activity (including threats of terrorist activity), social unrest and heightened travel security measures
instituted in response, and travel-related accidents, as well as geopolitical uncertainty and international conflict, will affect travel
volume and may in turn have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, we may not be adequately
prepared in contingency planning or recovery capability in relation to a major incident or crisis, and as a result, our operational continuity
may be adversely and materially affected, which in turn may harm our reputation.
The recent joint statement by the SEC and
PCAOB, proposed rule changes submitted by Nasdaq, and the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act all call for additional and more stringent
criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their auditors, especially the non-U.S. auditors
who are not inspected by the PCAOB. These developments could add uncertainties to our offering.
On April 21, 2020, SEC Chairman Jay Clayton
and PCAOB Chairman William D. Duhnke III, along with other senior SEC staff, released a joint statement highlighting the risks
associated with investing in companies based in or have substantial operations in emerging markets including China. The joint statement
emphasized the risks associated with lack of access for the PCAOB to inspect auditors and audit work papers in China and higher risks
of fraud in emerging markets.
On May 18, 2020, Nasdaq filed three proposals
with the SEC to (i) apply minimum offering size requirement for companies primarily operating in “Restrictive Market”,
(ii) adopt a new requirement relating to the qualification of management or board of director for Restrictive Market companies, and
(iii) apply additional and more stringent criteria to an applicant or listed company based on the qualifications of the company’s
auditors.
On May 20, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed
the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act requiring a foreign company to certify it is not owned or controlled by a foreign government
if the PCAOB is unable to audit specified reports because the company uses a foreign auditor not subject to PCAOB inspection. If the PCAOB
is unable to inspect the company’s auditors for three consecutive years, the issuer’s securities are prohibited to trade
on a national securities exchange or in the over the counter trading market in the U.S. On December 2, 2020, the U.S. House
of Representatives approved the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. On December 18, 2020, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable
Act was signed into law.
On March 24, 2021, the SEC announced that
it had adopted interim final amendments to implement congressionally mandated submission and disclosure requirements of the Act. The
interim final amendments will apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report on Forms 10-K, 20-F, 40-F or
N-CSR with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB
has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction. The
SEC will implement a process for identifying such a registrant and any such identified registrant will be required to submit documentation
to the SEC establishing that it is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in that foreign jurisdiction, and will also require
disclosure in the registrant’s annual report regarding the audit arrangements of, and governmental influence on, such a registrant.
On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed
a bill which, if passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and signed into law, would reduce the number of consecutive non-inspection years
required for triggering the prohibitions under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act from three years to two.
On December 2, 2021, the SEC issued amendments
to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act. The rules
apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting
firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken
by an authority in foreign jurisdictions. The final amendments are effective on January 10, 2022. The SEC will begin to identify
and list Commission-Identified Issuers on its website shortly after registrants begin filing their annual reports for 2021.
On December 16, 2021, PCAOB announced the
PCAOB Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act determinations (the “PCAOB determinations”) relating to the PCAOB’s
inability to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China of the PRC or Hong Kong,
a Special Administrative Region and dependency of the PRC, because of a position taken by one or more authorities in the PRC or Hong Kong.
On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB announced that
it had signed a Statement of Protocol (the “SOP”) with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance
of China. The SOP, together with two protocol agreements governing inspections and investigations (together, the “SOP Agreement”),
establishes a specific, accountable framework to make possible complete inspections and investigations by the PCAOB of audit firms based
in mainland China and Hong Kong, as required under U.S. law. The SOP Agreement remains unpublished and is subject to further explanation
and implementation. Pursuant to the fact sheet with respect to the SOP Agreement disclosed by the SEC, the PCAOB shall have sole discretion
to select any audit firms for inspection or investigation and the PCAOB inspectors and investigators shall have a right to see all audit
documentation without redaction. According to the PCAOB, its December 2021 determinations under the HFCA Act remain in effect. The PCAOB
is required to reassess these determinations by the end of 2022. Under the PCAOB’s rules, a reassessment of a determination under
the HFCA Act may result in the PCAOB reaffirming, modifying or vacating the determination. However, if the PCAOB continues to be prohibited
from conducting complete inspections and investigations of PCAOB-registered public accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong,
the PCAOB is likely to determine by the end of 2022 that positions taken by authorities in the PRC obstructed its ability to inspect and
investigate registered public accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong completely, then the companies audited by those registered
public accounting firms would be subject to a trading prohibition on U.S. markets pursuant to the HFCA Act.
On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB announced that
it was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China
and Hong Kong completely in 2022. The PCAOB Board vacated its previous 2021 determinations that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate
completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. However, whether the PCAOB will continue
to be able to satisfactorily conduct inspections of PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong
Kong is subject to uncertainties and depends on a number of factors out of our and our auditor’s control. The PCAOB continues to
demand complete access in mainland China and Hong Kong moving forward and is making plans to resume regular inspections in early 2023
and beyond, as well as to continue pursuing ongoing investigations and initiate new investigations as needed. The PCAOB has also indicated
that it will act immediately to consider the need to issue new determinations with the HFCA Act if needed.
The lack of access to the PCAOB inspection in
China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of the auditors based in China. As a result, the
investors may be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in
China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of these accounting firms’ audit procedures or quality control procedures
as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections, which could cause existing and potential investors
in our stock to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.
Our auditor, the independent registered public
accounting firm that issues the audit report included elsewhere in this annual report, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly
in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts
regular inspections to assess our auditor’s compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our auditor is headquartered
in San Mateo, California, and is subject to inspection by the PCAOB on a regular basis with the last inspection in August 2020.
However, the recent developments would add uncertainties
to our offering and we cannot assure you whether Nasdaq or regulatory authorities would apply additional and more stringent criteria to
us after considering the effectiveness of our auditor’s audit procedures and quality control procedures, adequacy of personnel and
training, or sufficiency of resources, geographic reach or experience as it relates to the audit of our financial statements. It remains
unclear what the SEC’s implementation process related to the March 2021 interim final amendments will entail or what further actions
the SEC, the PCAOB or Nasdaq will take to address these issues and what impact those actions will have on U.S. companies that have significant
operations in the PRC and have securities listed on a U.S. stock exchange (including a national securities exchange or over-the-counter
stock market). In addition, the March 2021 interim final amendments and any additional actions, proceedings, or new rules resulting from
these efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information could create some uncertainty for investors, the market price of
our ordinary shares could be adversely affected, and we could be delisted if we and our auditor are unable to meet the PCAOB inspection
requirement or being required to engage a new audit firm, which would require significant expense and management time.
The M&A Rules and certain other PRC
regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult
for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of
Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in August 2006 and amended in 2009,
and some other regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could
make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time consuming and complex, including requirements in some instances
that the MOC be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise.
For example, the M&A Rules require that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor
takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise, if (i) any important industry is concerned, (ii) such transaction involves factors that impact
or may impact national economic security, or (iii) such transaction will lead to a change in control of a domestic enterprise which holds
a famous trademark or PRC time-honored brand. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law promulgated by the SCNPC effective in 2008 requires that
transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds (i.e., during the previous fiscal
year, (i) the total global turnover of all operators participating in the transaction exceeds RMB10 billion and at least two of these
operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China, or (ii) the total turnover within China of all the operators participating
in the concentration exceeded RMB 2 billion, and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB 400 million within
China) must be cleared by MOFCOM before they can be completed.
Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law requires that
the MOC shall be notified in advance of any concentration of undertaking if certain thresholds are triggered. In addition, the security
review rules issued by the MOC that became effective in September 2011 specify that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors that
raise “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire de
facto control over domestic enterprises that raise “national security” concerns are subject to strict review by the MOC, and
the rules prohibit any activities attempting to bypass a security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy or
contractual control arrangement. In the future, we may grow our business by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the requirements
of the above-mentioned regulations and other relevant rules to complete such transactions could be time consuming, and any required approval
processes, including obtaining approval from the MOC or its local counterparts may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions,
which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.
The approval of the China Securities Regulatory
Commission may be required in connection with any overseas offering, and, if required, we cannot predict whether we will be able to obtain
such approval.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of
Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies requires an overseas special purpose
vehicle formed for listing purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC companies or individuals to obtain
the approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle’s
securities on an overseas stock exchange.
Our PRC counsel has advised us based on their
understanding of the current PRC laws, rules and regulations that the CSRC’s approval is not required for the continued listing
and trading of our ordinary shares on Nasdaq, given that: (i) our PRC subsidiary was incorporated as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise
by means of direct investment rather than by merger or acquisition of equity interest or assets of a PRC domestic company owned by PRC
companies or individuals as defined under the M&A Rules that are our beneficial owners; (ii) the CSRC currently has not issued any
definitive rule or interpretation concerning whether offerings are subject to the M&A Rules; and (iii) no provision in the M&A
Rules clearly classifies contractual arrangements as a type of transaction subject to the M&A Rules.
However, our PRC counsel has further advised us
that there remains some uncertainties as to how the M&A Rules will be interpreted or implemented in the context of an overseas offering
and its opinions summarized above are subject to any new laws, rules and regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations in
any form relating to the M&A Rules. We cannot assure you that relevant PRC government agencies, including the CSRC, would reach the
same conclusion as we do. If it is determined that CSRC approval is required for the offering, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other
PRC regulatory agencies for failure to seek CSRC approval for the offering. These sanctions may include fines and penalties on our operations
in the PRC, limitations on our operating privileges in the PRC, delays in or restrictions on the repatriation of the proceeds from the
offering into the PRC, restrictions on or prohibition of the payments or remittance of dividends by our PRC subsidiary, or other actions
that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as
well as the trading price of our ordinary shares. Furthermore, the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies may also take actions requiring
us, or making it advisable for us, to halt the offering before the settlement and delivery of the ordinary shares that we are offering.
Consequently, if you engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to the settlement and delivery of the ordinary
shares we are offering, you would be doing so at the risk that the settlement and delivery may not occur.
Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares
Our Chief Executive Officer Shuibo Zhang
has significant influence over us, including control over decisions that require the approval of shareholders, which could limit
your ability to influence the outcome of matters submitted to shareholders for a vote.
Shuibo Zhang beneficially owns 11,925,000 ordinary
shares through Jiuzi One Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, which is 33.10% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares as of
the date hereof.
As long as Shuibo Zhang owns or control a significant
amount of our outstanding voting power, she has the ability to exercise substantial control over all corporate actions requiring shareholder
approval, irrespective of how our other shareholders may vote, including:
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the election and removal of directors and the size of our board of directors; |
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any amendment of our memorandum or articles of association; or |
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the approval of mergers, consolidations and other significant corporate transactions, including a sale of substantially all of our assets. |
Moreover, beneficial ownership of our ordinary
shares by Shuibo Zhang may also adversely affect the trading price for our ordinary shares to the extent investors perceive disadvantages
in owning shares of a company with a controlling shareholder.
Because we do not expect to pay dividends
in the foreseeable future, you must rely on a price appreciation of the ordinary shares for a return on your investment.
We currently intend to retain most, if not all,
of our available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay
any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in the ordinary shares as a source for any
future dividend income.
The trading price of the ordinary shares
is volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.
Recently, there have been instances of extreme
stock price run-ups followed by rapid price declines and strong stock price volatility with a number of recent initial public offerings,
especially among companies with relatively smaller public floats. The trading price of the ordinary shares is volatile and could
fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, including the performance
and fluctuation of the market prices of other companies with operations located mainly in China that have listed their securities in the
United States. In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for the ordinary shares may be highly volatile
for factors specific to our own operations, including the following:
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variations in our net revenue, earnings and cash flows; |
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announcements of new investments, acquisitions, strategic partnerships or joint ventures by us or our competitors; |
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announcements of new offerings and expansions by us or our competitors; |
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changes in financial estimates by securities analysts; |
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detrimental adverse publicity about us, our shareholders, affiliates, directors, officers or employees, our business model, our services or our industry; |
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announcements of new regulations, rules or policies relevant for our business; |
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additions or departures of key personnel; |
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release of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding equity securities or sales of additional equity securities; |
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and potential litigation or regulatory investigations. |
Any of these factors may result in large and sudden
changes in the volume and price at which the ordinary shares will trade.
In the past, shareholders of public companies
have often brought securities class action suits against those companies following periods of instability in the market price of their
securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other
resources from our business and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, which could harm our results of operations.
Any such class action suit, whether or not successful,
could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against
us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We may experience extreme stock price volatility,
including any stock-run up, unrelated to our actual or expected operating performance, financial condition or prospects, making it difficult
for prospective investors to assess the rapidly changing value of our ordinary shares.
In addition to the risks addressed above, our
ordinary shares may be subject to extreme volatility that is seemingly unrelated to the underlying performance of our business. In particular,
our ordinary shares may be subject to rapid and substantial price volatility, low volumes of trades and large spreads in bid and ask prices,
given that we will have relatively small public floats. Such volatility, including any stock-run up, may be unrelated to our actual or
expected operating performance, financial condition or prospects.
Holders of our ordinary shares may also not be
able to readily liquidate their investment or may be forced to sell at depressed prices due to low volume trading. Broad market fluctuations
and general economic and political conditions may also adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares. As a result of this volatility,
investors may experience losses on their investment in our ordinary shares. Furthermore, the potential extreme volatility may confuse
the public investors of the value of our stock, distort the market perception of our stock price and our company’s financial performance
and public image, negatively affect the long-term liquidity of our ordinary shares, regardless of our actual or expected operating performance.
If we encounter such volatility, including any rapid stock price increases and declines seemingly unrelated to our actual or expected
operating performance and financial condition or prospects, it will likely make it difficult and confusing for prospective investors to
assess the rapidly changing value of our ordinary shares and understand the value thereof.
The sale or availability for sale of substantial
amounts of ordinary shares could adversely affect their market price.
Sales of substantial amounts of the ordinary shares
in the public market in the future, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of the ordinary
shares and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future. Shares held by our existing shareholders
may also be sold in the public market in the future subject to the restrictions in Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities
Act and the applicable lockup agreements.
Techniques employed by short sellers may
drive down the market price of the ordinary shares.
Short selling is the practice of selling securities
that the seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying identical securities back at a later
date to return to the lender. The short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed
securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as the short seller expects to pay less in that purchase than it received in the
sale.
As it is in the short seller’s interest
for the price of the security to decline, many short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions regarding the
relevant issuer and its prospects to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves after selling a security short.
These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market.
Public companies that have substantially all of
their operations in China have been the subject of short selling. Much of the scrutiny and negative publicity has centered on allegations
of a lack of effective internal control over financial reporting resulting in financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, inadequate
corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result, many of these companies
are now conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations and, in the interim, are subject to shareholder lawsuits
and/or SEC enforcement actions.
It is not clear what effect such negative publicity
could have on us. If we were to become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue,
we could have to expend significant resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend ourselves.
While we would strongly defend against any such
short seller attacks, we may be constrained in the manner in which we can proceed against the relevant short seller by principles of freedom
of speech, applicable state law or issues of commercial confidentiality. Such a situation could be costly and time-consuming, and could
distract our management from growing our business. Even if such allegations are ultimately proven to be groundless, allegations against
us could severely impact our business, and any investment in the ordinary shares could be greatly reduced or even rendered worthless.
If securities or industry analysts do not
publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for the ordinary shares and trading
volume could decline.
The trading market for the ordinary shares will
depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If research analysts
do not establish and maintain adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades the ordinary shares
or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for the ordinary shares would likely decline. If
one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in
the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market price or trading volume for the ordinary shares to decline.
Our memorandum and articles of association
contain anti-takeover provisions that could materially adversely affect the rights of holders of our ordinary shares.
We have adopted an amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association that contains provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company or cause us to engage
in change-of-control transactions. These provisions could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium
over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar
transaction.
Our board of directors has the authority, subject
to any resolution of the shareholders to the contrary, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their designations,
powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions,
including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may
be greater than the rights associated with our ordinary shares. Preferred shares could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay
or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue
preferred shares, the price of our ordinary shares may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares may
be materially adversely affected.
We are an emerging growth company within
the meaning of the Securities Act and may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements.
We are an “emerging growth company,”
as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from requirements applicable to other public companies that
are not emerging growth companies including, most significantly, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements
of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for so long as we remain an emerging growth company. As a result, if we elect
not to comply with such auditor attestation requirements, our investors may not have access to certain information they may deem important.
We are a foreign private issuer within the
meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.
Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer
under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are
applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:
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the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K; |
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the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; |
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the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; |
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and the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD. |
We are required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within
four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intend to publish our results on a quarterly basis as press releases, distributed
pursuant to the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be furnished
to the SEC on Form 6-K.
However, the information we are required to file
with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic
issuers. As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information that would be made available to you were you investing
in a U.S. domestic issuer.
There can be no assurance we will not be
a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”), for any taxable year, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax
consequences to U.S. investors in our ordinary shares.
In general, a non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC for
U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year in which (i) 75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income or (ii)
50% or more of the average value of its assets (generally determined on a quarterly basis) consists of assets that produce, or are held
for the production of, passive income. For purposes of the above calculations, we will be treated as owning our proportionate share of
the assets and earning our proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, 25% (by
value) of the stock.
Based upon the manner in which we currently operate
our business through our PRC Operating Subsidiaries, the expected composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets, we
do not expect to be a PFIC for the current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. However, this is a factual determination that must
be made annually after the close of each taxable year, and the application of the PFIC rules is subject to uncertainty in several respects.
The value of our assets for purposes of the PFIC determination will generally be determined by reference to the market price of our ordinary
shares, which could fluctuate significantly. In addition, our PFIC status will depend on the manner we operate our workspace business
(and the extent to which our income from workspace membership continues to qualify as active for PFIC purposes). Furthermore, it is not
entirely clear how the contractual arrangements between us, our PRC Operating Subsidiaries and its nominal shareholders will be treated
for purposes of the PFIC rules, and we may be or become a PFIC if our PRC Operating Subsidiaries is not treated as owned by us. Because
of these uncertainties, there can be no assurance we will not be a PFIC for the current taxable year, or will not be a PFIC in the future.
If we were a PFIC for any taxable year during
which a U.S. investor owns our ordinary shares, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. investor.
We are a “controlled company”
within the meaning of the Nasdaq listing requirements and, as a result, will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain
corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such
requirements.
We are a “controlled company” as defined
under the rules of the Nasdaq since our directors and officers beneficially own, when combined, more than 50% of our total voting power.
For so long as we remain a controlled company under this definition, we are permitted to elect to rely on certain exemptions from corporate
governance rules, including:
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an exemption from the rule that a majority of our board of directors must be independent directors; |
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an exemption from the rule that the compensation of our chief executive officer must be determined or recommended solely by independent directors; |
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and an exemption from the rule that our director nominees must be selected or recommended solely by independent directors. |
Although we currently do not intend to rely on
the “controlled company” exemptions under the Nasdaq listing rules, we could elect to rely on those exemptions in the future.
As a result, you may not have the same protection afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to these corporate governance
requirements.
The Financial Action Task Force’s
Increased Monitoring of the Cayman Islands.
In February 2021, the Cayman Islands was added
to the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”) list of jurisdictions whose anti-money laundering practices are under increased
monitoring, commonly referred to as the “FATF grey list.” When the FATF places a jurisdiction under increased monitoring,
it means the country has committed to resolve swiftly the identified strategic deficiencies within agreed timeframes and is subject to
increased monitoring during that timeframe. It is unclear how long this designation will remain in place and what ramifications, if any,
the designation will have for the Company.
Compensation of Directors and Officers.
Under Cayman Islands law, the Company is not required
to disclose compensation paid to our senior management on an individual basis and the Company has not otherwise publicly disclosed this
information elsewhere. The executive officers, directors and management of the Company receive fixed and variable compensation. They also
receive benefits in line with market practice. The fixed component of their compensation is set on market terms and adjusted annually.
The variable component consists of cash bonuses and awards of shares (or the cash equivalent). Cash bonuses are paid to executive officers
and members of management based on previously agreed targets for the business. Shares (or the cash equivalent) are awarded under share
options.
We have a limited trading history.
On May 20, 2021, our ordinary shares began trading
on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Prior to that, there was no public market for our ordinary shares. Our trading history might never improve
in terms of price or volume. We cannot guarantee that our ordinary shares will remain quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
4.A. History and development of the company
Corporate History
Jiuzi Holdings Inc. is a Cayman Islands exempted
company incorporated on October 10, 2019. We conduct our business in China through our PRC Operating Subsidiaries. The consolidation of
our Company and our subsidiaries has been accounted for at historical cost and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned transactions
had become effective as of the beginning of the first period presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Jiuzi HK was incorporated on October 25, 2019
under the law of Hong Kong SAR. Jiuzi HK is our wholly-owned subsidiary and is currently not engaging in any active business and merely
acting as a holding company.
Jiuzi WFOE was incorporated on June 5, 2020 under
the laws of the People’s Republic of China. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jiuzi HK and a wholly foreign-owned entity under
the PRC laws. The registered principal activity of the company is new energy vehicle retail, new energy vehicle component sales, new energy
vehicle battery sales, vehicle audio equipment and electronics sales, vehicle ornament sales, technology service and development, marketing
planning, vehicle rentals, etc. Jiuzi WFOE had entered into contractual arrangements with Zhejiang Jiuzi and its shareholders.
Zhejiang Jiuzi was incorporated on May 26, 2017
under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Its registered business scope includes wholesale and retail of NEVs and NEV components,
vehicle maintenance products, technology development of NEVs, Marketing and consulting regarding NEV products, vehicle rentals, event
organization, client services regarding vehicle registration, and online business technology.
Shangli Jiuzi was incorporated on May 10, 2018
under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Its registered business scope is to engage in retailing NEVs, NEV components,
NEV batteries, NEV marketing, vehicle maintenance, used vehicle sales, and car rentals. Zhejiang Jiuzi is the beneficial owner of 59%
equity interest of Shangli Jiuzi.
The Restructuring
Prior to the restructuring completed on January
20, 2023, Jiuzi WFOE entered into a series of VIE Agreements with Zhejiang Jiuzi and the shareholders of Zhejiang Jiuzi, which established
the VIE structure.
As a result of the VIE Agreements, Jiuzi WFOE was regarded as the primary
beneficiary of Zhejiang Jiuzi, and we treated Zhejiang Jiuzi and its subsidiaries as variable interest entities under U.S. GAAP for
accounting purposes. We have consolidated the financial results of Zhejiang Jiuzi and its subsidiaries in our consolidated financial
statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
In November 2022, the board of directors of the
Company decided to dissolve the VIE structure. On November 10, 2022, Zhejiang Jiuzi entered into a termination agreement (the “Termination
Agreement”) with Jiuzi WFOE, pursuant to which the VIE agreements entered into among Zhejiang Jiuzi, Jiuzi WFOE and certain shareholders
of Zhejiang Jiuzi shall be terminated effective upon the conditions are met. On November 10, 2022, with approval of Jiuzi WFOE and approval
of the board of directors of Zhejiang Jiuzi, Zhejiang Jiuzi issued 0.1% equity interest in Zhejiang Jiuzi to a third-party investor.
The issuance was completed on November 27, 2022. On January 20, 2023, Jiuzi WFOE exercised its call option under the Exclusive Option
Agreements dated June 15, 2020 with certain shareholder of Zhejiang Jiuzi and entered into equity transfer agreements with all the shareholders
of Zhejiang Jiuzi to purchase all the equity interest in Zhejiang Jiuzi. The transaction underlying the equity transfer agreement was
completed and the VIE Agreements were terminated pursuant to the Termination Agreement on January 20, 2023. As a result, Zhejiang Jiuzi
became a wholly owned subsidiary of Jiuzi WFOE and the VIE structure is dissolved.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive office is located at No.168
Qianjiang Nongchang Gengwen Road, Suite 1501, 15th Floor, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou City,
Zhejiang Province, China 310000. The telephone number of our principal executive offices is +86-0571-82651956. Our registered agent in
the Cayman Islands is Osiris International Cayman Limited. Our registered office and our registered agent’s office in the Cayman
Islands are both located at Suite #4-210, Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue, PO Box 32311, Grand Cayman KY1-1209, Cayman Islands.
Our agent for service of process in the United States is Cogency Global Inc.
The SEC maintains an internet site at http://www.sec.gov
that contains reports, information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
4.B. Business overview
We, through our PRC Operating Subsidiaries, franchise
and operate retail stores under brand name “Jiuzi”, which sell new energy vehicles, or NEVs, in third-fourth tier cities in
China. Almost all of the NEVs we sell are battery-operated electric vehicles. We also sell a few plug-in electric vehicles on demand from
vehicle buyers. As of the date hereof, we have 31 operating franchise stores and one company-owned store in China. The business relationship
between Jiuzi and its independent franchisees is supported by adhering to standards and policies and is of fundamental importance to the
overall performance and protection of the “Jiuzi” brand.
Primarily a franchisor, our franchising model
enables an individual to be its own employer and maintain control over all employment-related matters, marketing and pricing decisions,
while also benefiting from our Jiuzi brand, resources and operating system. In collaboration with franchisees, we are able to further
develop and refine our operating standards, marketing concepts and product and pricing strategies.
Our revenues consist of (i) NEVs sales in our
company-owned store and NEVs sales supplied to our franchisees; (ii) initial franchisee fees of RMB 4,000,000, or approximately US$575,500,
for each franchise store, payable over time based on performance obligations of the parties, from our franchisees; and (iii) on-going
royalties based on 10% percent of net incomes from our franchisees. These fees, along with operating rights, are stipulated in our franchise
agreements.
We source NEVs through more than twenty NEV manufacturers,
including BYD, Geely, and Chery, as well as battery/component manufacturers such as Beijing Zhongdian Boyu, Shenzhen Jishuchongke and
Youbang Electronics which focus on manufacturing charging piles, and Guoxuan Gaoke, and Futesi in battery production. We are able to access
more brands and obtain more competitive pricing to attract potential franchisees and to meet customer demands. On the capital side, we
introduce franchisees to various capital platforms including Beijing Tianjiu Xingfu Control Group and Qinghua Qidi Zhixing, through which
our franchisees and their vehicle buyers can obtain financing. Our business partners help us in providing a variety of products and extend
our geographic reach.
Benefiting from favorable state policies subsidizing
the NEV industry, China’s NEVs production started flourishing around 2015 and 2016, pursuant to the 2016-2020 New Energy Vehicle
Promotion Fiscal Support Guidance and Notice regarding “the Thirteenth Five-year Plan” New Energy Vehicles Battery Infrastructure
Support Policy. In 2016, China released a series of financial subsidy policies targeted at NEV production. We conducted market research
in 2016 and eventually launched our business in 2017. We have built a full-scale modern business management operation, supported by our
operations department and marketing department. We aim to build an online-offline operating system in which our headquarters effectively
empowers our franchisees with our brand recognition, client source, financial support, operating and transportation assistance through
the online platform. Our fully-developed supply chain will provide solid support for store location expansion. Our franchisees’
conformity to Jiuzi’s standards will help us in our business expansion and implementation of our growth strategy.
We plan to adopt an innovative one-stop vehicle
sales model for our vehicle buyers, who is expected to have access to more brands, better services and more affordable pricing. Our current
business model is focused on vehicle selection and purchase, which provides buyers with multi-brand price comparison and test-driving
experience. Through the online platform, we are currently developing, we expect to provide a multi-dimensional service platform and a
one-stop experience covering online vehicle selection and purchase and off-line vehicle delivery and maintenance. Our app will provide
potential buyers with information on various car brands and models, as well as services to register vehicles, make appointments for maintenance,
repairs, and remote error diagnosis services, etc.
Industry Overview
Growth Trends in China’s Automotive
Industry
Currently China is the world’s largest automobile
market as measured by sales volume. According to a new research from Canalys, a record 3.2 million NEVs were sold in China in 2021.
The 3.2 million NEVs sold in China in 2021 represented 49% of global NEV sales, has overtaken Europe with 38% of global NEV sales. China
is still far ahead of the US for NEV share – in the US, NEV sales represented just 4% of sales in 2021. (https://finance.sina.cn/hkstock/ggyw/2022-02-17/detail-ikyamrna1209224.d.html?from=wap)
In the past 5 years, sales of NEVs in China have
been increasing drastically, from 50,115 in 2014, to 176,378 in 2015, 322,833 in 2016, 547,564 in 2017 and 801,654 in 2018 (Source: https://cleantechnica.com/2019/02/24/china-ev-forecast-50-ev-market-share-by-2025-part-1/).
Such fast growth was due to supportive governmental policy, better public acceptance of the concept of NEVs, and more developed battery
station infrastructure. Among all above factors, governmental policy is crucial to the industry growth and to some extent determines consumers’
choice in this field. Without the price competitiveness made possible by governmental subsidies, NEV sales will likely drop. Meanwhile,
competition from international NEV brands could also add difficulty to China’s local brands’ expansion.
Prospects for NEVs Franchising Business
Today, more and more consumers are shifting from
traditional fuel-driven vehicles to NEVs. This provides a favorable market for NEV franchising businesses and franchisees. The current
average price for mini electrical vehicle in China ranges between RMB 20,000 and 50,000 (approximately $3,000 to $7,000), which is much
lower than regular fuel-driven vehicles. Most vehicle buyers of affordable NEVs live in third/fourth/fifth tier cities, where the average
household income is relatively low.
Most dealerships in the country have been pursuing
the 4S model, a full-service approach that brings together sales, service, spare parts and surveys (customer feedback). Traditional automobile
4S stores mainly operate single-brand vehicles, serving automobile manufacturers, selling vehicles for the manufacturers and collecting
payments. Traditional 4S stores have a difficult time flourishing in third- and fourth- tier cities due to their higher initial investment
costs, and it being more difficult to update or transform an existing 4S store’s operating system. The initial investment cost for
4S stores ranges between a few million RMB and several hundred million RMB, excluding land purchase or rental costs. Roughly 20% of the
profit generated by 4S stores is from sales and the remaining 80% is from after-market services. Essentially, 4S stores are service-oriented.
Most 4S stores charge higher prices for components compared to manufacturers, and charge higher service fees compared to regular vehicle
after-sale service providers. As a result, car buyers tend not to choose 4S stores for after-sale services once their cars are out of
the warranty period with 4S stores. To maintain their customers, traditional 4S stores have to raise marketing expenses and attract customers,
and provide customers with the contacts of insurance companies, which usually charge higher premiums compared to what customers would
have chosen. Therefore, 4S stores are becoming less and less of a cost-effective choice for car buyers at a time when consumers have more
price transparency in the market. Additionally, 4S stores face more regulatory challenges from local governments, such as land use noncompliance.
As a result, car manufacturers are shifting their business partners and finding smaller and flexible car retailers more favorable. (Source:
https://auto.gasgoo.com/News/2019/04/12075107517I70098777C302.shtml).
Compared to a traditional 4S store, an NEV franchise store has the
following advantages:
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Multiple brands of NEVs: traditional automobile 4S stores mainly operate single-brand vehicles while our franchise stores provide multi-brands for consumers to choose from at competitive pricing; |
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Less vehicle costs: traditional automobile 4S stores are serving as the sales agent for the automobile manufacturers and generally required to purchase certain number of cars from the manufacturers directly. For our NEV franchise stores, Jiuzi will purchase the vehicles on behalf of the stores and distributed to each store based on market demand. |
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Less initial investment costs and operational costs: as of the above factors, the NEV franchise store will have less vehicle backlog and lower cash flow requirement, which result in less initial investment costs and operational costs. |
This shift has brought opportunities to the NEV
franchising business. In addition, compared to traditional fuel vehicles, sales of NEVs generate higher profit margins because NEVs are
still considerably new in China and the pricing has more upside potential. NEV retailers generate more profit from after-sale services,
which also face competition from professional car maintenance service providers. A mature NEV franchise can have franchisees located conveniently
in major residential neighborhoods, where car buyers can easily access. The franchisees can also provide a full range of after-sale services.
This business model requires much less initial investment, while providing more convenient and instant vehicle services to consumers.
In the past, average car owners typically have fewer than two cars per household. This trend is changing rapidly as more households prefer
to have multiple vehicles. As a result, car buyers have more diverse needs for their vehicles, and value the unique and easy shopping
experience afforded by the supermarket sales model adopted by Jiuzi franchisees. (Source: https://auto.gasgoo.com/News/2019/04/12075107517I70098777C302.shtml)
Our Growth Strategies
We, through our PRC Operating Subsidiaries, aim
to build an operating system in which the headquarters effectively empowers franchisees with our brand recognition, client source, financial
support, operating and transportation assistance. Our growth strategies include the following:
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Continue brand building and franchise stores expansion |
We continue building our brand recognition through
existing franchise stores and opening new ones. Our focus is in China’s third-fourth-fifth tier cities. Our franchisees in these
small cities are expected to mainly serve as NEVs outlets, where large quantities of fragmented transactions are conducted with NEVs sales
to mostly consumers in towns, communities and neighborhoods through word of mouth. We have few competitors in these small cities in our
size. Our franchisees are expected to expand their customer base in these locations and enhance brand recognition in communities.
We have been in discussion with existing and potential franchisees to roll out more franchise stores, depending on the market post COVID-19.
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Convert existing 4S stores to our franchise stores |
Generally, 4S stores are operating under heavy
financial pressures and regulatory burdens given their bigger size and less flexible business models. 4S stores are largely located in
first-tier and second-tier cities, and have higher monthly operation cost. Many 4S stores suffer operating loss and some may even go out
of business. We plan to enter into agreements with such struggling 4S stores, under which we will convert them into Jiuzi franchise stores.
The initial franchise fees for the converted franchise stores will be lower than the fees for newly established franchise stores because
these 4S stores already have their existing operations and store spaces.
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Develop online-offline technology platform and sales channel |
We are developing an online technology platform
and planning to build an online-offline business model, as well as using data-driven technologies to deliver an improved shopping experience
for consumers and an enhanced operational efficiency for suppliers. Our franchisees can utilize both online and offline channels to acquire
consumers. Utilizing our future online platform, the vehicle buyers will have access to abundant vehicle information that is tailored
to individual customer needs. Vehicle buyers can browse within the APP and place their order online.
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Establish display centers and distribution centers |
In first- and second-tier cities, we plan to set
up showrooms of high-end NEVs to convey a message of living a green and environmentally-friendly lifestyle. We are not planning to use
a franchise model in these locations; instead, we will build our own distribution centers by taking advantage of the cities’ well-established
transportation infrastructure. We plan to have our distribution centers serving as the vehicle distribution centers to franchise stores
in surrounding cities, as China’s current road transportation network is very developed, and logistics and transportation networks
are relatively concentrated, which provides us with strong infrastructure support for the establishment of a distribution center. In addition,
we plan to establish a data system to conduct regular statistical analysis on the brand, model, configuration, quantity, production data,
invoices and even vehicle color of the vehicles in the distribution center. By monitoring the sales data of all surrounding stores, we
can analyze the popular vehicles in the local area where each store is located, and thereby adjust the vehicle storage in the distribution
center on a real-time basis. We expect potential vehicle buyers to see and try the vehicles in the showroom and then make their purchases
online or by using our online platform. We will cooperate with logistic companies to transport vehicles from distribution centers to franchise
stores in third- and fourth-tier cities.
At present, we do not have a specific or immediate
plan to construct the vehicle display centers and distribution centers as our priority is to continue to market the Jiuzi brand, expand
franchise stores and develop the online-offline platform. The construction of the display and distribution centers, such as the number
of vehicle distribution centers, the vehicle capacity for the centers and the size of the geographic area, will be dependent on the number
of franchise stores we have and the number of vehicles to be sold in the franchise stores.
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Reduce overall costs for our operations |
In light of the intensive competition in the NEVs
industry and COVID-19 outbreak, we intend to reduce our overall costs through better vehicles sourcing channels, in order to strengthen
our short-term cash flows. We plan to source more vehicles from 4S stores as compared to other suppliers such as NEVs manufacturers and
battery/component factories, as 4S stores usually require smaller deposit payments for the vehicles and provide flexible return policy,
while the other two sources require full payment for the vehicles and no return policy.
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Strengthen our brand recognition through Jiuzi New Energy Vehicles Life Club |
Our club members mainly consist of vehicle buyers
and their families, as well as potential vehicle buyers who are interested in learning and buying NEVs. We regularly arrange social activities
among buyers and their families, including outdoor activities, movie nights, test driving events, vehicle owner cultural events, and charity
events. We are devoted to enhancing member relations and an active lifestyle, through which we promote NEVs and strengthen our brand recognition.
Franchise Arrangement and Business Model
The Company, through the PRC Operating Subsidiaries,
owns 1.25% of the shares in each of its franchise stores. Initially, the franchisees are established with the Company being a 51% owner
solely for the purpose of allowing the franchisees to register their business names to include “Jiuzi” with the local business
bureau. However, the Company had no having actual control over the management of franchisees other than conforming to the “Jiuzi”
business model. The requirement has been changed over time and currently the franchisees are able to register their business names to
include “Jiuzi” as long as the Company has some ownership interest (without any specific equity interest being specified)
in the franchise business. The Company and the franchisees agreed to designate 1.25% of the equity interests in the franchisees to the
Company. Such ownership interest entitles the Company’s right as a minority shareholder, including the right to inspect the franchisees’
books and records so that the Company can collect royalties as discussed below.
Under our franchise arrangement, the Company is
responsible for interior renovation, décor and signs in the store location agreed to by the parties, providing training and assistance
to franchisees in launching franchise stores. Franchisees are responsible for securing the lease on the land and building for the store
location, operating and managing the business, providing capital to develop and open new stores. On average, it takes about ten months
from entering into the franchise agreement, determining store location, completing renovations, and training new staff to eventually launching
the franchise store. The size of our franchise stores ranges from 5,000 to 12,000 square feet.
The Company requires franchisees to meet rigorous
standards, including operation procedures and customer services. The business relationship with franchisees is designed to facilitate
consistency and quality at all of Jiuzi’s franchise stores.
Franchisees may exercise discretion in making
some business decisions within the parameters established by our operating procedures, marketing concepts and vehicle pricing strategies.
For example, in terms of marketing strategy, we will regularly set up a unified activity plan or marketing plan to promote the franchisees.
Franchisees have the discretion to decide whether to participate, or set up their own marketing plan to promote their franchise stores
and sales. In terms of vehicle pricing, we usually provide franchisees two pricings, one is the vehicle cost or the manufacturing price,
and the other is the suggested sales price. The franchisees have the discretion to set up their own sales price; however, if the sales
price is lower than the vehicle cost or the manufacturing price, the franchisees are required to make up the difference to us.
The Company generally does not invest any capital
other than payment of rent in the first year. Our revenue sources comprise (i) NEV sales in our Company-owned store and NEV sales supplied
to our franchisees; (ii) initial franchise fees of RMB 4,000,000, or approximately US$575,500, for each franchise store, payable over
time based on the performance obligations of the parties, from our franchisees, as disclosed above, and (iii) on-going royalties based
on 10% percent of the net incomes from our franchisees. This structure enables us to generate significant and predictable levels of cash
flow. For the year ended October 31, 2022, 5% of our revenues was generated through initial franchise fees while 95% was generated through
NEV sales. For the year ended October 31, 2021, 85% of our revenues was generated through initial franchise fees while
15% was generated through NEV sales. We have not generated any revenue from the franchisees’ royalties.
The franchise fee of an aggregate of RMB 4,000,000,
or approximately US$575,500, is payable to us as franchisor in installments as follows:
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Pre-launching first trimester: It takes approximately two months to finalize franchising contracts with our franchisees and start the site preparation. Meanwhile, our franchisees will obtain governmental permits for the business and receive marketing training. The total franchise fee payable for this period is RMB 600,000, or approximately US$86,320. |
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Pre-launching second trimester: It takes approximately three months for this period. We hold marketing events, have franchisees visit existing franchise stores and start industry knowledge and product training. We start marketing in industry magazines and connect financial agencies to the franchisees. The total franchise fee payable for this period is RMB 400,000, or approximately US$57,550. |
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Pre-launching third trimester: It takes approximately two months to finalize this pre-launching step. Franchisees will determine the final locations of the stores. We will start pre-operation training, prepare promotional materials, hire and train crucial staff. The total franchise fee payable for this period is RMB 400,000, or approximately US$57,550. |
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Preliminary store operation period: It takes approximately three months to finalize the authorization of Jiuzi brand and trademark usage in the franchise store, complete core staff recruitment and sales training, complete construction and/or renovation of the stores, and trial operation, etc. The total franchise fee payable for this period is RMB 1,800,000, or approximately US$258,980. Official operation period: we will introduce franchisees to various agencies for their insurance needs and financial needs, connect franchisees to after-sales service companies and continue staff and sales training, as well as provide marketing support. The total franchise fee payable for this period is RMB 800,000, or approximately US$115,100. |
Pursuant to the franchise agreement, we provide
up to RMB 1,000,000 (or approximately US$147,260) interest-free loan advances to the franchisees as pre-launching capital on a needed
basis. The term of the loans is 18 months. If the franchisee fails to repay the advances within three months of the maturity date, we
have the right to unilaterally terminate the franchise agreement. However, the franchisee may apply for an additional loan advance or
extend the repayment period, subject to our approval. We do not provide financing to franchisees other than the loan advancements.
We source NEVs through various automobile manufacturers,
including BYD, Geely, Ruichi, Jimai,Leapmotor, Reading and battery/component factories such as Beijing Zhongdian Boyu, Shenzhen Jishuchongke,
Guoxuan Gaoke, and Futesi, for vehicle supplies. We are able to access more brands and obtain more affordable pricing
to attract potential franchisees and to meet customer demands. On the capital side, we introduce franchisees to various capital
platforms including Beijing Tianjiu Xingfu Control Group and Qinghua Qidi Zhixing. We also partner with multiple established financial
service providers, through which our vehicle buyers may receive financing services. The financing arrangement will be negotiated and stipulated
between the borrower and the financial service provider. Our business partners help us in providing a comprehensive range of products,
broad operating regions and full-scale services.
Geographically, our business is focused in third-
and fourth-tier cities due to: (i) increased demand for NEVs because of their affordability, choice of vehicle selections and lower travel
costs of NEVs as compared to traditional fuel vehicles; (ii) third- and fourth-tier cities vehicle buyers mostly using the NEVs to travel
locally and battery recharging is convenient locally; (iii) the marketing and promotional costs are lower in third- and fourth-tier cities,
and we can develop greater brand awareness in a shorter time; (iv) we being able to attract more franchisees as initial investment costs
are lower as a result of more affordable leases and vehicles, lower overall costs in the construction of franchise stores, employee training
and salaries in third- and fourth-tier cities; and (v) less competition in NEV sales in third- and fourth-tier cities compared to first-
and second-tier cities, which are more established with traditional fuel vehicles and more well-known brands.
Supply Chain
We source vehicles through cooperation with various
parties including manufacturers, battery factories and 4S stores, etc. and then distribute them to franchisees to meet local vehicle buyers’
demands. We enter into letter of intents, or LOIs, for cooperation on sales and services of NEVs with automobile manufacturers which become
binding when we pay the deposit (usually between approximately US$7,000 to US$15,000) within seven business days of the execution of the
LOI. The non-exclusive LOI usually has a one-year term and can be extended as negotiated by the parties. Under the LOI, we are permitted
to sell the NEVs from such manufacturer in the permitted geographic area on a non-exclusive basis. We are committed to renovating the
franchise stores and training the staff pursuant to such manufacturer’s standards and requirements. For the specific number of vehicles,
brands and models, we will reach an oral agreement with such manufacturer based on market demand. If we fail to take steps to construct
the stores, meet the construction standard as agreed to by the parties, or delay on payment, the automobile manufacturers are entitled
to terminate the LOI. We do not have written agreements with battery factories and 4S stores for the supply of NEVs.
We obtain vehicle ownership when we purchase NEVs
from our suppliers, and subsequently place vehicles to our franchisees’ market channels. End vehicle buyers will be responsible
for title transfer, insurance and financing, if applicable. When the vehicles are sold, the franchisees will pay back to us the costs
for the vehicles. We generate a small amount of revenues through the sales of NEVs supplied to the Company’s franchisees.
NEV Manufacturers: Manufacturers usually
provide the most favorable pricing. However, they usually require the purchase of a larger quantity of vehicles at a time. We cannot return
unsold vehicles to manufacturers. We will source more vehicles from NEVs manufacturers in the future if we have more franchise stores
and increased vehicle demand.
Battery/Component Factories: Battery
or other component factories usually have NEVs in stock because NEVs manufacturers routinely enter into agreements with battery factories
where battery factories supply batteries to NEVs manufacturers. Some NEVs manufacturers with temporary cashflow difficulties use NEVs
as payments to battery factories. We purchase such NEVs from battery factories at favorable prices that are lower than prices offered
by 4S stores. However, we will need to make full payment for vehicles procured through this source, and we do not have the option to return
unsold vehicles to battery/component factories.
4S Stores: Traditional 4S stores have
reputable quality vehicles and relatively friendly refund policies. We only need to pay security deposits for the vehicles, which is usually
30%-50% of the full price. Their return policy is usually more flexible and we can return the unsold vehicles to 4S stores. We source
selected vehicles from 4S stores as they usually require a smaller advance and have flexible return policies. We are usually able to purchase
the vehicles from the 4S stores at the base cost of the vehicles. In this case, our sales strategy is to sell at a price higher than the
purchase price and slightly lower than the selling price at the 4S stores. Therefore, our pricing is still competitive to the 4S stores.
Marketing and Branding
We, through our PRC Operating Subsidiaries, focus
our marketing efforts in third-fourth-fifth tier cities in China, where the NEV market is still relatively unexplored. We build our brand
image by connecting the concept of NEVs to our brand name, focusing on a broad selection of brands and affordable pricing. We use online
advertising platforms to promote our brand image, such as WeChat, Weibo and Tik Tok. We also partner with a variety of marketing companies
including Qidizhixing and Tianjiuxingfu Holdings, who help us find the right platform for our marketing. To strengthen our brand recognition,
we use a uniformed storefront image and set of store interior designs.
In addition, we promote our brand through our
Jiuzi New Energy Vehicle Life Club. Our club members mainly consist of vehicle buyers and their families as well as general public who
are interested in NEVs. We regularly arrange social activities among members, including outdoor activities, movie nights, test driving
event, vehicle owner cultural events and charity events, etc. We are devoted to enhancing member relations and promoting an active lifestyle,
through which we strengthen our brand recognition. We also hold seminars for the public about the economic and environmental benefits
of NEVs.
We value our brand reputation. Part of the sales
in our Shangli store and franchisees’ stores are depending on word-of-mouth and referral from existing vehicle buyers. We have adopted
a series of brand image maintenance approaches. We regularly dispatch training staff specializing in NEVs information to provide training
to our franchisees on topics including NEVs performance and customer service experience. Franchisees will not be charged additional fees
for the training services.
Competitive Advantages
Competition in the automotive industry is intense
and evolving. We believe the impact of new regulatory requirements for occupant safety and vehicle emissions, technological advances in
powertrain and consumer electronic components, and shifting customer demands and expectations are causing the industry to evolve in the
direction of electric-based vehicles. We believe our primary competitive factors are:
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We entered the industry at a relatively early point and have gradually developed brand awareness through marketing and promotional events, and consumer acceptance due to our competitive pricing and large selections of NEVs in third-fourth tier cities. We received “2018 Zhejiang Business New Project” from Zhejiang Province Trade and Business Industry Association in 2018, and “Best Investment Potential” award from Leading Capital Summit for Mid to Small Business in 2019; |
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We have a large number of franchisees and strong customer demand, which add to our leverage over supply chains in terms of selections and pricing; |
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Our franchise stores have more space (5,000-12,000 square feet) compared to our competitors and we have a wide range of business partners, both of which help us provide better customer experiences; and |
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The cost of launching a new franchisee is relatively low as compared to traditional 4S stores (4S refers to sales, service, spare parts and services), and it is easier to expand our franchise stores to cover geographical areas and lower the advertisement cost for our franchisees. The 4S model is a full-service approach that brings together sales, services, spare parts and surveys (customer feedback). 4S stores generate most of their profits from after-market services and require higher initial investment as compared to our franchise stores. In comparison to traditional 4S stores, our franchisees are also able to carry multiple brands of NEVs. |
Intellectual Property
Our trademark “Jiuzi New Energy” was
registered with China’s trademark Bureau on June 28, 2018 under international category 12 (vehicles, electrical vehicles etc.) and
international category 37 (vehicle maintenance service, vehicle cleaning services etc.), and international category 39 (transportation,
driver services, car rental, etc.). The trademark will be valid for ten years until June 27, 2028. We also have 13 software copyrights
that are registered with China’s National Copyright Administration.
Regulation
This section sets forth a summary of the principal
PRC laws and regulations relevant to our business and operations in China.
Guidance Catalogue of Industries for Foreign
Investment
Investment activities in the PRC by foreign investors
are subject to the Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industry, or the Catalogue, which was promulgated and is amended from
time to time by the MOFCOM and the NDRC. The Foreign Investment Catalogue, which was promulgated jointly by MOFCOM and the NDRC on June
28, 2017 and became effective on July 28, 2017, classifies industries into three categories with regard to foreign investment: (1) “encouraged,”
(2) “restricted,” and (3) “prohibited.” The latter two categories are included in a negative list, which was first
introduced into the Foreign Investment Catalog in 2017 and specified the restrictive measures for the entry of foreign investment.
On June 28, 2018, MOFCOM and NDRC jointly promulgated
the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access, or the Negative List (Edition 2018), which replaced
the negative list attached to the Foreign Investment Catalogue in 2017. On June 30, 2019, MOFCOM and NDRC jointly issued the Special Administrative
Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access, or the Negative List (Edition 2019), which replaced the Negative List (Edition
2018), and the Catalogue of Industries for Encouraging Foreign Investment (Edition 2019), or the Encouraging Catalogue (Edition 2019),
which replaced the encouraged list attached to the Foreign Investment Catalogue in 2017. On July 23, 2020, MOFCOM and NDRC jointly promulgated
the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access, or the Negative List (Edition 2020), which replaced
the negative list attached to the Foreign Investment Catalogue in 2017. The latest version of the Negative List (Edition 2021) was issued
on December 27, 2021, which took effect on January 1, 2022 and superseded the previous lists.
Pursuant to the Negative List (Edition 2021),
any industry that is not listed in any of the restricted or prohibited categories is classified as a permitted industry for foreign investment.
Establishment of wholly foreign-owned enterprises is generally allowed for industries outside of the Negative List. For the restricted
industries within the Negative List, some are limited to equity or contractual joint ventures, while in some cases Chinese partners are
required to hold the majority interests in such joint ventures. Industries not listed in the Negative List are generally open to foreign
investment unless specifically restricted by other PRC regulations. In addition, restricted category projects are subject to higher-level
government approvals and certain special requirements. Foreign investors are not allowed to invest in industries in the prohibited category.
The Negative List (Edition 2021) further provides that where a domestic enterprise engaged in the business in the prohibited category
seeks to issue and list its shares overseas, it shall complete the examination process and obtain approval of the relevant competent authorities
of the State Council.
In October 2016, the MOFCOM issued the Interim
Measures for Record-filing Administration of the Establishment and Change of Foreign-invested Enterprises or FIE Record-filing Interim
Measures, which was revised in June 2018. Pursuant to FIE Record-filing Interim Measures, the establishment and change of FIE are subject
to record-filing procedures, instead of prior approval requirements, provided that the establishment or change does not involve special
entry administration measures. If the establishment or change of FIE matters involves the special entry administration measures, the approval
of the MOFCOM or its local counterparts is still required. Pursuant to the Announcement [2016] No. 22 of the NDRC and the MOFCOM dated
October 8, 2016, the special entry administration measures for foreign investment apply to restricted and prohibited categories specified
in the Catalogue, and the encouraged categories are subject to certain requirements relating to equity ownership and senior management
under the special entry administration measures.
The PRC Foreign Investment Law
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s
Congress approved the Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced three existing laws on foreign investments
in China, namely, the PRC Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Law, the PRC Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Law and the PRC Wholly
Foreign-owned Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. On December 26, 2019, the Regulation
on the Implementation of the Foreign Investment Law of the People’s Republic of China, was issued by the State Council and came
into force on January 1, 2020. The form of organization, organizational structures and activities of foreign-invested enterprises shall
be governed, among others, by the PRC Company Law and the PRC Partnership Enterprise Law. Foreign-invested enterprises established before
the implementation of the Foreign Investment Law may retain the original business organization and so on within five years after the implementation
of this law. The Foreign Investment Law embodies an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime
in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign
and domestic invested enterprises in China. The Foreign Investment Law establishes the basic framework for the access to, and the promotion,
protection and administration of foreign investments in view of investment protection and fair competition.
According to the Foreign Investment Law, “foreign
investment” refers to investment activities directly or indirectly conducted by one or more natural persons, business entities,
or otherwise organizations of a foreign country (collectively referred to as “foreign investor”) within China, and the investment
activities include the following situations: (i) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other investors, establishes a
foreign-invested enterprise within China; (ii) a foreign investor acquires stock shares, equity shares, shares in assets, or other like
rights and interests of an enterprise within China; (iii) a foreign investor, individually or collectively with other investors, invests
in a new project within China; and (iv) investments in other means as provided by laws, administrative regulations, or the State Council.
According to the Foreign Investment Law, the State
Council will publish or approve to publish the “negative list” for special administrative measures concerning foreign investment.
The Foreign Investment Law grants national treatment to foreign-invested entities, or FIEs, except for those FIEs that operate in industries
deemed to be either “restricted” or “prohibited” in the “negative list.” The Foreign Investment Law
provides that FIEs operating in foreign restricted or prohibited industries will require market entry clearance and other approvals from
relevant PRC governmental authorities. If a foreign investor is found to invest in any prohibited industry in the “negative list,”
such foreign investor may be required to, among other aspects, cease its investment activities, dispose of its equity interests or assets
within a prescribed time limit and have its income confiscated. If the investment activity of a foreign investor is in breach of any special
administrative measure for restrictive access provided for in the “negative list,” the relevant competent department shall
order the foreign investor to make corrections and take necessary measures to meet the requirements of the special administrative measure
for restrictive access. On July 23, 2020, MOFCOM and NDRC jointly promulgated the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for
Foreign Investment Access, or the Negative List (Edition 2020), which replaced the negative list attached to the Foreign Investment Catalogue
in 2017. The latest version of the Negative List (Edition 2021) was issued on December 27, 2021, which took effect on January 1, 2022
and superseded the previous lists. See “Regulations — Regulations relating to Foreign Investment-The Guidance Catalogue of
Industries for Foreign Investment.”
Besides, the PRC government will establish a foreign
investment information reporting system, according to which foreign investors or foreign-invested enterprises shall submit investment
information to the competent department for commerce concerned through the enterprise registration system and the enterprise credit information
publicity system, and a security review system under which the security review shall be conducted for foreign investment affecting or
likely affecting the state security.
Furthermore, the Foreign Investment Law provides
that foreign invested enterprises established according to the existing laws regulating foreign investment before the implementation of
the Foreign Investment Law may maintain their structure and corporate governance within five years after the implementing of the Foreign
Investment Law.
In addition, the Foreign Investment Law also provides
several protective rules and principles for foreign investors and their investments in the PRC, including, among others, that a foreign
investor may freely transfer into or out of China, in Renminbi or a foreign currency, its contributions, profits, capital gains, income
from disposition of assets, royalties of intellectual property rights, indemnity or compensation lawfully acquired, and income from liquidation,
among others, within China; local governments shall abide by their commitments to the foreign investors; governments at all levels and
their departments shall enact local normative documents concerning foreign investment in compliance with laws and regulations and shall
not impair legitimate rights and interests, impose additional obligations onto FIEs, set market access restrictions and exit conditions,
or intervene with the normal production and operation activities of FIEs; except for special circumstances, in which case statutory procedures
shall be followed and fair and reasonable compensation shall be made in a timely manner, expropriation or requisition of the investment
of foreign investors is prohibited; and mandatory technology transfer is prohibited.
M&A Rules and Overseas Listing
On August 8, 2006, six PRC governmental and
regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce and the China Securities Regulatory Commission, promulgated the M&A Rules
governing the mergers and acquisitions of domestic enterprises by foreign investors, which became effective on September 8, 2006,
and was revised in 2009. The M&A Rules, among other things, require that if an overseas company established or controlled by PRC companies
or PRC citizens intends to acquire equity interests or assets of any other PRC domestic company affiliated with the PRC citizens, such
acquisition must be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce for approval. The M&A Rules also require that an offshore special purpose
vehicle, or a special purpose vehicle formed for overseas listing purposes and controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or individuals,
shall obtain the approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission prior to overseas listing and trading of such special purpose
vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange.
The M&A Rules further
requires that the MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor acquires control of a
PRC domestic enterprise or a foreign company with substantial PRC operations, if certain thresholds under the Provisions on Thresholds
for Prior Notification of Concentrations of Undertakings, issued by the State Council, are triggered. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law
promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC requires that transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified
turnover thresholds be cleared by the MOFCOM before they can be completed.
On December 24, 2021,
the CSRC issued the Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies
(Draft for Comments), or the Draft Overseas Listing Administration Provisions, and the Administrative Measures for the Filing of Overseas
Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Overseas Listing Filing Measures, which are open
for public comments until January 23, 2022.
On February 17, 2023, with
the approval of the State Council, the CSRC released the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by
Domestic Companies, or the Trial Measures, and five supporting guidelines, which will come into effect on March 31, 2023. According to
the Trial Measures, (1) domestic companies that seek to offer or list securities overseas, both directly and indirectly, should fulfill
the filing procedure and report relevant information to the CSRC; (2) if the issuer meets both of the following conditions, the overseas
offering and listing shall be determined as an indirect overseas offering and listing by a domestic company: (i) any of the total assets,
net assets, revenues or profits of the domestic operating entities of the issuer in the most recent accounting year accounts for more
than 50% of the corresponding figure in the issuer’s audited consolidated financial statements for the same period; (ii) its major
operational activities are carried out in China or its main places of business are located in China, or the senior managers in charge
of operation and management of the issuer are mostly Chinese citizens or are domiciled in China; and (3) where a domestic company seeks
to indirectly offer and list securities in an overseas market, the issuer shall designate a major domestic operating entity responsible
for all filing procedures with the CSRC, and where an issuer makes an application for initial public offering and listing in an overseas
market, the issuer shall submit filings with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted.
On the same day, the CSRC held a press conference
for the release of the Trial Measures and issued the Notice on Administration for the Filing of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic
Companies, which, among others, clarifies that (1) a six-month transition period will be granted to domestic companies which, prior to
the effective date of the Trial Measures, have already obtained the approval from overseas regulatory authorities or stock exchanges,
such as completion of registration in the market of the United States, but have not completed the overseas listing; and (2) domestic companies
that have already submitted valid applications for overseas offering and listing but have not obtained approval from overseas regulatory
authorities or stock exchanges on or prior to the effective date of the Trial Measures, may reasonably arrange the timing for submitting
their filing applications with the CSRC, and shall complete the filing before the completion of their overseas offering and listing.
Regulations on Information Security and Privacy
Protection
Internet information in China is regulated and
restricted from a national security standpoint. The PRC government has enacted laws and regulations with respect to internet information
security and protection of personal information from any abuse or unauthorized disclosure. The National People’s Congress, or the
NPC, promulgated the Decisions on Preserving Internet Security in December 2000 and amended in August 2009, which subject violators to
potential criminal punishment in China for any effort to: (i) gain improper entry into a computer or system of strategic importance; (ii)
disseminate politically disruptive information; (iii) leak state secrets; (iv) spread false commercial information; or (v) infringe intellectual
property rights. In addition, the Ministry of Public Security has promulgated measures prohibiting use of the internet in ways which result
in a leak of state secrets or a spread of socially destabilizing content, among other things. If an internet information service provider
violates any of these measures, competent authorities may revoke its operating license and shut down its websites.
In recent years, PRC government authorities have
enacted laws and regulations on internet use to protect personal information from any unauthorized disclosure. The ICP Measures, promulgated
by the State Council requires internet information service providers to maintain an adequate system that protects the security of user
information. In December 2005, the Ministry of Public Security, or the MPS, promulgated the Regulations on Technical Measures of Internet
Security Protection, requiring internet service providers to utilize standard technical measures for internet security protection. Under
the Several Provisions on Regulating the Market Order of Internet Information Services, issued by the MIIT in December 2011 and effective
March 2012, an internet information service provider may not collect any personal information on a user or provide any such information
to third parties without the user’s consent. It must expressly inform the user of the method, content and purpose of the collection
and processing of such user’s personal information and may only collect information to the extent necessary provide its services.
An internet information service provider is also required to properly maintain users’ personal information, and in case of any leak
or likely leak of such information, it must take immediate remedial measures and, in the event of a serious leak, report to the telecommunication’s
regulatory authority immediately.
Pursuant to the Decision on Strengthening the
Protection of Online Information, issued by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in December 2012, and the Order
for the Protection of Telecommunication and Internet User Personal Information, issued by the MIIT in July 2013, any collection and use
of a user’s personal information must be subject to the consent of the user, be legal, rational and necessary and be limited to
specified purposes, methods and scopes. An internet information service provider must also keep such information strictly confidential,
and is further prohibited from divulging, tampering or destroying any such information, or selling or providing such information to other
parties. An internet information service provider is required to take technical and other measures to prevent the collected personal information
from any unauthorized disclosure, damage or loss. Any violation of these laws and regulations may subject the internet information service
provider to warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses, cancelation of filings, closedown of websites or even
criminal liabilities.
Pursuant to the Ninth Amendment to the PRC Criminal
Law, issued by the SCNPC on August 29, 2015 and became effective on November 1, 2015, any internet service provider that fails to fulfil
its obligations related to internet information security administration as required under applicable laws and refuses to rectify upon
orders shall be subject to criminal penalty. In addition, Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s
Procuratorate on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Handling of Criminal Cases Involving Infringement of Personal
Information, issued on May 8, 2017 and effective as of June 1, 2017, clarified certain standards for the conviction and sentencing of
the criminals in relation to personal information infringement. In addition, on May 28, 2020, the National People’s Congress adopted
the PRC Civil Code, which came into effect on January 1, 2021. Pursuant to the PRC Civil Code, the personal information of a natural person
shall be protected by the law. Any organization or individual shall legally obtain such personal information of others when necessary
and ensure the safety of such information, and shall not illegally collect, use, process or transmit personal information of others, or
illegally purchase or sell, provide or make public personal information of others.
Moreover, pursuant to the PRC Criminal Law lastly
amended in November 2017, any individual or entity that (i) sells or discloses any citizen’s personal information to others in a
way violating the applicable law, or (ii) steals or illegally obtains any citizen’s personal information, shall be subject to criminal
penalty in severe situation. Any internet service provider that fails to fulfill the obligations related to internet information security
administration as required by applicable laws and refuses to rectify upon orders, shall be subject to criminal penalty for the result
of (i) any dissemination of illegal information in large scale; (ii) any severe effect due to the leakage of the client’s information;
(iii) any serious loss of criminal evidence; or (iv) other severe situation. In addition, the Interpretations of the Supreme People’s
Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the PRC on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in Handling Criminal
Cases of Infringing Personal Information, promulgated in May 2017 and effective June 2017, clarified certain standards for the conviction
and sentencing of the criminals in relation to personal information infringement. Further, the NPC promulgated a new National Security
Law, effective July 2015, to replace the former National Security Law and covers various types of national security including technology
security and information security.
In recent years, PRC government authorities have
enacted legislation on internet use to protect personal information from any unauthorized disclosure. PRC law does not prohibit internet
product and service provision operators from collecting and analyzing personal information from their users. However, the Internet Measures
prohibits an internet product and service provision operator from insulting or slandering a third party or infringing the lawful rights
and interests of a third party.
The Several Provisions on Regulating the Market
Order of Internet Information Services, promulgated by the MIIT on December 29, 2011 and became effective on March 15, 2012, stipulates
that internet product and service provision operators must not, without user consent, collect user personal information, which is defined
as user information that can be used alone or in combination with other information to identify the user, and may not provide any such
information to third parties without prior user consent. Internet product and service provision operators may only collect user personal
information necessary to provide their services and must expressly inform the users of the method, product and service and purpose of
the collection and processing of such user personal information. In addition, an internet product and service provision operator may only
use such user personal information for the stated purposes under the internet product and service provision operator’s scope of
service. Internet product and service provision operators are also required to ensure the proper security of user personal information,
and take immediate remedial measures if user personal information is suspected to have been disclosed. If the consequences of any such
disclosure are expected to be serious, ICP operators must immediately report the incident to the telecommunications regulatory authority
and cooperate with the authorities in their investigations.
On July 16, 2013, the MIIT issued the Order for
the Protection of Telecommunication and Internet User Personal Information. Most requirements under the order that are relevant to internet
product and service provision operators are consistent with pre-existing requirements but the requirements under the order are often more
stringent and have a wider scope. If an internet product and service provision operator wish to collect or use personal information, it
may do so only if such collection is necessary for the services it provides. Further, it must disclose to its users the purpose, method
and scope of any such collection or use, and must obtain consent from its users whose information is being collected or used. Internet
product and service provision operators are also required to establish and publish their rules relating to personal information collection
or use, keep any collected information strictly confidential, and take technological and other measures to maintain the security of such
information. Internet product and service provision operators are required to cease any collection or use of the user personal information,
and de-register the relevant user account, when a given user stops using the relevant internet service. Internet product and service provision
operators are further prohibited from divulging, distorting or destroying any such personal information, or selling or providing such
information unlawfully to other parties.
The PRC Cybersecurity Law imposes certain data
protection obligations on network operators, including that network operators may not disclose, tamper with, or damage users’ personal
information that they have collected, and are obligated to delete unlawfully collected information and to amend incorrect information.
Moreover, internet operators may not provide users’ personal information to others without consent. Exempted from these rules is
information irreversibly processed to preclude identification of specific individuals. Also, the PRC Cybersecurity Law imposes breach
notification requirements that will apply to breaches involving personal information.
On January 23, 2019, the Office of the Central
Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the MIIT, the Ministry of Public Security, and the SAMR jointly issued the Notice on Special Governance
of Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information via Apps, which restates the requirement of legal collection and use of personal
information, encourages app operators to conduct security certifications, and encourages search engines and APP stores to clearly mark
and recommend those certified Apps.
On March 13, 2019, the Office of the Central Cyberspace
Affairs Commission and the SAMR jointly issued the Notice on App Security Certification and the Implementation Rules on Security Certification
of Mobile Internet Application, which encourages mobile application operators to voluntarily obtain app security certification, and search
engines and app stores are encouraged to recommend certified applications to users.
On August 22, 2019, the CAC issued the Regulation
on Cyber Protection of Children’s Personal Information, effective on October 1, 2019. Network operators are required to establish
special policies and user agreements to protect children’s personal information, and to appoint special personnel in charge of protecting
children’s personal information. Network operators who collect, use, transfer or disclose personal information of children are required
to, in a prominent and clear way, notify and obtain consent from children’s guardians.
On November 28, 2019, the CAC, MIIT, the Ministry
of Public Security and SAMR jointly issued the Measures to Identify Illegal Collection and Usage of Personal Information by Apps, which
lists six types of illegal collection and usage of personal information, including “not publishing rules on the collection and usage
of personal information” and “not providing privacy rules.”
For the further purposes of regulating data processing
activities, safeguarding data security, promoting data development and utilization, protecting the lawful rights and interests of individuals
and organizations, and maintaining national sovereignty, security, and development interests, on June 10, 2021, Standing Committee of
the PRC National People’s Congress published the Data Security Law of the People’s Republic of China, which will take effect
on September 1, 2021. Any organization or individual collecting data shall adopt lawful and proper methods and shall not steal or obtain
data by other illegal methods. On July 10, 2021, the Cyberspace Administration of China issued the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (Revision
Daft for Comments). According to Article 6 of the Measures, operators who possess personal information of over a million users shall apply
to the Cybersecurity Review Office for cybersecurity reviews before listing abroad. Besides, where any activities affect or may endanger
national security during the purchase of network products and services by key information infrastructure operators or the data processing
by data workers, cybersecurity reviews should be conducted in accordance with these Measures.
Regulations on Commercial Franchise
The commercial franchise in China is principally
governed by the Regulation on the Administration of Commercial Franchises, which was adopted by the State Council on January 31, 2007,
and became effective on May 1, 2007. Pursuant to the regulation, a franchisor engages in franchise activities shall have at least two
direct sales stores, and have undertaken the business for more than a year, also known as “two stores, one year” rule. The
regulation further stipulates that a franchisor shall, within 15 days after having concluded a franchise contract for the first time,
report it to the commercial administrative department for archival filing. If a franchisor does not comply with the “two stores,
one year” rule, the commercial administrative department shall order it to make a correction, confiscate its illegal proceeds, impose
a fine of more than RMB 100,000 but less than RMB 500,000 on it, and make an announcement about it. In case a franchisor fails to put
itself on the archives of the commercial administrative department according to Article 8 of this Regulation, the commercial administrative
department shall order it to do so within a time limit, and impose a fine of more than RMB 10,000 but less than RMB 50,000 on it; and
if it fails to do so within the time limit, it shall be fined more than RMB 50,000 but less than RMB 100,000, and an announcement shall
also be made.
Regulations on Automobile Sales
Pursuant to the Administrative Measures
on Automobile Sales promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM on April 5, 2017, which became effective on July 1,
2017, automobile suppliers and dealers are required to file with relevant authorities through the information system for the national
automobile circulation operated by the competent commerce department within 90 days after the receipt of a business license. Where there
is any change to the information concerned, automobile suppliers and dealers must update such information within 30 days after such change.
Regulations on the Recall of Defective Automobiles
On October 22, 2012, the State Council promulgated
the Administrative Provisions on Defective Automotive Product Recalls, which became effective on January 1, 2013. The
product quality supervision department of the State Council is responsible for the supervision and administration of recalls of defective
automotive products nationwide. Pursuant to the administrative provisions, manufacturers of automobile products are required to take measures
to eliminate defects in products they sell. A manufacturer must recall all defective automobile products. Failure to recall such products
may result in an order to recall the defective products from the quality supervisory authority of the State Council. If any operator conducting
sales, leasing, or repair of vehicles discovers any defect in automobile products, it must cease to sell, lease or use the defective products
and must assist manufacturers in the recall of those products. Manufacturers must recall their products through publicly available channels
and publicly announce the defects. Manufacturers must take measures to eliminate or cure defects, including rectification, identification,
modification, replacement or return of the products. Manufacturers that attempt to conceal defects or do not recall defective automobile
products in accordance with relevant regulations will be subject to penalties, including fines, forfeiture of any income earned in violation
of law and revocation of licenses.
Pursuant to the Implementation Rules on
the Administrative Provisions on Defective Automotive Product Recalls which was promulgated by the QSIQ on November 27,
2015 and became effective on January 1, 2016, if a manufacturer is aware of any potential defect in its automobiles, it must investigate
in a timely manner and report the results of such investigation to the QSIQ. Where any defect is found during the investigations, the
manufacturer must cease to manufacture, sell, or import the relevant automobile products and recall such products in accordance with applicable
laws and regulations.
Regulations on Product Liability
Pursuant to the Product Quality Law of PRC promulgated
on February 22, 1993 and amended on July 8, 2000 and August 27, 2009, it is prohibited from producing or selling products
that do not meet applicable standards and requirements for safeguarding human health and ensuring human and property safety. Products
must be free from unreasonable dangers threatening human and property safety. Where a defective product causes physical injury to a person
or property damage, the aggrieved party may make a claim for compensation from the producer or the seller of the product. Producers and
sellers of non-compliant products may be ordered to cease the production or sale of the products and could be subject to confiscation
of the products and/or fines. Earnings from sales in contravention of such standards or requirements may also be confiscated, and in severe
cases, an offender’s business license may be revoked.
Government Policies Relating to New Energy
Vehicles in the PRC
The 14th Five-year Plan was ratified
by the National People’s Congress in March 2021 to guide the development over the next five years. New energy vehicle industry was
lay out as one of the key targets to enhance China’s innovation, productivity, quality, digitization, and efficiency. The 14th
Five-year Plan targets this industry as a key sector that needs additional government support.
Government Subsidies for Purchasers of NEVs
On April 22, 2015, the Ministry of Finance,
or the MOF, the Ministry of Science and Technology, or the MOST, the MIIT and the NDRC jointly issued the Circular on the Financial
Support Policies on the Promotion and Application of New Energy Vehicles in 2016-2020, or the Financial Support Circular,
which took effect on the same day. The Financial Support Circular provides that those who purchase NEVs specified in the Catalogue
of Recommended New Energy Vehicle Models for Promotion and Application by the MIIT may obtain subsidies from the PRC national
government. Pursuant to the Financial Support Circular, a purchaser may purchase a new energy vehicle from a seller by paying the original
price minus the subsidy amount, and the seller may obtain the subsidy amount from the government after such new energy vehicle is sold
to the purchaser.
On
December 29, 2016, the MOF, the MOST, the MIIT and the NDRC jointly issued the Circular on Adjusting the Subsidy Policy
for the Promotion and Application of New Energy Vehicles, or the Circular on Adjusting the Subsidy Policy, which took effect
on January 1, 2017, to adjust the existing subsidy standards for purchasers of NEVs. The Circular on Adjusting the Subsidy Policy
capped the local subsidies at 50% of the national subsidy amount, and further specified that national subsidies for purchasers purchasing
certain NEVs (except for fuel cell vehicles) from 2019 to 2020 will be reduced by 20% as compared to 2017 subsidy standards.
The Circular
on Adjusting and Improving the Subsidy Policies for the Promotion the Application of New Energy Vehicles, which was jointly promulgated
by the MOF, the MOST, the MIIT and the NDRC on February 12, 2018 and became effective on the same day further adjusted and improved
the existing national subsidy standards for purchasers of NEVs.
Following
the issuance of the foregoing circulars and other relevant regulations, a number of local governments, including, among others, Shanghai,
Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Wuhan, have issued policies on local subsidies for purchasers of NEVs, and
have adjusted the local subsidy standards annually according to the national subsidy standard. For example, on January 31, 2018,
the Development and Reform Commission of Shanghai together with other six local authorities jointly issued the Implementation
Rules on Encouraging the Purchase and Use of New Energy Vehicles in Shanghai, pursuant to which local governments may provide local
subsidies equal to 50% of the national subsidy amount to the purchaser of qualified pure electric passenger vehicles.
According
to the 2018 regulations, the pure electric vehicle subsidy amount is divided into “four gears” with a cruising range of 150
to 200 kilometers, 200 to 250 kilometers, 250 to 300 kilometers, 300 to 400 kilometers and above, except for vehicles under 150 kilometers.
The subsidy amounts are respectively RMB 15,000, RMB 24,000, RMB 34,000 and RMB 45,000.
In
2019, the threshold for pure electric vehicles has been raised to 250 kilometers. Pure electric new energy vehicles with a cruising range
between 250 and 400 kilometers can enjoy a subsidy of RMB 18,000; pure electric new energy vehicles with a cruising range of more than
400 kilometers can enjoy a subsidy of RMB 25,000. At the same time, the subsidy amount for plug-in hybrid models with a mileage of more
than 50 kilometers in pure electric state has also been reduced from RMB 12,000 in 2018 to RMB 10,000. See
https://theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/ICCT_China_Nev_Subsidy_20190618.pdf.
On
April 23, 2020, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology,
and the Development and Reform Commission jointly issued the “Notice on Improving the Financial Subsidy Policy for the Promotion
and Application of New Energy Vehicles,” extending the implementation period of the financial subsidy policy for the promotion
and application of new energy vehicles to the end of 2022. In principle, the subsidy standard for 2020-2022 will be reduced by 10%, 20%,
and 30% on the basis of the previous year and the threshold for pure electric vehicles has been raised to 300 kilometers. For example,
in 2020, pure electric new energy vehicles with a cruising range between 300 and 400 kilometers can enjoy a subsidy of RMB 16,200; pure
electric new energy vehicles with a cruising range of more than 400 kilometers can enjoy a subsidy of RMB 22,500. At the same time, the
subsidy amount for plug-in hybrid models with a mileage of more than 50 kilometers in pure electric state can enjoy a subsidy of RMB
8,500. In addition, the annual subsidy limit is about 2 million vehicles. According to the latest “Report on the Implementation
of China’s Fiscal Policy in the First Half of 2020,” before the end of 2022, when subsidies have completely declined,
subsidies for new energy vehicles will be steadily reduced, maintaining a certain impetus for the development of new energy vehicles. According
to this policy, by 2022, the scale benefit of the new energy automobile industry and the comprehensive cost performance of products are
expected to be further improved. The industry can gradually transition to market-oriented development without subsidy eventually.
On
July 15, 2020, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of
Commerce jointly issued the Notice of the General Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the General
Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on the Development of New Energy Vehicles to the Countryside, which jointly
organize new energy vehicles to the countryside, in order to promote the promotion and application of new energy vehicles in rural areas,
guide rural residents to upgrade their travel modes, and assist in the construction of beautiful villages and rural revitalization strategies.
We
believe that the above policies have effectively promoted the development of the new energy vehicle industry. In particular, the new
energy vehicles to the countryside policy jointly promoted by the three departments will effectively enhance the recognition and understanding
of new energy vehicles by consumers in third- and fourth-tier cities.
Exemption
of Vehicle Purchase Tax
On
December 26, 2017, the MOF, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, the MIIT and the MOST jointly issued the Announcement
on Exemption of Vehicle Purchase Tax for New Energy Vehicle, or the Announcement on Exemption of Vehicle Purchase Tax, pursuant
to which, from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020, the vehicle purchase tax which is applicable for ICE vehicles is not imposed
on purchases of qualified NEVs listed in the Catalogue of New Energy Vehicle Models Exempt from Vehicle Purchase Tax,
or the Catalogue, issued by the MIIT. Such announcement provides that the policy on exemption of vehicle purchase tax is
also applicable to NEVs added to the Catalogue prior to December 31, 2017.
On
April 22, 2020, the Ministry of Finance, the State Administration of Taxation, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
jointly issued the “Announcement on Policies Concerning the Exemption of Vehicle Purchase Tax on New Energy Vehicles”
to support the development of the new energy vehicle industry and promote automobile consumption. From January 1, 2021 to December 31,
2022, the purchase of new energy vehicles will be exempted from vehicle purchase tax.
Non-imposition of
Vehicle and Vessel Tax
The Preferential
Vehicle and Vessel Tax Policies for Energy-saving and New Energy Vehicles and Vessels, which was jointly promulgated by the MOF,
the SAT and MIIT on May 7, 2015, clarifies that pure electric passenger vehicles are not subject to vehicle and vessel tax.
New
Energy Vehicle License Plate
In
recent years, in order to control the number of motor vehicles on the road, certain local governments have issued restrictions on the
issuance of vehicle license plates. These restrictions generally do not apply to the issuance of license plates for NEVs, which makes
it easier for purchasers of NEVs to obtain automobile license plates. For example, pursuant to the Implementation Measures on
Encouraging Purchase and Use of New Energy Vehicles in Shanghai, local authorities will issue new automobile license
plates to qualified purchasers of NEVs without requiring such qualified purchasers to go through certain license-plate bidding processes
and to pay license-plate purchase fees as compared with purchasers of ICE vehicles.
Policies
Relating to Incentives for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
On
January 11, 2016, the MOF, the MOST, the MIIT, the NDRC and the National Energy Administration, or the NEA, jointly promulgated
the Circular on Incentive Policies on the Charging Infrastructures of New Energy Vehicles and Strengthening the Promotion and
Application of New Energy Vehicles during the 13th Five-year Plan Period, which became effective on January 1, 2016. Pursuant
to such circular, the central finance department is expected to provide certain local governments with funds and subsidies for the construction
and operation of charging facilities and other relevant charging infrastructure.
On
November 29, 2016, the State Council promulgated Notice on the National Strategic Emerging Industry Plan during the 13th Five-year
Plan. The State Council further encouraged the application of new energy and new energy vehicles, and intended to develop and
construct these industries as pillar industries of the nation. Pursuant to the Notice, municipal governments include Anhui, Henan, and
Sichuan Province, released development plans to promote the development of new energy vehicle industry. These measures range from constructing
charging infrastructures to encouraging expansion of new energy sales market and sales of new energy vehicles.
Certain
local governments have also implemented incentive policies for the construction and operation of charging infrastructure. For example,
pursuant to the Supporting Measures on Encouraging the Development of Charging Infrastructures of the Electric Vehicles in Shanghai,
builders of certain non-self-use charging infrastructure may be eligible for subsidies for up to 30% of its investment cost,
and the operator of certain non-self-use charging infrastructure may be eligible for subsidies calculated based on electricity
output.
All
the above incentives are expected to facilitate acceleration of development of public charging infrastructure, which will consequently
offer more accessible and convenient EV charging solutions to purchasers of electric vehicles.
Policies
Relating to Credits for New Electric Vehicles
On
September 27, 2017, the MIIT, the MOF, the MOFCOM, the General Administration of Customs of PRC and the General Administration of
Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the PRC jointly promulgated the Measure for the Parallel Administration of
the Corporate Average Fuel Consumption and New Energy Vehicle Credits of Passenger Vehicle Enterprises, or the Parallel Credits Measure,
which took effect on April 1, 2018. Under the Parallel Credits Measure, among other requirements, each of the vehicle manufacturers
and vehicle importers above a certain scale is required to maintain its NEVs credits, or the NEVs credits, above zero, regardless of
whether NEVs or ICE vehicles are manufactured or imported by it, and NEVs credits can be earned only by manufacturing or importing NEVs.
Therefore, NEVs manufacturers will enjoy preferences in obtaining and calculating of NEVs credits.
NEVs
credits equal to the aggregate actual scores of a vehicle manufacturer or a vehicle importer minus its aggregate targeted scores. The
targeted scores shall be the product obtained by multiplying annual production/import volume of fuel energy vehicles of a vehicle manufacturer
or a vehicle importer by the NEVs credit ratio set by MIIT, while the actual scores are to be the product obtained by multiplying the
score of each NEVs type by respective NEVs production/import volume. Excess positive NEVs credits are tradable and may be sold to other
enterprises through a credit management system established by the MIIT. Negative NEVs credits can be offset by purchasing excess positive
NEVs credits from other manufacturers or importers. As a manufacturer that will only manufacture NEVs, after we obtain our own manufacturing
license, we will be able to earn NEVs credits by manufacturing NEVs through our future manufacturing plant on each vehicle manufactured,
and may sell our excess positive NEVs credits to other vehicle manufacturers or importers.
Regulations
on Consumer Rights Protection
Our
business is subject to a variety of consumer protection laws, including the PRC Consumer Rights and Interests Protection Law,
as amended and effective as of March 15, 2014, which imposes stringent requirements and obligations on business operators. Failure
to comply with these consumer protection laws could subject us to administrative sanctions, such as the issuance of a warning, confiscation
of illegal income, imposition of fines, an order to cease business operations, revocation of business licenses, as well as potential
civil or criminal liabilities.
Regulations
on Internet Information Security and Privacy Protection
In
November 2016, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, or the SCNPC, promulgated the Cyber Security
Law of the PRC, or the Cyber Security Law, which became effective on June 1, 2017. The Cyber Security Law requires that a network
operator, which includes, among others, internet information services providers, take technical measures and other necessary measures
in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and the compulsory requirements of the national and industrial standards to safeguard
the safe and stable operation of its networks. We are subject to such requirements as we are operating website and mobile application
and providing certain internet services mainly through our mobile application. The Cyber Security Law further requires internet information
service providers to formulate contingency plans for network security incidents, report to the competent departments immediately upon
the occurrence of any incident endangering cyber security and take corresponding remedial measures.
Internet
information service providers are also required to maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability of network data. The Cyber
Security Law reaffirms the basic principles and requirements specified in other existing laws and regulations on personal data protection,
such as the requirements on the collection, use, processing, storage and disclosure of personal data, and internet information service
providers being required to take technical and other necessary measures to ensure the security of the personal information they have
collected and prevent the personal information from being divulged, damaged or lost. Any violation of the Cyber Security Law may subject
the internet information service provider to warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses, cancellation of
filings, shutdown of websites or criminal liabilities.
Regulations
on Environmental Protection and Work Safety
Regulations
on Environmental Protection
Pursuant
to the Environmental Protection Law of the PRC promulgated by the SCNPC, on December 26, 1989, amended on April,
24, 2014 and effective on January 1, 2015, any entity which discharges or will discharge pollutants during course of operations
or other activities must implement effective environmental protection safeguards and procedures to control and properly treat waste gas,
waste water, waste residue, dust, malodorous gases, radioactive substances, noise vibrations, electromagnetic radiation and other hazards
produced during such activities.
Environmental
protection authorities impose various administrative penalties on persons or enterprises in violation of the Environmental Protection
Law. Such penalties include warnings, fines, orders to rectify within the prescribed period, orders to cease construction, orders
to restrict or suspend production, orders to make recovery, orders to disclose relevant information or make an announcement, imposition
of administrative action against relevant responsible persons, and orders to shut down enterprises. Any person or entity that pollutes
the environment resulting in damage could also be held liable under the Tort Law of the PRC. In addition, environmental organizations
may also bring lawsuits against any entity that discharges pollutants detrimental to the public welfare.
Regulations
on Work Safety
Under
relevant construction safety laws and regulations, including the Work Safety Law of the PRC which was promulgated by
the SCNPC on June 29, 2002, amended on August 27, 2009, August 31, 2014, and effective as of December 1, 2014, production
and operating business entities must establish objectives and measures for work safety and improve the working environment and conditions
for workers in a planned and systematic way. A work safety protection scheme must also be set up to implement the work safety job responsibility
system. In addition, production and operating business entities must arrange work safety training and provide the employees with protective
equipment that meets the national standards or industrial standards. Automobile and components manufacturers are subject to the aforementioned
environment protection and work safety requirements.
PRC
Laws and Regulations on Foreign Investment
Investment
in the PRC by foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises shall comply with the Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment
Industries (2017 Revision) (the “Catalogue”), which was last amended and issued by MOFCOM and NDRC on June 28,
2017 and became effective since July 28, 2017, and the Special Management Measures for Foreign Investment Access (2019
version), or the Negative List, which came into effect on July 30, 2019. The Catalogue and the Negative List contains specific provisions
guiding market access for foreign capital and stipulates in detail the industry sectors grouped under the categories of encouraged industries,
restricted industries and prohibited industries. Any industry not listed on the Negative List is a permitted industry unless otherwise
prohibited or restricted by other PRC laws or regulations.
On
March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress approved the Foreign Investment Law of the PRC, or the Foreign Investment Law, which
will come into effect on January 1, 2020, repealing simultaneously the Law of the PRC on Sino-foreign Equity Joint Ventures, the Law
of the PRC on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises and the Law of the PRC on Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Ventures. The Foreign Investment
Law adopts the management system of pre-establishment national treatment and negative list for foreign investment. Policies in support
of enterprises shall apply equally to foreign-funded enterprises according to laws and regulations. Foreign investment enterprises shall
be guaranteed that they could equally participate in the setting of standards, and the compulsory standards formulated by the State shall
be equally applied. Fair competition for foreign investment enterprises to participate in government procurement activities shall be
protected. The Foreign Investment Law also stipulates the protection on intellectual property rights and trade secrets. The State also
establishes information reporting system and national security review system according to the Foreign Investment Law.
PRC
Laws and Regulations on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises
The
establishment, operation and management of corporate entities in China are governed by the PRC Company Law, which was promulgated by
the SCNPC on December 29, 1993 and became effective on July 1, 1994. It was last amended on October 26, 2018 and the amendments
became effective on October 26, 2018. Under the PRC Company Law, companies are generally classified into two categories, namely, limited
liability companies and joint stock limited companies. The PRC Company Law also applies to limited liability companies and joint stock
limited companies with foreign investors. Where there are otherwise different provisions in any law on foreign investment, such provisions
shall prevail.
The
Law of the PRC on Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprises was promulgated and became effective on April 12, 1986, and was last amended
and became effective on October 1, 2016. The Implementing Regulations of the PRC Law on Foreign-invested Enterprises were promulgated
by the State Council on October 28, 1990. They were last amended on February 19, 2014 and the amendments became effective on
March 1, 2014. The Provisional Measures on Administration of Filing for Establishment and Change of Foreign Investment Enterprises
were promulgated by MOFCOM and became effective on October 8, 2016, and were last amended on July 20, 2017 with immediate effect.
The above-mentioned laws form the legal framework for the PRC Government to regulate Foreign-invested Enterprises. These laws and regulations
govern the establishment, modification, including changes to registered capital, shareholders, corporate form, merger and split, dissolution
and termination of Foreign-invested Enterprises.
According
to the above regulations, a Foreign-invested Enterprise should get approval by MOFCOM before its establishment and operation. Jiuzi WFOE
is a Foreign-invested Enterprise since established, and has obtained the approval of the local administration of MOFCOM. Its establishment
and operation are in compliance with the above-mentioned laws. Zhejiang Jiuzi is a PRC domestic company, and it is not subject to the
record-filling or examination applicable to Foreign-invested Enterprises.
PRC
Laws and Regulations on Trademarks
The
Trademark Law of the PRC was adopted at the 24th meeting of the SCNPC on August 23, 1982. Three amendments were made on February 22,
1993, October 27, 2001 and August 30, 2013. The last amendment was implemented on May 1, 2014. The Regulations on the
Implementation of the Trademark Law of the PRC were promulgated by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China on August 3,
2002, which took effect on September 15, 2002. It was revised on April 29, 2014 and became effective as of May 1, 2014.
According to the Trademark Law and the implementing regulations, a trademark which has been approved and registered by the trademark
office is a registered trademark, including a trademark of goods, services, collective trademark and certification trademark. The trademark
registrant shall enjoy the exclusive right to use the trademark and shall be protected by law. The trademark law also specifies the scope
of registered trademarks, procedures for registration of trademarks and the rights and obligations of trademark owners. We are currently
holding 9 registered trademarks in China and enjoy the corresponding rights.
PRC
Laws and Regulations on Foreign Exchange
General
Administration of Foreign Exchange
The
principal regulation governing foreign currency exchange in the PRC is the Administrative Regulations of the PRC on Foreign Exchange (the
“Foreign Exchange Regulations”), which were promulgated on January 29, 1996, became effective on April 1, 1996
and were last amended on August 5, 2008. Under these rules, Renminbi is generally freely convertible for payments of current account
items, such as trade- and service-related foreign exchange transactions and dividend payments, but not freely convertible for capital
account items, such as capital transfer, direct investment, investment in securities, derivative products or loans unless prior approval
by competent authorities for the administration of foreign exchange is obtained. Under the Foreign Exchange Regulations, foreign-invested
enterprises in the PRC may purchase foreign exchange without the approval of SAFE to pay dividends by providing certain evidentiary documents,
including board resolutions, tax certificates, or for trade- and services-related foreign exchange transactions, by providing commercial
documents evidencing such transactions.
Registration
of Foreign Investment Enterprises
Pursuant
to the Notice of State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Promulgation of the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Control on Direct Investments
in China by Foreign Investors promulgated by the SAFE, or the Notice, upon establishment of a foreign investment enterprise pursuant
to the law, registration formalities shall be completed with the foreign exchange bureau. Upon completion of registration formalities
by the entities involved in direct investments in China, the entities may open accounts for direct investments in China such as preliminary
expense account, capital fund account and asset realization account, etc. with the bank based on the actual needs. Upon completion of
such registration formalities, foreign investment enterprises could also conduct settlement when contributing foreign exchange funds,
and remit funds overseas in the event of capital reduction, liquidation, advance recovery of investment, profit distribution, etc.
As
of the date hereof, our WFOE has completed the foreign exchange registration formalities upon establishment. Subsequently, Jiuzi HK,
the sole shareholder of WFOE, is able to contribute capital to or receive distributions and dividends from WFOE.
Circular
No. 37 and Circular No. 13
Circular
37 was released by SAFE on July 4, 2014 and abolished Circular 75 which had been in effect since November 1, 2005. Pursuant
to Circular 37, a PRC resident should apply to SAFE for foreign exchange registration of overseas investments before it makes any capital
contribution to a special purpose vehicle, or SPV, using his or her legitimate domestic or offshore assets or interests. SPVs are offshore
enterprises directly established or indirectly controlled by domestic residents for the purpose of investment and financing by utilizing
domestic or offshore assets or interests they legally hold. Following any significant change in a registered offshore SPV, such as capital
increase, reduction, equity transfer or swap, consolidation or division involving domestic resident individuals, the domestic individuals
shall amend the registration with SAFE. Where an SPV intends to repatriate funds raised after completion of offshore financing to the
PRC, it shall comply with relevant PRC regulations on foreign investment and foreign debt management. A foreign-invested enterprise
established through return investment shall complete relevant foreign exchange registration formalities in accordance with the prevailing
foreign exchange administration regulations on foreign direct investment and truthfully disclose information on the actual controller
of its shareholders.
If
any shareholder who is a PRC resident (as determined by Circular No. 37) holds any interest in our SPV and fails to fulfil the required
foreign exchange registration with the local SAFE branches, capital contribution to the SPV by the shareholder failing to comply with
Circular No.37, as well as the distribution of profits and dividends derived from the SPV to such shareholder may be prohibited. However,
even if such shareholder fails to fulfil the required foreign exchange registration with the local SAFE branches, Jiuzi Holdings Inc.
and Jiuzi HK are not restricted in their ability to contribute additional capital to WFOE. Since Zhejiang Jiuzi and its subsidiaries
are only controlled by WFOE through contractual arrangements, and since WFOE is not a shareholder of Zhejiang Jiuzi, neither Zhejiang
Jiuzi nor any of its subsidiaries have any obligations to contribute capital to WFOE, nor have they any rights to receive distributions
or dividends from WFOE. Only capital contributions to a special purpose vehicle by its shareholders failing to comply with Circular 37,
as well as the repatriation of profits and dividends derived from such special purpose vehicle to China by its shareholders are limited.
Our WFOE is not prohibited from distributing its profits and dividends to Jiuzi Holdings Inc. or Jiuzi HK or from carrying out other
subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities because WFOE has completed the foreign exchange registration formalities as required
upon its establishment. Where a domestic resident fails to complete relevant foreign exchange registration as required, fails to truthfully
disclose information on the actual controller of the enterprise involved in the return investment or otherwise makes false statements,
the foreign exchange administration authority may order them to take remedial actions, issue a warning, and impose a fine of less than
RMB 300,000 on an institution or less than RMB 50,000 on an individual.
Circular
13 was issued by SAFE on February 13, 2015, and became effective on June 1, 2015. Pursuant to Circular 13, a domestic resident
who makes a capital contribution to an SPV using his or her legitimate domestic or offshore assets or interests is no longer required
to apply to SAFE for foreign exchange registration of his or her overseas investments. Instead, he or she shall register with a bank
in the place where the assets or interests of the domestic enterprise in which he or she has interests are located if the domestic resident
individually seeks to make a capital contribution to the SPV using his or her legitimate domestic assets or interests; or he or she shall
register with a local bank at his or her permanent residence if the domestic resident individually seeks to make a capital contribution
to the SPV using his or her legitimate offshore assets or interests.
As
of the date hereof, five shareholders of Jiuzi, whose shares account for 100% of the total shares of Jiuzi shareholders, have completed
registrations in accordance with Circular 37. Two indirect beneficial owners of Jiuzi Holdings, Inc., who are PRC residents, have not
completed the Circular 37 Registration. We have asked our shareholders who are Chinese residents to make the necessary applications and
filings as required by Circular 37. The failure of our beneficial shareholders to comply with the registration procedures may subject
each of our beneficial shareholders to fines of less than RMB 50,000 (approximately US$7,199). Shareholders of offshore SPV who are PRC
residents and who have not completed their registrations in accordance with Circular 37 are subject to certain absolute restrictions,
under which they cannot contribute any registered or additional capital to such SPV for offshore financing purposes. In addition, these
shareholders cannot repatriate any profits and dividends from the SPV to China either.
Shareholders
who have completed the Circular 37 registration would not be adversely affected and are allowed to contribute assets into the offshore
special purpose vehicle and repatriate profits and dividends from them. Since our WFOE has completed its foreign exchange registration
as a foreign investment enterprise, its ability to receive capital contribution, make distributions and pay dividends is not restricted.
Circular
19 and Circular 16
Circular
19 was promulgated by SAFE on March 30, 2015, and became effective on June 1, 2015. According to Circular 19, the foreign exchange
capital in the capital account of foreign-invested enterprises, meaning the monetary contribution confirmed by the foreign exchange authorities
or the monetary contribution registered for account entry through banks, shall be granted the benefits of Discretional Foreign Exchange
Settlement (“Discretional Foreign Exchange Settlement”). With Discretional Foreign Exchange Settlement, foreign capital in
the capital account of a foreign-invested enterprise for which the rights and interests of monetary contribution have been confirmed
by the local foreign exchange bureau, or for which book-entry registration of monetary contribution has been completed by the bank, can
be settled at the bank based on the actual operational needs of the foreign-invested enterprise. The allowed Discretional Foreign Exchange
Settlement percentage of the foreign capital of a foreign-invested enterprise has been temporarily set to be 100%. The Renminbi
converted from the foreign capital will be kept in a designated account and if a foreign-invested enterprise needs to make any further
payment from such account, it will still need to provide supporting documents and to complete the review process with its bank.
Furthermore,
Circular 19 stipulates that foreign-invested enterprises shall make bona fide use of their capital for their own needs within their business
scopes. The capital of a foreign-invested enterprise and the Renminbi it obtained from foreign exchange settlement shall not be used
for the following purposes:
|
● |
directly or indirectly used
for expenses beyond its business scope or prohibited by relevant laws or regulations; |
|
● |
directly
or indirectly used for investment in securities unless otherwise provided by relevant laws or regulations; |
|
● |
directly
or indirectly used for entrusted loan in Renminbi (unless within its permitted scope of business), repayment of inter-company loans
(including advances by a third party) or repayment of bank loans in Renminbi that have been sub-lent to a third party; or |
|
● |
directly
or indirectly used for expenses related to the purchase of real estate that is not for self-use (except for foreign-invested real
estate enterprises). |
Circular
16 was issued by SAFE on June 9, 2016. Pursuant to Circular 16, enterprises registered in the PRC may also convert their foreign
debts from foreign currency to Renminbi on a self-discretionary basis. Circular 16 provides an integrated standard for conversion of
foreign exchange capital items (including but not limited to foreign currency capital and foreign debts) on a self-discretionary basis
applicable to all enterprises registered in the PRC. Circular 16 reiterates the principle that an enterprise’s Renminbi capital
converted from foreign currency-denominated capital may not be directly or indirectly used for purposes beyond its business scope or
purposes prohibited by PRC laws or regulations, and such converted Renminbi capital shall not be provided as loans to non-affiliated
entities.
PRC
Laws and Regulations on Taxation
Enterprise
Income Tax
The Enterprise
Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China (the “EIT Law”) was promulgated by the Standing Committee of
the National People’s Congress on March 16, 2007 and became effective on January 1, 2008, and was later amended on February 24,
2017. The Implementation Rules of the EIT Law (the “Implementation Rules”) were promulgated by the State Council
on December 6, 2007 and became effective on January 1, 2008. According to the EIT Law and the Implementation Rules, enterprises
are divided into resident enterprises and non-resident enterprises. Resident enterprises shall pay enterprise income tax on their incomes
obtained in and outside the PRC at the rate of 25%. Non-resident enterprises setting up institutions in the PRC shall pay enterprise
income tax on the incomes obtained by such institutions in and outside the PRC at the rate of 25%. Non-resident enterprises with no institutions
in the PRC, and non-resident enterprises whose incomes having no substantial connection with their institutions in the PRC, shall pay
enterprise income tax on their incomes obtained in the PRC at a reduced rate of 10%.
The Arrangement
between the PRC and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with
respect to Taxes on Income (the “Arrangement”) was promulgated by the State Administration of Taxation (“SAT”)
on August 21, 2006 and came into effect on December 8, 2006. According to the Arrangement, a company incorporated in Hong Kong
will be subject to withholding tax at the lower rate of 5% on dividends it receives from a company incorporated in the PRC if it holds
a 25% interest or more in the PRC company. The Notice on the Understanding and Identification of the Beneficial Owners in the Tax
Treaty (the “Notice”) was promulgated by SAT and became effective on October 27, 2009. According to the Notice,
a beneficial ownership analysis will be used based on a substance-over-form principle to determine whether or not to grant tax treaty
benefits.
Zhejiang
Jiuzi and its subsidiaries are resident enterprises and pay EIT tax at the rate of 25% in the PRC. It is more likely than not that the
Company and its offshore subsidiary would be treated as a non-resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes.
Value-added
Tax
Pursuant
to the Provisional Regulations on Value-added Tax of the PRC, or the VAT Regulations, which were promulgated by the State Council on
December 13, 1993, took effect on January 1, 1994, and were amended on November 10, 2008, February 6, 2016, and November 19, 2017, respectively,
and the Rules for the Implementation of the Provisional Regulations on Value-added Tax of the PRC, which were promulgated by the MOF
on December 25, 1993, and were amended on December 15, 2008, and October 28, 2011, respectively, entities and individuals that sell goods
or labor services of processing, repair or replacement, sell services, intangible assets, or immovables, or import goods within the territory
of the People’s Republic of China are taxpayers of value-added tax. The VAT rate is 17% for taxpayers selling goods, labor
services, or tangible movable property leasing services or importing goods, except otherwise specified; 11% for taxpayers selling services
of transportation, postal, basic telecommunications, construction and lease of immovable, selling immovable, transferring land use rights,
selling and importing other specified goods including fertilizers; 6% for taxpayers selling services or intangible assets.
According
to the Notice on the Adjustment to the Value-added Tax Rates issued by the SAT and the MOF on April 4, 2018, where taxpayers make VAT
taxable sales or import goods, the applicable tax rates shall be adjusted from 17% to 16% and from 11% to 10%, respectively. Subsequently,
the Notice on Policies for Deepening Reform of Value-added Tax was issued by the SAT, the MOF and the General Administration of Customs
on March 30, 2019 and took effective on April 1, 2019, which further adjusted the applicable tax rate for taxpayers making VAT taxable
sales or importing goods. The applicable tax rates shall be adjusted from 16% to 13% and from 10% to 9%, respectively.
Dividend
Withholding Tax
The
Enterprise Income Tax Law provides that since January 1, 2008, an income tax rate of 10% will normally be applicable to dividends
declared to non-PRC resident investors that do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or that have such establishment
or place of business but the relevant income is not effectively connected with the establishment or place of business, to the extent
such dividends are derived from sources within the PRC.
Pursuant
to an Arrangement Between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation
and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Incomes (“Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement”) and other
applicable PRC laws, if a Hong Kong resident enterprise is determined by the competent PRC tax authority to have satisfied the relevant
conditions and requirements under such Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement and other applicable laws, the 10% withholding tax on the dividends
the Hong Kong resident enterprise receives from a PRC resident enterprise may be reduced to 5%. However, based on the Circular on
Certain Issues with Respect to the Enforcement of Dividend Provisions in Tax Treaties (the “SAT Circular 81”) issued
on February 20, 2009 by SAT, if the relevant PRC tax authorities determine, in their discretion, that a company benefits from such
reduced income tax rate due to a structure or arrangement that is primarily tax-driven, such PRC tax authorities may adjust the preferential
tax treatment. According to the Circular on Several Questions regarding the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax Treaties, which
was issued on February 3, 2018 by the SAT and took effect on April 1, 2018, when determining the applicant’s status of
the “beneficial owner” regarding tax treatments in connection with dividends, interests or royalties in the tax treaties,
several factors, including without limitation, whether the applicant is obligated to pay more than 50% of his or her income in twelve months
to residents in third country or region, whether the business operated by the applicant constitutes the actual business activities, and
whether the counterparty country or region to the tax treaties does not levy any tax or grant tax exemption on relevant incomes or levy
tax at an extremely low rate, will be taken into account, and it will be analyzed according to the actual circumstances of the specific
cases. This circular further provides that applicants who intend to prove his or her status of the “beneficial owner” shall
submit the relevant documents to the relevant tax bureau according to the Announcement on Issuing the Measures for the Administration
of Non-Resident Taxpayers’ Enjoyment of the Treatment under Tax Agreements.
We
have not commenced the application process for a Hong Kong tax resident certificate from the relevant Hong Kong tax authority, and there
is no assurance that we will be granted such a Hong Kong tax resident certificate. We have not filed required forms or materials with
the relevant PRC tax authorities to prove that we should enjoy the 5% PRC withholding tax rate.
PRC
Laws and Regulations on Employment and Social Welfare
Labor
Law of the PRC
Pursuant
to the Labor Law of the PRC, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC on July 5, 1994 with an effective date of
January 1, 1995 and was last amended on August 27, 2009 and the Labor Contract Law of the PRC, which was promulgated on June 29,
2007, became effective on January 1, 2008 and was last amended on December 28, 2012, with the amendments coming into effect
on July 1, 2013, enterprises and institutions shall ensure the safety and hygiene of a workplace, strictly comply with applicable rules
and standards on workplace safety and hygiene in China, and educate employees on such rules and standards. Furthermore, employers and
employees shall enter into written employment contracts to establish their employment relationships. Employers are required to inform
their employees about their job responsibilities, working conditions, occupational hazards, remuneration and other matters with which
the employees may be concerned. Employers shall pay remuneration to employees on time and in full accordance with the commitments set
forth in their employment contracts and with the relevant PRC laws and regulations. Zhejiang Jiuzi and its subsidiary company have entered
into written employment contracts with all the employees and performed their obligations under the relevant PRC laws and regulations.
Social
Insurance and Housing Fund
Pursuant
to the Social Insurance Law of the PRC, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC on October 28, 2010 and
became effective on July 1, 2011, employers in the PRC shall provide their employees with welfare schemes covering basic pension
insurance, basic medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, and occupational injury insurance. Zhejiang Jiuzi have
been complying to local regulations regarding social security and employee insurance. We have not received any notification or warning
from PRC authorities.
In
accordance with the Regulations on Management of Housing Provident Fund, which were promulgated by the State Council on April 3, 1999
and last amended on March 24, 2002, employers must register at the designated administrative centers and open bank accounts for depositing
employees’ housing funds. Employers and employees are also required to pay and deposit housing funds, with an amount no less than
5% of the monthly average salary of the employee in the preceding year in full and on time. Zhejiang Jiuzi has not provided employees
with housing funds. All our employees are located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, where local government imposes no mandatory requirements on
employers to provide housing funds to employees. We intend to provide the employees with housing funds if the local government requires
it in the future.
4.C.
Organizational structure
We
are incorporated in the Cayman Islands. As a holding company with no material operations of our own, we conduct our operations in China
through our PRC Operating Subsidiaries, Zhejiang Jiuzi New Energy Vehicles Co., Ltd., or Zhejiang Jiuzi.
The
following diagram illustrates the corporate structure of our subsidiaries:
Subsidiaries
Jiuzi
Holdings Inc. is a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated on October 10, 2019. We conduct our business in China through our PRC
Operating Subsidiaries. The consolidation of our Company and our PRC Operating Subsidiaries has been accounted for at historical cost
and prepared on the basis as if the aforementioned transactions had become effective as of the beginning of the first period presented
in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Jiuzi
HK was incorporated on October 25, 2019 under the law of Hong Kong SAR. Jiuzi HK is our wholly-owned subsidiary and is currently not
engaging in any active business and merely acting as a holding company.
Jiuzi
WFOE was incorporated on June 5, 2020 under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jiuzi
HK and a wholly foreign-owned entity under the PRC laws. The registered principal activity of the company is new energy vehicle retail,
new energy vehicle component sales, new energy vehicle battery sales, vehicle audio equipment and electronics sales, vehicle ornament
sales, technology service and development, marketing planning, vehicle rentals, etc. Jiuzi WFOE had entered into contractual arrangements
with Zhejiang Jiuzi and its shareholders.
Zhejiang
Jiuzi was incorporated on May 26, 2017 under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Its registered business scope includes
wholesale and retail of NEVs and NEV components, vehicle maintenance products, technology development of NEVs, Marketing and consulting
regarding NEV products, vehicle rentals, event organization, client services regarding vehicle registration, and online business technology.
Its registered capital amount is approximately $304,893 (RMB 2,050,000).
Shangli
Jiuzi was incorporated on May 10, 2018 under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Its registered business scope is to engage
in retailing NEVs, NEV components, NEV batteries, NEV marketing, vehicle maintenance, used vehicle sales, and car rentals. Zhejiang Jiuzi
is the beneficial owner of 59% equity interest of Shangli Jiuzi. Shangli Jiuzi’s registered capital amount is approximately $1,412,789
(RMB 10,000,000).
Hangzhou
Zhitongche was incorporated on February 2, 2018 under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Its registered business scope
is technical service, technology development, consultation and exchange, and NEV sales and leasing. On October 28, Zhejiang Jiuzi purchased
100% equity interest of Hangzhou Zhitongche from its shareholders for a nominal consideration, and became the its beneficial owner. Hangzhou
Zhitongche’s registered capital amount is RMB 30,000,000.
Jiuzi
New Energy was incorporated on July 1, 2021 under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Its registered business scope is
software outsourcing services, industrial internet data services, network and information security software development, artificial intelligence
application software development, and cloud computing equipment technical services, among others. Zhejiang Jiuzi is the beneficial owner
of 100% equity interest of Jiuzi New Energy. Jiuzi New Energy’s registered capital amount is RMB 10,000,000.
Guangxi
Zhitongche was incorporated on December 31, 2021 under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Its registered business scope
is technical service, technology development, consultation and exchange, and NEV sales and leasing, auto parts retail, business management
consulting and planning, among others. Hangzhou Zhitongche is the beneficial owner of 90% equity interest of Guangxi Zhitongche. Guangxi
Zhitongche’s registered capital amount is approximately RMB1,000,000.
Hangzhou Jiuyao New Energy Automobile Technology Co. Ltd. was incorporated
on January 24, 2022 in PRC. Its scope of business includes technical service, technology development, technical consultation and promotion,
as well as sales of automobiles and new energy vehicles, and sales of electrical accessories and accessories for new energy vehicles.
Hangzhou Jiuyao is 51% owned by Hangzhou Zhitongche, as such Hangzhou Jiuyao is accounted as a subsidiary of Zhejiang Jiuzi.; the remaining
49% equity interest is owned by unrelated third-party investors.
Hangzhou Jiuzi Haoche Technology Co., Ltd. was
incorporated on January 21, 2022 under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Its registered business scope is software outsourcing
services, industrial internet data services, network and information security software development, artificial intelligence application
software development, technology development, consulting and transfer, market planning, convention planning, and cloud computing equipment
technical services. Hangzhou Jiuzi Haoche Technology Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jiuzi New Energy and has a registered capital
with the amount of RMB5,000,000.
The
Restructuring
Prior to the restructuring completed in January 20, 2023, Jiuzi WFOE
entered into a series of VIE Agreements with Zhejiang Jiuzi and the shareholders of Zhejiang Jiuzi, which established the VIE structure.
As
a result of the VIE Agreements, Jiuzi WFOE was regarded as the primary beneficiary of Zhejiang Jiuzi, and we treated Zhejiang Jiuzi and
its subsidiaries as variable interest entities under U.S. GAAP for accounting purposes. We have consolidated the financial
results of Zhejiang Jiuzi and its subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
In
November 2022, the board of directors of the Company decided to dissolve the VIE structure. On November 10, 2022, Zhejiang Jiuzi entered
into a termination agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with Jiuzi WFOE, pursuant to which the VIE agreements entered
into among Zhejiang Jiuzi, Jiuzi WFOE and certain shareholders of Zhejiang Jiuzi shall be terminated effective upon the conditions are
met. On November 10, 2022, with approval of Jiuzi WFOE and approval of the board of directors of Zhejiang Jiuzi, Zhejiang Jiuzi issued
0.1% equity interest in Zhejiang Jiuzi to a third-party investor. The issuance was completed on November 27, 2022. On January 20,
2023, Jiuzi WFOE exercised its call option under the Exclusive Option Agreements dated June 15, 2020 with certain shareholder of Zhejiang
Jiuzi and entered into equity transfer agreements with all the shareholders of Zhejiang Jiuzi to purchase all the equity interest in
Zhejiang Jiuzi. The transaction underlying the equity transfer agreement was completed and the VIE Agreements were terminated pursuant
to the Termination Agreement on January 20, 2023. As a result, Zhejiang Jiuzi became a wholly owned subsidiary of Jiuzi WFOE and the
VIE structure is dissolved.
4.D.
Property, plants and equipment
Our
principal office is located at No.168 Qianjiang Nongchang Gengwen Road, 15th Floor, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Xiaoshan
District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China 310000. The office space is approximately 2,393 square meters and the lease for this
facility is RMB1,353,772, or approximately US$211,825, per year, expiring on July 31, 2026.
Our
Shangli Jiuzi store is located at Building 5, Units 101-103, Yidu International Business Center, Yingbin Road, Shangli Town, Shangli
County, Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province, China. The store space is approximately 925 square meters. The lease for this facility is RMB
3,930, or US$560, per month. This lease started from March 1, 2019 and expires in February 2023.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED
STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING
AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
You
should read the following description of our results of operations and financial condition in conjunction with the consolidated audited
financial statements the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021.
Overview
We
franchise and operate retail stores under brand name “Jiuzi”, which sell new energy vehicles, or NEVs, in third-fourth tier
cities in China. Almost all of the NEVs we sell are battery-operated electric vehicles. We also sell a few plug-in electric vehicles
on demand from vehicle buyers. As of the date of this prospectus, we have 75 operating franchise stores and two company-owned store in
China. The business relationship between Jiuzi and its independent franchisees is supported by adhering to standards and policies and
is of fundamental importance to the overall performance and protection of the “Jiuzi” brand.
Primarily
a franchisor, our franchising model enables an individual to be its own employer and maintain control over all employment-related matters,
marketing and pricing decisions, while also benefiting from our Jiuzi brand, resources and operating system. In collaboration with franchisees,
we are able to further develop and refine our operating standards, marketing concepts and product and pricing strategies.
Our
revenues consist of (i) NEV sales in our company-owned store and NEV sales supplied to our franchisees; (ii) initial franchisee fees
of RMB 4,000,000, or approximately US$618,238, for each franchise store, payable over time based on performance obligations of the parties,
from our franchisees; and (iii) on-going royalties based on 10% percent of net incomes from our franchisees. These fees, along with operating
rights, are stipulated in our franchise agreements.
We
source NEVs through more than twenty NEV manufacturers, including BYD, Geely, Seres, Aiways,and Chery, as well as battery/component manufacturers
such as Beijing Zhongdian Boyu, Shenzhen Jishuchongke and Youbang Electronics which focus on manufacturing charging piles, and Guoxuan
Gaoke, and Futesi in battery production. We are able to access more brands and obtain more competitive pricing to attract potential franchisees
and to meet customer demands. On the capital side, we introduce franchisees to various capital platforms including Qinghua Qidi Zhixing,
through which our franchisees and their vehicle buyers can obtain financing. Our business partners help us in providing a variety of
products and extend our geographic reach.
Benefiting
from favorable state policies subsidizing the NEV industry, China’s NEV production started flourishing around 2015 and 2016, pursuant
to the 2016-2020 and 2021-2035 New Energy Vehicle Promotion Fiscal Support Guidance and Notice regarding “the Thirteenth Five-year
Plan” New Energy Vehicles Battery Infrastructure Support Policy. In 2016, China released a series of financial subsidy policies
targeted at NEV production. We conducted market research in 2016 and eventually launched our business in 2017. We have built a full-scale
modern business management operation, supported by our operations department and marketing department. We aim to build an online-offline
operating system in which our headquarters effectively empowers our franchisees with our brand recognition, client source, financial
support, operating and transportation assistance through the online platform. Our fully-developed supply chain will provide solid support
for store location expansion. Our franchisees’ conformity to Jiuzi’s standards will help us in our business expansion and
implementation of our growth strategy.
We
plan to adopt an innovative one-stop vehicle sales model for our vehicle buyers, who are expected to have access to more brands, better
services and more affordable pricing. Our current business model is focused on vehicle selection and purchases, which provides buyers
with a multi-brand price comparison and test-driving experience. Through the online platform we will develop (the “Platform”)
with the proceeds of Initial Public Offering, we expect to provide a multi-dimensional service platform and one-stop experience covering
online vehicle selection and purchases and off-line vehicle delivery and maintenance. The accompanying app to this Platform will provide
potential buyers with information on various car brands and models, as well as the ability to make vehicle registrations, appointments
for maintenance and repairs, and remote error diagnosis services, etc.
On
May 20, 2021, we issued 5,200,000 ordinary shares to the investors in connection with the closing of the initial public offering at the
offering price of $5.00 per share.
Coronavirus
(COVID-19) Update
Recently,
there is still small scale occurrence of a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China . The pandemic has resulted in quarantines,
travel restrictions, and the temporary closure of stores and business facilities globally for the past year. In March 2020, the World
Health Organization declared the COVID-19 to be a pandemic. Given the rapidly expanding nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, and because
substantially all of our business operations and our workforce are concentrated in China, we believe there is a risk that our business,
results of operations, and financial condition will be adversely affected. Potential impact to our results of operations will also depend
on future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of the COVID-19 and the actions taken
by government authorities and other entities to contain the COVID-19 or mitigate its impact, almost all of which are beyond our control.
The
pandemic has been effectively controlled in China. With the availability of the COVID-19 vaccines, we do not expect to the pandemic to
continue into 2022. However, the situation may worsen if the COVID-19 outbreak continues.. At present, the COVID-19 has been effectively
controlled.
Results
of Operations
For
the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021
The
following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the years ended October 31, 2022 and
2021. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
| |
For the years ended | | |
| | |
| |
| |
October 31, | | |
Changes | |
| |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
Amount | | |
% | |
Net revenue | |
$ | 6,215,718 | | |
$ | 9,536,987 | | |
$ | (3,321,269 | ) | |
| (34.83 | )% |
Cost of revenue | |
| 6,458,162 | | |
| 4,909,704 | | |
| 1,548,458 | | |
| 31.54 | % |
Gross profit | |
| (242,444 | ) | |
| 4,627,283 | | |
| (4,869,727 | ) | |
| (105.24 | )% |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | |
| 6,692,049 | | |
| 2,983,582 | | |
| 3,708,467 | | |
| 124.30 | % |
Provision for credit loss on loans receivable | |
| 7,267,026 | | |
| 309,024 | | |
| 6,958,002 | | |
| 2,251.61 | % |
Write-offs of advances to suppliers | |
| 2,942,315 | | |
| - | | |
| 2,942,315 | | |
| - | % |
Income from operations | |
| 17,151,253 | | |
| 1,317,135 | | |
| 18,468,388 | | |
| (1,402.16 | )% |
Interest income (expense), net | |
| (1,331,128 | ) | |
| 5,734 | | |
| (1,336,862 | ) | |
| (23,314.65 | )% |
Other income (expense), net | |
| 1,650,209 | | |
| 1,993 | | |
| 1,648,216 | | |
| 82,700.25 | % |
Income before income tax provision | |
| (16,832,172 | ) | |
| 1,324,862 | | |
| (18,157,034 | ) | |
| (1,370.48 | )% |
Provision for income taxes | |
| (71 | ) | |
| 546,825 | | |
| (546,896 | ) | |
| (100.01 | )% |
Net income | |
| (16,832,101 | ) | |
| 778,037 | | |
| (17,610,138 | ) | |
| (2,263.41 | )% |
Net
Revenue
The
following table lists the calculation methods of gross profit and gross profit margin of each type of revenue:
| |
For the years ended October 31, | | |
Changes | |
| |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
Amount | | |
% | |
New energy vehicle sales | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Net revenue | |
$ | 5,908,360 | | |
| 1,443,917 | | |
| 4,464,443 | | |
| 309.19 | % |
Cost of revenue | |
| 5,748,954 | | |
| 1,400,211 | | |
| 4,348,743 | | |
| 310.58 | % |
Gross profit | |
$ | 159,406 | | |
| 43,706 | | |
| 115,700 | | |
| 264.72 | % |
Gross profit margin | |
| 2.70 | % | |
| 3.03 | % | |
| (0.33 | )% | |
| (10.89 | )% |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Franchise initial fees | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net revenue | |
$ | 283,763 | | |
| 8,093,070 | | |
| -7,809,307 | | |
| (96.49 | )% |
Cost of revenue | |
| 693,143 | | |
| 3,509,493 | | |
| -2,816,350 | | |
| (80.25 | )% |
Gross profit | |
$ | (409,380 | ) | |
| 4,583,577 | | |
| -4,992,957 | | |
| (108.93 | )% |
Gross profit margin | |
| (144.27 | )% | |
| 56.64 | % | |
| (200.91 | )% | |
| (354.71 | )% |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Franchisees’ royalties | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net revenue | |
$ | - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Cost of revenue | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Gross profit | |
$ | - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Gross profit margin | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Other services revenues | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net revenue | |
$ | 23,595 | | |
| - | | |
| 23,595 | | |
| -% | |
Cost of revenue | |
| 16,065 | | |
| - | | |
| 16,065 | | |
| -% | |
Gross profit | |
$ | 7,530 | | |
| - | | |
| 7,530 | | |
| -% | |
Gross profit margin | |
| 31.91 | % | |
| - | % | |
| 31.91 | % | |
| -% | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Total | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net revenue | |
$ | 6,215,718 | | |
| 9,536,987 | | |
| (3,321,269 | ) | |
| (34.83 | )% |
Cost of revenue | |
| 6,458,162 | | |
| 4,909,704 | | |
| 1,548,458 | | |
| 31.54 | % |
Gross profit | |
$ | (242,444 | ) | |
| 4,627,283 | | |
| (4,869,727 | ) | |
| (105.24 | )% |
Gross profit margin | |
| (3.90 | )% | |
| 48.52 | % | |
| (52.42 | )% | |
| (108.04 | )% |
Our
net revenues were $6,215,718 for year ended October 31, 2022 as compared to $9,536,987 in 2021, a decrease of $3,321,269 or 34.83%. The
decrease is mainly due to the re-outbreak of the pandemic in China and the increase in the procurement cost of new energy vehicles.
New
Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales
Our
NEVs sales include the sales of NEVs in our Shangli store and sales of NEVs to our franchisees. For years ended October 31, 2022, our
NEVs sales increased by $4,464,443 or 309.19%, from $1,443,917 for years ended October 31, 2021 to $5,908,360 for years ended October
31, 2022. The growth is mainly due to the gradual enrichment of new energy vehicle brands and the increase in sales of franchisees, which
leads to the increase in sales of new energy vehicles
Cost
of revenue was $5,748,954 for years ended October 31, 2022, an increase of $4,348,743 or 310.58%, from $1,400,211 for years ended October
31, 2021. which resulted from the increase in sales for the period.
Gross
profit and gross profit margin were $159,406 and 2.70% for years ended October 31, 2022 as compared to $43,706 and 3.03% for the same
period in 2021, respectively. Due to the increase of procurement cost, the gross profit rate decreased.
Franchisees
initial fees
The
initial franchise fee revenue decreased by $7,809,307 or 96.49% from $8,093,070 for years ended October 31, 2021 to $283,763 for years
ended October 31, 2022. As of October 31, 2022 and 2021 we have entered into franchise agreements with 110 and 87 franchisees, respectively.
Through our new business strategy, some of introduced franchisees are zero-franchise fee but in exchange they are required NEV-sales
objective. The decline is mainly due to the re outbreak of the pandemic in China. People’s interest in investment and consumption has
generally declined, and our market development work has been hindered by the epidemic.
Cost
of revenue was $693,143 for years ended October 31, 2022, a decrease of $2,816,350 or 80.25% from $3,509,493 for years ended October
31, 2021.
Gross
profit and gross profit margin were $ -409,380 and -144.27% for years ended October 31, 2022 as compared to $4,583,577 and 56.64% for
the same period in 2021, respectively. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in revenue.
Franchisees’
royalties
We
may collect royalties based on 10% of net incomes from our franchisees. As of October 31, 2022, we did not generate any revenues through
franchisees’ royalties as our franchisees have yet to generate net income for the period. The revenues from our franchisees are
dependent on the sales of the NEVs which were still small as they mostly just started operation in these two years and comparably large
expenses such as administrative and overhead expenses. Due to COVID-19, the franchisees temporally closed their stores. Even though the
franchise stores are currently re-opened for business, the franchisees still face obstacles in increasing their sales and achieving NEV
sources, the situation may continue until they generate revenues and cross the break-even point in future.
Other
services revenues
Other
service revenues comprised of sublease of vehicles to third party customers with a mark-up to the rental price. Our Other services revenues
was $23,595, and the cost of revenues was $16,065. Gross profit and gross profit rate were $7,530 and 31.91% respectively.
Selling,
General and Administrative Expenses
We incurred selling, general and administrative
expenses of $ 6,692,049 for years ended October 31, 2022, as compared to $2,983,582 for years ended October 31, 2021, an increase of $
3,708,467, or 124.30%. This increase is due to Service charges will increase after listing, rent and labor costs increase.
Provision for credit loss on loans receivable
Provision for credit loss on loans receivable
are come from loans to franchisees with provisions based on credit quality. Impairment losses on loan receivable was $7,267,026 for years
ended October 31, 2022, an increase of $6,958,002 or2,251.61% from $309,024 for years ended October 31, 2021. The Company has made additional
allowance for credit losses due to the aging of the balances and the current market and economic condition.
Write-offs of advances to suppliers
Write-offs of advances to suppliers was 2,942,315
for years ended October 31, 2022. We have filed civil claim suits against certain vendors for failing to deliver the purchased vehicles
according to the terms of the agreements. We demands the vendors to refund the advance paid and to compensate the Company for liquidated
damages. Given the uncertainty of collectability, we have written off the advance paid to the suppliers.
Interest
Expenses
Interest
charges and bank charges are mainly from convertible debenture, bank transfer charges and deposit interest offset. Interest expense as
of October 31, 2022 and 2021 was approximately $1,331,128 and $ -5,734, respectively.
Provision
for Income Taxes
Provision
for income tax was $ 71 during years ended October 31, 2022, a decrease of $ 546,896 or 100.01%, as compared to $546,825 for years ended
October 31, 2021. Under the Income Tax Laws of the PRC, companies are generally subject to income tax at a rate of 25%. The decrease
in provision for income taxes was mainly due to the decrease in income before income tax provision which was $-16,832,172 for years ended
October 31, 2022.as compared to $1,324,862 for years ended October 31, 2021.
Net
Income
Our
net income decreased by $17,610,138 or 2,263.41%, to $-16,832,101 for years ended October 31, 2022, from $ 778,037 for years ended October
31, 2021. Such change was the result of the combination of the changes as discussed above.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
For
the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021
As
of October 31, 2022, we had $2,329,401 in cash and equivalent. The Company’s working capital and other capital needs mainly come
from shareholders’ equity contribution and operating cash flow. Cash is needed to pay for inventory, wages, sales expenses, rent,
income taxes, other operating expenses, and purchases to service debts.
Although
the Company’s management believes that cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet the Company’s normal working
capital requirements, its ability to service its current debt will depend on its future realization of its current assets for at least
the next 12 months. Management took into account historical experience, the economy, trends in the automotive industry, the collectability
of accounts receivable as of October 31, 2022, and the realization of inventory. Based on these considerations, the Company’s management
believes that the Company has sufficient funds to meet its working capital requirements and debt obligations, as they will be due at
least 12 months from the date of financial reporting. However, there is no guarantee that management’s plan will succeed. There
are a number of factors that can arise and cause the company’s plans to fall short, such as demand for NEV vehicles, economic conditions,
competitive pricing in the industry, and the continued support of banks and suppliers. If future cash flow from operations and other
capital resources are insufficient to meet its liquidity needs, the Company may be forced to reduce or delay its anticipated expanding
plans, sell assets, acquire additional debt or equity capital, or refinance all or part of its debt.
The
following table summarizes the company’s cash flow data as of October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021:
| |
For the years ended October 31, | |
| |
2022 | | |
2021 | |
Net cash used in operating activities | |
$ | 8,872,650 | | |
$ | 4,811,137 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | |
| 236,884 | | |
| (1,485,306 | ) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | |
| 3,626,748 | | |
| 12,848,156 | |
Effect of exchange rate on cash | |
| 6,755 | | |
| 56,690 | |
Net increase (decrease) of cash and cash equivalents | |
$ | (5,009,018 | ) | |
$ | 6,551,713 | |
Operating
Activities
Net
cash used in operating activities consists primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization,
accounts receivable and contractual liabilities, and is adjusted for the impact of changes in working capital. Net cash used in operations
as of October 31, 2022 was $8,872,650, representing an increase of $4,061,513 compared to net cash used in operating activities of $4,811,137
for years ended October 31, 2021. The increase in cash used in operating activities is due to the decrease in franchise income and the
increase in management expenses.
Investing
Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities was
approximately $236,884 for years ended October 31, 2022, an increase of $1,722,190 as compared to ($1,485,306) net cash used in investing
activities for years ended October 31, 2021.The increase in cash used in financing activities was due to Redemption of Short-term investment.
Financing
Activities
Net
cash provided by financing activities was approximately $3,626,748 for years ended October 31, 2022, a decrease of $9,221,408, or 71.77%%,
as compared to $12,848,156 net cash provided by financing activities for years ended October 31, 2021. The decrease in cash provided
by financing activities was due to decrease in capital market funding.
Contractual
Obligations
For
the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021
The
Company has one operating leases for its corporate office and retail store. The current lease agreement was signed to cover the lease
for the period from August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2026. The Company does not expect to receive the subsidy from PRC government as the Company
may not meets the requirement of paying RMB 20 million in income taxes to the government, therefore the specific deferred government
subsidy was not recognized.
Operating
lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease
term. The discount rate used to calculate present value is incremental borrowing rate or, if available, the rate implicit in the lease.
The Company determines the incremental borrowing rate for each lease based primarily on its lease term in PRC which is approximately
4.75%.
Operating
lease expenses were $257,563 and $83,639 for the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The
components of lease expense and supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the period are as follows:
| |
Year Ended | |
| |
October 31,
2022 | |
Lease Cost | |
| | |
Operating lease cost (included in general and administrative expenses and cost in the Company’s statement of operations) | |
$ | 257,563 | |
| |
| | |
Other Information | |
| | |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for the year ended October 31, 2022 | |
$ | 224,759 | |
Weighted average remaining lease term – operating leases (in years) | |
| 3.58 | |
Average discount rate – operating lease | |
| 4.75 | % |
The
supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows:
| |
October 31, | | |
October 31, | |
| |
2022 | | |
2021 | |
Operating leases | |
| | |
| |
Right-of-use assets | |
$ | 725,903 | | |
$ | 846,200 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Operating lease liabilities | |
$ | 768,185 | | |
$ | 700,580 | |
The
undiscounted future minimum lease payment schedule as follows:
For the years ending October 31, | |
Amounts | |
2023 | |
| 399,344 | |
2024 | |
| 218,583 | |
2025 | |
| 196,763 | |
Total | |
| 814,690 | |
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
Other
than as disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus, we have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the
payment obligations of any third parties. We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to its shares and classified
as shareholder’s equity or that are not reflected in its consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained
or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such
entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support
to us or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
Critical
Accounting Policies
The
discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon its financial statements,
which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. These principles require the Company’s management to make estimates and judgments
that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses, cash flow and related disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities. The estimates include, but are not limited to, accounts receivable, revenue recognition, inventory realization, impairment
of long-lived assets and income taxes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that
it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. To the extent that there are material
differences between these estimates and the actual results, future financial statements will be affected.
The
Company’s management believes that among their significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 2 to the audited consolidated
financial statements of the Company included in this Registration Statement, the following accounting policies involve a greater degree
of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, the Company’s management believes these are the most critical to fully understand and
evaluate its financial condition and results of operations.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Actual results
and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions. In particular, the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”)
pandemic and the resulting adverse impacts to global economic conditions, as well as our operations, may impact future estimates including,
but not limited to, our allowance for loan losses, inventory valuations, fair value measurements, asset impairment charges and discount
rate assumptions. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. Amounts and
percentages may not total due to rounding.
Accounts
Receivable
Accounts
receivable are recorded at the net value less estimates for expected credit losses. Management regularly reviews outstanding accounts
and provides an allowance for doubtful accounts. When collection of the original invoice amounts is no longer probable, the Company will
either partially or fully write-off the balance against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Loans
Receivable
Loans
receivable are recorded at origination at the fair value less estimates for expected credit losses. Management regularly reviews outstanding
accounts and provides an allowance for credit losses. When collection of the original amounts is no longer probable, the Company will
either partially or fully write-off the balance against the allowance for credit losses.
Revenue
Recognition
In
2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue recognition (“ASC 606”), with final amendments issued in 2016. The underlying principle
of ASC 606 is to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at the amount expected to be collected. ASC
606 creates a five-step model that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of contracts, which includes (1)
identifying the contracts or agreements with a customer, (2) identifying our performance obligations in the contract or agreement, (3)
determining the transaction price, (4) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (5) recognizing
revenue as each performance obligation is satisfied. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that
the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the services it transfers to its clients. The Company has
concluded that the new guidance did not require any significant change to its revenue recognition processes.
The Company’s revenues consist of sales
of vehicle by the Company’s own corporate retail store to third party customers, sales of vehicle to franchisees as a supplier,
fees from retail stores operated by franchisees, and sublease of vehicles to third party customers. Revenues from franchised stores include
initial franchise fees and annual royalties based on a percent of net incomes,.
The
Company recognizes sales of vehicle revenues at the point in time when the Company has transferred physical possession of the goods to
the customer and the customer has accepted the goods, therefore, indicating as control of the goods has been transferred to the customer.
The transaction price is determined and allocated to the product prior to the transfer of the goods to the customer.
The
initial franchise services include a series of performance obligations and an indefinite license to use the Company’s trademark.
The series of performance obligations are specific services and deliverables that are set forth in the agreement and are billed and receivable
as delivered and accepted by the franchisee. These services and deliverables may be customized and are not transferable to other third
parties.
The
royalty revenues are distinct from the initial franchise services. The Company recognizes royalty revenues only when the franchisee has
generated positive annual net income, at which point the Company has the contractual right to request for payment of the royalty. The
royalty is calculated as a percentage of the franchisees’ annual net income.
The Company subleases vehicles to third party and recognizes revenues
over time which is ratably on a monthly basis over the lease period according to the lease agreement.
The
Company estimates potential returns and records such estimates against its gross revenue to arrive at its reported net sales revenue.
The Company has not experienced any sales returns.
Inventory
Inventories,
which are primarily comprised of finished goods for sale, are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using the first-in
first-out method. The Company evaluates the need for reserves associated with obsolete, slow-moving and non-salable inventory by reviewing
net realizable values on a periodic basis. Only defects products can be return to our suppliers.
Income
Taxes
Income
taxes are provided in accordance with ASC No. 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. A deferred tax asset or liability is recorded
for all temporary differences between financial and tax reporting and net operating loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax expense (benefit)
results from the net change during the years of deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Deferred
tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of all
of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in
tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
A
tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained
on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that the relevant
taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information will examine each uncertain tax position. Although the Company believes
the estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected
in the historical income tax provisions and accruals.
Property
and Equipment & Depreciation
Property
and equipment are stated at historical cost net of accumulated depreciation. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Property
and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the following periods:
Equipment | |
5 years |
|
Furniture and fixtures | |
5 years |
|
Motor vehicles | |
10 years |
|
Impairment
of Long-lived assets
The
Company accounts for impairment of property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets in accordance with ASC 360, “Accounting
for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of”, which requires the Company to evaluate a long-lived
asset for recoverability when there is event or circumstance that indicate the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. An
impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable (when carrying amount
exceeds the gross, undiscounted cash flows from use and disposition) and is measured as the excess of the carrying amount over the asset’s
(or asset group’s) fair value.
New
Accounting Pronouncements
In
February of 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02) “Leases (Topic 842)”. ASU 2016-02
requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a
right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted.
For
finance leases, a lessee is required to do the following:
| ● | Recognize
a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the statement of financial
position |
|
● |
Recognize interest on the
lease liability separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statement of comprehensive income |
|
● |
Classify repayments of
the principal portion of the lease liability within financing activities and payments of interest on the lease liability and variable
lease payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. |
For
operating leases, a lessee is required to do the following:
|
● |
Recognize a right-of-use
asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the statement of financial position |
|
● |
Recognize a single lease
cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis |
|
● |
Classify all cash payments
within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. |
In
July, 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-11 (ASU 2018-11), which amends ASC 842 so that entities may elect not
to recast their comparative periods in transition (the “Comparatives Under 840 Option”). ASU 2018-11 allows entities to change
their date of initial application to the beginning of the period of adoption. In doing so, entities would:
|
● |
Apply ASC 840 in the comparative
periods. |
|
● |
Provide the disclosures
required by ASC 840 for all periods that continue to be presented in accordance with ASC 840. |
|
● |
Recognize the effects of
applying ASC 842 as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings for the period of adoption. |
In
addition, the FASB also issued a series of amendments to ASU 2016-02 that address the transition methods available and clarify the guidance
for lessor costs and other aspects of the new lease standard.
The
management will review the accounting pronouncements and plan to adopt the new standard on November 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective
method of adoption. The transition method expedient which allows entities to initially apply the requirements by recognizing a cumulative-effect
adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. As a result of electing this transition method, prior
periods will not be restated. The adoption of this ASU will result in the recording of additional lease assets and liabilities each with
no effect to opening balance of retained earnings as the Company.
In
June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2016-13) related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments.
This pronouncement, along with subsequent ASUs issued to clarify certain provisions of ASU 2016-13, changes the impairment model for
most financial assets and will require the use of an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. Under
this model, entities will be required to estimate the lifetime expected credit loss on such instruments and record an allowance to offset
the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, resulting in a net presentation of the amount expected to be collected on the financial
asset. In developing the estimate for lifetime expected credit loss, entities must incorporate historical experience, current conditions,
and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This announcement is effective as of December 15, 2019 for fiscal years and interim periods
within fiscal years .
The
management is currently evaluating the impact of this update to the consolidated financial statements. Management will evaluate if the
current design for the allowance for loan loss methodology would comply with these new requirements.
In
October 2018, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2018-17) related to related party guidance for variable interest
entities. The amendments in this pronouncement are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is
permitted. The management does not expect it to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
In
December 2019, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement (FASB ASU 2019-12) related to simplifying the accounting for income taxes.
The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020,
with early adoption permitted. The management does not expect it to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Credit
risk
Cash
deposits with banks are held in financial institutions in China, which deposits are not federally insured. Accordingly, the Company has
a concentration of credit risk related to the uninsured part of bank deposits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts
and believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk.
Concentration
The
Company has a concentration risk related to suppliers and customers. The inability of the company to maintain existing relationships
with suppliers or to establish new relationships with customers in the future may have a negative impact on the company’s ability to
obtain goods sold to customers in a price advantageous and timely manner. If the Company is unable to obtain ample supply of goods from
existing suppliers or alternative sources of supply, the Company may be unable to satisfy the orders from its customers, which may have
a material adverse impact on revenue.
The
concentration on sales revenues generated by customers type comprised of the following:
| |
Years Ended | |
| |
October 31, 2022 | | |
October 31, 2021 | | |
October 31, 2020 | |
Third party sales revenues | |
| 5,176,168 | | |
| 83 | % | |
| 1,355,066 | | |
| 15 | % | |
| 258,833 | | |
| 3 | % |
Related party sales revenues | |
| 596,198 | | |
| 10 | % | |
| 88,851 | | |
| 1 | % | |
| 139,780 | | |
| 2 | % |
Third party franchise revenues | |
| 229,818 | | |
| 4 | % | |
| 251,359 | | |
| 3 | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % |
Related party franchise revenues | |
| 53,945 | | |
| 1 | % | |
| 7,841,711 | | |
| 81 | % | |
| 7,811,982 | | |
| 95 | % |
Third party other revenues | |
| 159,589 | | |
| 3 | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % |
Related party other revenues | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % |
Total | |
| 6,215,718 | | |
| 100 | % | |
| 9,536,987 | | |
| 100 | % | |
| 8,210,595 | | |
| 100 | % |
The
concentration of sales revenues generated by third-party customers comprised of the following:
| |
Years Ended | |
| |
October 31, | | |
October 31, | | |
October 31, | |
| |
2022 | | |
2021 | | |
2020 | |
Customer A | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| 24,842 | | |
| 10 | % |
Customer B | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| 20,453 | | |
| 8 | % |
Customer C | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| 20,425 | | |
| 8 | % |
Customer D | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| 20,393 | | |
| 8 | % |
Customer E | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| 408,577 | | |
| 30 | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % |
Customer F | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| 799,865 | | |
| 59 | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % |
Customer G | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| 72,513 | | |
| 5 | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % |
Customer H | |
| 697,056 | | |
| 10 | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % | |
| - | | |
| - | % |
Total | |
| 697,056 | | |
| 10 | % | |
| 1,280,955 | | |
| 94 | % | |
| 86,113 | | |
| 34 | % |
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS,
SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
6.A.
Directors and Management
Set
forth below is information concerning our directors, director nominees, executive officers and other key employees as of the date of
this annual report.
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position(s) |
|
|
|
|
|
Shuibo Zhang |
|
37 |
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director and Chairman of
the Board |
Francis Zhang |
|
43 |
|
Chief Financial Officer, Director |
Richard Chen(1)(2)(3) |
|
44 |
|
Independent Director, Chair of Audit Committee |
Junjun Ge(1)(2)(3) |
|
42 |
|
Independent Director, Chair of Compensation Committee |
Jehn Min Lim(1)(2)(3) |
|
42 |
|
Independent Director, Chair of Nomination Committee |
(1) |
Member of the Audit Committee |
(2) |
Member of the Compensation
Committee |
(3) |
Member of the Nominating
Committee |
The
business address of each of the officers and directors is No.168 Qianjiang Nongchang Gengwen Road, Suite 1501, 15th Floor, Economic and
Technological Development Zone, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China 310000.
Shuibo
Zhang, Chief Executive Officer and Director and Chairman of the Board
Mr.
Shuibo Zhang has been our Chief Executive Officer and Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors since our incorporation. He has
served as Chairman of the Board for Zhejiang Jiuzi New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd. since May 2017. From April 2016 to May 2017, Mr. Zhang
had served as Chairman of the Board for Shandong Ruixing New Energy Vehicles Company Limited. Mr. Zhang was an active investor in several
emerging companies in China, such as Manhattan Restaurant Chain Company, Anhui Hengshenguang Electronics Technology Company, and Shandong
Caozhou Culture Media Company in 2014 to 2015. He also serves as the Vice President of Shandong Chamber of Commerce.
Francis
Zhang, Chief Financial Officer and Director
Mr.
Zhang has been our Chief Financial Officer since August 2020. He was the Executive Director of Shanghai Qianzhe Consulting Co., Ltd and
was mainly responsible for overseas M&A projects, and follow-on investments and management of newly formed financial holding groups.
Prior to that, he served as the Deputy General Manager of Tebon Innovation Capital Co., Ltd and was responsible for its business development
and asset management. From May 2012 to May 2013, he was the Senior Manager of the Investment Department at Sanhua Holding Group, during
which he was in charge of overseas M&A projects, new financial investments, and post-investment management. From May 2010 through
May 2012, Mr. Zhang was the Investment & Asset Management Supervisor at China Calxon Group Co., Ltd.’s Capital Management Centre.
He handled private placement of newly listed companies, took charge of other capital market financing access, and reviewed and appraised
operating investment projects. Prior to that, he served as the Assistant Manager of the Investment Banking Department of KPMG Advisory
(China) Limited from August 2006 to May 2010. He engaged in several auditing and financial advisory projects, which included public-listed
companies and IPO projects. Mr. Zhang earned an MBA degree from the University of Birmingham in 2005, his Master of Science in Finance
with honors from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2004, and his bachelor’s degree in Economy from Zhejiang University of Technology
in 2003.
Richard
Chen, Independent Director, Chair of Audit Committee
Mr.
Chen served as the Chief Financial Officer of Fuqin Fintech Limited from February 2017 to January 2020. He was the partner of CLC LLP
in USA from 2015 to 2017 and from 2020 onward. From 2008 to January 2015, Mr. Chen was the Senior Manager at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Certified Public Accountants LLP, Beijing office, where he was involved in many Chinese companies’ U.S. IPO processes. From 2003
to 2008, he was the Senior Tax Consultant at Grant Thornton LLP, Los Angeles office. Mr. Chen graduated from University of California
Riverside with his bachelor’s degree in Business Economics in 2003.
Junjun
Ge, Independent Director, Chair of Compensation Committee
Mr.
Ge has been the managing partner of Jiangsu Junjin law firm since December 2016 and the legal adviser of many listed companies, private
investment funds and real estate enterprises in China. Mr. Ge has provided extensive legal services in the capital market, including
private equity investments for start-ups, private placements, public offerings in China and abroad, corporate bond issuance for a number
of overseas listed companies, securities compliance of listed companies, mergers and acquisitions, and overall legal services of real
estate group projects. He has also acted as the legal adviser for domestic well-known private equity investment funds. Mr. Ge’s
professional ability and professionalism are well received by clients. From 2005 to December 2016, Mr. Ge worked as an associate attorney
in Jiangsu BeiSiTe Law Firm. In 2011, he was rated as one of the top ten lawyers in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province. He served as a consultant
to several government agencies such as Wuxi Municipal Government and Wuxi Binhu District Government. Mr. Ge graduated from Jiangsu University
with Bachelor of Laws degree in 2005.
Jehn
Ming Lim. Independent Director, Chair of Nomination Committee
Mr.
Lim has over 15 years’ experience in providing financial accounting and advisory services to public and private companies in the
United States. He has been the Chief Financial Officer of Kandi Technologies, Corp. since May 2020. Prior to that, he served as the Chief
Financial Officer of Takung Art Co., Ltd. from February 2019 to May 2020. From January 2013 to February 2019, he was the Managing Director
of a U.S.-based financial consulting firm, Albeck Financial Services, and was mainly responsible for overseeing SEC reporting, GAAP technical
consultation, financial statement audit preparation, due diligence and internal controls compliance services. He has overseen and completed
more than 10 public listing applications for U.S. listed companies in China (through Forms S-1 and F-1, SPAC and Form 10 reverse merger
transactions), and managed multiple projects for U.S. GAAP consulting, SOX 404, pre-audit process, SEC financial reporting, development
of financial forecasting models, and due diligence for IPO and M&A transactions. He also has extensive experience in auditing private
and public companies in his stints as audit manager and senior auditor of two regional accounting firms in the United States from October
2008 through December 2012 and from September 2006 through October 2008, respectively and as an auditor at Ernst & Young in the United
States from September 2004 through to July 2006. Mr. Lim graduated with High Honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara,
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics.
None
of the events listed in Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K has occurred during the past ten years that is material to the evaluation of the
ability or integrity of any of our directors, director nominees or executive officers.
Family
Relationships
There
are no family relationships among any of our directors, director nominees or executive officers as defined in Item 401 of Regulation
S-K.
6.B.
Compensation
Director
Compensation
All
directors hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders at which their respective class of directors is re-elected and until
their successors have been duly elected and qualified. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Employee directors do not receive any compensation for their services. Non-employee directors are entitled to receive an as-yet undetermined
cash fee for serving as directors and may receive option grants from our company. In addition, non-employee directors are entitled to
receive compensation for their actual travel expenses for each Board of Directors meeting attended.
Executive
Compensation
The
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors determined the compensation to be paid to our executive officers based on our financial
and operating performance and prospects, and contributions made by the officers to our success. And our compensation committee approved
our salary and benefit plans. Each of the named officers will be measured by a series of performance criteria by the board of directors,
or the compensation committee on a yearly basis. Such criteria will be set forth based on certain objective parameters such as job
characteristics, required professionalism, management skills, interpersonal skills, related experience, personal performance and overall
corporate performance.
Summary
Compensation Table
The
following table sets forth certain information with respect to compensation for the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, earned by
or paid to our chief executive officer and principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, and our other most highly compensated
executive officers whose total compensation exceeded US$100,000 (the “named executive officers”).
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
Stock | | |
All Other | | |
| |
| |
| |
Salary | | |
Bonus | | |
Awards | | |
Compensation | | |
Total | |
Name and Principal Position | |
Fiscal Year | |
($)(1) | | |
($) | | |
($) | | |
($) | | |
($) | |
Shuibo Zhang, | |
2022 | |
$ | 306,751 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
$ | 306,751 | |
CEO | |
2021 | |
$ | 17,335 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
$ | 17,335 | |
Francis Zhang, | |
2022 | |
$ | 120,000 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
$ | 120,000 | |
CFO | |
2021 | |
$ | 17,335 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
$ | 17,335 | |
Qi Zhang, | |
2022 | |
$ | 38,831 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
$ | 38,831 | |
COO | |
2021 | |
$ | 17,335 | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
$ | 17,335 | |
Employment
Agreements
Our
employment agreements with our officers generally provide for employment for a specific term and pay annual salary, health insurance,
pension insurance, and paid vacation and family leave time. The agreement may be terminated by either party as permitted by law. In the
event of a breach or termination of the agreement by our company, we may be obligated to pay the employee twice the ordinary statutory
rate. In the event of a breach or termination causing loss to our company by the employee, the employee may be required to indemnify
us against loss.
Share Incentive Plan
On July 6, 2021, the
Company adopted the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2021 Plan. Under the 2021 Plan, the Company is authorized to issue an aggregate
of 1,000,000 ordinary shares. On August 18, 2021, the Company 1,000,000 ordinary shares to its certain consultants.
On July 28, 2022, the
Company adopted the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2022 Plan. Under the 2022 Plan, the Company is authorized to issue an aggregate
of 2,000,000 ordinary shares.
On January 17, 2023,
the Company adopted the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2023 Plan. Under the 2023 Plan, the Company is authorized to issue an aggregate
of 1,200,000 ordinary shares. On February 2, 2023, the Company issued 700,000 ordinary shares to its certain consultants.
The following paragraphs
summarize the terms of the 2021 Plan, 2022 Plan and 2023 Plan:
Types of Awards
The 2021 Plan, 2022 Plan
and 2023 Plan each permits the awards of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Bonus Awards
and/or Performance Compensation Awards (as defined in the2021 Plan, 2022 Plan and 2023 Plan).
Plan Administration
Each of the 2021 Plan,
2022 Plan and 2023 Plan each is administered by our compensation committee of the board or individuals authorized by our board. The plan
administrator is entitled to determine the participants who are to receive awards, the number of awards to be granted, and the terms and
conditions of each award grant.
Eligibility
Employees, directors
and officers and the consultants and advisors (and prospective directors, officers, managers, employees, consultants and advisors) of
our company are eligible to participate pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Plan, 2022 Plan and 2023 Plan.
Conditions of Award
The plan administrator
shall determine the participants, types of awards, numbers of shares to be covered by awards, terms and conditions of each award, and
provisions with respect to the vesting schedule, settlement, exercise, repurchase, cancellation, forfeiture, restrictions, limitations
or suspension of awards.
Term of Award
The term of each award
shall be fixed by the administrator and is stated in the award agreement between recipient of an award and us.
Vesting Schedule
In general, the plan
administrator determines the vesting schedule, which is set forth in the award agreement.
Transfer Restrictions
Unless otherwise determined
by the administrator, no award and no right under any such award shall be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed
of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, and
shall not be subject to execution, attachment, or similar process.
Termination and Amendment
Unless terminated earlier,
the 2021 Plan, 2022 Plan and 2023 Plan each has a term of 10 years. The board has the authority to amend or terminate the 2021 Plan, 2022
Plan and 2023 Plan, provided that, such termination or amendment shall not adversely affect in any material way any awards previously
granted unless agreed by the relevant grantee.
6.C. Board
Practices
Board
of Directors and Board Committees
Our
board of directors consists of five directors, three of whom are independent as such term is defined by the Nasdaq Capital Market. We
have determined that Richard Chen, Jehn Ming Lim and Junjun Ge satisfy the “independence” requirements under NASDAQ Rule
5605.
The
directors will be up for re-election at our annual general meeting of shareholders.
A
director is not required to hold any shares in our company by way of qualification. A director who is in any way, whether directly or
indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract with our company is required to declare the nature of his interest at a meeting
of our directors. A director may vote with respect to any contract, proposed contract or arrangement notwithstanding that he may be interested
therein, and if he does so his vote shall be counted and he may be counted in the quorum at any meeting of our directors at which any
such contract or proposed contract or arrangement is considered. Our directors may exercise all the powers of our company to borrow money,
mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, and to issue debentures or other securities whenever money is borrowed
or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of our company or of any third party.
Board
Committees
We
have established three committees under the board of directors: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating committee,
and adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Copies of our committee charters will be posted on our corporate investor relations
website prior to our listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Each
committee’s members and functions are described below.
Audit
Committee. Our audit committee consists of Richard Chen, Junjun Ge and Jehn Ming Lim. Richard Chen is the chair of our audit
committee. The audit committee will oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements
of our company. The audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:
|
● |
appointing the independent
auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors; |
|
● |
reviewing with the independent
auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response; |
|
● |
discussing the annual audited
financial statements with management and the independent auditors; |
|
● |
reviewing the adequacy
and effectiveness of our accounting and internal control policies and procedures and any steps taken to monitor and control major
financial risk exposures; |
|
● |
reviewing and approving
all proposed related party transactions; |
|
● |
meeting separately and
periodically with management and the independent auditors; and |
|
● |
monitoring compliance with
our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance. |
Compensation
Committee. Our compensation committee consists of Junjun Ge, Jehn Ming Lim and Richard Chen. Junjun Ge is the chair of our compensation
committee. The compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:
|
● |
reviewing and approving,
or recommending to the board for its approval, the compensation for our chief executive officer and other executive officers; |
|
● |
reviewing and recommending
to the shareholders for determination with respect to the compensation of our directors; |
|
● |
reviewing periodically
and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements; and |
|
● |
selecting compensation
consultant, legal counsel or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that person’s independence
from management. |
Nominating
Committee. Our nominating committee consists of Jehn Ming Lim, Richard Chen and Junjun Ge. Jehn Ming Lim is the chair of our
nominating committee. The nominating committee will assist the board of directors in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors
and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating committee will be responsible for, among other things:
|
● |
selecting and recommending
to the board nominees for election by the shareholders or appointment by the board; |
|
● |
reviewing annually with
the board the current composition of the board with regards to characteristics such as independence, knowledge, skills, experience
and diversity; |
|
● |
making recommendations
on the frequency and structure of board meetings and monitoring the functioning of the committees of the board; and |
|
● |
advising the board periodically
with regards to significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance as well as our compliance with applicable
laws and regulations, and making recommendations to the board on all matters of corporate governance and on any remedial action to
be taken. |
Duties
of Directors
Under
Cayman Islands law, our directors owe fiduciary duties to our company, including a duty of loyalty, a duty to act honestly and a duty
to act in what they consider in good faith to be in our best interests. Our directors must also exercise their powers only for a proper
purpose. Our directors also owe to our company a duty to act with skill and care. It was previously considered that a director need not
exhibit in the performance of his duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his knowledge and
experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care
and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure
compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time. Our company has the right to seek
damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached. In limited exceptional circumstances, a shareholder may have the right to seek damages
in our name if a duty owed by our directors is breached. In accordance with our amended and restated articles of association, the functions
and powers of our board of directors include, among others, (i) convening shareholders’ annual general meetings and reporting its
work to shareholders at such meetings, (ii) declaring dividends, (iii) appointing officers and determining their terms of offices and
responsibilities, and (iv) approving the transfer of shares of our company, including the registering of such shares in our share register.
Interested
Transactions
A
director may vote, attend a board meeting or sign a document on our behalf with respect to any contract or transaction in which he or
she is interested. A director must promptly disclose the interest to all other directors after becoming aware of the fact that he or
she is interested in a transaction we have entered into or are to enter into. A general notice or disclosure to the board or otherwise
contained in the minutes of a meeting or a written resolution of the board or any committee of the board that a director is a shareholder,
director, officer or trustee of any specified firm or company and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction with such firm or
company will be sufficient disclosure, and, after such general notice, it will not be necessary to give special notice relating to any
particular transaction.
Remuneration
and Borrowing
The
directors may receive such remuneration as our board of directors may determine from time to time. Each director is entitled to be repaid
or prepaid all traveling, hotel and incidental expenses reasonably incurred or expected to be incurred in attending meetings of our board
of directors or committees of our board of directors or shareholder meetings or otherwise in connection with the discharge of his or
her duties as a director. The compensation committee will assist the directors in reviewing and approving the compensation structure
for the directors. Our board of directors may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge our undertakings
and property or any part thereof, to issue debentures, debenture stock and other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security
for any debt, liability or obligation of the company or of any third party.
Terms
of Directors and Officers
Our
directors may be elected by a resolution of our board of directors, or by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. Our directors are
not subject to a term of office and hold office until such time as they are removed from office by ordinary resolution of the shareholders.
A director will cease to be a director if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition
with his creditors; (ii) dies or is found by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind, (iii) resigns his office by notice in writing
to the company, or (iv) without special leave of absence from our board, is absent from three consecutive board meetings and our directors
resolve that his office be vacated.
Our
officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors.
Involvement
in Certain Legal Proceedings
To
the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or officers has been convicted in a criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations
or similar misdemeanors, nor has any been a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the past five years that resulted
in a judgment, decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or
state securities laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities laws, except for matters that were dismissed without
sanction or settlement. Except as set forth in our discussion below in “Related Party Transactions,” our directors and officers
have not been involved in any transactions with us or any of our affiliates or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant
to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
6.D.
Employees
We
had 33 full-time employees as of the date of this annual report. As of the date of this annual report, none of our full-time employees
were located outside of China.
The
following table sets forth a breakdown of our employees by function as of the date of this annual report:
| |
Number of | | |
| |
Department | |
Employees | | |
% of Total | |
Management | |
| 7 | | |
| 21 | % |
Marketing and Sales | |
| 18 | | |
| 55 | % |
Administrative | |
| 8 | | |
| 24 | % |
Total | |
| 33 | | |
| 100 | % |
Our
employees are not represented by a labor organization or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that we maintain a
good working relationship with our employees and we have not experienced any significant labor disputes. We are required under PRC law
to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our employees,
up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time. As required by regulations in China and according to local
government’s requirements, we participate in various employee social security plans that are organized by local governments. We
pay social insurance for some of our employees, covering all five types of social insurance, including pension, medical insurance, work-related
injury insurance, unemployment insurance, and maternity insurance.
6.E.
Share Ownership
The
following tables sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of the date hereof by:
|
● |
each person known to us
to beneficially own more than 5% of our ordinary shares; |
|
● |
each of our officers and
directors; and |
|
● |
all of our officers and
directors as a group. |
Beneficial
ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules and includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Except as indicated
by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to it, that the persons and entities named in the table below
will have, immediately after the completion of this annual report, sole voting and investment power with respect to all stock that they
beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws. All our ordinary shares subject to options or warrants exercisable within
60 days of the completion of this annual report are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by the persons holding those
options or warrants for the purpose of computing the number of shares beneficially owned and the percentage ownership of that person.
They are not, however, deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other
person.
The
calculations in the table below are based on 36,026,309 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of the date hereof.
| |
Amount of | | |
| |
| |
Beneficial | | |
Percentage | |
Principal Shareholders | |
Ownership | | |
Ownership | |
Directors and Named Executive Officers: | |
| | |
| |
Shuibo Zhang (1) | |
| 11,925,000 | | |
| 33.10 | % |
Francis Zhang | |
| — | | |
| — | % |
Qi Zhang | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Richard Chen | |
| — | | |
| — | % |
Junjun Ge | |
| — | | |
| — | % |
Jehn Ming Lim | |
| — | | |
| — | % |
All directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons) | |
| 11,925,000 | | |
| 33.10 | % |
| |
| | | |
| | |
5% Beneficial Owners: | |
| | | |
| | |
Jiuzi One Limited (1) | |
| 11,925,000 | | |
| 33.10 | % |
| (1) | Through
Jiuzi One Limited which is controlled by Shuibo Zhang. |
ITEM 7. MAJOR
SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
7.A. Major
Shareholders
Please
refer to “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — 6.E. Share Ownership.” The company’s
major shareholders do have different voting rights than the other shareholders.
7.B.
Related Party Transactions (FS footnote)
The
franchisees are related parties of the Company due to the nominal, symbolic equity interest ownership in the franchisees. The franchisees
were originally incorporated with the Company shown as a 51.0% owner and subsequently as a 1.25% owner. The intent of having such ownership
percentage in the franchisees was to enable the franchisees to register their respective individual business name to include the words
“Jiuzi” as required by the local business bureau. Subsequent to the successful registration by the franchisees and completion
of the Company’s obligations under the franchise and license agreement, the Company will decrease its ownership interest in these
franchisees to 0%. The Company’s percentage of shareholding is nominal, inconsequential, and symbolic. The Company’s equity
interest of 51.0% and 1.25% in the franchisees were symbolic in nature.
The
Company did not and does not control the franchisees, exert significant influence over the franchisees, have the power to direct the
use of the franchisee’s assets and the fulfillment of their obligations, appoint or dismiss directors, authorized representatives,
or executive officers of the franchisees. Management has also determined that the percentage shareholding in the franchisee is not compensatory
to the Company in nature, and accordingly, would not be subject to consideration as income under revenue recognition criteria. The Company
did not contribute any permanent equity capital in these franchisees and if these franchisees were to incur substantial losses and accumulate
significant liabilities, the Company is not obligated to absorb such losses on behalf of the franchisees. Accordingly, the management
has determined that the financial positions and results of operations of these franchisees should not be included as part of the Company’s
consolidated financial statements.
In
addition, the Company did not and will not receive any actual ownership interest in the franchisees, nor receive any benefits from being
a 51% or 1.25% owner in the franchisees. Any after tax profits generated by the franchisees that are potentially distributable to the
Company are governed by the royalty agreements between the Company and the franchisee not the shareholding percentage. Accordingly, the
management has determined that the ownership interest is not part of the initial franchise fee.
Accounts
receivable from related franchisees comprised of the following:
| |
October 31, 2022 | | |
October 31, 2021 | |
Pingxiang Jiuzi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd | |
| - | | |
| 2,490 | |
Yichun Jiuzi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd | |
| 112,608 | | |
| 149,010 | |
Puyang Guozheng New Energy Vehicle Sales Co., Ltd | |
| - | | |
| 54,144 | |
Wanzai Jiuzi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd | |
| 23,043 | | |
| 78,384 | |
Xinyu Jiuzi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd | |
| 65,352 | | |
| 151,253 | |
Liuyang Jiuzi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Gao’an Jiuzi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd | |
| - | | |
| 36,847 | |
Quanzhou Jiuzi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd | |
| 5,919 | | |
| 20,135 | |
Dongming Jiuzi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd | |
| - | | |
| 9,849 | |
Yulin Jiuzi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd | |
| 8,024 | | |
| 27,295 | |
Total | |
| 214,946 | | |
| 529,407 | |
Accounts
receivables above derived from sales of vehicles supplied to the Company’s franchisees without any special payment terms. Sales
revenues from related parties’ franchisees were $35,085, $88,851 and $139,780 for the years ended October 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020,
respectively
Jiuzi
Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to the Financial Statements
Loan
to related franchisees is comprised of the following (See Note 7 for details):
| |
Gross | | |
Discount | | |
Allowance | | |
Net | | |
Gross | | |
Discount | | |
Allowance | | |
Net | |
Jiangsu
Changshu | |
$ | 356,190 | | |
$ | 41,842 | | |
$ | 208,300 | | |
$ | 106,048 | | |
$ | 268,886 | | |
$ | 31,587 | | |
$ | 9,680 | | |
$ | 227,619 | |
Shandong
Dongming | |
| 627,826 | | |
| 73,752 | | |
| 211,033 | | |
| 343,041 | | |
| 596,145 | | |
| 70,030 | | |
| 23,846 | | |
| 502,269 | |
Jiangxi
Gao’an | |
| 605,621 | | |
| 71,143 | | |
| 287,121 | | |
| 247,357 | | |
| 495,861 | | |
| 58,250 | | |
| 19,834 | | |
| 417,777 | |
Hunan
Huaihua | |
| 719,814 | | |
| 84,558 | | |
| 254,690 | | |
| 380,566 | | |
| 294,331 | | |
| 34,575 | | |
| 10,596 | | |
| 249,160 | |
Jiangxi
Jiujiang | |
| 279,279 | | |
| 32,807 | | |
| 171,188 | | |
| 75,284 | | |
| 446,122 | | |
| 52,407 | | |
| 17,845 | | |
| 375,870 | |
Hunan
Liuyang | |
| 413,509 | | |
| 48,576 | | |
| 223,766 | | |
| 141,167 | | |
| 580,250 | | |
| 68,163 | | |
| 23,210 | | |
| 488,877 | |
Hunan
Loudi | |
| 540,686 | | |
| 63,515 | | |
| 232,408 | | |
| 244,763 | | |
| 583,945 | | |
| 68,597 | | |
| 23,358 | | |
| 491,990 | |
Hunan
Pingjiang | |
| 392,004 | | |
| 46,049 | | |
| 175,230 | | |
| 170,725 | | |
| 564,977 | | |
| 66,369 | | |
| 22,599 | | |
| 476,009 | |
Jiangxi
Pingxiang | |
| 583,694 | | |
| 68,567 | | |
| 299,055 | | |
| 216,072 | | |
| 694,826 | | |
| 81,622 | | |
| 27,793 | | |
| 585,411 | |
Henan
Puyang | |
| 645,124 | | |
| 75,784 | | |
| 245,216 | | |
| 324,124 | | |
| 982,189 | | |
| 115,379 | | |
| 39,288 | | |
| 827,522 | |
Fujian
Quanzhou | |
| 437,376 | | |
| 51,379 | | |
| 288,737 | | |
| 97,260 | | |
| 439,717 | | |
| 51,654 | | |
| 35,177 | | |
| 352,886 | |
Jiangxi
Wanzai | |
| 512,867 | | |
| 60,247 | | |
| 207,450 | | |
| 245,170 | | |
| 557,532 | | |
| 65,494 | | |
| 22,301 | | |
| 469,737 | |
Jiangxi
Xinyu | |
| 921,187 | | |
| 108,213 | | |
| 338,524 | | |
| 474,450 | | |
| 1,191,815 | | |
| 140,004 | | |
| 47,673 | | |
| 1,004,138 | |
Jiangxi
Yichun | |
| 95,301 | | |
| 11,195 | | |
| 50,234 | | |
| 33,872 | | |
| 102,590 | | |
| 12,051 | | |
| 2,873 | | |
| 87,666 | |
Jiangxi
Yudu | |
| 565,823 | | |
| 66,468 | | |
| 264,583 | | |
| 234,772 | | |
| 555,343 | | |
| 65,236 | | |
| 22,214 | | |
| 467,893 | |
Guangdong
Zengcheng | |
| 456,895 | | |
| 53,672 | | |
| 294,661 | | |
| 108,562 | | |
| 544,391 | | |
| 63,950 | | |
| 21,776 | | |
| 458,665 | |
Jiangxi
Shanggao | |
| 594,055 | | |
| 69,784 | | |
| 177,529 | | |
| 346,742 | | |
| 425,216 | | |
| 49,950 | | |
| 17,009 | | |
| 358,257 | |
Shandong
Heze | |
| 856,193 | | |
| 100,578 | | |
| 323,148 | | |
| 432,467 | | |
| 750,382 | | |
| 88,148 | | |
| 30,015 | | |
| 632,219 | |
Jiangxi
Ganzhou | |
| 121,328 | | |
| 14,253 | | |
| 62,408 | | |
| 44,667 | | |
| 122,834 | | |
| 14,429 | | |
| 6,879 | | |
| 101,526 | |
Anhui
Fuyang | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 31,266 | | |
| 3,672 | | |
| 1,876 | | |
| 25,718 | |
Hunan
Liling | |
| 66,105 | | |
| 7,765 | | |
| 20,696 | | |
| 37,644 | | |
| 75,443 | | |
| 8,862 | | |
| 4,527 | | |
| 62,054 | |
Hunan
Zhuzhou | |
| 130,479 | | |
| 15,328 | | |
| 54,913 | | |
| 60,238 | | |
| 109,828 | | |
| 12,902 | | |
| 7,688 | | |
| 89,238 | |
Hunan
Changsha | |
| 8,904 | | |
| 1,046 | | |
| 1,962 | | |
| 5,896 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Guangxi
Guilin | |
| 39,499 | | |
| 4,640 | | |
| 8,703 | | |
| 26,156 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Hunan
Chenzhou | |
| 508,568 | | |
| 59,742 | | |
| 216,675 | | |
| 232,151 | | |
| 556,864 | | |
| 65,416 | | |
| 22,275 | | |
| 469,173 | |
Jiangxi
Ji’an | |
| 572,830 | | |
| 67,291 | | |
| 232,646 | | |
| 272,893 | | |
| 513,019 | | |
| 60,265 | | |
| 20,521 | | |
| 432,233 | |
Guangxi
Nanning | |
| 164,740 | | |
| 19,352 | | |
| 87,227 | | |
| 58,161 | | |
| 183,322 | | |
| 21,535 | | |
| 11,733 | | |
| 150,054 | |
Hunan
Leiyang | |
| 632,745 | | |
| 74,329 | | |
| 221,954 | | |
| 336,462 | | |
| 316,450 | | |
| 37,174 | | |
| 25,316 | | |
| 253,960 | |
Guangdong
Dongguan Changping | |
| 458,637 | | |
| 53,877 | | |
| 137,329 | | |
| 267,431 | | |
| 262,089 | | |
| 30,788 | | |
| 18,870 | | |
| 212,431 | |
Hunan
Changsha County | |
| 61,641 | | |
| 7,241 | | |
| 32,369 | | |
| 22,031 | | |
| 70,348 | | |
| 8,264 | | |
| 3,377 | | |
| 58,707 | |
Guizhou
Zunyi | |
| 242,153 | | |
| 28,446 | | |
| 92,445 | | |
| 121,262 | | |
| 174,745 | | |
| 20,528 | | |
| 11,184 | | |
| 143,033 | |
Jiangsu
Xuzhou | |
| 231,441 | | |
| 27,188 | | |
| 122,605 | | |
| 81,648 | | |
| 264,134 | | |
| 31,028 | | |
| 19,018 | | |
| 214,088 | |
Hunan
Yongxing | |
| 242,475 | | |
| 28,484 | | |
| 119,993 | | |
| 93,998 | | |
| 229,312 | | |
| 26,938 | | |
| 14,676 | | |
| 187,698 | |
Hunan
Hengyang | |
| 168,814 | | |
| 19,831 | | |
| 57,952 | | |
| 91,031 | | |
| 96,830 | | |
| 11,375 | | |
| 5,423 | | |
| 80,032 | |
Hainan
Sanya | |
| 127,994 | | |
| 15,036 | | |
| 112,958 | | |
| 0 | | |
| 83,542 | | |
| 9,814 | | |
| 4,678 | | |
| 69,050 | |
Hunan
Changsha Yuhua | |
| 493,196 | | |
| 57,936 | | |
| 131,535 | | |
| 303,725 | | |
| 281,393 | | |
| 33,056 | | |
| 10,130 | | |
| 238,207 | |
Shandong
Heze Dingtao | |
| 520,592 | | |
| 61,155 | | |
| 140,112 | | |
| 319,325 | | |
| 312,659 | | |
| 36,728 | | |
| 22,511 | | |
| 253,420 | |
Shandong
Heze Yuncheng | |
| 465,800 | | |
| 54,718 | | |
| 158,529 | | |
| 252,553 | | |
| 406,457 | | |
| 47,747 | | |
| 32,517 | | |
| 326,193 | |
Shandong
Heze Gaoxin | |
| 54,860 | | |
| 6,445 | | |
| 17,169 | | |
| 31,246 | | |
| 62,532 | | |
| 7,346 | | |
| 3,752 | | |
| 51,434 | |
Shandong
Zouping | |
| 63,011 | | |
| 7,402 | | |
| 27,280 | | |
| 28,329 | | |
| 56,279 | | |
| 6,611 | | |
| 3,377 | | |
| 46,291 | |
Shandong
Juye | |
| 411,995 | | |
| 48,398 | | |
| 174,963 | | |
| 188,634 | | |
| 470,114 | | |
| 55,225 | | |
| 37,609 | | |
| 377,280 | |
Shandong
Juancheng | |
| 449,363 | | |
| 52,787 | | |
| 134,326 | | |
| 262,250 | | |
| 434,596 | | |
| 51,053 | | |
| 34,768 | | |
| 348,775 | |
Shandong
Shanxian | |
| 494,525 | | |
| 58,093 | | |
| 135,766 | | |
| 300,666 | | |
| 329,855 | | |
| 38,749 | | |
| 26,388 | | |
| 264,718 | |
Jiangxi
Zhangshu | |
| 67,120 | | |
| 7,885 | | |
| 27,949 | | |
| 31,286 | | |
| 45,336 | | |
| 5,326 | | |
| 2,720 | | |
| 37,290 | |
Guangdong
Foshan | |
| 96,776 | | |
| 11,368 | | |
| 43,582 | | |
| 41,826 | | |
| 110,447 | | |
| 12,974 | | |
| 6,185 | | |
| 91,288 | |
Jiangxi
Jingdezhen | |
| 78,079 | | |
| 9,172 | | |
| 18,728 | | |
| 50,179 | | |
| 18,760 | | |
| 2,204 | | |
| 1,125 | | |
| 15,431 | |
Guangxi
Yulin | |
| 391,435 | | |
| 45,982 | | |
| 266,698 | | |
| 78,755 | | |
| 398,554 | | |
| 46,819 | | |
| 15,941 | | |
| 335,794 | |
Shandong
Heze Cao County | |
| 438,404 | | |
| 51,500 | | |
| 137,247 | | |
| 249,657 | | |
| 500,254 | | |
| 58,766 | | |
| 40,019 | | |
| 401,469 | |
Dongguan
Nancheng | |
| 5,479 | | |
| 644 | | |
| 1,207 | | |
| 3,628 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Hubei
Macheng | |
| 99,023 | | |
| 11,632 | | |
| 21,819 | | |
| 65,572 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Shandong
Jining Liangshan | |
| 13,698 | | |
| 1,609 | | |
| 3,018 | | |
| 9,071 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Guangdong
Zhanjiang | |
| 35,957 | | |
| 4,224 | | |
| 7,923 | | |
| 23,810 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Hunan
Hengyang Shigu | |
| 20,547 | | |
| 2,414 | | |
| 4,527 | | |
| 13,606 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Jiangxi
Ji’an Yongfeng | |
| 18,492 | | |
| 2,172 | | |
| 4,075 | | |
| 12,245 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Hunan
Changde | |
| 37,669 | | |
| 4,425 | | |
| 8,300 | | |
| 24,944 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Guangxi
Nanning Jiangnan | |
| 41,095 | | |
| 4,828 | | |
| 9,055 | | |
| 27,212 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Total | |
$ | 17,678,913 | | |
$ | 2,076,767 | | |
$ | 7,309,516 | | |
$ | 8,292,630 | | |
$ | 16,591,780 | | |
$ | 1,949,060 | | |
$ | 832,170 | | |
$ | 13,810,550 | |
Jiuzi
Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to the Financial Statements
The
advances paid above are derived from funds advanced to the Company’s franchisees as working capital to support its operations.
Such advances are due within 18 months.
Accounts
payable to related parties’ franchisees comprised of the following:
| |
October 31, 2022 | | |
October 31, 2021 | |
Liuyang | |
| - | | |
| 13,898 | |
Wanzai | |
| - | | |
| 8,754 | |
Huaihua | |
| - | | |
| 18,744 | |
XinYu | |
| - | | |
| 2,970 | |
Yudu Jiuzi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. | |
| 6,986 | | |
| - | |
Total | |
| 6,986 | | |
| 44,366 | |
Accounts
payable above derived from vehicles purchased by the Company from the franchisees as inventory on a needed basis without any special
payment terms.
Contract
liability – related party comprised of the following:
| |
October 31, 2022 | | |
October 31, 2021 | |
Current Portion | |
| | |
| |
Unearned franchise fee | |
| 825,990 | | |
| 81,474 | |
Customer deposit | |
| - | | |
| 83,330 | |
| |
| 825,990 | | |
| 164,804 | |
Non-current Portion | |
| | | |
| | |
Unearned franchise fee | |
| 150,494 | | |
| - | |
Total, net | |
| 976,484 | | |
| 164,804 | |
Jiuzi
Holdings, Inc.
Notes
to the Financial Statements
Unearned
franchise fee comprised of the following:
| |
October 31, 2022 | | |
October 31, 2021 | |
Unearned franchise fee - current | |
| | |
| |
Hainan Sanya | |
| - | | |
| 48,462 | |
Hunan Changsha | |
| - | | |
| 4,299 | |
Hunan Yueyang | |
| - | | |
| 4,299 | |
Hunan Jishou | |
| - | | |
| 1,563 | |
Zhejiang Hangzhou Xiaoshan | |
| - | | |
| 4,220 | |
Hunan Yueyang Xiangyin | |
| - | | |
| 4,299 | |
Guangdong Zhongshan | |
| - | | |
| 14,332 | |
Zhejing JiaXing | |
| 68,490 | | |
| - | |
Henan Jiuzi New Energy Vehicle Sales and Service Co. LTD | |
| 13,698 | | |
| - | |
Zhejiang Huasu Automobile Service Co., LTD | |
| 68,490 | | |
| - | |
Huzhou Fengtao New Energy Automobile Sales Co., LTD | |
| 41,094 | | |
| - | |
Shandong Shenglong Automobile Sales Co. LTD | |
| 68,490 | | |
| - | |
Nantong Meixinyao Vehicle Sales Service Co., LTD | |
| 27,396 | | |
| - | |
Anhui Auto e-Link Auto Sales Co., LTD | |
| 27,396 | | |
| - | |
Fengshang Network Technology (Shaoxing) Co., LTD | |
| 41,094 | | |
| - | |
Anhui LiuAn | |
| 41,094 | | |
| - | |
Guangxi Qinzhou | |
| 13,698 | | |
| - | |
Guangxi Qinzhou Lingshan | |
| 41,094 | | |
| - | |
Zhejiang Shaoxing Shengzhou | |
| 68,490 | | |
| - | |
Xinjiang Urumqi | |
| 68,490 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Changzhutan | |
| 2,740 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Shaoyang | |
| 1,370 | | |
| - | |
Guangxi Liuzhou (Guangxi Shuangru Trading Co., Ltd.) | |
| 68,490 | | |
| - | |
Guangxi Nanning | |
| 13,697 | | |
| - | |
Guangxi Yulin | |
| 4,109 | | |
| - | |
Guangxi Nanning (Guangxi Zhanyuan Automobile) | |
| 41,094 | | |
| - | |
Guangxi Yulin (Yulin Qihui Automobile) | |
| 82,188 | | |
| - | |
Zhejiang Huzhou | |
| 6,849 | | |
| | |
Sanmen Xian Wuji Automobile Sales | |
| 274 | | |
| - | |
Shandong Yuncheng (Yuncheng Zhanteng New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd.) | |
| 274 | | |
| - | |
Zhejiang Shaoxing Niuniu Automobile Sales Service Co., Ltd. | |
| 274 | | |
| - | |
Yongkang Yijie Automobile Trading Co., LTD | |
| 5,479 | | |
| - | |
Ningbo Jinhui Internet Technology Service Co., LTD | |
| 1,370 | | |
| - | |
Xingtai Wanhua Botian Automobile Trading Co., LTD | |
| 822 | | |
| - | |
Zhejiang Hangzhou Xiaoshan Agent | |
| 822 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Changsha Yuelu Agent | |
| 822 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Yueyang Xiangyin Agent | |
| 822 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Yueyang Yueyang Lou Agent | |
| 822 | | |
| - | |
Guangdong Zhongshan City Agent | |
| 2,740 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Yueyang Miluo Agent | |
| 822 | | |
| - | |
Zhejiang Hangzhou Gongshu Agent | |
| 274 | | |
| - | |
Zhejiang Jiaxing Nanhu Agent | |
| 822 | | |
| - | |
| |
| 825,990 | | |
| 81,474 | |
Unearned franchise fee – non-current | |
| | | |
| | |
Guizhou 320 Automobile Service Co., LTD | |
| 13,698 | | |
| - | |
Yongkang Yijie Automobile Trading Co., LTD | |
| 21,004 | | |
| - | |
Ningbo Jinhui Internet Technology Service Co., LTD | |
| 5,250 | | |
| - | |
Xingtai Wanhua Botian Automobile Trading Co., LTD | |
| 3,219 | | |
| - | |
Zhejiang Hangzhou Xiaoshan Agent | |
| 2,055 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Changsha Yuelu Agent | |
| 2,123 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Yueyang Xiangyin Agent | |
| 2,123 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Yueyang Yueyang Lou Agent | |
| 2,123 | | |
| - | |
Guangdong Zhongshan City Agent | |
| 7,077 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Yueyang Miluo Agent | |
| 2,328 | | |
| - | |
Henan Luohe Yancheng Agent | |
| 2,740 | | |
| - | |
Guangdong Foshan Shunde Agent | |
| 4,109 | | |
| - | |
Chongqing Banan Agent | |
| 1,370 | | |
| - | |
Zhejiang Hangzhou Gongshu Agent | |
| 798 | | |
| - | |
Jiangsu Jingjiang Agent | |
| 2,740 | | |
| - | |
Shanghai Fengxian Agent | |
| 2,740 | | |
| - | |
Chengdu municipal level Agent | |
| 71,230 | | |
| - | |
Zhejiang Jiaxing Nanhu Agent | |
| 2,397 | | |
| - | |
Hunan Hengyang Agent | |
| 1,370 | | |
| - | |
| |
| 150,494 | | |
| - | |
Total | |
| 976,484 | | |
| 81,474 | |
The
deferred revenues above derived from initial franchise fees payments received in advance for services which have not yet been performed.
The initial franchise fees include a series of performance obligations and an indefinite license to use the Company’s trademark.
Amounts are recognized as advances when received, and are recognized as deferred revenues when the minimum amount required under the
franchise or license agreement is attained. The payments are received in advance progressively and are not refundable once the required
amount is attained. Such amounts are recognized as revenues when the Company performed the initial services required under the franchise
or license agreement, which is generally when a specific performance obligation is completed or when and if the franchise or license
agreement is terminated.
Advance
received from related franchisees for purchase car deposits comprised of the following:
| |
October 31, 2022 | | |
October 31, 2021 | |
Guangxi Yulin | |
| - | | |
| 46,898 | |
Hunan Huaihua | |
| - | | |
| 36,432 | |
Total, net | |
| - | | |
| 83,330 | |
The
amount derived from initial franchise deposit received in advance for purchase car. Amounts are recognized as advances when received,
and are recognized as revenues when the performance of obligation has completed.
Related
parties receivables comprised of the following:
| |
October 31, 2022 | | |
October 31, 2021 | |
Mr. Shuibo Zhang | |
| 13,556 | | |
| 296,252 | |
Mr. Qi Zhang | |
| 22,922 | | |
| 38,806 | |
Mr. Ruchun Huang | |
| 30,675 | | |
| 32,491 | |
Total | |
| 67,153 | | |
| 367,549 | |
As
of October 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company has an outstanding receivable of $13,556 and $296,252, respectively, from Mr. Shuibo Zhang,
the Company’s shareholder, director, and officer. The amount was advanced to Mr. Zhang for business purposes. The advances were
considered due on demand in nature and have not been formalized by a promissory note and are non-interest bearing.
As
of October 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company has an outstanding receivable of $22,922 and $38,806, respectively, from Mr. Qi Zhang, the
vice president of marketing department. The amount was advanced to Mr. Zhang for business purposes. The advances were considered due
on demand in nature and have not been formalized by a promissory note and are non-interest bearing and due on demand without a specified
maturity date.
As
of October 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company has an outstanding receivable of $30,675 and $32,491, respectively, from Mr. Ruchun Huang,
the Shangli Jiuzi New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd.’s legal representative. The amount was advanced to Mr. Huang for business purposes.
The advances were considered due on demand in nature and have not been formalized by a promissory note and are non-interest bearing.
Related
parties payables comprised of the following:
| |
October 31, 2022 | | |
October 31, 2021 | |
Mr. Ligui Xu | |
| 6,849 | | |
| - | |
Total | |
| 6,849 | | |
| - | |
As
of October 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company has an outstanding payable of $6,849 and $nil, respectively, to Mr. Ligui Xu, the Company’s
subsidiary legal representative officer. The amount was advanced by Mr. Xu for business purposes. The advances were considered due on
demand in nature and have not been formalized by a promissory note and are non-interest bearing.
Terms
of Directors and Officers
See
“Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—6.C. Board Practices—Terms of Directors and Officers.”
Employment
Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
See
“Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—6.B. Compensation—Employment Agreements.”
Other
Related Party Transactions
During
the year ended October 31, 2022, other than disclosed in elsewhere (including the financial statements for the fiscal years
ended 2021 and accompanying footnotes), we did not have any other related party transactions.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
8.A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Please
refer to Item 18.
Legal
and Administrative Proceedings
Please
refer to “Item 6. Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings.”
Dividend
Policy
We
intend to keep any future earnings to finance the expansion of our business. We do not anticipate that any cash dividends will be paid
in the foreseeable future.
Under
Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend on its shares out of either profit or share premium amount, provided
that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts due in the ordinary
course of business.
If
we determine to pay dividends on any of our ordinary shares in the future, as a holding company, we will be dependent on receipt of funds
from Jiuzi WFOE, Zhejiang Jiuzi, Shangli Jiuzi, Guangxi Zhitongche, or Hangzhou Zhitongche. Current Chinese regulations permit our China
Operating Companies to pay dividends to Jiuzi WFOE only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese
accounting standards and regulations.
Current
PRC regulations permit our indirect PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to Jiuzi HK only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined
in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, each of our subsidiaries in China is required to set aside
at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered
capital. Although the statutory reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses
in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event
of liquidation.
The
PRC government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of the PRC.
Therefore, we may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency
for the payment of dividends from our profits, if any. Furthermore, if our subsidiaries and affiliates in the PRC incur debt on their
own in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments. If we or our
subsidiaries are unable to receive all of the revenues from our operations through the current contractual arrangements, we may be unable
to pay dividends on our ordinary shares.
Cash
dividends, if any, on our ordinary shares will be paid in U.S. dollars. Jiuzi HK may be considered a non-resident enterprise for tax
purposes, so that any dividends WFOE pays to Jiuzi HK may be regarded as China-sourced income and as a result may be subject to PRC withholding
tax at a rate of up to 10%.
In
order for us to pay dividends to our shareholders, we will rely on payments made from Zhejiang Jiuzi to Jiuzi WFOE, pursuant to contractual
arrangements between them, and the distribution of such payments to Jiuzi HK as dividends from WFOE. Certain payments from Zhejiang Jiuzi
to Jiuzi WFOE are subject to PRC taxes, including VAT, urban maintenance and construction tax, educational surcharges. In addition, if
Zhejiang Jiuzi or its subsidiaries or branches incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict
its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.
Pursuant
to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax
Evasion on Income, or the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement, the 10% withholding tax rate may be lowered to 5% if a Hong Kong resident
enterprise owns no less than 25% of a PRC project. However, the 5% withholding tax rate does not automatically apply and certain requirements
must be satisfied, including without limitation that (a) the Hong Kong project must be the beneficial owner of the relevant dividends;
and (b) the Hong Kong project must directly hold no less than 25% share ownership in the PRC project during the 12 consecutive months
preceding its receipt of the dividends.
8.B. Significant
Changes
We
have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual
report.
ITEM 9.
THE OFFER AND LISTING
9.A.
Offer and listing details
Our
ordinary shares have been listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market since May 18, 2021 under the symbol “JZXN.”
9.B. Plan
of distribution
Not
applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.
9.C.
Markets
Our
ordinary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “JZXN.”
9.D.
Selling shareholders
Not
applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.
9.E.
Dilution
Not
applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.
9.F.
Expenses of the issue
Not
applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.
ITEM 10.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
10.A.
Share capital
Founding
Transaction
On
October 10, 2019, we issued 15,000,000 ordinary shares to six shareholders in connection with the incorporation of the Company. The transactions
were not registered under the Securities Act in reliance on an exemption from registration set forth in Section 4(a)(2) promulgated thereunder
as a transaction by the Company not involving any public offering.
Share
Subdivision
On
October 31, 2020, pursuant to a special resolution adopted by its shareholders to amend and restate the memorandum and articles of associations,
the Company conducted a subdivision of its par value (the “Share Subdivision”). Immediately following the Share Subdivision,
the authorized share capital of the Company was $50,000 divided into 50,000,000 shares of a par value of $0.001 each, and the total issued
and outstanding shares were 5,000,000. Subsequent to the Share Subdivision, the Company increased its authorized share capital from 50,000,000
shares to 150,000,000 shares with a par value of $0.001 per share, and issued a stock dividend on 2 for 1 on post-Share Subdivision basis,
whereby each shareholder holding 1 share of the 5,000,000 shares outstanding immediately preceding this stock dividend was issued an
additional 2 shares; therefore, a total of 10,000,000 shares were issued; immediately following this transaction, there were a total
of 15,000,000 shares issued and outstanding.
Initial
Public Offering
On
May 20, 2021, the Company completed an initial public offering pursuant to which it sold 5,200,000 ordinary shares to the investors for
$5.00 per shares for an aggregate offering proceed of $26,000,000. We received net proceeds of approximately $22 million (after
deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering fees and expenses) from the offering.
Private
Placements – Convertible Debentures
Securities
Purchase Agreement dated December 3, 2021
On
December 3, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with an accredited investor (the “Debenture Holder”)
to place a Convertible Debenture (the “Debenture”) with a maturity date of twelve months after the issuance thereof in the
aggregate principal amount of up to $2,500,000, provided that in case of an event of default, the Debenture may become at the Debenture
Holder’s election immediately due and payable. In addition, the Company paid to an affiliate of the Debenture Holder a fee equal
to 5.0% of the amount of the Debenture and a one-time due diligence and structuring fee of $15,000 at the closing. The Debenture was
issued on December 3, 2021.
The
Debenture Holder may convert the Debenture in its sole discretion into the Company’s common shares at any time at the lower of
$2.75 or 92.5% of the of the lowest daily VWAP during the 10 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the conversion date or other
date of determination, provided that the conversion price may not be less than $1.00 (the “Floor Price”). The Debenture Holder
may not convert any portion of a Debenture if such conversion would result in the Debenture Holder beneficially owning more than 4.99%
of Company’s then issued and common shares, provided that such limitation may be waived by the Debenture Holder with 65 days’
notice. Any time after the issuance of the Debenture that the daily VWAP is less than $1.00 for a period of 10 consecutive trading days
in a period of 15 consecutive trading day period (each such occurrence, a “Triggering Event”) and only for so long as such
conditions exist after a Triggering Event, the Company shall make monthly payments beginning on the last calendar day of the month when
the Triggering Date occurred. Each monthly payment shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount outstanding as
of the date of the Triggering Event divided by the number of such monthly payments until maturity, (ii) a redemption premium of 10% of
such principal amount and (iii) accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each payment date.
The
issuance of convertible debentures and the ordinary shares upon conversion are exempted from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act under Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act.
10.B.
Memorandum and articles of association
The
following are summaries of the material provisions of our memorandum and articles of association and the Cayman Islands Companies Act,
insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares. Copies of our memorandum and articles of association are filed as
exhibits to this annual report. As a convenience to potential investors, we provide the below description of Cayman Islands law and our
Articles of Association.
General
Each
Ordinary Share in the Company confers upon the shareholder:
|
● |
the right to one vote at
a meeting of the shareholders of the Company or on any resolution of shareholders; |
|
● |
the right to an equal share
in any dividend paid by the Company; and |
|
● |
the right to an equal share
in the distribution of the surplus assets of the Company on its liquidation. |
All
of our issued ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Certificates representing the ordinary shares are issued in registered
form. Our shareholders may freely hold and vote their ordinary shares.
Listing
Our
ordinary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “JZXN.”
Transfer
Agent and Registrar
The
transfer agent and registrar for our ordinary shares is Transhare Corporation.
Dividends
Subject
to the provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Act and any rights attaching to any class or classes of shares under and in accordance
with the Articles:
|
(a) |
the directors may declare
dividends or distributions out of our funds which are lawfully available for that purpose; and |
|
(b) |
the Company’s shareholders
may, by ordinary resolution, declare dividends but no such dividend shall exceed the amount recommended by the directors. |
Subject
to the requirements of the Cayman Islands Companies Act regarding the application of a company’s share premium account and with
the sanction of an ordinary resolution, dividends may also be declared and paid out of our profits, realized or unrealized, or from any
reserve set aside from profits which our board of directors determine is no longer needed. Under the laws of the Cayman Islands, our
company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if
this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. The directors when
paying dividends to shareholders may make such payment either in cash or in specie.
Unless
provided by the rights attached to a share, no dividend shall bear interest.
Voting
Rights
Subject
to any rights or restrictions as to voting attached to any shares, unless any share carries special voting rights, on a show of hands
every shareholder who is present in person and every person representing a shareholder by proxy shall have one vote. On a poll, every
shareholder who is present in person and every person representing a shareholder by proxy shall have one vote for each share of which
he or the person represented by proxy is the holder. In addition, all shareholders holding shares of a particular class are entitled
to vote at a meeting of the holders of that class of shares. Votes may be given either personally or by proxy.
Variation
of Rights of Shares
Whenever
our capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attaching to any class of share (unless otherwise provided by the
terms of issue of the shares of that class) may be varied either with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than two-thirds
of the issued shares of that class, or with the sanction of a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the holders
of shares of the class present in person or by proxy at a separate general meeting of the holders of shares of that class.
Unless
the terms on which a class of shares was issued state otherwise, the rights conferred on the shareholder holding shares of any class
shall not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with the existing shares of that class
or subsequent to them or the redemption or purchase of any shares of any class by our company. The rights conferred upon the holders
of the shares of any class issued shall not be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of shares with preferred or other rights
including, without limitation, the creation of shares with enhanced or weighted voting rights.
Alteration
of Share Capital
Subject
to the Cayman Islands Companies Act, our shareholders may, by ordinary resolution:
|
(a) |
increase our share capital
by new shares of the amount fixed by that ordinary resolution and with the attached rights, priorities and privileges set out in
that ordinary resolution; |
|
(b) |
consolidate and divide
all or any of our share capital into shares of larger amount than our existing shares; |
|
(c) |
convert all or any of our
paid up shares into stock, and reconvert that stock into paid up shares of any denomination; |
|
(d) |
sub-divide our shares or
any of them into shares of an amount smaller than that fixed, so, however, that in the sub-division, the proportion between the amount
paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in case of the share from which the reduced
share is derived; and |
|
(e) |
cancel shares which, at
the date of the passing of that ordinary resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person and diminish the amount
of our share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled or, in the case of shares without nominal par value, diminish the number
of shares into which our capital is divided. |
Subject
to the Cayman Islands Companies Act and to any rights for the time being conferred on the shareholders holding a particular class of
shares, our shareholders may, by special resolution, reduce its share capital in any way.
Calls
on Shares and Forfeiture
Subject
to the terms of allotment, the directors may make calls on the shareholders in respect of any monies unpaid on their shares including
any premium and each shareholder shall (subject to receiving at least 14 clear days’ notice specifying when and where payment is
to be made), pay to us the amount called on his shares. Shareholders registered as the joint holders of a share shall be jointly and
severally liable to pay all calls in respect of the share. If a call remains unpaid after it has become due and payable the person from
whom it is due and payable shall pay interest on the amount unpaid from the day it became due and payable until it is paid at the rate
fixed by the terms of allotment of the share or in the notice of the call or if no rate is fixed, at the rate of 6 percent per annum.
The directors may, at their discretion, waive payment of the interest wholly or in part.
We
have a first and paramount lien on all shares (whether fully paid up or not) registered in the name of a shareholder (whether solely
or jointly with others). The lien is for all monies payable to us by the shareholder or the shareholder’s estate:
|
(a) |
either alone or jointly
with any other person, whether or not that other person is a shareholder; and |
|
(b) |
whether or not those monies
are presently payable. |
At
any time the directors may declare any share to be wholly or partly exempt from the lien on shares provisions of the articles.
We
may sell, in such manner as the directors may determine, any share on which the sum in respect of which the lien exists is presently
payable, if due notice that such sum is payable has been given (as prescribed by the articles) and, within 14 days of the date on which
the notice is deemed to be given under the articles, such notice has not been complied with.
Unclaimed
Dividend
A
dividend that remains unclaimed for a period of six years after it became due for payment shall be forfeited to, and shall cease to remain
owing by, the company.
Forfeiture
or Surrender of Shares
If
a shareholder fails to pay any call the directors may give to such shareholder not less than 14 clear days’ notice requiring payment
and specifying the amount unpaid including any interest which may have accrued, any expenses which have been incurred by us due to that
person’s default and the place where payment is to be made. The notice shall also contain a warning that if the notice is not complied
with, the shares in respect of which the call is made will be liable to be forfeited.
If
such notice is not complied with, the directors may, before the payment required by the notice has been received, resolve that any share
the subject of that notice be forfeited (which forfeiture shall include all dividends or other monies payable in respect of the forfeited
share and not paid before such forfeiture).
A
forfeited share may be sold, re-allotted or otherwise disposed of on such terms and in such manner as the directors determine and at
any time before a sale, re-allotment or disposition the forfeiture may be cancelled on such terms as the directors think fit.
A
person whose shares have been forfeited shall cease to be a shareholder in respect of the forfeited shares, but shall, notwithstanding
such forfeit, remain liable to pay to us all monies which at the date of forfeiture were payable by him to us in respect of the shares,
together with all expenses and interest from the date of forfeiture or surrender until payment, but his liability shall cease if and
when we receive payment in full of the unpaid amount.
A
declaration, whether statutory or under oath, made by a director or the secretary shall be conclusive evidence that the person making
the declaration is a director or secretary of us and that the particular shares have been forfeited or surrendered on a particular date.
Subject
to the execution of an instrument of transfer, if necessary, the declaration shall constitute good title to the shares.
Share
Premium Account
The
directors shall establish a share premium account and shall carry the credit of such account from time to time to a sum equal to the
amount or value of the premium paid on the issue of any share or capital contributed or such other amounts required by the Cayman Islands
Companies Act.
Redemption
and Purchase of Own Shares
Subject
to the Cayman Islands Companies Act and any rights for the time being conferred on the shareholders holding a particular class of shares,
we may by our directors:
|
(a) |
issue shares that are to
be redeemed or liable to be redeemed, at our option or the shareholder holding those redeemable shares, on the terms and in the manner
its directors determine before the issue of those shares; |
|
(b) |
with the consent by special
resolution of the shareholders holding shares of a particular class, vary the rights attaching to that class of shares so as to provide
that those shares are to be redeemed or are liable to be redeemed at our option on the terms and in the manner which the directors
determine at the time of such variation; and |
|
(c) |
purchase all or any of
our own shares of any class including any redeemable shares on the terms and in the manner which the directors determine at the time
of such purchase. |
We
may make a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of its own shares in any manner authorized by the Cayman Islands Companies
Act, including out of any combination of capital, our profits and the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares.
When
making a payment in respect of the redemption or purchase of shares, the directors may make the payment in cash or in specie (or partly
in one and partly in the other) if so authorized by the terms of the allotment of those shares or by the terms applying to those shares,
or otherwise by agreement with the shareholder holding those shares.
Transfer
of Ordinary Shares
Provided
that a transfer of ordinary shares complies with applicable rules of the Nasdaq, a shareholder may transfer ordinary shares to another
person by completing an instrument of transfer in a common form or in a form prescribed by Nasdaq or in any other form approved by the
directors, executed:
|
(a) |
where the ordinary shares
are fully paid, by or on behalf of that shareholder; and |
|
(b) |
where the ordinary shares
are partly paid, by or on behalf of that shareholder and the transferee. |
The
transferor shall be deemed to remain the holder of an ordinary share until the name of the transferee is entered into the register of
members of the Company.
Where
the ordinary shares in question are not listed on or subject to the rules of Nasdaq, our board of directors may, in its absolute discretion,
decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share that has not been fully paid up or is subject to a company lien. Our board of
directors may also decline to register any transfer of such ordinary share unless:
|
(a) |
the instrument of transfer
is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the ordinary shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board
of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer; |
|
(b) |
the instrument of transfer
is in respect of only one class of ordinary share; |
|
(c) |
the instrument of transfer
is properly stamped, if required; |
|
(d) |
the ordinary share transferred
is fully paid and free of any lien in favor of us; |
|
(e) |
any fee related to the
transfer has been paid to us; and |
|
(f) |
the transfer is not to
more than four joint holders. |
If
our directors refuse to register a transfer, they are required, within one month after the date on which the instrument of transfer was
lodged, to send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
The
registration of transfers may, on 14 calendar days’ notice being given by advertisement in such one or more newspapers or by electronic
means, be suspended and our register of members closed at such times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to
time determine. The registration of transfers, however, may not be suspended, and the register may not be closed, for more than 30 calendar
days in any year
Inspection
of books and records
Holders
of our ordinary shares will have no general right under the Cayman Islands Companies Act to inspect or obtain copies of our register
of members or our corporate records (other than copies of our memorandum and articles of association and register of mortgages and charges,
and any special resolutions passed by our shareholders). Under Cayman Islands law, the names of our current directors can be obtained
from a search conducted at the Registrar of Companies. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether
or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available
to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a
shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
General
Meetings
As
a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obligated by the Cayman Islands Companies Act to call shareholders’ annual general
meetings; accordingly, we may, but shall not be obliged to, in each year hold a general meeting as an annual general meeting. Any annual
general meeting held shall be held at such time and place as may be determined by our board of directors. All general meetings other
than annual general meetings shall be called extraordinary general meetings.
The
directors may convene general meetings whenever they think fit. General meetings shall also be convened on the written requisition of
one or more of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at our general meetings who (together) hold not less than 10 percent of the
rights to vote at such general meeting in accordance with the notice provisions in the articles, specifying the purpose of the meeting
and signed by each of the shareholders making the requisition. If the directors do not convene such meeting for a date not later than
21 clear days’ after the date of receipt of the written requisition, the requisitionists, or any of them representing more than
one-half of the total voting rights of all of the requisitionists, may themselves convene a general meeting, but any meeting so convened
shall be held no later than the day which falls three months after the expiration of the said twenty-one day period.
At
least five clear days’ notice (exclusive of the day on which notice is served or deemed to be served, but inclusive of the day
for which notice is given) of general meeting shall be given to shareholders entitled to attend and vote at such meeting. The notice
shall specify the place, the day and the hour of the meeting and the general nature of that business. In addition, if a resolution is
proposed as a special resolution, the text of that resolution shall be given to all shareholders. Notice of every general meeting shall
also be given to the directors and our auditors.
A
quorum shall consist of the presence (whether in person or represented by proxy) of at least one third of the Company’s outstanding
voting shares.
If,
within half an hour from the time appointed for the general meeting, or at any time during the meeting, a quorum is not present, the
meeting, if convened upon the requisition of shareholders, shall be dissolved. In any other case it shall stand adjourned to the same
day in the next week at the same time and/or place or to such other day, time and/or place as the Directors may determine.
The
chairman may, with the consent of a meeting at which a quorum is present, adjourn the meeting. When a meeting is adjourned for seven
days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in accordance with the articles.
At
any general meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands, unless a poll is (before, or on,
the declaration of the result of the show of hands) demanded by the chairman of the meeting or by any other shareholder or shareholders
collectively present in person or by proxy (or in the case of a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorised representative
or proxy) and holding at least ten percent. in par value of the shares giving a right to attend and vote at the meeting. Unless a poll
is so demanded, a declaration by the chairman as to the result of a resolution and an entry to that effect in the minutes of the meeting,
shall be conclusive evidence of the outcome of a show of hands, without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favor
of, or against, that resolution.
If
a poll is duly demanded it shall be taken in such manner as the chairman directs and the result of the poll shall be deemed to be the
resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded.
In
the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, the chairman of the meeting at which the show of hands takes
place or at which the poll is demanded, shall be entitled to a second or casting vote.
Directors
We
may by ordinary resolution, from time to time, fix the maximum and minimum number of directors to be appointed. Under the Articles, we
are required to have a minimum of one director and the maximum number of Directors shall be unlimited.
A
director may be appointed by ordinary resolution or by the directors. Any appointment may be to fill a vacancy or as an additional director.
Unless
the remuneration of the directors is determined by the shareholders by ordinary resolution, the directors shall be entitled to such remuneration
as the directors may determine.
The
shareholding qualification for directors may be fixed by our shareholders by ordinary resolution and unless and until so fixed no share
qualification shall be required.
A
director may be removed by ordinary resolution.
A
director may at any time resign or retire from office by giving us notice in writing. Unless the notice specifies a different date, the
director shall be deemed to have resigned on the date that the notice is delivered to us.
Subject
to the provisions of the articles, the office of a director may be terminated forthwith if:
|
(a) |
he is prohibited by the
law of the Cayman Islands from acting as a director; |
|
(b) |
he is made bankrupt or
makes an arrangement or composition with his creditors generally; |
|
(c) |
he resigns his office by
notice to us; |
|
(d) |
he only held office as
a director for a fixed term and such term expires; |
|
(e) |
in the opinion of a registered
medical practitioner by whom he is being treated he becomes physically or mentally incapable of acting as a director; |
|
(f) |
he is given notice by the
majority of the other directors (not being less than two in number) to vacate office (without prejudice to any claim for damages
for breach of any agreement relating to the provision of the services of such director); |
|
(g) |
he is made subject to any
law relating to mental health or incompetence, whether by court order or otherwise; or |
|
(h) |
without the consent of
the other directors, he is absent from meetings of directors for continuous period of six months. |
Each
of the compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee shall consist of at least three directors and the
majority of the committee members shall be independent within the meaning of the NASDAQ corporate governance rules. The audit committee
shall consist of at least three directors, all of whom shall be independent within the meaning of the NASDAQ corporate governance rules
and will meet the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10A-3 or Rule 10C-1 of the Exchange Act.
Election
of directors
Under
the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation’s certificate
of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders
on a board of directors since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single
director, which increases the shareholder’s voting power with respect to electing such director. As permitted under the Cayman
Islands Companies Act, our articles do not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, our shareholders are not afforded any less protections
or rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.
Powers
and Duties of Directors
Subject
to the provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Act and our amended and restated memorandum and articles, our business shall be managed
by the directors, who may exercise all our powers. No prior act of the directors shall be invalidated by any subsequent alteration of
our amended and restated memorandum or articles of association. However, to the extent allowed by the Cayman Islands Companies Act, shareholders
may by special resolution validate any prior or future act of the directors which would otherwise be in breach of their duties.
The
directors may delegate any of their powers to any committee consisting of one or more persons who need not be shareholders and may include
non-directors so long as the majority of those persons are directors; any committee so formed shall in the exercise of the powers so
delegated conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the directors. Our board of directors have established an audit committee,
compensation committee, and nomination and corporate governance committee.
The
board of directors may establish any local or divisional board of directors or agency and delegate to it its powers and authorities (with
power to sub-delegate) for managing any of our affairs whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere and may appoint any persons to be members
of a local or divisional board of directors, or to be managers or agents, and may fix their remuneration.
The
directors may from time to time and at any time by power of attorney or in any other manner they determine appoint any person, either
generally or in respect of any specific matter, to be our agent with or without authority for that person to delegate all or any of that
person’s powers.
The
directors may from time to time and at any time by power of attorney or in any other manner they determine appoint any person, whether
nominated directly or indirectly by the directors, to be our attorney or our authorized signatory and for such period and subject to
such conditions as they may think fit. The powers, authorities and discretions, however, must not exceed those vested in, or exercisable,
by the directors under the articles.
The
board of directors may remove any person so appointed and may revoke or vary the delegation.
The
directors may exercise all of our powers to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and assets both present
and future and uncalled capital or any part thereof, to issue debentures and other securities whether outright or as collateral security
for any debt, liability or obligation of ours or our parent undertaking (if any) or any subsidiary undertaking of us or of any third
party.
A
director shall not, as a director, vote in respect of any contract, transaction, arrangement or proposal in which he has an interest
which (together with any interest of any person connected with him) is a material interest (otherwise then by virtue of his interests,
direct or indirect, in shares or debentures or other securities of, or otherwise in or through, us) and if he shall do so his vote shall
not be counted, nor in relation thereto shall he be counted in the quorum present at the meeting, but (in the absence of some other material
interest than is mentioned below) none of these prohibitions shall apply to:
|
(a) |
the giving of any security,
guarantee or indemnity in respect of: |
|
(i) |
money lent or obligations
incurred by him or by any other person for our benefit or any of our subsidiaries; or |
|
(ii) |
a debt or obligation of
ours or any of our subsidiaries for which the director himself has assumed responsibility in whole or in part and whether alone or
jointly with others under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security; |
|
(b) |
where we or any of our
subsidiaries is offering securities in which offer the director is or may be entitled to participate as a holder of securities or
in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of which the director is to or may participate; |
|
(c) |
any contract, transaction,
arrangement or proposal affecting any other body corporate in which he is interested, directly or indirectly and whether as an officer,
shareholder, creditor or otherwise howsoever, provided that he (together with persons connected with him) does not to his knowledge
hold an interest representing one percent or more of any class of the equity share capital of such body corporate (or of any third
body corporate through which his interest is derived) or of the voting rights available to shareholders of the relevant body corporate; |
|
(d) |
any act or thing done or
to be done in respect of any arrangement for the benefit of the employees of us or any of our subsidiaries under which he is not
accorded as a director any privilege or advantage not generally accorded to the employees to whom such arrangement relates; or |
|
(e) |
any matter connected with
the purchase or maintenance for any director of insurance against any liability or (to the extent permitted by the Cayman Islands
Companies Act) indemnities in favor of directors, the funding of expenditure by one or more directors in defending proceedings against
him or them or the doing of anything to enable such director or directors to avoid incurring such expenditure. |
A
director may, as a director, vote (and be counted in the quorum) in respect of any contract, transaction, arrangement or proposal in
which he has an interest which is not a material interest or as described above.
Shareholders’
Suits
In
principle, we will normally be the proper plaintiff to sue for a wrong done to us as a company and as a general rule, a derivative action
may not be brought by a minority shareholder. However, based on English law authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive
authority in the Cayman Islands, the Cayman Islands courts can be expected to follow and apply the common law principles (namely the
rule in Foss v. Harbottle and the exceptions thereto) so that a non-controlling shareholder may be permitted to commence
a class action against or derivative actions in the name of the company to challenge:
|
● |
a company acts or proposes
to act illegally or ultra vires; |
|
● |
the act complained of,
although not ultra vires, could only be effected duly if authorized by more than a simple majority vote that has not been obtained;
and |
|
● |
those who control the company
are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.” |
Dissolution;
Winding Up
Under
the Delaware General Corporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by
shareholders holding 100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors
may it be approved by a simple majority of the corporation’s outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to
include in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board
of directors.
Under
the Cayman Islands Companies Act and our articles, the Company may be wound up by a special resolution of our shareholders, or if the
winding up is initiated by our board of directors, by either a special resolution of our members or, if our company is unable to pay
its debts as they fall due, by an ordinary resolution of our members. In addition, a company may be wound up by an order of the courts
of the Cayman Islands. The court has authority to order winding up in a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the
opinion of the court, just and equitable to do so.
Capitalization
of Profits
The
directors may resolve to capitalize:
|
(a) |
any part of our profits
not required for paying any preferential dividend (whether or not those profits are available for distribution); or |
|
(b) |
any sum standing to the
credit of our share premium account or capital redemption reserve, if any. |
The
amount resolved to be capitalized must be appropriated to the shareholders who would have been entitled to it had it been distributed
by way of dividend and in the same proportions.
Liquidation
Rights
If
we are wound up, the shareholders may, subject to the articles and any other sanction required by the Cayman Islands Companies Act, pass
a special resolution allowing the liquidator to do either or both of the following:
|
(a) |
to divide in specie among
the shareholders the whole or any part of our assets and, for that purpose, to value any assets and to determine how the division
shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholders; and |
|
(b) |
to vest the whole or any
part of the assets in trustees for the benefit of shareholders and those liable to contribute to the winding up. |
The
directors have the authority to present a petition for our winding up to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands on our behalf without
the sanction of a resolution passed at a general meeting.
Register
of Members
Under
the Cayman Islands Companies Act, we must keep a register of members and there should be entered therein:
|
● |
the names and addresses
of our shareholders, together with a statement of the shares held by each shareholder, such statement shall confirm (i) the amount
paid or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each shareholder; (ii) the number and category of shares held by each member,
and (iii) whether each relevant category of shares held by a member carries voting rights under the articles of association of the
company, and if so, whether such voting rights are conditional; |
|
● |
the date on which the name
of any person was entered on the register as a shareholder; and |
|
● |
the date on which any person
ceased to be a shareholder. |
10.C.
Material contracts
We
have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and otherwise described elsewhere in this
annual report.
10.D.
Exchange controls
Regulations
on Foreign Currency Exchange
The
principal regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, most recently
amended in August 2008. Under the PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions,
interest payments and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval
from SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. By contrast, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities
is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital account items, such as direct
investments, repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans, repatriation of investments and investments in securities outside of China.
In
November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign
Direct Investment, which substantially amends and simplifies the current foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening
of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts, such as pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts
and guarantee accounts, the reinvestment of RMB proceeds derived by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange
profits and dividends by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of
SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously. In addition,
SAFE promulgated another circular in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct
investment by foreign investors in the PRC must be conducted by way of registration and banks must process foreign exchange business
relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches. On February 28,
2015, SAFE promulgated the Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving the Administration of the Foreign Exchange Concerning Direct Investment,
or SAFE Notice 13. After SAFE Notice 13 became effective on June 1, 2015, instead of applying for approvals regarding foreign exchange
registrations of foreign direct investment and overseas direct investment from SAFE, entities and individuals may apply for such foreign
exchange registrations from qualified banks. The qualified banks, under the supervision of SAFE, may directly review the applications
and conduct the registration.
On
March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated Circular 19, which expands a pilot reform of the administration of the settlement of the foreign
exchange capitals of foreign-invested enterprises nationwide. Circular 19 came into force and replaced both previous Circular 142 and
Circular 36 on June 1, 2015. On June 9, 2016, SAFE promulgated Circular 16 to further expand and strengthen such reform. Under
Circular 19 and Circular 16, foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC are allowed to use their foreign exchange funds under capital accounts
and RMB funds from exchange settlement for expenditure under current accounts within its business scope or expenditure under capital
accounts permitted by laws and regulations, except that such funds shall not be used for (i) expenditure beyond the enterprise’s
business scope or expenditure prohibited by laws and regulations; (ii) investments in securities or other investments than banks’
principal-secured products; (iii) granting of loans to non-affiliated enterprises, except where it is expressly permitted in the
business license; and (iv) construction or purchase of real estate for purposes other than self-use (except for real estate enterprises).
In
January 2017, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Improving Reform of Foreign Exchange Administration and Optimizing Genuineness
and Compliance Verification, or SAFE Circular 3, which stipulates several capital control measures with respect to the outbound remittance
of profit from domestic entities to offshore entities, including (i) under the principle of genuine transaction, banks shall check
board resolutions regarding profit distribution, the original version of tax filing records and audited financial statements; and (ii) domestic
entities shall hold income to account for previous years’ losses before remitting the profits. Further, according to SAFE
Circular 3, domestic entities shall make detailed explanations of the sources of capital and utilization arrangements, and provide board
resolutions, contracts and other proof when completing the registration procedures in connection with an outbound investment.
Regulations
on Foreign Exchange Registration of Overseas Investment by PRC Residents
SAFE
issued SAFE Circular on Relevant Issues Relating to Domestic Resident’s Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through
Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, that became effective in July 2014, replacing the previous SAFE Circular 75. SAFE
Circular 37 regulates foreign exchange matters in relation to the use of special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, by PRC residents or entities
to seek offshore investment and financing or conduct round trip investment in China. Under SAFE Circular 37, a SPV refers to an offshore
entity established or controlled, directly or indirectly, by PRC residents or entities for the purpose of seeking offshore financing
or making offshore investment, using legitimate onshore or offshore assets or interests, while “round trip investment” refers
to direct investment in China by PRC residents or entities through SPVs, namely, establishing foreign-invested enterprises to obtain
the ownership, control rights and management rights. SAFE Circular 37 provides that, before making contribution into an SPV, PRC residents
or entities are required to complete foreign exchange registration with SAFE or its local branch. SAFE promulgated the Notice on Further
Simplifying and Improving the Administration of the Foreign Exchange Concerning Direct Investment in February 2015, which took effect
on June 1, 2015. This notice has amended SAFE Circular 37 requiring PRC residents or entities to register with qualified banks rather
than SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of
overseas investment or financing.
PRC
residents or entities who had contributed legitimate onshore or offshore interests or assets to SPVs but had not obtained registration
as required before the implementation of the SAFE Circular 37 must register their ownership interests or control in the SPVs with qualified
banks. An amendment to the registration is required if there is a material change with respect to the SPV registered, such as any change
of basic information (including change of the PRC residents, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers
or exchanges of shares, and mergers or divisions. Failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in SAFE Circular 37 and
the subsequent notice, or making misrepresentation on or failure to disclose controllers of the foreign-invested enterprise that is established
through round-trip investment, may result in restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant foreign-invested
enterprise, including payment of dividends and other distributions, such as proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or
liquidation, to its offshore parent or affiliate, and the capital inflow from the offshore parent, and may also subject relevant PRC
residents or entities to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations.
We
are aware that our PRC resident beneficial owners subject to these registration requirements have registered with the Beijing SAFE branch
and/or qualified banks to reflect the recent changes to our corporate structure.
10.E. Taxation
Jiuzi
Holdings Inc. is an exempted company incorporated in Cayman Islands which is not currently subject to any Cayman Islands taxes. Jiuzi
HK is subject to Hong Kong law. Jiuzi WFOE, Zhejiang Jiuzi, Shangli Jiuzi, Guangxi Zhitongche and Hangzhou Zhitongche are subject to
PRC laws. The following sets forth the material Cayman Islands, Chinese and U.S. federal income tax consequences related to an investment
in our ordinary shares.
People’s
Republic of China Taxation
Unless
otherwise noted in the following discussion, this section is the opinion of Capital Equity Legal Group, our PRC counsel, insofar as it
relates to legal conclusions with respect to matters of People’s Republic of China Enterprise Taxation below.
The
following brief description of Chinese enterprise laws is designed to highlight the enterprise-level taxation on our earnings, which
will affect the amount of dividends, if any, we are ultimately able to pay to our shareholders. See “Dividend Policy.”
We
are an exempted holding company incorporated in Cayman Islands with limited liability and we gain income by way of dividends paid to
us from our PRC subsidiaries. The EIT Law and its implementation rules provide that China-sourced income of foreign enterprises, such
as dividends paid by a PRC subsidiary to its equity holders that are non-resident enterprises, will normally be subject to PRC withholding
tax at a rate of 10%, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides
for a preferential tax rate or a tax exemption.
Under
the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of China with a “de facto management body” within China is considered a “resident
enterprise,” which means that it is treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. Although
the implementation rules of the EIT Law define “de facto management body” as a managing body that actually, comprehensively
manage and control the production and operation, staff, accounting, property and other aspects of an enterprise, the only official guidance
for this definition currently available is set forth in SAT Notice 82, which provides guidance on the determination of the tax residence
status of a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise, defined as an enterprise that is incorporated under the laws of a foreign
country or territory and that has a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as its primary controlling shareholder. Although Jiuzi does not
have a PRC enterprise or enterprise group as our primary controlling shareholder and is therefore not a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated
enterprise within the meaning of SAT Notice 82, in the absence of guidance specifically applicable to us, we have applied the guidance
set forth in SAT Notice 82 to evaluate the tax residence status of Jiuzi and its subsidiaries organized outside the PRC.
According
to SAT Notice 82, a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having a
“de facto management body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its worldwide income only if all
of the following criteria are met: (i) the places where senior management and senior management departments that are responsible for
daily production, operation and management of the enterprise perform their duties are mainly located within the territory of China; (ii)
financial decisions (such as money borrowing, lending, financing and financial risk management) and personnel decisions (such as appointment,
dismissal and salary and wages) are decided or need to be decided by organizations or persons located within the territory of China;
(iii) main property, accounting books, corporate seal, the board of directors and files of the minutes of shareholders’ meetings
of the enterprise are located or preserved within the territory of China; and (iv) one half (or more) of the directors or senior
management staff having the right to vote habitually reside within the territory of China.
Currently,
we are not aware of any offshore holding companies with a corporate structure similar to ours that has been deemed a PRC “resident
enterprise” by the PRC tax authorities. Accordingly, we believe that Jiuzi and its offshore subsidiaries should not be treated
as a “resident enterprise” for PRC tax purposes if the criteria for “de facto management body” as set forth in
SAT Notice 82 were deemed applicable to us. However, as the tax residency status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the
PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body” as
applicable to our offshore entities, we will continue to monitor our tax status.
The
implementation rules of the EIT Law provide that, (i) if the enterprise that distributes dividends is domiciled in the PRC or (ii) if
gains are realized from transferring equity interests of enterprises domiciled in the PRC, then such dividends or gains are treated as
China-sourced income. It is not clear how “domicile” may be interpreted under the EIT Law, and it may be interpreted as the
jurisdiction where the enterprise is a tax resident. Therefore, if we are considered as a PRC tax resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes,
any dividends we pay to our overseas shareholders which are non-resident enterprises as well as gains realized by such shareholders from
the transfer of our shares may be regarded as China-sourced income and as a result become subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of
up to 10%. We are unable to provide a “will” opinion because Capital Equity Legal Group, our PRC counsel, believes that it
is more likely than not that the Company and its offshore subsidiaries would be treated as a non-resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes
because we are not aware of any offshore holding companies with a corporate structure similar to ours that has been deemed a PRC “resident
enterprise” by the PRC tax authorities. Therefore, we believe that it is possible but highly unlikely that the income received
by our overseas shareholders will be regarded as China-sourced income.
See
“Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in China” — Under the PRC Enterprise
Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, we may be classified as a “resident enterprise” of China, which could result in unfavorable
tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.
Our
company pays an EIT rate of 25% for WFOE and its subsidiaries. The EIT is calculated based on the entity’s global income as determined
under PRC tax laws and accounting standards. If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise
income tax purposes, we may be required to withhold a 10% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident
enterprises. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders may be subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax on gains realized on the sale
or other disposition of our ordinary share, if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. It is unclear whether our non-PRC
individual shareholders would be subject to any PRC tax on dividends or gains obtained by such non-PRC individual shareholders in the
event we are determined to be a PRC resident enterprise. If any PRC tax were to apply to dividends or gains realized by non-PRC individuals,
it would generally apply at a rate of 20% unless a reduced rate is available under an applicable tax treaty. However, it is also unclear
whether non-PRC shareholders of the Company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence
and the PRC in the event that the Company is treated as a PRC resident enterprise. There is no guidance from the PRC government to indicate
whether or not any tax treaties between the PRC and other countries would apply in circumstances where a non-PRC company was deemed to
be a PRC tax resident, and thus there is no basis for expecting how tax treaty between the PRC and other countries may impact non-resident
enterprises.
Hong
Kong Taxation
Entities
incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to profits tax in Hong Kong at the rate of 16.5% for each of the years ended October 31, 2022 and
2021.
Cayman
Islands Taxation
The
Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is
no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to the Company levied by
the Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or, after execution,
brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable
to any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Payments
of dividends and capital in respect of our ordinary shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will
be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of our ordinary shares, as the case may be, nor will gains derived
from the disposal of our ordinary shares be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax.
United
States Federal Income Taxation
It
is directed to U.S. Holders (as defined below) of our ordinary shares and is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in
effect as of October 31 2022 all of which are subject to change. This description does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating
to an investment in our ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under state, local and other tax laws.
The
following brief description applies only to U.S. Holders (defined below) that hold ordinary shares as capital assets and that have the
U.S. dollar as their functional currency. This brief description is based on the tax laws of the United States in effect as of October
31, 2022 and on U.S. Treasury regulations in effect or, in some cases, proposed, as of October 31, 2022 as well as judicial and administrative
interpretations thereof available on or before such date. All of the foregoing authorities are subject to change, which change could
apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.
The
brief description below of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to “U.S. Holders” will apply to you if you are a beneficial
owner of shares and you are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
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an individual who is a
citizen or resident of the United States; |
|
● |
a corporation (or other
entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof
or the District of Columbia; |
|
● |
an estate whose income
is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
|
● |
a trust that (1) is
subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial
decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
Taxation
of Dividends and Other Distributions on our ordinary share
Subject
to the passive foreign investment company (PFIC) rules (defined below) discussed below, the gross amount of distributions made by us
to you with respect to the ordinary shares (including the amount of any taxes withheld therefrom) will generally be includable in your
gross income as dividend income on the date of receipt by you, but only to the extent that the distribution is paid out of our current
or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). With respect to corporate U.S. Holders,
the dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from
other U.S. corporations.
With
respect to non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individual U.S. Holders, dividends will be taxed at the lower capital gains rate applicable
to qualified dividend income, provided that (1) the ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United
States, or we are eligible for the benefits of an approved qualifying income tax treaty with the United States that includes an exchange
of information program, (2) we are not a PFIC (defined below) for either our taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding
taxable year, and (3) certain holding period requirements are met. Because there is no income tax treaty between the United States and
the Cayman Islands, clause (1) above can be satisfied only if the ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities market
in the United States. Under U.S. Internal Revenue Service authority, ordinary shares are considered for purpose of clause (1) above to
be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States if they are listed on certain exchanges, which presently
include the NASDAQ. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with respect
to our ordinary share, including the effects of any change in law.
Dividends
will constitute foreign source income for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. If the dividends are taxed as qualified dividend income
(as discussed above), the amount of the dividend taken into account for purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit limitation will
be limited to the gross amount of the dividend, multiplied by the reduced rate divided by the highest rate of tax normally applicable
to dividends. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income.
For this purpose, dividends distributed by us with respect to our ordinary share will constitute “passive category income”
but could, in the case of certain U.S. Holders, constitute “general category income.”
To
the extent that the amount of the distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal
income tax principles), it will be treated first as a tax-free return of your tax basis in your ordinary share, and to the extent the
amount of the distribution exceeds your tax basis, the excess will be taxed as capital gain. We do not intend to calculate our earnings
and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, a U.S. Holder should expect that a distribution will be treated as a
dividend even if that distribution would otherwise be treated as a non-taxable return of capital or as capital gain under the rules described
above.
Taxation
of Dispositions of ordinary share
Subject
to the passive foreign investment company rules discussed below, you will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other
taxable disposition of a share equal to the difference between the amount realized (in U.S. dollars) for the share and your tax basis
(in U.S. dollars) in the ordinary share. The gain or loss will be capital gain or loss. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, including
an individual U.S. Holder, who has held the ordinary shares for more than one year, you will generally be eligible for reduced tax rates.
The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any such gain or loss that you recognize will generally be treated as
United States source income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes which will generally limit the availability of foreign
tax credits.
Passive
Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”)
A
non-U.S. corporation is considered a PFIC, as defined in Section 1297(a) of the US Internal Revenue Code, for any taxable year if either:
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at least 75% of its gross
income for such taxable year is passive income; or |
|
● |
at least 50% of the value
of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets during a taxable year) is attributable to assets that produce
or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). |
Passive
income generally includes dividends, interest, rents and royalties (other than rents or royalties derived from the active conduct of
a trade or business) and gains from the disposition of passive assets. We will be treated as owning our proportionate share of the assets
and earning our proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, at least 25% (by
value) of the stock. In determining the value and composition of our assets for purposes of the PFIC asset test, (1) the cash we raise
will generally be considered to be held for the production of passive income and (2) the value of our assets must be determined based
on the market value of our ordinary share from time to time, which could cause the value of our non-passive assets to be less than 50%
of the value of all of our assets on any particular quarterly testing date for purposes of the asset test. Although the law in this regard
is unclear, we intend to treat our subsidiaries as being owned by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and we treat it that way,
not only because we exercise effective control over the operation of such entity but also because we are entitled to substantially all
of its economic benefits, and, as a result, we consolidate its results of operations in our consolidated financial statements.
Assuming
that we are the owner of our subsidiaries for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and based on our operations and the composition of our
assets we do not expect to be treated as a PFIC under the current PFIC rules. However, we must make a separate determination each year
as to whether we are a PFIC, and there can be no assurance with respect to our status as a PFIC for our current taxable year or any future
taxable year. Depending on the amount of cash we raise, together with any other assets held for the production of passive income, it
is possible that, for our current taxable year or for any subsequent taxable year, more than 50% of our assets may be assets held for
the production of passive income. We will make this determination following the end of any particular tax year. Although the law in this
regard is unclear, we are treating Zhejiang Jiuzi as being owned by us for United States federal income tax purposes, not only because
we control their management decisions, but also because we are entitled to the economic benefits associated with Zhejiang Jiuzi, and
as a result, we are treating Zhejiang Jiuzi as our wholly-owned subsidiary for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If we are not treated
as owning Zhejiang Jiuzi for United States federal income tax purposes, we would likely be treated as a PFIC. In addition, because the
value of our assets for purposes of the asset test will generally be determined based on the market price of our ordinary share and because
cash is generally considered to be an asset held for the production of passive income, our PFIC status will depend in large part on the
market price of our ordinary share and the amount of cash.
Accordingly,
fluctuations in the market price of the ordinary shares may cause us to become a PFIC. In addition, the application of the PFIC rules
is subject to uncertainty in several respects and the composition of our income and assets will be affected by how, and how quickly,
we spend the cash we raise. We are under no obligation to take steps to reduce the risk of our being classified as a PFIC, and as stated
above, the determination of the value of our assets will depend upon material facts (including the market price of our ordinary share
from time to time and the amount of cash we raise) that may not be within our control. If we are a PFIC for any year during which you
hold ordinary share, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which you hold ordinary share. However,
if we cease to be a PFIC and you did not previously make a timely “mark-to-market” election as described below, you may avoid
some of the adverse effects of the PFIC regime by making a “purging election” (as described below) with respect to the ordinary
share.
If
we are a PFIC for your taxable year(s) during which you hold ordinary share, you will be subject to special tax rules with respect to
any “excess distribution” that you receive and any gain you realize from a sale or other disposition (including a pledge)
of the ordinary share, unless you make a “mark-to-market” election as discussed below. Distributions you receive in a taxable
year that are greater than 125% of the average annual distributions you received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years
or your holding period for the ordinary shares will be treated as an excess distribution. Under these special tax rules:
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● |
the excess distribution
or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the ordinary share; |
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the amount allocated to
your current taxable year, and any amount allocated to any of your taxable year(s) prior to the first taxable year in which we were
a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and |
|
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the amount allocated to
each of your other taxable year(s) will be subject to the highest tax rate in effect for that year and the interest charge generally
applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such year. |
The
tax liability for amounts allocated to years prior to the year of disposition or “excess distribution” cannot be offset by
any net operating losses for such years, and gains (but not losses) realized on the sale of the ordinary shares cannot be treated as
capital, even if you hold the ordinary shares as capital assets.
A
U.S. Holder of “marketable stock” (as defined below) in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the
US Internal Revenue Code for such stock to elect out of the tax treatment discussed above. If you make a mark-to-market election for
first taxable year which you hold (or are deemed to hold) ordinary share and for which we are determined to be a PFIC, you will include
in your income each year an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the ordinary shares as of the close of such
taxable year over your adjusted basis in such ordinary share, which excess will be treated as ordinary income and not capital gain. You
are allowed an ordinary loss for the excess, if any, of the adjusted basis of the ordinary shares over their fair market value as of
the close of the taxable year. However, such ordinary loss is allowable only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains on the ordinary
shares included in your income for prior taxable years. Amounts included in your income under a mark-to-market election, as well as gain
on the actual sale or other disposition of the ordinary share, are treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment also applies to
any loss realized on the actual sale or disposition of the ordinary share, to the extent that the amount of such loss does not exceed
the net mark-to-market gains previously included for such ordinary share. Your basis in the ordinary shares will be adjusted to reflect
any such income or loss amounts. If you make a valid mark-to-market election, the tax rules that apply to distributions by corporations
which are not PFICs would apply to distributions by us, except that the lower applicable capital gains rate for qualified dividend income
discussed above under “— Taxation of Dividends and Other Distributions on our ordinary share” generally would not apply.
The
mark-to-market election is available only for “marketable stock,” which is stock that is traded in other than de minimis
quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter (“regularly traded”) on a qualified exchange or other market
(as defined in applicable U.S. Treasury regulations), including the NASDAQ. If the ordinary shares are regularly traded on the Nasdaq
and if you are a holder of ordinary shares, the mark-to-market election would be available to you were we to be or become a PFIC.
Alternatively,
a U.S. Holder of stock in a PFIC may make a “qualified electing fund” election under Section 1295(b) of the US Internal Revenue
Code with respect to such PFIC to elect out of the tax treatment discussed above. A U.S. Holder who makes a valid qualified electing
fund election with respect to a PFIC will generally include in gross income for a taxable year such holder’s pro rata share of
the corporation’s earnings and profits for the taxable year. However, the qualified electing fund election is available only if
such PFIC provides such U.S. Holder with certain information regarding its earnings and profits as required under applicable U.S. Treasury
regulations. We do not currently intend to prepare or provide the information that would enable you to make a qualified electing fund
election. If you hold ordinary share in any taxable year in which we are a PFIC, you will be required to file U.S. Internal Revenue Service
Form 8621 in each such year and provide certain annual information regarding such ordinary share, including regarding distributions received
on the ordinary shares and any gain realized on the disposition of the ordinary share.
If
you do not make a timely “mark-to-market” election (as described above), and if we were a PFIC at any time during the period
you hold our ordinary share, then such ordinary share will continue to be treated as stock of a PFIC with respect to you even if we cease
to be a PFIC in a future year, unless you make a “purging election” for the year we cease to be a PFIC. A “purging
election” creates a deemed sale of such ordinary share at their fair market value on the last day of the last year in which we
are treated as a PFIC. The gain recognized by the purging election will be subject to the special tax and interest charge rules treating
the gain as an excess distribution, as described above. As a result of the purging election, you will have a new basis (equal to the
fair market value of the ordinary shares on the last day of the last year in which we are treated as a PFIC) and holding period (which
new holding period will begin the day after such last day) in your ordinary share for tax purposes.
You
are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to your investment in our ordinary share and the elections
discussed above.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding
Dividend
payments with respect to our ordinary share and proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of our ordinary share may be subject to
information reporting to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and possible U.S. backup withholding under Section 3406 of the US Internal
Revenue Code with at a current flat rate of 24%. Backup withholding will not apply, however, to a U.S. Holder who furnishes a correct
taxpayer identification number and makes any other required certification on U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or who is otherwise
exempt from backup withholding. U.S. Holders who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide such certification
on U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the U.S.
information reporting and backup withholding rules.
Backup
withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability,
and you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund
with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and furnishing any required information. We do not intend to withhold taxes for individual shareholders.
However, transactions effected through certain brokers or other intermediaries may be subject to withholding taxes (including backup
withholding), and such brokers or intermediaries may be required by law to withhold such taxes.
Under
the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010, certain U.S. Holders are required to report information relating to our ordinary
share, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for ordinary share held in accounts maintained by certain financial institutions),
by attaching a complete Internal Revenue Service Form 8938, Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets, with their tax return for
each year in which they hold ordinary share.
10.F.
Dividends and paying agents
Not
applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.
10.G.
Statement by experts
Not
applicable for annual reports on Form 20-F.
10.H.
Documents on display
We
are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these requirements, the Company files reports and
other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the Public Reference Room at 100 F Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
The SEC also maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and other information regarding registrants that
file electronically with the SEC.
10.I.
Subsidiary Information
Not
applicable.
ITEM 11.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
See
“Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”
ITEM 12.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
12.A.
Debt Securities
Not
applicable.
12.B.
Warrants and Rights
Not
applicable.
12.C.
Other Securities
Not
applicable.
12.D.
American Depositary Shares
Not
applicable.
Hangzhou Jiuzi Haoche Technology Co., Ltd. was
incorporated on January 21, 2022 under the laws of the People’s Republic of China. Its registered business scope is software outsourcing
services, industrial internet data services, network and information security software development, artificial intelligence application
software development, technology development, consulting and transfer, market planning, convention planning, and cloud computing equipment
technical services. Hangzhou Jiuzi Haoche Technology Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jiuzi New Energy and has a registered capital
with the amount of RMB5,000,000.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements
have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the discharge
of liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. As of October 31, 2022, the Company had an accumulated deficit
of $9,342,111.
The Company plans to establish provincial regional
sales centers nationwide to geographically expand the market and adopt centralized procurement system to reduce overhead cost and obtain
volume discount. The company will also cooperate with more brands of NEV, introduce more quality services and strengthen its publicity
to attract more franchisees to join. Additionally, the Company will be undertaking capital raising activities to provide additional cash
to meet current and future liquidity needs. Management believes that it will be able to obtain the necessary financing and fund future
expansion plans; however, there is no assurance that the Company will be successful in securing sufficient funds to sustain or grow its
operations.
These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s
ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effect
on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the outcome
of these uncertainties. Management believes that the actions presently being taken to obtain additional funding and implement its strategic
plan provides the opportunity for the Company to continue as a going concern.
Restricted cash consists primarily of amounts
preserved under a legal hold due to a complaint by a customer from an on-going litigation or amounts preserved for other purposes as required.
The Company’s revenues consist of sales
of vehicle by the Company’s own corporate retail store to third party customers, sales of vehicle to franchisees as a supplier,
fees from retail stores operated by franchisees, and sublease of vehicles to third party customers. Revenues from franchised stores include
initial franchise fees and annual royalties based on a percent of net incomes.
The Company subleases vehicles to third party and recognizes revenues
over time which is ratably on a monthly basis over the lease period according to the lease agreement.
The Company also consider recent trends in delinquencies
and defaults, recovery rates, age of the loans. and the economic environment in assessing the models used in estimating the allowance
for loan losses, and may adjust the allowance for loan losses to reflect factors that may not be captured in the models. In addition,
the Company periodically consider whether the use of additional metrics would result in improved model performance and revise the models
when appropriate. The provision for loan losses is the periodic expense of maintaining an adequate allowance.
Credit loss was $7,267,026, $309,023 and $305,128
for the years ended October 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company has made additional allowance for credit losses for the
year ended October 31, 2022 due to the aging of the balances and the current market and economic condition which have significant impact on the company’s ability to collect outstanding debts from its franchisees. Accordingly, the Company
has adopted a more conservative estimate for the credit losses, resulting in a higher impairment charge.
The Company extends credit to related franchisees
primarily in the form of lines of credit to purchase vehicles and support their daily operations. Each of the franchisees are assigned
to one of four groups according to risk ratings with Group I demonstrating the best credit history with the Company and Group IV demonstrating
the weakest.
The credit quality of the loans receivables is
evaluated based on the Company’s adjusted aging schedule. The Company regularly reviews the model to confirm the continued business
significance and statistical predictability of the model and may make updates to improve the performance of the model.
The credit quality analysis of franchisee loan
receivables at October 31, 2022 and 2021 was as follows
Operating lease expenses were $257,563 and $83,639
for the years ended October 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The Company has filed civil claim suits against
certain vendors for failing to deliver the purchased vehicles according to the terms of the agreements. The Company demands the vendors
to refund the advance paid and to compensate the Company for liquidated damages. Given the uncertainty of collectability, the Company
has fully written off the advance paid to the suppliers of $2,751,743 as of October 31, 2022, despite the fact that the Company has won
the some of the cases. The details are shown as follows.