PART
I.
ITEM
1.
|
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT
AND ADVISERS
|
Not
applicable.
ITEM
2.
|
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
|
Not
applicable.
A.
|
Selected Financial Data
|
Selected
Consolidated Financial Data
The
following selected consolidated statements of operation data for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and selected
consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The following selected consolidated statements of operations data for the
years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016, 2017 and
2018 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this annual report. Our historical
results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. The selected consolidated financial data should be
read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, our audited consolidated financial statements and
related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” below. Our consolidated financial statements
are prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S.
GAAP.
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Summary Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss)/Income Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
801,545
|
|
|
|
1,149,721
|
|
|
|
1,424,234
|
|
|
|
1,447,899
|
|
|
|
897,035
|
|
|
|
137,477
|
|
General adult ELT(1)
|
|
|
572,135
|
|
|
|
785,480
|
|
|
|
903,756
|
|
|
|
783,988
|
|
|
|
333,500
|
|
|
|
51,111
|
|
Junior ELT
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
65,490
|
|
|
|
167,924
|
|
|
|
130,348
|
|
|
|
19,977
|
|
Overseas training services
|
|
|
180,606
|
|
|
|
228,294
|
|
|
|
223,601
|
|
|
|
203,677
|
|
|
|
130,567
|
|
|
|
20,010
|
|
Online ELT
|
|
|
46,915
|
|
|
|
121,196
|
|
|
|
212,302
|
|
|
|
260,263
|
|
|
|
289,715
|
|
|
|
44,401
|
|
Other English language-related services(2)
|
|
|
1,889
|
|
|
|
14,751
|
|
|
|
19,085
|
|
|
|
32,047
|
|
|
|
12,905
|
|
|
|
1,978
|
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
(344,810
|
)
|
|
|
(467,967
|
)
|
|
|
(627,996
|
)
|
|
|
(755,356
|
)
|
|
|
(607,077
|
)
|
|
|
(93,039
|
)
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
456,735
|
|
|
|
681,754
|
|
|
|
796,238
|
|
|
|
692,543
|
|
|
|
289,958
|
|
|
|
44,438
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and marketing expenses
|
|
|
(268,643
|
)
|
|
|
(373,065
|
)
|
|
|
(425,217
|
)
|
|
|
(437,986
|
)
|
|
|
(310,433
|
)
|
|
|
(47,576
|
)
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
(198,431
|
)
|
|
|
(237,509
|
)
|
|
|
(293,157
|
)
|
|
|
(449,903
|
)
|
|
|
(348,435
|
)
|
|
|
(53,400
|
)
|
Research and development expenses
|
|
|
(18,187
|
)
|
|
|
(21,217
|
)
|
|
|
(26,178
|
)
|
|
|
(32,333
|
)
|
|
|
(31,878
|
)
|
|
|
(4,886
|
)
|
(Loss)/income from operations
|
|
|
(28,526
|
)
|
|
|
49,963
|
|
|
|
51,686
|
|
|
|
(227,679
|
)
|
|
|
(400,788
|
)
|
|
|
(61,424
|
)
|
Other income (expenses):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
2,578
|
|
|
|
4,103
|
|
|
|
1,150
|
|
|
|
1,633
|
|
|
|
448
|
|
|
|
69
|
|
Interest expenses
|
|
|
(769
|
)
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
|
(2,453
|
)
|
|
|
(6,101
|
)
|
|
|
(935
|
)
|
Foreign exchange gain/(loss), net
|
|
|
67
|
|
|
|
(184
|
)
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
(19
|
)
|
|
|
(382
|
)
|
|
|
(59
|
)
|
Gains/(losses) on disposal and closure of subsidiaries and branches
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
583
|
|
|
|
(31,884
|
)
|
|
|
(4,886
|
)
|
Gains on available-for-sale investments
|
|
|
890
|
|
|
|
2,485
|
|
|
|
3,916
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Gains on Short-term investments
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
495
|
|
|
|
76
|
|
Government grants
|
|
|
4,434
|
|
|
|
4,046
|
|
|
|
7,817
|
|
|
|
5,773
|
|
|
|
28,124
|
|
|
|
4,310
|
|
Equity in income /(loss) on equity method investments
|
|
|
(842
|
)
|
|
|
(150
|
)
|
|
|
1,668
|
|
|
|
2,658
|
|
|
|
(1,532
|
)
|
|
|
(235
|
)
|
Others, net
|
|
|
2,890
|
|
|
|
(373
|
|
|
|
1,649
|
|
|
|
4,044
|
|
|
|
4,640
|
|
|
|
711
|
|
(Loss)/income before income tax
|
|
|
(19,278
|
)
|
|
|
59,881
|
|
|
|
67,899
|
|
|
|
(215,460
|
)
|
|
|
(406,980
|
)
|
|
|
(62,373
|
)
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(7,869
|
)
|
|
|
(19,539
|
)
|
|
|
(14,454
|
)
|
|
|
(9,608
|
)
|
|
|
(5,803
|
)
|
|
|
(889
|
)
|
Net (loss)/income
|
|
|
(27,147
|
)
|
|
|
40,342
|
|
|
|
53,445
|
|
|
|
(225,068
|
)
|
|
|
(412,783
|
)
|
|
|
(63,262
|
)
|
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests
|
|
|
(2,862
|
)
|
|
|
(218
|
)
|
|
|
(3,809
|
)
|
|
|
(5,664
|
)
|
|
|
(1,798
|
)
|
|
|
(276
|
)
|
Net (loss)/income attributable to shareholders of the Company
|
|
|
(24,285
|
)
|
|
|
40,560
|
|
|
|
57,254
|
|
|
|
(219,404
|
)
|
|
|
(410,985
|
)
|
|
|
(62,986
|
)
|
Less: Accretion of redeemable owners’ investment
|
|
|
10,577
|
|
|
|
19,000
|
|
|
|
9,814
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net (loss)/income available to shareholders of the Company
|
|
|
(34,862
|
)
|
|
|
21,560
|
|
|
|
47,440
|
|
|
|
(219,404
|
)
|
|
|
(410,985
|
)
|
|
|
(62,986
|
)
|
Comprehensive (loss)/income
|
|
|
(27,147
|
)
|
|
|
40,482
|
|
|
|
53,305
|
|
|
|
(225,068
|
)
|
|
|
(412,783
|
)
|
|
|
(63,262
|
)
|
Net (loss)/income per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Basic
|
|
|
(0.76
|
)
|
|
|
0.47
|
|
|
|
1.04
|
|
|
|
(4.53
|
)
|
|
|
(7.38
|
)
|
|
|
(1.13
|
)
|
- Diluted
|
|
|
(0.76
|
)
|
|
|
0.46
|
|
|
|
1.01
|
|
|
|
(4.53
|
)
|
|
|
(6.24
|
)
|
|
|
(0.96
|
)
|
Weighted average shares used in calculating net (loss)/income per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Basic
|
|
|
45,626,027
|
|
|
|
45,626,027
|
|
|
|
45,626,027
|
|
|
|
48,391,607
|
|
|
|
55,661,445
|
|
|
|
55,661,445
|
|
- Diluted
|
|
|
45,626,027
|
|
|
|
46,997,775
|
|
|
|
46,997,775
|
|
|
|
48,391,607
|
|
|
|
65,842,020
|
|
|
|
65,842,020
|
|
Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted net (loss)/income(3)
|
|
|
(20,590
|
)
|
|
|
48,228
|
|
|
|
75,859
|
|
|
|
(100,284
|
)
|
|
|
(319,409
|
)
|
|
|
(48,951
|
)
|
Adjusted net (loss)/income margin(4)
|
|
|
(2.6
|
)%
|
|
|
4.2
|
%
|
|
|
5.3
|
%
|
|
|
(6.9
|
)%
|
|
|
(35.6
|
)%
|
|
|
(35.6
|
)%
|
Adjusted EBITDA(3)
|
|
|
17,129
|
|
|
|
100,441
|
|
|
|
144,115
|
|
|
|
(31,403
|
)
|
|
|
(252,003
|
)
|
|
|
(38,621
|
)
|
Adjusted EBITDA margin(5)
|
|
|
2.1
|
%
|
|
|
8.7
|
%
|
|
|
10.1
|
%
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)%
|
|
|
(28.1
|
)%
|
|
|
(28.1
|
)%
|
(1)
|
Includes
revenue from the sales of goods, such as education materials and food and beverages sold at our self-operated learning centers.
|
(2)
|
Comprise
primarily of (i) franchise fees Meten received from its franchised learning centers under the “Meten” brand
and the “ABC” brand ; and (ii) revenue from our “Shuangge English” App, which had over 24,600,
26,787, 9,859, 814 and 411 paying users for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
|
(3)
|
To supplement
our consolidated financial statements which are presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we also use adjusted net income/(loss)
and adjusted EBITDA as additional non-GAAP financial measures. We present these non-GAAP financial measures because they are
used by its management to evaluate its operating performance. We also believe that such non-GAAP financial measures provide
useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating its consolidated results of operations in the same
manner as its management and in comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of its peer companies.
|
Adjusted
net income/(loss) and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or construed as alternatives to net income/(loss)
or any other measure of performance or as indicators of our operating performance. Investors are encouraged to compare the historical
non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Adjusted net income/(loss) and adjusted EBITDA presented
herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly
titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to our data. We encourage investors and others
to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
Adjusted
net income/(loss) represents net income/(loss) before share-based compensation, offering expenses and warrant financing
expenses. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of Meten’s adjusted net income/(loss) for the periods
indicated:
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Net (loss)/income
|
|
|
(27,147
|
)
|
|
|
40,342
|
|
|
|
53,445
|
|
|
|
(225,068
|
)
|
|
|
(412,783
|
)
|
|
|
(63,262
|
)
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation expenses
|
|
|
6,557
|
|
|
|
7,886
|
|
|
|
7,648
|
|
|
|
96,661
|
|
|
|
52,256
|
|
|
|
8,009
|
|
Offering expenses
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
14,766
|
|
|
|
28,123
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Warrant financing
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
41,118
|
|
|
|
6,302
|
|
Adjusted net (loss)/income
|
|
|
(20,590
|
)
|
|
|
48,228
|
|
|
|
75,859
|
|
|
|
(100,284
|
)
|
|
|
(319,409
|
)
|
|
|
(48,951
|
)
|
In
addition, adjusted EBITDA represents the net income/(loss) before interest expenses, income tax expenses, depreciation and amortization,
and excluding share-based compensation expenses, offering expenses and warrant financing. The table below sets
forth a reconciliation of our adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Net (loss)/income
|
|
|
(27,147
|
)
|
|
|
40,342
|
|
|
|
53,445
|
|
|
|
(225,068
|
)
|
|
|
(412,783
|
)
|
|
|
(63,262
|
)
|
Subtract:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest income/(loss)
|
|
|
1,809
|
|
|
|
4,094
|
|
|
|
1,142
|
|
|
|
(820
|
)
|
|
|
(5,653
|
)
|
|
|
(866
|
)
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
7,869
|
|
|
|
19,539
|
|
|
|
14,454
|
|
|
|
9,608
|
|
|
|
5,803
|
|
|
|
889
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
31,659
|
|
|
|
36,768
|
|
|
|
54,944
|
|
|
|
58,453
|
|
|
|
55,950
|
|
|
|
8,575
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
10,572
|
|
|
|
92,555
|
|
|
|
121,701
|
|
|
|
(156,187
|
)
|
|
|
(345,377
|
)
|
|
|
(52,932
|
)
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation expenses
|
|
|
6,557
|
|
|
|
7,886
|
|
|
|
7,648
|
|
|
|
96,661
|
|
|
|
52,256
|
|
|
|
8,009
|
|
Offering expenses
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
14,766
|
|
|
|
28,123
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Warrant financing
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
41,118
|
|
|
|
6,302
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
17,129
|
|
|
|
100,441
|
|
|
|
144,115
|
|
|
|
(31,403
|
)
|
|
|
(252,003
|
)
|
|
|
(38,621
|
)
|
(4)
|
Adjusted
net (loss)/income margin is calculated by dividing adjusted net (loss)/income by revenues.
|
(5)
|
Adjusted
EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenues.
|
The
following table presents our selected consolidated balance sheet data as of the dates indicated:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Summary Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
187,454
|
|
|
|
321,776
|
|
|
|
174,679
|
|
|
|
140,132
|
|
|
|
90,115
|
|
|
|
13,811
|
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets(1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
484,225
|
|
|
|
322,559
|
|
|
|
49,434
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
654,273
|
|
|
|
905,514
|
|
|
|
1,006,746
|
|
|
|
1,463,565
|
|
|
|
1,098,830
|
|
|
|
168,404
|
|
Deferred revenue (current)
|
|
|
284,937
|
|
|
|
341,328
|
|
|
|
432,083
|
|
|
|
408,287
|
|
|
|
341,934
|
|
|
|
52,404
|
|
Deferred revenue (non-current)
|
|
|
39,845
|
|
|
|
42,707
|
|
|
|
52,169
|
|
|
|
60,528
|
|
|
|
46,927
|
|
|
|
7,192
|
|
Financial liabilities from contract with customers
|
|
|
336,837
|
|
|
|
437,027
|
|
|
|
423,163
|
|
|
|
490,095
|
|
|
|
384,561
|
|
|
|
58,937
|
|
Operating lease liabilities (current) (1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
142,155
|
|
|
|
131,151
|
|
|
|
20,100
|
|
Operating lease liabilities (non-current) (1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
333,613
|
|
|
|
200,409
|
|
|
|
30,714
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
756,997
|
|
|
|
958,870
|
|
|
|
1,121,349
|
|
|
|
1,706,504
|
|
|
|
1,461,372
|
|
|
|
223,966
|
|
Total mezzanine equity
|
|
|
200,619
|
|
|
|
219,619
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total shareholders’ deficit
|
|
|
(303,343
|
)
|
|
|
(272,975
|
)
|
|
|
(114,603
|
)
|
|
|
(242,939
|
)
|
|
|
(362,542
|
)
|
|
|
(55,562
|
)
|
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ deficit
|
|
|
654,273
|
|
|
|
905,514
|
|
|
|
1,006,746
|
|
|
|
1,463,565
|
|
|
|
1,098,830
|
|
|
|
168,404
|
|
(1)
|
In February
2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). The guidance requires a lessee to
recognize right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all lease obligations and
disclose key information about leasing arrangements, such as the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from
leases. The guidance requires modified retrospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 2018 for public companies; however, early adoption is permitted. Meten adopted this standard as of January 1, 2019.
|
|
B.
|
Capitalization
and Indebtedness
|
Not
applicable.
|
C.
|
Reasons
for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
|
Not
applicable.
Risks
Relating to Our Business and Operations
Failure
to attract and retain students to enroll in our courses would have a material adverse impact on our business and prospects.
The
success of our business depends primarily on the number of student enrollments in the offline courses we offer at our learning
centers, the number of paying users on our “Likeshuo” online platform, and the amount of our course fees. As a result,
our ability to attract students to enroll in our courses is critical to the continued success and growth of our business. This,
in turn, will depend on several factors, including, among others, our ability to develop new educational programs and enhance
existing educational programs to respond to the changes in market trends, student demands and government policies, to maintain
our consistent and high teaching quality, to market our programs to a broader prospective student base, to develop additional
high-quality educational content, sites and availability of our learning centers and to respond effectively to competitive
market pressures.
If
our students perceive that our education quality deteriorated due to unsatisfying learning experiences, which may be subject to
a number of subjective judgments that we have limited or no influence over, our overall market reputation may diminish, which
in turn may affect our word-of-mouth referrals and ultimately our student enrollment. In addition, the expansion of our offering
of courses and services may not succeed due to competition, our failure to effectively market our new courses and services, maintain
the quality of our courses and services, or other factors. We may be unable to develop and offer additional educational content
on commercially reasonable terms and in a timely manner, or at all, to keep pace with changes in market trends and student demands.
Moreover, we cannot assure you that we will always be able to maintain or increase our course fee levels without compromising
our student enrollment, which may materially and adversely affect our revenues and profitability. In addition, international relations
and policies related to overseas study of Chinese students may become volatile or unfavorable to our existing and prospective
students who plan to study abroad due to various factors that are beyond our control, which could materially and adversely affect
our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
If
we are unable to continue to attract students to enroll in our courses, our revenue may decline, which would have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our
business depends on the market recognition of our brands and if we are not able to maintain our reputation and enhance our brand
recognition, our business and operating results would be harmed.
We
believe that our success is heavily dependent on the market recognition of our brand names, including our “Meten”
and “Likeshuo” brands, as well as the “ABC” brand associated with ABC Education Group, which we acquired
in June 2018. Our ability to maintain our brand recognition and reputation depends on a number of factors, some of which
are beyond our control. It may become difficult to maintain the quality and consistency of the services we offer while we continue
to grow in size and expand our business and services, which in turn may lead to diminishing confidence in our brand names.
Our
ability to maintain and enhance our brand recognition and reputation depends primarily on the following factors:
|
●
|
the
perceived effectiveness and quality of our courses, services and teaching staff;
|
|
●
|
the
quality and coverage of our course portfolio, value of courses, services and functions and the quality, variety and appeal
of content available of the courses and services offered at our learning centers and on our “Likeshuo” platform;
|
|
●
|
the
reliability of the courses offered at our learning centers and through our “Likeshuo” platform, as well as the
commitment to high levels of service, reliability, security and data protection by the merchants, our franchised learning
centers and other participants in our ecosystem; and
|
|
●
|
the effectiveness
of our operational system governing the courses and services offered at our learning centers and on our “Likeshuo”
platform.
|
We
have developed our student base primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. We have also invested significantly in brand promotion
initiatives by conducting certain marketing activities, including, but not limited to, advertisement through our cost per sale
merchants, which are generally publishers and website owners that are paid by us on the basis of the number of sales that are
directly generated by an advertisement, and major search engines, as well as on social media platforms. However, we cannot assure
you that these or our other marketing efforts will be successful in promoting our brands to remain competitive. If we are unable
to further enhance our brand recognition and increase awareness of our services, or if we incur excessive sales and marketing
expenses or if we are required to incur excessive sales and marketing expenses in order to remain competitive, our business and
results of operations would be materially and adversely affected. The sales and marketing expense may also increase as we further
develop and expand our business. In addition, any negative publicity relating to the general ELT market in China, our Company
or services, regardless of its veracity, could damage our reputation and in turn cause material and adverse harm to our business
and results of operations. Furthermore, certain enterprises in various industries in China have brand names that are similar to
ours and may result in name confusion to our existing and prospective customers. Any negative publicity associated with these
enterprises may have an adverse impact on our reputation and brand recognition, which is beyond our control, and could cause harm
to our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
We
are subject to uncertainties brought by the Amended Private Education Promotion Law and other rules, regulations and opinions
promulgated by the PRC government from time to time.
Our
business is regulated by certain rules and regulations, including the Amended Private Education Promotion Law, which became effective
on September 1, 2017. The Amended Private Education Promotion Law classifies private schools into non-profit schools
and for-profit schools by whether they are established and operated for profit-making purposes. The sponsors of private
schools may at their own discretion choose to establish non-profit or for-profit private schools, but the Amended Private
Education Promotion Law does not allow sponsors to establish for-profit private schools that engage in compulsory education.
According to the Amended Private Education Promotion Law, for-profit private training institutions, such as our learning
centers, are classified as private schools and are required to obtain private school operating permits.
According
to the Several Opinions of the State Council on Encouraging Social Resources to Invest in Education and Promote Sound Development
of Private Education, after the Amended Private Education Promotion Law came into force, the provincial government authorities
must issue their own implementation opinions and licensing measures in relation to the specific implementation methods and operative
approaches of the amended law based on local conditions. However, whether and how educational authorities regulate private training
institutions vary from region to region, especially after the Ministry of Education, or the MOE, issued the Draft Implementation
Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law on April 20, 2018, and requested public comment. On August 10, 2018, the
Ministry of Justice of the PRC published the committee draft of the Regulations on the Implementation of the Law on Promoting
Private Education in the PRC (Revised Draft), or the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law,
and requested public comment. According to the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law, which
further classifies private training institutions, a private training institution for language, art, sports, science and technology
teaching and a private training institution for cultural education or non-academic continuing education for adults can directly
apply for the registration to the local administrative departments for industry and commerce. As advised by Commerce &
Finance Law Offices, or our PRC counsel, if the abovementioned Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Promotion
Law is enacted as proposed and our learning centers are deemed to be private training institutions for language teaching by the
relevant authorities under clause 15 of the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law,
our learning centers will not be required to obtain private school operating permits from the PRC education authorities. However,
as the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law is still in its draft form, there can be no
assurance that it will be enacted as proposed or at all, and there are also uncertainties as to the interpretation and implementation
of the regulations by the relevant authorities. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in complying with the newly promulgated
regulations. If we cannot fully comply with such regulations, our business, results of operations and reputation could be materially
and adversely affected.
On
November 20, 2018, the General Office of MOE, the General Office of the State Administration for Market Regulation and the
General Office of Ministry of Emergency Management jointly issued the Notice on Improving Several Working Mechanisms for Special
Governance and Rectification of After-School Training Institutions, or Circular 10, which became effective on the same
date. For details of the requirements of Circular 10, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations
on Private Education in the PRC.” According to Circular 10, for institutions that carry out academic training activities
without permits, non-academic training institutions that carry out academic training activities and other institutions that
carry out illegal training activities, the education authorities, in collaboration with other relevant government departments,
shall order them to cease their business, restrict their legal representatives to engage in training activities for primary and
secondary school students and refer to the market supervision authority to revoke their business licenses. By the end of 2018,
there should be no training institutions that are still carrying out training activities without permits or licenses. The local
government authorities may propose a practical rectification plan to ensure that the rectification could be completed by the end
of the year. As of the date of this annual report, a majority of our self-operated learning centers did not have the relevant
private school operating permits. As of December 31, 2020, no learning centers of our Group that did not have the relevant private
school operating permits have been ordered by the government authorities to suspend their operations for rectification, cease
business operations or revoke their business licenses. However, we cannot assure you that the PRC government authorities will
not extend the rectification period or carry out the similar special governance and rectification of after-school training institutions
from time to time. In addition, we cannot assure you that the training services we offer, including general adult ELT (which is
designed for students aged 15 and above) and junior ELT (which is designed for students aged six to 18), will be deemed “non-academic”
in nature by the relevant PRC education authorities. If such training services are deemed “academic,” the government
authorities could order the learning centers which are deemed to be “non-academic” providing such training services
to cease their business operations and revoke their business licenses. If any of the above occurs, our business, results of operations,
business prospects and reputation could be materially and adversely affected.
Uncertainties
exist with respect to the interpretation and enforcement of the new and existing laws and regulations that may be applicable to
us. While we intend to comply with all new and existing laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that we will always be deemed
to be in compliance with such laws and regulations, nor can we assure you that we will always be able to change our business practice
successfully to adapt to the changing regulatory environment. Any such failure could materially and adversely affect our business,
results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
Uncertainties
exist in relation to the Opinions of the General Office of the State Council on Regulating the Development of After-school Training
Institutions, which may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
On
August 22, 2018, the General Office of the State Council issued the Opinions of the General Office of the State Council on
Regulating the Development of After-school Training Institutions, or Circular 80, which came into effect on the same
date. Pursuant to Circular 80, the after-school training institutions for the primary and secondary school students
must obtain relevant school operating permits and business licenses (either corporate legal person certificates or private non-enterprise unit
registration certificates) for carrying out the training business and shall meet certain standards in respect of tuition fees,
sites, teachers and management. Circular 80 provides, among other things, that (i) the average available-for-use area
per student must be no less than three square meters within the same training hours; (ii) private school shall purchase safety
insurance for training participants; (iii) no in-service primary and secondary teachers may be concurrently employed
in an after-school training institution, and any teachers employed by an after-school institution for primary and secondary
school subjects shall hold relevant teaching qualifications; (iv) the content, classes and subject enrollment, progress and
school hours information in connection with training of traditional disciplines shall be filed with the local education authorities
and be made public; (v) no training courses shall be given after 8:30 p.m., and no homework from after-school institutions
can be given; and (vi) no advance tuition fees of more than three months may be collected. The approval and registration
of after-school training institutions shall be subject to local government authorities. Education departments at the county
level are responsible for the issuance of private school operating permits upon examination and approval.
Circular 80
only sets out the general guidance on regulating after-school education institutions targeting primary and secondary school
students. Without the approval by the relevant education department, no after-school training institution shall provide training
for primary and secondary school students in the name of consulting and cultural transmission, among others. However, detailed
rules of implementation of Circular 80 have yet to be introduced by the competent authorities, such as whether Circular 80 should
apply to our learning centers providing junior ELT services, which mainly focus on promoting and developing language competence,
rather than providing supplementary tutoring services relating to school cultural and educational curriculums, admission into
schools of a higher grade or examinations. In 2018, we introduced offline junior ELT services to students aged six through 18 at
our existing self-operated learning centers. Our offline junior ELT business may be subject to the requirements of Circular 80,
which may potentially increase our compliance costs. For instance, Circular 80 provides that personal safety insurance shall be
purchased for students to mitigate risks, but is silent as to the specific type, amount and coverage of such required personal
safety insurance. In addition, Circular 80 does not provide any guidance on how online education institutions should comply with
the requirements contained in Circular 80, and we cannot assure you whether any further interpretations, new regulations
or policies will require online training institutions to conduct self-inspections and rectification procedures under Circular
80 for providing online junior ELT services.
Further,
there are potential conflicts between Circular 80 and previously published government policies and there is no clear guidance
on which regulation shall take precedence, which require further interpretation and clarification. For example, pursuant to Circular 80,
opening branches or learning centers by any after-school education institution within the same county level city shall also be
subject to approval, whereas the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law provides that opening
branches or learning centers within the same municipality directly under the central government or the same city with districts
where such after-school education institution is located does not need to seek approval but shall file for record with both
the authorities granting the operation permit to such after-school education institution and the relevant authorities where
the branches or learning centers are located.
While
we intend to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, due to existing uncertainties, we cannot assure you that we will
be able to meet the relevant regulatory requirements in a timely manner, any more specific and stringent requirements in relation
to our operations to be established by the relevant local government authorities in particular. Also, additional compliance costs
may be incurred. As a result, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospect may be adversely and materially
affected.
Uncertainties
exist in relation to the inspection plan on resumption of After-school Training Institutions in certain areas in the PRC, which
may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects in these certain areas.
Due
to the adverse effects of COVID-19 and governmental requirements for epidemic prevention and control, our learning centers has
been suspended in January 2021 in Beijing. During the period of suspension, the relevant municipal and district departments jointly
examine the teachers’ qualifications, information disclosure, training courses and other information of after-school offline
training institutions and urge to make rectification. In addition, according to the Inspection Plan on Resuming Offline Training
of Academic Training Institutions issued by Beijing Municipal Education Commission on February 26, 2021, an inspection targeting
the after-school academic training institutions and foreign language training institutions which have been approved by the education
commission of all districts to resume their classes has been conducted from March 1 to June 30, 2021. The contents of inspection
consist of (1) permits and qualifications of operation; (2) qualification of teachers; (3) advertising and publicity; (4) standardization
of contracts; (5) charging management; (6) compliance with safety standards; and (7) epidemic prevention and control. As of the
date of this annual report, we haven’t received any notifications for rectification. However, we cannot assure you whether
any further inspections or policies will require our offline learning centers to conduct self-inspections and rectification procedures.
While we intend to comply with all requirements to resume our leaning centers in Beijing at the soonest, due to existing uncertainties,
we cannot assure you that we will be able to meet the relevant regulatory requirements in a timely manner, any more specific and
stringent requirements in relation to our operations to be established by the relevant local government authorities in particular.
Also, additional compliance costs may be incurred. As a result, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospect
may be adversely and materially affected.
Our
development of new courses, services and technologies or innovation and upgrades made to existing courses, services and technologies
may not adequately respond to the expectations of our students, changes in market demands and standards of school admission or
standardized tests, may fail to achieve the expected satisfactory results, or may compete with our pre-existing courses, as a
result of which, our competitive position, ability to generate revenue and growth prospects would be materially and adversely
affected.
We
constantly update and improve the content of our existing courses and develop new courses or services to meet changing market
demands or requirements from related government authorities. Revisions to our existing courses and development of our new courses
or services may not be well received by existing or prospective students and online users. We may have limited experience in developing
the content of new courses or services and may need to adjust our systems and strategies to incorporate new courses or services
into our existing offerings. If we cannot respond timely and cost-effectively to changes in market demands or requirements
from related government authorities, our business would be adversely affected. Even if we are able to develop new courses or services
that are well received, we may not be able to introduce them in an effective manner. If we do not respond adequately to changes
in market demands, our ability to attract and retain students may be impaired and our financial results could suffer. For example,
we introduced the new “Explore Curriculum” for our general adult ELT business beginning in 2018. We did not complete
the implementation of such new curriculum across our national learning center network until May 2019. This adversely affected
the number of course hours delivered and segment revenue recognized during the period of implementation as we focused on providing
relevant training to our teaching staff and delivering such new course in a small-class setting during the transition period.
The
offline and online English language training services we provide and the technologies we use are subject to continuous development,
update and enhancement in terms of content and functionality, driven by the demand for innovative skills, evolving course content
and changes in overseas admission and standardized tests. In particular, admission and standardized tests undergo continuous changes,
in terms of the focus of the questions tested, test formats and the manner in which the tests are administered. In the past, certain
admission and standardized tests overseas have undergone changes in test questions and formats. Authorities in overseas jurisdictions
may also promote policies that encourage schools to make admission decisions based less on entrance exam scores and more on a
combination of other factors. There is no assurance that overseas colleges, universities and other higher education institutions
will not reduce or eliminate their reliance on considering the international standardized test results as important standards
to make admission decisions. Furthermore, changes in test standards for professional qualifications, or changes in employers’
preferences to hire staff with select qualifications, may particularly affect sales of our international standardized test preparation
courses designed for relevant qualifications.
We
believe that the internet-based ELT market is characterized by the rapid changes and innovation of technologies, unpredictable
product life cycles and online user preferences. We have gained limited experience in generating revenue from our online training
services and our investment in research and development may not result in satisfactory outcomes. The flexibility of taking internet-based ELT
courses may increase the amount of online training services. We must quickly modify our services to adapt to the change in needs
and preferences of our students, technological advances and evolving internet practices. However, ongoing enhancement of our online
course offerings and related technologies may entail significant expenses and technical risks. In addition, the technologies used
on the internet and value-added telecommunication services and products in general, and in ELT services in particular,
may evolve and change over time. We may fail to anticipate and adapt to such technological development, or address any of the
risks related to such new courses and services using such technologies, which in turn could have a material and adverse effect
on our business development, financial condition and results of operations. If our improvement to our online offerings and the
related technologies is delayed, which causes systems interruptions or is not aligned with the prevalent market expectations or
preferences, we may lose market share and our business would be adversely affected.
We
face significant competition in major programs we offer and geographic markets in which we operate, and if we fail to compete
effectively, we would lose our market share and our profitability would be adversely affected.
The
ELT industry in China is rapidly evolving, highly fragmented and competitive, and we expect competition in this industry to continue
to persist and intensify. We face competition in the major courses and/or training programs we offer and the geographic markets
where we operate. For example, we face nationwide competition for our international standardized test preparation courses from
other relevant services provided by some of our competitors. We face competition from several ELT service providers that focus
on providing general adult English language training in specific regions in China. We also face competition from companies that
focus on providing overseas college application services.
Our
student enrollment may decrease due to intense competition. Some of our competitors may adopt similar curricula and marketing
approaches, with different pricing and service packages that may be deemed more attractive than our offerings. In addition, some
of our competitors may have more resources than we do and may be able to devote greater resources than we can to promote and develop
their services. These competitors may be able to respond more promptly than we can to the changes in student preferences, new
technologies or market demands. In addition, the increasing use of the internet and advances in internet- and computer-related technologies,
such as web video conferencing and online testing simulators, are eliminating geographic and entry barriers to providing private
education services. As a result, many of our international competitors that offer online test preparation and language training
courses may be able to penetrate the China market more effectively.
We
may need to reduce course fees or increase spending in response to competition in order to retain or attract students or pursue
new market opportunities. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully against existing or future competitors.
If we are unable to successfully compete for new students, maintain or increase our fee level, attract and retain competent teachers
or other key personnel and enhance our competitiveness in terms of the quality of our education courses and services in a cost-effective manner,
our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
We
may not be able to continue to recruit, train and retain dedicated and qualified teaching staff, who are critical to the success
of our business and the effective delivery of our ELT services to students.
We
rely heavily on our teaching staff, which generally comprises our teachers and study advisors, to deliver high-quality education
services to our students. Our teaching staff is vital for the maintenance of our reputation. We seek to hire qualified and
dedicated teaching staff with the necessary experience and language proficiency, who are able to deliver effective and inspirational
instructions. There is a limited pool of teaching staff with these attributes and we implement a highly selective hiring process
to ensure that the new hires possess the skills commensurate with our knowledge requirements. As a result, we must provide competitive
compensation packages to attract and retain such teaching staff. We may not be able to recruit, train and retain a sufficient
number of qualified teaching staff in the future to keep pace with our growth while maintaining consistent teaching quality in
the different markets we serve. A shortage of qualified teaching staff or decreases in terms of the quality of our teaching staff’s
instructions, whether actual or perceived, in one or more of our markets, or a significant increase in compensation needed to
attract and retain qualified teaching staff, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
Failure
to comply with applicable laws and regulations in relation to the employment of foreign employees may subject us to fines and
penalties, and our business and operations may be adversely affected if we are not able to retain foreign teachers due to non-compliance
with such laws and regulations.
The
foreign teachers we employ are required to apply for and obtain work visas and residence permits to be able to work in China.
We hired certain foreign teachers without them obtaining the necessary work visas and residence permits. Under the PRC laws, if
we hire foreign employees without work visas and residence permits, we may be fined RMB10,000 for each illegally employed foreign
employees, with a cap of RMB100,000 in the aggregate and any illegal gains, which are not well-defined under the PRC laws,
may be confiscated. We have been fined for an immaterial amount of penalties relating to our hiring of foreign teachers without
them obtaining the necessary work visas and residence permits, and we cannot assure you that we will not face additional penalties
or fines for any past or future violations. Additionally, in the event we hire foreign employees without work visas or residence
permits, we may have to terminate our employment relationship with them. In such event, we may need to hire qualified replacements,
which could be difficult and/or time consuming. We may also face the risk of insufficient number of available foreign employees
in the ELT market in China due to various factors beyond our control. If we are unable to retain foreign employees, including
our foreign teachers, the teaching quality of our courses and services could be negatively impacted, which in turn, could materially
and adversely affect our business, results of operations, reputation and prospects.
For
our online English language training, we match students with foreign teachers who reside in foreign countries. While we are not
required to obtain PRC work visas and residence permits for our foreign teachers who conduct online ELT courses on our “Likeshuo”
platform under the existing PRC laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that the PRC government will not impose any restriction
or other qualification requirement in the future, which we may not be able to comply with on a timely manner or at all, and due
to which we may incur substantial compliance costs. In the event this occurs, our business and results of operations may be materially
and adversely affected.
The
continuing efforts of our senior management team and other key personnel are important to our success, and our business may
be harmed if we lose their services.
Our
future success depends heavily upon our senior management for their smooth and efficient operations of our learning centers and
online platform as well as their execution of our overall business plans. There is intense competition for hiring experienced
management personnel in the ELT industry, and the pool of qualified candidates is very limited. If any member of our senior management
team is unable to continue his/her employment with us and we fail to effectively manage a transition to new personnel in the future,
or if we fail to attract and retain qualified and experienced professionals on commercially acceptable terms, our business, financial
condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our
success also depends on having highly trained financial, technical, human resources, sales and marketing staff, management personnel
and qualified and dedicated domestic and foreign teachers. We will need to continue to hire additional personnel as our business
grows. In the event we lose their services, we may not be able to attract experienced senior management or other key personnel
in the future, and we may, in turn, lose our students, teaching staff and other personnel. In addition, a shortage in the supply
of personnel with requisite skills or our failure to recruit them could impede our ability to increase revenue from our existing
services, launch new course offerings and expand our operations, and could pose an adverse effect on our business and financial
results.
We
derive a majority of our revenue from a limited number of cities. Any event negatively affecting the private education market
in these cities, or any increase in the level of competition for the types of services we offer in these cities, could have a
material adverse effect on our overall business and results of operations.
For
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, we derived approximately 50.8% of the total student enrollment in our offline ELT courses
and services from our self-operated learning centers in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan in Guangdong Province, Chengdu in
Sichuan Province, and Nanjing and Suzhou in Jiangsu Province, and we expect these cities to continue to be important sources of
our student enrollment and revenue. If any of these cities experiences any event that would negatively affect its private education
market, such as a serious economic downturn, natural disaster or outbreak of contagious disease, or that the governments of which
adopt regulations relating to and affecting the private education market that place additional restrictions or burdens on us,
or experiences an increase in the level of competition for the types of services we offer, our overall business and results of
operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Failure
to effectively and efficiently manage the expansion of our service network may materially and adversely affect our ability to
capitalize on new business opportunities.
We
have recently experienced steady growth and expansion. The number of our self-operated learning centers increased organically
from 98 as of December 31, 2018, to 132 as of December 31, 2019, and decreased to 105 as of December 31, 2020. As of December
31, 2020, we had 9 franchised learning centers under our “Meten” brand, which we jointly manage with our franchised
partners. We may continue to expand our operations in different regions in China through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
The establishment of new learning centers and acquisitions of existing learning centers pose challenges to us and require us to
make investments in management, capital expenditures, marketing expenses and other resources. As part of our expansion, we acquired
ABC Education Group in June 2018, which had 20 self-operated learning centers and four franchised learning centers under
the “ABC” brand at that time. The expansion has also resulted, and will continue to result, in substantial demands
on our management and staff as well as our financial, operational, technological and other resources. Our expansion will also
largely require us to maintain teaching quality and consistent standards, controls, policies and our culture to ensure that our
brands and reputation do not suffer as a result of any acquisition. To manage and support our growth, we will continue to improve
our existing operational, administrative and technological systems and our financial and management controls, and recruit, train
and retain additional qualified teaching staff, management personnel and other administrative and sales and marketing personnel.
In
addition, the geographic dispersion of our operations requires significant management resources. We cannot assure you that our
current and planned personnel, systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support our future operations, or that we
will be able to effectively and efficiently manage the growth of our operations or recruit and retain qualified personnel to support
our expansion. Our future success will depend in part upon the ability of our senior management to manage our business growth
effectively. In particular, our management may face the following challenges:
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controlling
our costs and expenses and maintaining or increasing our margins and profitability;
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acquiring
and retaining students;
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managing
our key relationships with governmental agencies and responding to changes in the regulatory and policy environment;
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attracting
training and retaining qualified personnel;
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improving
our operational, administrative and financial systems and internal controls and maintaining close cooperation between management
members and department heads;
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increasing
the awareness of our brands and protecting our reputation;
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keeping
up with evolving industry standards technologies and market developments; or
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integrating
any acquired business into our business operations and realizing the potential benefits of our acquisition.
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We
cannot assure you that we will be able to effectively and efficiently manage the growth of our operations, maintain or accelerate
our current growth rate, maintain or increase our gross and operating profit margins, recruit and retain qualified teaching staff
and management personnel, successfully integrate new learning centers into our operations and otherwise effectively manage our
growth. Any failure to effectively and efficiently manage our expansion may materially and adversely affect our ability to capitalize
on new business opportunities, which in turn may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We
are required to obtain various operating permits and licenses for our ELT services in China and failure to comply with these requirements
may materially and adversely affect our business operations.
Under
the PRC laws and regulations, our learning centers are required to obtain a number of licenses, permits and approvals from, and
make filings or complete registrations with the relevant government authorities. Certain of our learning centers that are registered
with the State Administration for Market Regulation (formerly known as the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or
the SAIC), or the SAMR, are required to obtain business licenses, and our other learning centers registered with the Ministry
of Civil Affairs, or the MCA, are required to obtain non-enterprise entity registration certificates.
According
to the Amended Private Education Promotion Law and Circular 10, our learning centers are required to obtain private school
operating permits. However, according to the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Law, which further
classifies private training institutions, a private training institution for language, arts, sports, science and technology teaching
and a private training institution for adults for cultural education or non-academic continuing education can directly apply
for registration with the local administrative departments for industry and commerce. As advised by our PRC counsel, if the abovementioned
Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Law is enacted as proposed and our learning centers are recognized
as private training institutions for language teaching by the relevant authorities under clause 15 of Committee Draft Implementation
Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law, our learning centers will not be required to obtain private school operating permits
from the PRC education authorities. However, as the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Law is still
in draft form, there can be no assurance that it will be enacted as proposed or at all, and there are also uncertainties as to
the interpretation and implementation by the relevant authorities. In addition, on July 24, 2019, the General Office of the
MOE, the General Office of the MOC and the General Office of the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issued the
Notice on Proper Handling of Approval and Registration of Foreign Invested For-Profit Non-Academic Language Training
Institutions, or the Notice 75, which required foreign-invested language training institutions to apply for the private school
operating permit. As of the date of this annual report, no detailed supporting rules and regulations regarding the relevant procedure,
approval process and transitional period involving the applications by foreign-invested language training institutions have
been promulgated.
The
business licenses of certain of our learning centers did not include “English language training” or “language-related training.”
We were not able to include “English language training” or “language related training” in the authorized
business scope of these learning centers mainly because the industry and commerce administration authorities in the areas where
such learning centers are located have a general policy prohibiting the inclusion of “English language training” or
“language-related training” in the business scope of any company before such company obtains relevant private
school operating permits or before the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law is implemented.
As of the date of this annual report, some of our learning centers were operating beyond their authorized business scope. For
these learning centers, we have been communicating, and will continue to communicate, with the competent industry and commerce
administration authorities to expand the authorized business scope of the relevant learning centers to include “language
related training” or similar statements. However, we cannot assure you that our efforts to expand the business scope or
include the statements above in the business license of these learning centers will be successful. While we have not been subject
to any penalties or disciplinary action in the past relating to the business scope of our learning centers, the relevant PRC government
authorities may determine that these learning centers have been or are operating beyond their authorized business scope and may
subject these learning centers to warning, fine, confiscation of illegal earnings, suspension of business for rectification, or
revoking the business license for current or past non-compliant learning centers, which may materially and adversely affect
our business and results of operation.
Given
the significant amount of discretion held by the local PRC authorities in interpreting, implementing and enforcing the relevant
rules and regulations, as well as other factors beyond our control, we may not be able to obtain and maintain all requisite licenses,
permits, approvals and filings or pass all requisite assessments.
Among
our self-operated learning centers in operation as of December 31, 2020, 37 learning centers did not have private school
operating permits or business licenses, or were operating beyond their authorized business scope, which contributed in the aggregate
to approximately 9.8% of our total gross billings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
We
cannot assure you that our other learning centers without requisite permits or licenses will not be subject to similar penalties.
In addition, if any of our current or future learning centers fails to receive or renew the requisite licenses, permits and approvals,
make the necessary filings, or complete all requisite registrations, such learning center may also be subject to various penalties.
These may include fines, orders to promptly rectify the non-compliance, or if the non-compliance is deemed serious by the regulators,
the learning center may be ordered to return course and service fees collected and pay a multiple of the amount of returned course
and/or service fees to regulators as a penalty or may even be ordered to cease operations. If this occurs, our business, results
of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Our
failure to obtain permits/licenses which may be required for the operation of our online platform could result in fines, confiscation
of the gains derived from non-compliant operations, or suspension of non-compliant operations.
Under
the PRC laws and regulations, we may be required to obtain an Internet Content Provider permit, or ICP license, an audio or video
program transmission license, an internet culture permit, an online publishing services permit and a radio or television programs
producing and distributing permit for the operation of our online education products. We have obtained the relevant ICP license
but we have not obtained the audio or video program transmission license, the internet culture permit, the online publishing services
permit or the radio or television programs producing and distributing permit. Although we have not received any material fines
or other penalties from the relevant government authorities for such non-compliance in the past, if we are not able to comply
with all applicable requirements, we may be subject to fines, confiscation of the gains derived from our non-compliant operations,
suspension of our non-compliant operations, any of which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
We
face risks associated with our franchised learning centers.
A
relatively small portion of our offline ELT business is operated through franchisees. These franchisees are located in the PRC
and have learning centers which are operated under our brands. These franchised learning centers account for a relatively small
percentage of our overall business and financial performance. However, we are still subject to risks inherent to the franchise
model and we have limited experience in operating the franchise model and dealing with such risks.
Our
control over the franchised learning centers is based on the contractual agreements we entered with our franchisees, which may
not be as effective as direct ownership and potentially makes it difficult for us to manage the franchised learning centers. While
we have some control over the operation of our franchised learning centers, nevertheless, we may not be able to fully and successfully
monitor, maintain and improve the performance of the management and other staff at the franchised learning centers as these teaching
staff carry out the training services and directly interact with students. In the event of any delinquent performance by the franchisees
and their employees, we may suffer from business reduction as well as reputational damage. If the franchisees and/or their employees
commit any unlawful or unethical conduct, we may suffer financial losses, incur liabilities and suffer reputation damage. We may
also face the risk that our prospective franchisees may not want to adopt our stringent centralized management system, which may
affect our franchise business development. For details on the expansion of our learning center network, see “Item 3. Key
Information—D. Risk Factors—Failure to effectively and efficiently manage the expansion of our service network
may materially and adversely affect our ability to capitalize on new business opportunities.” Meanwhile, a franchisee may
suspend or terminate its cooperation with us voluntarily or involuntarily due to various reasons, including, but not limited to,
disagreement or dispute with us, or failure to maintain requisite approvals, licenses or permits or to comply with governmental
regulations. A franchisee might also choose not to continue to cooperate with us after the expiration of the existing cooperation
arrangement. We may not be able to find alternative ways to continue to provide the training services formerly covered by such
franchisee, and our customer satisfaction, brand reputation and financial performance may be adversely affected.
We
are dependent on our information systems, and if we fail to further develop our technologies, or if our systems, software, applications,
database or source code contain “bugs” or other undetected errors, or encounter unexpected network interruptions,
security breaches or computer virus attacks, our operations may be seriously distracted.
The
successful development and maintenance of our systems, software, applications and database, such as our management software and
systems and student database, is crucial to the attractiveness of our education services and the management of our business operations.
In order to achieve our strategic objectives and to remain competitive, we must continue to develop and enhance our technology.
However, our efforts may prove to be unsuccessful. The performance and reliability of our online platform infrastructure, including
our “Likeshuo” platform and other online systems we use for our business operations, are critical to our reputation
and ability to retain students and increase student enrollment. Any system error or failure, or a sudden and significant increase
in traffic, could result in the difficulty or unavailability of accessing our websites and/or online courses by our students.
In addition, our technology platform upon which our management systems and online programs operate, and our other databases, products,
systems and source codes could contain undetected errors or “bugs” that could adversely affect their performance.
Our
computer networks may also be vulnerable to unauthorized access, hacking, computer viruses and other security breaches. A user
who circumvents our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions or malfunctions in operations.
Any interruption to our computer systems or operations could have a material adverse effect on our ability to retain students
and increase student enrollment. Moreover, we may be required to expend significant resources to protect against the threat of
security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by these breaches.
Major
risks involving our network infrastructure include:
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breakdowns
or system failures resulting in a prolonged shutdown of our servers, including those attributable to power shutdowns, or attempts
to get an unauthorized access to our systems, which may cause any loss or corruption of data and malfunctions of the software
or hardware;
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disruption
or failure in the national backbone network, which would make it impossible for visitors and students to log onto our websites;
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damages
from fire, flood, power loss and telecommunications failures; and
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any
infection by or spread of computer viruses.
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Any
network interruption or inadequacy that causes interruptions in the availability of our websites, applications or other online
platforms or deterioration in the quality of access to our websites, applications or other online platforms could reduce customer
satisfaction and results in a reduction in the number of students using our services. If sustained or repeated, these performance
issues could reduce the attractiveness of our websites, applications, other online platforms and course offerings. In China, almost
all access to the internet is maintained through state-controlled telecommunication operators. In many parts of China, the
internet infrastructure is relatively underdeveloped, and internet connections are generally slower and less stable than in more
developed countries. We cannot assure you that the internet infrastructure in China will remain sufficiently reliable for our
needs or ever develop and make available more reliable internet access to our students and teachers.
In
addition, any security breach caused by hackings, which involve attempts to gain unauthorized access of or to cause intentional
malfunctions of the information or systems, or to cause intentional malfunctions or loss or corruption of data, software, hardware
or other computer equipment could cause a disruption in our services and leakage of personal data of our teaching staff and students.
Inadvertent transmission of computer viruses could expose us to a material risk of loss of our course files or a litigation and
possible liability, as well as damage to our reputation.
Furthermore,
increases in the volume of traffic on our websites could also strain the capacity of our existing computer systems, which could
lead to slow responses or system failures. This would cause a disruption or suspension in our course offerings, which would damage
our brands and reputation, and thus negatively affect our revenue growth. We may need to incur additional costs to upgrade our
computer systems in order to accommodate increased demand if we anticipate that our systems cannot handle higher volumes of traffic
in the future.
To
date, our information systems have not encountered any material error or technical issue that could have adversely affected or
disrupted our operations. If we encounter errors or other service quality or reliability issues, or if we are unable to design,
develop, implement and utilize information systems and the data derived from these systems, our ability to realize our strategic
objectives and our profitability could be adversely affected, which, in turn may cause us to lose market share, harm our reputation
and brand names, and materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our
historical financial and operating results are not indicative of our future performance and our financial and operating results
may fluctuate.
Our
past results may not be indicative of future performance mainly due to the new businesses developed or acquired by us. Moreover,
the results of operations of our Company may vary from period to period in response to a variety of other factors beyond our control,
including general economic conditions and regulations or government actions pertaining to the private education service sector
and the ELT sector in China, changes in consumers’ spending on private education as well as non-recurring charges incurred
under unexpected circumstances or in connection with acquisitions, equity investments or other extraordinary transactions. Due
to these and other factors, our historical financial and operating results, growth rates and profitability as well as quarter-to-quarter comparisons
of our operating results may not be indicative of our future performance and you should not rely on them to predict our future
performance.
Our
business and results of operations depend on our ability to maintain and/or raise the level of the course and service fees we
charge.
One
of the most significant factors affecting our profitability is the course and service fees we charge. For the years ended December 31,
2018, 2019 and 2020, course and service fees derived from our business at our headquarters and self-operated learning centers,
including revenue from the sale of goods, as well as our online ELT courses delivered on the “Likeshuo” platform,
constituted approximately 98.7%, 97.8% and 98.6% of our total revenue, respectively. The amounts of those fees we charge are primarily
determined based on the demand of our offline students and online users for our ELT services, our operating costs, our competitors’
pricing level, our pricing strategy to gain market share and the general economic conditions in China. However, there can be no
assurance that we will be able to maintain or raise the course fees and/or other fees we charge for our services in the future.
Even if we are able to maintain or raise course fees and/or other fees we charge for our services, we cannot assure you that we
will be able to attract prospective students to enroll in our courses at such increased fee rates. Our business, financial condition
and operation results may be materially and adversely affected if we fail to maintain or raise the fee level or attract sufficient
prospective students.
If
we are unable to conduct our sales and marketing activities in a cost-effective manner, our results of operations and financial
condition may be materially and adversely affected.
In
2018, 2019 and 2020, our selling and marketing expenses amounted to RMB425.2 million, RMB438.0 million, and RMB310.4
million (US$47.6 million) respectively, representing approximately 57.1%, 47.6% and 44.9%, respectively, of our total operating
expenses, which consist of selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses.
Our selling and marketing expenses mainly included advertising and promotion expenses and employee benefit expenses for our sales
and marketing staff. There is no assurance that our sales and marketing activities will always be well received by students or
result in the levels of sales that we anticipate. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to improve the
operational efficiency of our sales and marketing staff or we will be able to retain or recruit experienced sales staff, or efficiently
train junior sales staff. In addition, marketing and branding approaches and tools in the ELT market in China are evolving, especially
for mobile platforms. This further requires us to enhance our marketing and branding approaches and experiment with new methods
to keep pace with industry development and student preferences. Failure to refine our existing marketing and branding approaches
in order to introduce new marketing and branding approaches in a cost-effective manner could reduce our market share, cause
our revenue to decline and negatively impact our profitability. In addition, we utilize a broad mix of marketing and public relations
programs, including social media platforms, to promote our products and services to prospective students. If advertising rates
increase or if we become concerned that our customers deem certain marketing activity less appealing, or more intrusive or damaging
to our brands, we may limit or discontinue the use or support of certain marketing sources or activities. Further, companies that
promote our services may decide that we negatively impact their business or may make business decisions that in turn adversely
impact us. For instance, if they decide that they want to compete directly with us, enter a similar business or exclusively support
our competitors, we may no longer have access to their marketing channels.
There
is no assurance that our branding efforts will be successful or we are not inadvertently negatively impacting our brand recognition
and reputation. If we are unable to maintain and further enhance our brand recognition and reputation and promote awareness of
our platform and courses, we may not be able to expand or even maintain our current level of student base and fees as well as
engage qualified teachers, and our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, any negative publicity
relating to our Company, our management, our courses, teachers and our other staff, regardless of its veracity, could harm our
brand image and in turn materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
If
we fail to conduct our marketing activities in compliance with the advertisement regulations in China, our results of operations
and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
Under
the Advertisement Law of the PRC, an advertisement for education or training shall not contain any of the following items: (i) any
promise relating to progression, passing examinations, or obtaining a degree or qualification certificate, or any express or implied
guaranteed promise relating to education or training results; (ii) express or implied statement that the relevant examination
agency or its personnel or any examination test designer will be involved in the education or training; and (iii) the use
of the names or images of research institutes, academic institutions, education institutions, industry associations, professionals
or beneficiaries for recommendation or as proof. Publishing advertisements for education and training in violation of the provisions
may be subject to order to cessation of the publishing of advertisements, eliminate the ill-effects within the corresponding
and a fine of one to five times of the advertising fees, or may revoke the business licenses and approval documents for advertisement
review.
The
PRC government has turned its attention toward greater regulation of advertising, and more recently of online advertising and
issued the SAIC Interim Measures for the Administration of Internet Advertising, which came into effect on September 1, 2016.
The new regulation clarifies what content is considered “internet advertising,” lays down rules for “publishers”
of online advertisements, and outlines investigation measures and penalties for violators. In practice, any digital content placed
on any online platform with the intent of promoting a product or service could be subject to the regulation. Given the ubiquity
of online advertising in China, the regulations may have a widespread impact on the actions of advertisers and platform operators.
The regulation identifies individual or corporate publishers who hold the responsibility of complying with the online advertising
rules and are subject to penalties when in violation.
The
market recognition of our “Meten” brand has significantly contributed to our success. Maintaining and enhancing the
reputation of our brands is critical to sustaining our competitive advantage. Our ability to maintain and enhance our brand recognition
primarily depends on the perceived effectiveness and quality of our course offerings as well as the success of our marketing efforts.
We have devoted significant resources to promoting our courses and brands in recent years, including marketing and advertising
in both offline and online media channels. On April 23, 2018, Nanjing Meten Foreign Language Training Co., Ltd.,
or Nanjing Meten, received a Decision on Administrative Penalty issued by the Jiangsu Market Supervision and Administration, according
to which Nanjing Meten has been given a fine of RMB200,000 and an order to cease publishing the advertisements and eliminate impact
for publishing of false advertisements. Considering that we had actively cooperated in the law enforcement and had rectified in
a timely manner, the Jiangsu Market Supervision and Administration confirmed in writing that this penalty was a lighter administrative
penalty. However, we cannot assure you we will not be subject to any other penalties or legal sanctions in the future for our
advertisements. Our marketing efforts may not be successful or may negatively impact our brand recognition and reputation inadvertently
if any government authority or competitor publicly alleges that any of our advertisements are misleading.
Our
brand image, reputations, business and results of operations may be adversely impacted by our students’ and teaching staff’s
misuse of our websites, applications and other online platforms, and in misconducts or other illegal or improper activities of
our students, teachers, franchise partners, management personnel and other employees.
Our
websites, applications and other online platforms allow our teaching staff and students to engage in real-time communication.
Because we do not have full control over how our teaching staff and students will use these platforms to communicate, our online
platforms may from time to time be misused by individuals or groups of individuals to engage in immoral, disrespectful, fraudulent
or illegal activities. Although we are not aware of any material incidents on our platform and such incidents have not been covered
by media reports or internet forums, any such exposure or coverage could generate negative publicity about our brands and platform.
We have implemented control procedures, such as training and sample auditing, and require our teaching staff not to distribute
any illegal or inappropriate content and conduct any illegal or fraudulent activities on our platforms, but such procedures may
not prevent all such content or activities from being posted or carried out. Moreover, as we have limited control over the real-time and
offline behavior of our students and teaching staff, to the extent such behavior is associated with our platforms, our ability
to protect our brand image and reputation may be limited. Our business and the public perception of our brands may be materially
and adversely affected by misuse of our platform. In addition, if any of our students or teaching staff suffers or alleges to
have suffered physical, financial or emotional harm following contact initiated on our platform, we may face civil lawsuits or
other liabilities initiated by the affected student or teaching staff, or governmental or regulatory actions against us. In response
to allegations of illegal or inappropriate activities conducted on our platform or any negative media coverage about us, the PRC
government authorities may intervene and hold us liable for non-compliance with the applicable PRC laws and regulations concerning
the dissemination of information on the internet and subject us to administrative penalties or other sanctions, such as requiring
us to restrict or discontinue some of the features and services provided on our platform. As a result, our business may suffer
and our brand image, student base, results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
Our
brand image, reputation, business and results of operations may also be adversely affected by various misconducts and other illegal
or improper activities of our franchisees, management personnel and other employees, such as intentionally failing to comply with
government regulations, engaging in unauthorized activities and misrepresentation to our potential students during marketing activities,
improper use of our students’ and teaching staff’s sensitive or classified information, making payments to government
officials or third parties that would expose us to being in violation of laws. We cannot assure you that we will always be able
to deter such misconducts, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect such activities may not be effective in preventing
these activities or controlling the relevant risks or losses. Moreover, even if some of these misconducts and illegal or improper
activities are not related to our business or the services provided by our franchisees, management personnel or other employees
to us, they may nevertheless cause negative publicity about us and thereby, harm our brands and reputation.
We
may not be able to achieve the benefits we expect from recent and future acquisitions, and recent and future acquisitions may
have an adverse effect on our ability to manage our business.
As
part of our business strategy, we have pursued and intend to continue to pursue selective strategic acquisitions of businesses
that complement our existing businesses. For example, in June 2018, we acquired 80% equity interest in ABC Education Group, an
English language training service provider. Acquisitions expose us to potential risks, including risks associated with the diversion
of resources from our existing businesses, difficulties in successfully integrating the acquired businesses, failure to achieve
expected growth by the acquired businesses and an inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset the costs and expenses of
acquisitions. If the revenue and cost synergies that we expect to achieve from our acquisitions do not materialize, we may have
to recognize impairment charges.
In
addition, we may be unable to identify appropriate acquisition or strategic investment targets when it is necessary or desirable
to make such acquisition or investment to remain competitive or to expand our business. Even if we identify an appropriate acquisition
or investment target, we may not be able to negotiate the terms of the acquisition or investment successfully, finance the proposed
transaction or integrate the relevant businesses into our existing business and operations. Furthermore, as we often do not have
control over the companies in which we only have minority stake, we cannot ensure that these companies always will comply with
the applicable laws and regulations in their business operations. Material non-compliance by our investees may cause substantial
harm to our reputation and the value of our investments.
If
any one or more of the aforementioned risks associated with acquisitions or investments materialize, our acquisitions or investments
may not be beneficial to us and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to control rental costs, obtain leases at desired locations at reasonable prices or failure to comply with the applicable
PRC property laws and regulations regarding certain of our leased and owned premises could materially and adversely affect our
business.
We
lease a significant number of properties from third parties. As of the date of this annual report, we entered into 132 leases
for our premises with a total gross floor area of approximately 89,778 square meters, which were or will be primarily used by
our self-operated learning centers, and owned one property with a total gross floor area of approximately 1,290 square meters,
which were primarily used as one of our self-operated learning centers. The leased properties were maintained by our landlords.
Accordingly, we are not in a position to effectively control the quality, maintenance and management of these buildings. In the
event the quality of the buildings deteriorates, or if any or all of our landlords fail to properly maintain and renovate such
buildings in a timely manner or at all, our business operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if any
of our landlords terminates the existing lease agreements, refuses to renew the lease agreements when such lease agreements expire,
or increase the rent to a level that is unacceptable to us, we will be forced to look for alternative locations for our self-operated learning
centers. We may not be able to find suitable premises for such relocation without incurring significant time and costs, and there
is no guarantee that we may be able to find suitable premises for relocation or at all. If we fail to find suitable replacement
sites in a timely manner or on terms acceptable to us, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely
affected. Moreover, if our use of the leased premise is challenged by the relevant government authorities for lack of fire inspection,
we may be further subject to fines and also be forced to relocate the affected learning centers and incur additional expenses.
If any of the above events occurs, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely
affected.
We
have not been able to receive from the lessors of some of our leased properties copies of the title certificates or proof of authorization
to lease the properties to us. As of the date of this annual report, we were not aware of any actions, claims or investigations
threatened against us or our lessors with respect to the defects in our leasehold interests. However, if any of our leases is
terminated as a result of challenges by third parties or government authorities for lack of title certificates or proof of authorization
to lease, while we do not expect to be subject to any fines or penalties, we may be forced to relocate the affected learning centers
and incur additional expenses relating to such relocation, or we may not be able to find suitable premises for relocation at all.
Under
the applicable PRC laws and regulations, the parties to a lease agreement are required to register and file the executed lease
agreement with the relevant government authorities. As of the date of this annual report, most of the lease agreements for the
leased properties that we occupy had not been registered or filed. While the failure to complete the lease registration will not
affect the legal effectiveness of the lease agreements according to PRC law, the relevant real estate administrative authorities
may require the parties to the lease agreements to complete lease registration within a prescribed period of time and the failure
to do so may subject the parties to fines from RMB1,000 to RMB10,000. While we have not been subject to any penalties or disciplinary
action related to the failure to register our lease agreements, we cannot assure you that we will not be subjected to penalties
or other disciplinary actions for our past and future non-compliance.
We
currently and may in the future occupy premises for which we have paid the purchase price but have not obtained titles. If we
are unable to obtain titles to the properties, we may not be able to get a full refund on our purchase price and may have to relocate
and incur additional expenses relating to such relocation, or we may not be able to find suitable premises for relocation at all.
Therefore,
the failure to comply with the applicable PRC property laws and regulations regarding certain of our leased and owned premises
may cause us to make relocations and be subject to fines and suspension of business, which may materially and adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Higher
labor costs may adversely affect our business and our profitability.
Labor
costs in China have risen in recent years as a result of social development, and increasing inflation in China. As of December
31, 2020, we employed 3,721 full-time staff. Staff costs constituted a major portion of our total cost of revenues, reaching
63.1%, 62.5% and 64.9% of our total cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The increase
in labor cost may erode our profitability and materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. As
our businesses have been continuing to expand in recent years, the absolute amounts of our labor costs in the regions where we
operate have also been increasing and could continue to increase. If labor costs in these regions continue to increase, our operating
costs will increase. We may not be able to pass on these increased costs to our customers by increasing the fees of our courses
in light of competitive pressure in the market. In such circumstances, our profit margin may decrease, which could have an adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The
outbreak of COVID-19 has had a material adverse impact on the general economic outlook, economic growth and business sentiment.
See “— Any natural catastrophes, severe weather conditions, health epidemics, including COVID-19, and other extraordinary
events could severely disrupt our business operations.” Additionally, certain restrictive measures, including quarantining
policies and travel restrictions, implemented by China and other countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed obstacles
for us to recruit teachers and operational staff suitable for our business.
We
have limited experience in operating some of our newer service offerings.
We
currently offer a comprehensive service portfolio, including our offline general adult ELT, junior ELT, overseas training services
and online ELT. We are constantly upgrading and plan to develop new services to expand our business and student base. For example,
we have started to offer our offline junior ELT in 2018. We have expanded our offerings through internal development and external
investments. However, some of our new service offerings have not generated significant or any profit to date, as we have limited
experience responding quickly to changes and competing successfully for certain of these new areas. In addition, newer offerings
may require more financial and managerial resources than what is available. Furthermore, there is limited operating history on
which you can base your evaluation of the business and prospects of these relatively more recent offerings. The operation results
of new services may also vary from period to period in response to a variety of factors beyond our control, and we may not be
able to achieve our expected profitability and performance of these new service offerings.
Course
and service fee refunds or potential refund disputes may negatively affect our cash flow, financial condition, and reputation.
We
have different course and service fee refund policies for our students depending on the time of their enrollment and we are subject
to certain conditions and restrictions in the service contract between us and each of our students. For details of our refund
policies, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Pricing and Refund Policies.” When
calculating gross billings for a specific period, we deduct the total amount of refunds from the total amount of cash received
for the sale of course packages for such period.
For
the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and 2020, we had made RMB154.1 million, RMB184.8 million and RMB90.5 million (US$13.9
million) of refund payments, respectively. For the same periods, our course withdrawal rate, which is determined as the amount
of refunds we issued as a percentage of the total amount of gross billings for the relevant period, was 10.2%, 10.9% and 11.01%,
respectively. Our course withdrawal rate increased in 2018, mainly due to our implementation of a new refund policy that allowed
students to request refunds unconditionally during the first 20 days of enrolling in an offline general adult ELT program
(such unconditional refund period had been changed to 10 days since September 2019), and partially because we introduced
new curriculums at certain of our learning centers in 2018, which led to an initially adverse student reception. We believe the
implementation of the unconditional refund period for the general adult ELT business will improve our students’ overall
experience with our services. Additionally, the number of refund requests and the amount of refunds could be affected by a number
of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, without limitation, student dissatisfaction with our
teaching quality and our course and educational content offerings, privacy concerns relating to our online platforms, negative
publicity regarding us or online ELT in general, and any change or development in the PRC laws and regulations with respect to
course fees charged by online education providers like us. Any refund payments that we may be required to make to our students,
as well as the expenses we could incur for processing refunds and resolving refund disputes, could be substantial and could adversely
affect our gross billings, net revenue, liquidity and financial condition. A high volume of refund applications and refund disputes
may also generate negative publicity that could harm our reputation. We have experienced in the past, and may experience in the
future, negative publicity in relation to refund disputes between us and our students, which may significantly harm our brand
names and divert our attention from operating our business.
We
offer an installment payment arrangement to our students, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and operating
cash flow if students participating in such scheme decide not to complete the course(s) they have registered and request refund
from us, or if such arrangement is found to be in violation of any existing or future laws and regulations in China or otherwise
subject to negative publicity.
In
order to provide a more convenient and flexible payment method for students, we have cooperated with accredited third-party financial
institutions in China to set up an installment payment arrangement through which students can pay for the courses and/or services
we offer in several pre-determined installments during the course of the contract period. Under such arrangement, a third-party financial
institution provides an interest-free loan to a student and remits the course/service fee to us on behalf of the borrowing
student to complete his/her purchase of the relevant course. The borrowing student is obligated to repay the loan in pre-agreed installments
over a period ranging from six months to 24 months to the financial institution. A transaction fee associated with the installment
payment arrangement typically ranges from 4.4% to 10.8% of the total amount of such loan, depending on the length of the installment
period, which was generally withheld by such financial institution prior to remitting the course/service fee to us. For the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 24% of our total gross billings have been paid through such installment payment arrangement.
There is an inherent uncertainty relating to such arrangement compared to a lump sum upfront payment scheme as students under
the installment payment arrangement are more prone to cease to continue to take classes during the contract period that they had
initially registered. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the course withdrawal rate, which is equal to the amount of
refunds we issued in a specific period of time as a percentage of the sum of the amount of gross billings and the amount of refunds
for such period, of the students who participated in such installment arrangement was approximately 27.1% and the course withdrawal
rate of the students who provided lump sum upfront payments was approximately 9.0%. When we receive refund requests from our students,
we typically determine the eligibility of and amounts of refund entitled by such students in accordance with our existing refund
policies. Once we determine a student to be eligible for refund, we generally provide the entire amount of refund to him/her directly.
For details of our refund policies, please see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Pricing
and Refund Policies.” In the event more students who participate in the installment payment arrangement decide not to complete
their registered course(s) for any reason, we may be required to provide large sums of refund to these students, which may materially
and adversely impact our business, results of operations and operating cash flow. Thus, our business and results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected.
In
addition, the PRC government has tightened the regulation of consumer credit transactions in recent years. For example, the PRC
government has prohibited any entity that is not a licensed commercial bank or policy bank in China to provide any loan to students
registered in universities in China. The Notice on Regulating and Rectifying “Cash Loan” Business, or Circular 141,
also prohibits online lending information intermediaries from facilitating loans with no designated purpose. While we did not
provide any loan to our students directly, we cannot assure you that the relevant PRC government authorities will not impose additional
restrictions on consumer credit transactions in the future that will render our existing installment payment arrangement illegal.
In such case, we may have to cease such arrangement, which could adversely affect our student recruitment efforts, and we may
be subject to penalties. In addition, there has been negative publicity about similar arrangement offered by other ELT service
providers in China, and we cannot assure you that we will not be subject to similar negative publicity regarding our installment
payment arrangement in the future, which may materially and adversely affect our brands, reputation and business.
In
addition, since students who participate in the installment payment arrangement generally enter into separate financing arrangements
with certain third-party financial institutions whom we have no control over, we may not be able to ensure that these students
will have a pleasant or satisfactory experience dealing with such financial institutions. In the event the students are dissatisfied
with any aspect of the services provided by such financial institutions, our reputation and business prospects could be adversely
affected.
Our
results of operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations.
The
PRC offline ELT industry generally experiences seasonality, reflecting a combination of traditional education industry patterns
and new patterns associated with the online platform in particular. Seasonal fluctuations have affected, and are likely to continue
to affect, our business. In general, the offline ELT industry experiences lower growth of gross billings in the first quarter
of each calendar year due to the Chinese New Year holiday, and our industry enjoys higher growth of gross billings in the third
quarter during the summer months as some of our students are generally on summer holiday and have more time to take English language
training courses. Overall, the historical seasonality of our business has been relatively mild due to our rapid growth. Our financial
condition and results of operations for future periods may continue to fluctuate due to seasonality of our business.
Failure
to protect confidential information of our students and teaching staff against security breaches could damage our reputation and
brands and substantially harm our business and results of operations.
A
significant challenge to the offline and online ELT industry is the secure storage of confidential information and its secure
transmission over public networks. All purchases of our course packages are made by our students and/or their parents through
our learning centers, websites and mobile applications. In addition, online payments for our course packages are settled through
third-party online payment services. Maintaining complete security for the storage and transmission of confidential information
on our technology platform, such as student names, personal information and billing addresses, is essential to maintaining student
confidence.
We
have adopted security policies and measures to protect our proprietary data and student information. However, advances in technology,
the expertise of hackers, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments could result in a compromise
or breach of the technology that we use to protect confidential information. We may not be able to prevent third parties, especially
hackers or other individuals or entities engaging in similar activities, from illegally obtaining such confidential or private
information we hold as a result of our students’ visits to our website and use of our mobile applications. Such individuals
or entities obtaining our students’ confidential or private information may further engage in various other illegal activities
using such information. Any negative publicity on our website’s or mobile applications’ safety or privacy protection
mechanisms and policies, and any claim asserted against us or fine imposed upon us as a result of actual or perceived failures,
could have a material and adverse effect on our public image, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.
Practices
regarding the collection, use, storage, transmission and security of personal information by companies operating over the internet
and mobile platforms have recently come under increased public scrutiny. Increased regulation by the PRC government of data privacy
on the internet is likely and we may become subject to new laws and regulations applying to the solicitation, collection, processing
or use of personal or consumer information that could affect how we store and process the data of our teaching staff and students.
We generally comply with industry standards and are subject to the terms of our own privacy policies. Compliance with any additional
laws could be expensive, and may place restrictions on the conduct of our business and the manner in which we interact with our
students. Any failure to comply with applicable regulations could also result in regulatory enforcement actions against us.
Significant
capital and other resources may be required to protect against information security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by
such breaches or to comply with our privacy policies or privacy-related legal obligations. The resources required may increase
over time as the methods used by hackers and others engaged in online criminal activities are increasingly sophisticated and constantly
evolving. Any failure or perceived failure by us to prevent information security breaches or to comply with privacy policies or
privacy-related legal obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of
personally identifiable information or other student data, could cause our students to lose trust in us and could expose us to
legal claims and liabilities. Any perception by the public that online transactions or the privacy of user information are becoming
increasingly unsafe or vulnerable to attacks could inhibit the growth of online education services generally, which may negatively
impact our business prospects.
If
we fail to develop or adopt new technologies to effectively meet challenges from changing consumer requirements, emerging standards
in the industry or mobile operating systems, or if our efforts to invest in the development of new technologies are unsuccessful
our business may be materially and adversely affected.
The
ELT industry is characterized by rapid technological changes in the teachers’ and students’ requirements and preferences,
frequent introduction of new courses or services utilizing new technologies and the emergence of new standards and practices,
any of which could render our existing technologies and systems obsolete. Our success will depend in part on our ability to identify,
develop, acquire or license leading technologies useful to our business, and respond to technological advances and emerging industry
standards and practices, such as mobile internet, in a cost-effective and timely way. The development of websites, mobile
applications and other proprietary technologies entails significant technical and business risks. We cannot assure you that our
existing technologies will remain competitive or that we will be able to successfully develop or effectively use new technologies,
recoup the costs of developing new technologies or adapt our websites, mobile applications, proprietary technologies and systems
to meet customer requirements or emerging industry standards. If we are unable to develop technologies successfully or adapt in
a cost-effective and timely manner in response to changing technological standards, market conditions or customer requirements,
whether for technical, financial or other reasons, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may
be materially and adversely affected.
In
addition, purchases using mobile devices by consumers generally, and by our customers specifically, have increased, and we expect
this trend to continue. To optimize the mobile shopping experience, we are somewhat dependent on our customers downloading our
specific mobile applications for their particular devices as opposed to accessing our websites from an internet browser on their
mobile devices. As new mobile devices and platforms are released, it is difficult to predict the problems we may encounter in
developing applications for their alternative devices and platforms, and we may need to devote significant resources to the development,
support and maintenance of such applications. In addition, our future growth and results of operations could suffer if we experience
difficulties in integrating our mobile applications into mobile devices in the future, if problems arise with our relationships
with providers of mobile operating systems or mobile applications download stores, if our applications receive unfavorable treatment
compared to competing applications on the download stores, or if we face increased costs to distribute or have customers using
our mobile applications. We are further dependent on the interoperability of our websites with popular mobile operating systems
that we do not control, such as iOS and Android operating systems, and any changes in search systems that degrade the functionality
of our websites or give preferential treatment to competitive products could adversely affect the usage of our websites on mobile
devices. In the event that this is more difficult for our customers to access and use our website on their mobile devices, or
if our customers choose not to access or to use our websites on their mobile devices or to use mobile products that do not offer
access to our websites or mobile applications, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Accidents
or injuries suffered by our students and other people on our premises may adversely affect our reputation, business operation
and financial performance.
We
do not have any insurance for our students or other people at our learning centers. In the event of accidents, injuries or other
harm to students or other people on our premises, including those caused by and arising from the actions of our employees at our
learning centers and/or our other premises, our facilities may be perceived to be unsafe, which may discourage prospective students
from attending our courses and we may face lawsuits. Our students may also hurt themselves or other persons due to psychological
pressure. We could also face claims alleging that we were negligent or provided inadequate supervision to our employees and therefore
should be held jointly liable for harm caused by then or are otherwise liable for injuries suffered by our students or other people
on our premises. A liability claim, even if unsuccessful, against us or any of our employees could adversely affect our reputation,
enrollment and revenue, causing us to incur substantial expenses and divert the time and attention of our management.
We
may not maintain adequate insurance, which could expose us to significant costs and business disruption.
The
insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development. In particular, PRC insurance companies offer limited business
insurance products to education service providers. We do not have key employee insurance, business liability insurance or business
disruption insurance to cover our operations, which we believe is consistent with customary industry practice in China. We have
determined that the costs of insuring for these risks and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially
reasonable terms make it impractical for us to have such insurance. In addition, we do not maintain any insurance policies covering
risks including loss and theft of and damages to our servers or other technology infrastructure. Any uninsured occurrence of business
disruption, litigation or natural disaster, or significant damages to our uninsured equipment or technology infrastructure could
result in substantial costs and diversion of resources for us and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of
operations.
If
we fail to prevent the loss or misappropriation of, or disputes over, our intellectual property rights, our brands and business
may suffer.
We
consider our copyrights, trademarks, trade names, internet domain names, patents and other intellectual property rights invaluable
to our ability to continue to develop and enhance our brand recognition. Unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights
may damage our reputation and brands. We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secrets laws to protect our intellectual
property rights. Nevertheless, the measures we take to protect our intellectual property rights may not be adequate to prevent
unauthorized uses. In addition, preventing infringement on or misuse of intellectual property rights could be difficult, costly
and time-consuming in China. The practice of intellectual property rights enforcement action by the PRC regulatory authorities
is in its early stage of development and is subject to significant uncertainty. For example, third parties may obtain and use
our intellectual property without due authorization, particularly in China. We may also need to resort to litigation and other
legal proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights. Any such action, litigation or other legal proceedings could result
in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and resources and could disrupt our business. There is
no assurance that we will be able to enforce our intellectual property rights effectively or otherwise prevent others from the
unauthorized use of our intellectual property. Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property could materially and adversely
affect our brand names and reputation, and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We
may encounter infringement disputes from time to time relating to our use of intellectual properties of third parties.
We
cannot assure you that our offline ELT courses and marketing materials, online ELT courses, products, platforms and applications
or other intellectual property developed or used by us do not or will not infringe upon valid copyrights or other intellectual
property rights held by third parties. We may encounter disputes from time to time over rights and obligations concerning intellectual
property, and we may not prevail in those disputes. We have adopted policies and procedures to prohibit our employees and
contractors from infringing upon third-party copyright or intellectual property rights. However, we cannot assure you that
our teachers or other personnel will not, against our policies, use third-party copyrighted materials or intellectual property
without proper authorization in our classes, on our websites, at any of our locations or via any medium through which we provide
our programs. Our users may also post unauthorized third-party content on our websites. We may incur liability for unauthorized
duplication or distribution of the materials posted on our websites or used in our classes. We have been involved in claims against
us alleging our infringement of third-party intellectual property rights and we may be subject to such claims in the future.
Any such intellectual property infringement claim could result in costly litigation, harm our reputation, divert our management
attention and resources and subject us to substantial financial harm.
A
certain number of our self-operated learning centers and our owned properties are not in compliance with fire safety regulations.
Our
self-operated learning centers are mainly located on properties leased by us from third parties. We generally make decoration
work to the leased properties to meet our business operational needs. According to the relevant PRC laws and regulations, our
decoration work falls within the scope of construction work. If the investment amount of such construction work exceeds RMB300,000
and the gross floor area is more than 300 square meters, the records of the fire safety design and the completion inspection must
be filed with the competent fire safety authorities after the decoration work obtains the relevant construction permit and passes
the completion inspection. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations— Regulations
on Fire Safety” for further details on the fire safety regulations applicable to our business. As of the date of this annual
report, we entered into 132 leases for our premises, 129 of which have been put into use for our self-operated learning centers,
and we have complied with the foregoing fire safety design and filing requirements with respect to 115 of these premises. As of
December 31, 2020, 14 leased properties comprised of 12 of our self-operated learning centers currently in use had not completed
the filing of fire protection design and completion inspection record. Additionally, we owned premises that were used as space
for one of our self-operated learning centers with a total gross floor area of approximately 8,057 square meters, and we
have not completed the filing of fire protection design and completion inspection record for such properties as of the date of
this annual report. The 12 self-operated learning centers contributed to approximately 5.0% to our gross billings for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
In
case of failure to complete the foregoing procedures, the competent fire safety authorities in the PRC can order rectifications
within a specified period of time, impose a fine of less than RMB5,000 per property, and order the stoppage of use. We have been
fined for such violations in the past for an immaterial amount, and we cannot assure you that we will not be fined in the future
for past and future violations. In the case of failure to rectify, such authorities can order stoppage of construction and use
and suspension of business, and impose a fine of more than RMB30,000 and less than RMB300,000. If we cannot complete the filing
of fire protection design and completion inspection according to the relevant requirements, we may be subject to a fine or may
be ordered to make rectification within a specified period of time or suspend our operation on the affected properties. In addition,
according to Circular 10, if we cannot meet the requirements of the fire safety standards, the relevant training qualifications
could be revoked by the government authorities. If complying with fire safety regulations would require us to terminate or break
our existing leases, we may be liable for any associated termination or breakage costs in addition to the costs of relocation,
renovation and decoration. It may also disrupt our scheduled courses and force us to postpone or cancel some courses and refund
the related course fees, all of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure
to make adequate contributions to various employee benefits plans as required by PRC regulations may subject us to penalties.
Pursuant
to the PRC laws and regulations, we are required to participate in various social insurance benefit plans for our employees, whether
PRC nationals or foreign citizens, including pension insurance, unemployment insurance, medical insurance, work-related injury
insurance and maternity insurance. We are also required to participate in housing provident fund plan for our PRC national employees.
We are required to contribute to the plans in amounts equal to certain percentages of the salaries, including bonuses and allowances,
of our employees up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time at locations where we operate our
business. The requirement of employee benefit plans has not been implemented consistently by the local governments in China given
the different levels of economic development in various locations. In some locations where we operate, consistent with local practices,
we did not strictly follow the laws and regulations relating to participating in various social insurance benefit plans for our
PRC national employees, including housing provident fund. We also did not make full contribution of our foreign employees’
social insurance, which was mainly due to an administrative oversight and unfamiliarity with the relevant laws and regulations
of our staff in charge. While we have not faced any penalty or disciplinary action in the past, our failure in making contributions
to various employee benefit plans and in complying with the applicable PRC labor-related laws may subject us to late payment
penalties. We may be required to make up the contributions for these plans as well as to pay late fees and fines. If we are subject
to late fees or fines in relation to the underpaid employee benefits, our financial condition and results of operations may be
adversely affected.
We
cannot assure you that our employees will not complain to the relevant authorities by reporting our failure to make contributions
to the social insurance plans. Moreover, we cannot assure you that the relevant local government authorities will not require
us to pay the outstanding amount within a prescribed time or impose penalties or overdue fines on us, which may in turn adversely
affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Certain
of our teachers do not possess teaching qualifications, which may be subject to penalty under the relevant PRC laws and regulations.
Our failure to comply with these requirements may result in material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations
and prospects.
Under
the relevant PRC laws and regulations, teachers of all types of schools and other education institutions are required to obtain
teacher qualification certificates or other relevant professional skill qualifications, although the definition or scope of the
relevant professional skill qualifications is not explicitly stated in the relevant PRC laws and regulations. If teachers are
employed in violation of such regulations, the examination and approval authorities or other relevant government departments will
order the schools and other education institutions to make corrections within a specified period of time and give a warning in
accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. If there is income generated from teachers without teaching qualifications,
the illegal income will be confiscated. In the event the circumstances are deemed serious by the relevant government authorities,
student enrollment will be ordered to stop and the school license will be revoked. As of the date of this annual report, some
of our teachers did not possess any teaching qualifications or relevant professional skill qualifications. As of the date of this
annual report, we have not received any notice or warning or been subject to any penalties or disciplinary action from government
authorities due to the lack of teaching licenses of our teachers. As advised by our PRC counsel, the current PRC laws and regulations
remain unclear as to whether our teachers are required to obtain and hold teaching qualifications. However, we cannot assure you
that the relevant PRC government authorities will not take a contrary view and impose penalties, fines or other disciplinary action
for our past or future non-compliance.
We
cannot assure you that we will not be subject to liability claims for any inaccurate or inappropriate content in our training
programs, which could cause us to incur legal costs and damage our reputation.
We
develop the content for our ELT programs ourselves or through partnerships with third parties. We cannot assure you that there
will be no inaccurate or inappropriate materials included in our training programs or the materials we obtain from our third-party partners.
In addition, our mock examination questions designed internally based on our understanding of the relevant examination requirements
may be investigated by the regulatory authorities. Therefore, we may face civil, administrative or criminal liability if an individual
or corporate, governmental or other entity believes that the content of any of our training programs violets any laws, regulations
or governmental policies or infringes upon its legal rights. Even if such claim were not successful, defending it may cause us
to incur substantial costs including the time and attention of our management. Moreover, any accusation of an accurate so inappropriate
conduct could lift to significant negative publicity, which could harm our reputation and future business prospects.
We
may be involved in legal and other disputes and claims arising out of our operations from time to time.
We
may, from time to time, be involved in disputes with and subject to claims by parents and students, teachers and other school
personnel, and other parties involved in our business. We cannot assure you that when legal actions arise in the ordinary course
of our business, any of the legal actions will be resolved in our favor. We are subject to uncertainties as to the outcome of
such legal proceedings and our business operations may be disrupted. Legal or other proceedings involving us may, among others,
result in us incurring significant costs, divert management’s attention and other resources, negatively affect our business
operations, cause negative publicity against us or damage our reputation, regardless whether we are successful in defending such
claims or proceedings. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected as
a result.
We
may be adversely affected by any negative publicity concerning us, our business, founders, shareholders, affiliates, directors,
senior management and employees, as well as our third-party commercial partners and the industry in which we operate, regardless
of its accuracy, which could harm our reputation and business.
Negative
publicity about us, our business, founders, shareholders, affiliates, directors, senior management, teachers and other employees,
as well as our third-party commercial partners and the industry in which we operate, can harm our operations. We have been
exposed to negative publicity concerning, among other things, miscalculation involving and delays in the payments of staff salaries
and/or bonuses, student refund disputes, administrative penalties, alleged improper or misleading statements made in our sales
and marketing activities in the past and actions of our founders and directors and members of our senior management. Negative
publicity concerning these parties could be related to a wide variety of matters, including, but are not limited to:
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misconduct,
alleged or otherwise, or other improper activities committed by our founders, students or our directors, shareholders, senior
management, affiliates, teaching staff and other employees, including misrepresentation made by our employees to prospective
students during sales and marketing activities;
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false
or malicious allegations or rumors about us or our founders, directors, shareholders, senior management, affiliates, teaching
staff and other employees, as well as our students;
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complaints
by our students about our education services and sales and marketing activities;
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course
fee refund disputes between us and our students or administrative penalties;
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security
breaches of our student’s or employee’s confidential information;
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employment-related complaints
and claims relating to alleged employment discrimination, wage and hour violations, miscalculations involving and delays in
the payments of staff salaries and/or bonuses; and
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governmental
and regulatory investigations or penalties resulting from our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
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We
may also be exposed the risk of any misconduct of our third party commercial partners that any negative publicity and claims asserted
against our third party commercial partners or fines imposed upon them as a result of actual or perceived failures, could have
a material and adverse effect on our public image, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, negative
publicity of the industry in which we operate, including, but not limited to, bankruptcy and cessation of business operations
of any of our major competitors, may materially and adversely affect our business prospects and results of operations.
In
addition to traditional media, there has been an increasing use of social media and similar platforms in China, including instant
messaging applications, such as WeChat, social media websites and other forms of internet-based communications that provide
individuals with access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. The availability of information on instant
messaging applications and social media platforms is virtually immediate as is its impact without affording us an opportunity
for redress or correction. The opportunity for dissemination of information, including inaccurate information, is seemingly limitless
and readily available.
Information
concerning our company, shareholders, directors, officers and employees may be posted on such platforms at any time. The risks
associated with any such negative publicity or incorrect information cannot be completely eliminated or mitigated and may materially
harm our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
We
are subject to regulatory inspections, examinations, inquiries and audits, and future sanctions, fines and other administrative
penalties resulting from such inspections and audits could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
We
are subject to certain regulation and supervision from the PRC government authorities. These relevant regulatory authorities have
broad powers to adopt regulations and other requirements affecting or restricting our operations, including tax policies. Moreover,
these relevant regulatory authorities possess significant powers to enforce applicable regulatory requirements in the event of
our non-compliance, including the imposition of fines, sanctions or the revocation of licenses or permits to operate our business.
We have in the past been subject to tax penalties concerning certain of our subsidiaries, and we cannot assure you that we will
not face similar or other administrative fines or penalties concerning our operations or our subsidiaries.
Any natural catastrophes, severe weather conditions, health epidemics, including COVID-19, and other extraordinary events could
severely disrupt our business operations.
The
occurrence of natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, typhoons, tsunamis or any acts of terrorism may result in significant
property damages as well as loss of revenue due to interactions in our business operations. As we store books and course materials
at our premises, there is a risk that these products and our promises may be damaged or destroyed by fire and other natural calamities.
Any disruption of electricity supply or any outbreaks of fire or similar calamities at our premises may result in the breakdown
of our facilities and the disruption to our business. Health epidemics such as outbreaks of avian influenza, severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS), COVID-19, swine flu (H1N1) or the Influenza A virus, and severe weather conditions such as snowstorm and hazardous
air pollution, as well as the government measures adopted in response to these events, could significantly impact our operations.
Due
to the quarantine measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19, we temporarily closed our learning centers in China from February
2020 to April 2020. In April 2020, we reopened a select number of our learning centers, and gradually reopened the remaining in
May and June 2020 as permitted to do so by the MOE and provincial education bureaus. As a result, our ability to deliver our services,
particularly our offline ELT services, had been adversely impacted and the costs for us to deliver our services may also increase.
Some students changed their study plans due to these restrictive measures or safety considerations, and thus, the demand for our
services, especially demand for our overseas training services, decreased.
The
COVID-19 outbreak had a material adverse impact on our business operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. Our revenues
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 decreased by RMB552.7 million, or 38.2%, from RMB1,447.9 million for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2019.
The
extent to which COVID-19 impacts our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in 2021 will depend on future developments
of the pandemic, including new information concerning the global severity of and actions taken to contain the pandemic, which
are highly uncertain and unpredictable. In addition, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely
affected to the extent that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts the Chinese economy in general. We cannot assure you that
the COVID-19 pandemic can be eliminated or contained in the near future, or at all, or a similar outbreak will not occur again.
If similar outbreak occurs, we may be forced to close our learning centers or our offices again while we remain obligated to pay
rent and other expenses for these facilities, have quarantine policies in place for our students, teachers, or employees and the
disinfection of the affected properties along with the temporary suspension of our operations, or cancel or defer student enrollment
to avoid the spread or recurrence of contagion.
As
of the date of this annual report, most of the quarantine measures in China have been relaxed. However, our results of operations
may still be adversely affected to the extent that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the Chinese economy in general. In
addition, the longer-term trajectory of COVID-19, both in terms of scope and intensity of the pandemic, in China, together with
its impact on the industry and the broader economy are still difficult to assess or predict and face significant uncertainties
that will be difficult to quantify. If the situation materially deteriorates in China, our business operations and financial performance
may be materially and adversely affected.
While
we have migrated our offline general adult ELT, overseas training and junior ELT courses online during the COVID-19 outbreak to
provide continued training services to our students, our ability to conduct live-streaming lectures and provide other online
education services depends on the continuing operation of our technology systems, which is vulnerable to damage or interruption
from natural catastrophes and other extraordinary events. In addition, any fire or other calamity at the facilities of our third-party service
providers that host our servers could severely disrupt our ability to deliver our online courses. Our disaster recovery planning
cannot account for every conceivable possibility. Any damage or failure of our technology system could result in interruptions
in our services, and our brands could be damaged if students believe our systems are unreliable. Such disruptions could severely
interfere with our business operation and adversely affect our results of operations.
If
we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may be unable to accurately or timely report our
results of operations or prevent fraud, and investor confidence and the market price of our securities may be materially and adversely
affected.
Our
independent registered public accounting firm has not conducted an audit of our internal control over financial reporting. In
the course of auditing our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, our independent registered
public accounting firm identified two material weaknesses and other control deficiencies in our internal control over financial
reporting.
The
material weaknesses identified relate to (i) our lack of a sufficient number of finance and accounting personnel or sufficiently
trained finance and accounting personnel, as well as comprehensive accounting policies in accordance with U.S. GAAP financial
reporting; and (ii) our internal control policy does not have a proper approval mechanism, and our lack of internal controls
on performing periodic reviews of user accounts and their level of authorization in the financial systems. We plan to implement
a number of measures to remedy these material weaknesses. To remedy the identified material weakness and the other control deficiencies,
we have implemented and will continue to implement initiatives to improve our internal control over financial reporting to address
the material weaknesses that have been identified, including: (i) obtain additional resources, including experienced staff
with U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting knowledge, to strengthen the financial reporting function and to set up financial and system
control framework; (ii) conducting regular and continuous U.S. GAAP accounting and financial reporting training programs
for our accounting and financial reporting personnel, including sending our financial staff to attend external U.S. GAAP
training courses; and (iii) optimizing our financial systems by establishing a proper approval mechanism and performing periodic
reviews of users accounts and their level of authorization. We cannot assure you, however, that these measures may fully address
these material weaknesses and other deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting or that we may conclude that
they have been fully remedied.
If
we fail to establish and maintain adequate internal controls, we could suffer material misstatements in our financial statements
and fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information.
This could limit our access to capital markets, adversely affect our results of operations and lead to a decline in the trading
price of our securities. Additionally, ineffective internal controls could expose us to an increased risk of fraud or misuse of
corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list or to other regulatory investigations
and civil or criminal sanctions.
As
a public company, we will be subject to Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Since we qualify as an “emerging
growth company” pursuant to the JOBS Act with less than US$1.07 billion in revenue for our last fiscal year. An emerging
growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally
to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404, in the assessment of the emerging growth company’s internal control over
financial reporting. Moreover, even if management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, our
independent registered public accounting firm, after conducting its own independent testing, may issue a report that is qualified
if it is not satisfied with our internal controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed,
or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us.
During
the course of documenting and testing our internal control procedures, we may identify other weaknesses and deficiencies in its
internal control over financial reporting. In addition, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial
reporting, as these standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing
basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. Generally speaking,
if we fail to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment, we could suffer material misstatements in our financial
statements and fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial
information. This could in turn limit our access to capital markets, harm our results of operations, and lead to a decline in
the trading price of our securities. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose us to increased
risk of fraud or misuse of corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list, regulatory
investigations and civil or criminal sanctions.
Beginning
in 2011, “big four” PRC-based accounting firms, including affiliates of our independent registered public accounting
firm, were affected by a conflict between U.S. and Chinese law, and an administrative law judge in the U.S. imposed penalties
on the firms and the firms were temporarily suspended from practicing before the SEC. If additional remedial measures are imposed,
we could be unable to timely file future financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.
Beginning
in 2011, the Chinese affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms (including our independent registered public accounting
firm) were affected by a conflict between the U.S. and Chinese law. Specifically, for certain U.S.-listed companies operating
and audited in China, the SEC and PCAOB sought to obtain access to the audit work papers and related documents of the Chinese
affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms. The accounting firms were, however, advised and directed that, under
Chinese law, they could not respond directly to the requests of the SEC and PCAOB and that such requests, and similar requests
by foreign regulators for access to such papers in China, had to be channeled through the China Securities Regulatory Commission,
or CSRC.
In
late 2012, this impasse led the SEC commencing administrative proceedings under Rule 102(e) of its Rules of Practice and
also under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act against the Chinese accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting
firm. In January 2014, the administrative law judge made an initial decision to impose penalties on the firms, including a temporary
suspension of their right to practice before the SEC. The accounting firms filed a petition for review of the initial decision.
On February 6, 2015, before a review by the commissioners of the SEC took place, the firms reached a settlement with the
SEC. Under the settlement, the SEC accepts that future requests by the SEC for the production of documents will normally be made
to the CSRC. The firms will receive matching Section 106 requests, and are required to follow a detailed set of procedures
with respect to such requests, which in substance require them to facilitate production via the CSRC. If they fail to meet specified
criteria, the SEC has authority to impose a variety of additional remedial measures on the firms depending on the nature of the
failure. Remedies for any future noncompliance could include, as appropriate, an automatic six-month bar on a single firm’s
performance of certain audit work, commencement of a new proceeding against a firm, or in extreme cases the resumption of the
current proceeding against all four firms. If additional remedial measures are imposed on the Chinese affiliates of the “big
four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, in administrative proceedings brought
by the SEC alleging the firms’ failure to meet specific criteria set by the SEC with respect to requests for the production
of documents, we could be unable to timely file future financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange
Act.
In
the event that the SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the U.S.
with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in China, which
could result in their financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act,
including possible delisting. Moreover, any negative news about any such future proceedings against the firms may cause investor
uncertainty regarding China-based, U.S.-listed companies, including us, and the market price of our securities may be adversely
affected.
If
our independent registered public accounting firm was denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and we
were unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements,
our financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination
could ultimately lead to the delisting of our securities from the Nasdaq Capital Market or deregistration from the SEC, or both,
which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our securities in the United States.
Our
predecessor independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG Huazhen LLP, that issue an audit report included in this annual
report is located in China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of
the PRC authorities, and as such, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection.
Our
predecessor independent registered public accounting firm that issue an audit report included in this annual report, as an auditor
of the companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), or the PCAOB, is required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB
to assess its compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards. Our predecessor auditor is located in
China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the PRC authorities.
In May 2013, the PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the China
Securities Regulation Commission, or the CSRC, and the Ministry of Finance, which establishes a cooperative framework between
the parties for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations undertaken by the PCAOB, the CSRC or
the Ministry of Finance in the United States and the PRC, respectively. The PCAOB continues to be in discussions with the CSRC
and the Ministry of Finance to permit joint inspections in the PRC of audit firms that are registered with the PCAOB and audit
Chinese companies that trade on U.S. exchanges. On December 7, 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement highlighting
continued challenges faced by the U.S. regulators in their oversight of financial statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with
significant operations in China. In June 2019, a bill entitled the “Ensuring Quality Information and Transparency for Abroad-Based
Listings on our Exchanges (EQUITABLE) Act” was introduced in the U.S. Congress. The proposed EQUITABLE Act requires the
SEC to maintain a list of issuers for which the PCAOB is not able to inspect or investigate an auditor report issued by a foreign
public accounting firm and prescribes increased disclosure requirements for such issuers. The proposed EQUITABLE Act also prescribes
that, beginning in 2025 the delisting from U.S. national securities exchanges of issuers included on the SEC’s list for
three consecutive years. Additionally, on May 20, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed S. 945, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable
Act. On December 18, 2020, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act was enacted. In essence, the Holding Foreign Companies
Accountable Act directs the SEC to prohibit the securities of any registrant from being listed on any of the U.S. securities exchanges
or traded “over-the-counter” if the auditor of the registrant’s financial statements is not subject to PCAOB
inspection for three consecutive years, beginning in 2021, and require certain disclosures in the registrant’s annual reports
covering years when the auditor of the registrant’s financial statements is not subject to PCAOB inspection. Furthermore,
Nasdaq has proposed changes to its rules to allow it to consider whether the auditor of a company has been inspected by the PCAOB
in considering whether to allow the new or continued listing of that company. The proposed Nasdaq rule changes are subject to
approval by the SEC. The joint statement, the bills and the proposed Nasdaq rule changes reflect a heightened interest in an issue
that has vexed U.S. regulators in recent years. However, it remains unclear what further actions the U.S. Congress, SEC and/or
the PCAOB will take to address the problem, or whether the proposed Nasdaq rule changes will be put into place.
Inspections
of other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside of China have identified deficiencies in those firms’ audit procedures
and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. The
inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of independent registered public accounting firms operating in China makes it more
difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our predecessor auditor’s audit procedures or quality control procedures. As
a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB inspections.
Risks
Related to Our Corporate Structure
If
the PRC government finds that the contractual arrangements that establish the structure for operating our business do not comply
with applicable PRC laws and regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in
those operations.
Currently,
the PRC laws and regulations do not explicitly impose restrictions on foreign investment in ELT services in the PRC. However,
some local government authorities in the PRC have adopted different approaches in granting licenses and permits (particularly,
imposing more stringent restrictions on foreign-invested entities) for entities providing ELT services. In the areas where
we operate our ELT service business, most local government authorities do not allow foreign-invested entities to establish
private schools to engage in the ELT services, other than in the forms of Sino-foreign cooperative schools, and the domestic
party shall play a dominant role in such cooperation. According to the relevant regulations, foreign investors of Sino-foreign cooperative
institutions must be foreign educational institutions with relevant qualifications and experiences. As a foreign company, we are
not qualified to run Sino-foreign cooperative schools in the PRC. In addition, according to Notice 75, foreign-invested language
training institutions are required to apply for the private school operating permit. However, based on the interviews we conducted
in November 2019 with the officials of the local educational authorities in the areas where we have learning centers in operation,
most of the local educational authorities provided oral confirmations that due to the fact that the Notice 75 has just been issued
for a short period of time and that no detailed supporting rules and regulations have been promulgated, the relevant procedure,
approval process and transitional period regarding the application by the foreign-invested language training institutions
for the private school operating permit are not yet clear and the relevant government authorities have not yet begun to accept
applications. In addition, the PRC laws and regulations restrict foreign ownership in value-added telecommunication services
and require that a foreign investor who invests in a value-added telecommunications business in the PRC must possess prior
experience in operating value-added telecommunications businesses and a proven track record of business operations overseas.
Due to these restrictions, we operate our offline and online ELT business in the PRC primarily through our affiliated entities.
We entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Shenzhen Meten and Shenzhen Likeshuo and their shareholders, respectively.
Our affiliated entities are the entities that hold certain licenses and permits relating to the offline and online ELT business
in the PRC. We have been and expect to continue to be dependent on our affiliated entities to operate our business. See “tem
4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure” for more information.
As
advised by our PRC counsel, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the PRC laws and
regulations, and we cannot assure you that the PRC government would agree that our corporate structure or any of the above-mentioned contractual
arrangements comply with the current or future PRC laws or regulations. The PRC laws and regulations governing the validity of
these contractual arrangements are uncertain and the relevant government authorities may have broad discretion in interpreting
these laws and regulations. If our ownership structure and contractual arrangements are found to be in violation of any existing
or future PRC laws or regulations, or we fail to obtain any of the required licenses and permits, the relevant PRC regulatory
authorities including the MOE, which regulates the education industry in the PRC, the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM, which
regulate the foreign investments in the PRC, the MCA, which regulates the registration of non-profit private schools in the
PRC after the Amended Private Education Promotion Law became effective, and the SAIC, which regulates the registration and operation
of for-profit private schools in the PRC after the Amended Private Education Promotion Law became effective, would have broad
discretion in dealing with such violations, including:
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revoking
the business licenses and operating permits held by Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo and their respective subsidiaries, or
our other PRC subsidiaries, and/or our affiliated entities;
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discontinuing
or restricting the operations of any related-party transactions among our PRC subsidiaries and our affiliated entities;
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limiting
our business expansion in the PRC by way of entering into contractual arrangements;
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confiscating
the income of our affiliated entities;
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imposing
fines, penalties or other requirements with which we, our PRC subsidiaries, or affiliated entities may not be able to comply;
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requiring
us to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations, terminate the contractual arrangements with our VIEs or
deregister the pledges on the equity interest in our VIEs, which in turn would affect our ability to consolidate, derive economic
interest from or exert effective control over our VIEs; or
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restricting the
use of financing sources by us or our affiliated entities, or otherwise restricting our or their ability to conduct business.
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As
of the date of this annual report, similar ownership structure and contractual arrangements have been used by many China-based companies
listed overseas, including in the United States. However, we cannot assure you that penalties will not be imposed on any other
companies or us in the future. If any of the above fines or punishments is imposed on us, our business, financial condition and
results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If any of these penalties results in our inability to direct
the activities of our affiliated entities or results in our failure to receive the economic benefits from our affiliated entities,
we may not be able to consolidate our affiliated entities in our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However,
we do not believe that such actions would result in the liquidation or dissolution of our Company, our wholly-owned subsidiaries
in the PRC.
Substantial
uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of any new PRC laws, rules and regulations relating
to foreign investment 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 promulgated the Foreign Investment Law, which came into effect on January 1,
2020 and replaced the three existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture
Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise
Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The existing foreign-invested enterprises, or FIEs,
established prior to the effectiveness of the Foreign Investment Law may keep their corporate forms within five years. The Foreign
Investment Law stipulates that China implements the management system of pre-establishment national treatment plus a negative
list to foreign investment, and the government generally will not expropriate foreign investment, except under certain special
circumstances, in which case it will provide fair and reasonable compensation to foreign investors. Foreign investors are barred
from investing in prohibited industries on the negative list and must comply with the specified requirements when investing in
restricted industries on such list. On December 26, 2019, the State Council promulgated the Implementing Regulations of the Foreign
Investment Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2020 and further requires that FIEs and domestic enterprises be treated
equally with respect to policy making and implementation.
Pursuant
to the Foreign Investment Law, “foreign investment” means any foreign investor’s direct or indirect investment
in the PRC, including: (i) establishing FIEs in the PRC either individually or jointly with other investors; (ii) obtaining stock
shares, stock equity, property shares, other similar interests in Chinese domestic enterprises; (iii) investing in new project
in the PRC either individually or jointly with other investors; and (iv) making investment through other means provided by laws,
administrative regulations or State Council provisions. Although the Foreign Investment Law does not explicitly classify the contractual
arrangements, such as our contractual arrangement described in “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Organizational
Structure,” as a form of foreign investment, it contains a catch-all provision under the definition of “foreign
investment,” which includes investments made by foreign investors in China through other means stipulated by laws or administrative
regulations or other methods prescribed by the State Council without elaboration on the meaning of “other means.”
However, the Implementing Regulations of the Foreign Investment Law still does not specify whether foreign investment includes
contractual arrangements.
It
is possible that future laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council may regard contractual
arrangements as a form of foreign investment, at which time it will be uncertain whether the contractual arrangements will be
deemed to be in violation of the foreign investment access requirements and how the above-mentioned contractual arrangements
will be handled. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the contractual arrangements and the business of our affiliated entities
will not be materially and adversely affected in the future due to changes in the PRC laws and regulations. Furthermore, if future
laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council mandate further actions to be completed by companies
with existing contractual arrangements, we may face substantial uncertainties as to the timely completion of such actions. In
the extreme case scenario, we may be required to unwind the contractual arrangements and/or dispose of our VIEs and affiliated,
which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations.
We
rely on contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their shareholders for our operations in China, which may not be as effective
in providing operational control as direct ownership.
We
have relied and expect to continue to rely on the contractual arrangements with our ELT businesses in China. For a description
of these contractual arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Organizational
Structure—Contractual Arrangements with Our VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders.” However, these contractual arrangements
may not be as effective as direct equity ownership in providing us with control over our affiliated entities. Any failure by our
VIEs and their shareholders to perform their obligations under the contractual arrangements would have a material adverse effect
on the financial position and performance of our Company. For example, the contractual arrangements are governed by the PRC law
and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in the PRC. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in
accordance with the PRC law and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with arbitral procedures as contractually stipulated.
The commercial arbitration system in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States.
As
a result, uncertainties in the commercial arbitration system or legal system in the PRC could limit our ability to enforce these
contractual arrangements. In addition, if the legal structure and the contractual arrangements were found to violate any existing
or future PRC laws and regulations, we may be subject to fines or other legal or administrative sanctions.
If
any government action causes us to lose our right to direct the activities of our affiliated entities or lose our right to receive
substantially all the economic benefits and residual returns from our affiliated entities and we are not able to restructure our
ownership structure and operations in a satisfactory manner, we would no longer be able to consolidate the financial results of
our affiliated entities.
Our
VIEs or their shareholders may fail to perform their obligations under the contractual arrangements.
If
Shenzhen Meten, Shenzhen Likeshuo or any of their respective shareholders fails to perform their obligations under the contractual
arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and resources to enforce our rights under the contracts, and rely on legal
remedies under the PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief and claiming damages, which may not be
effective. For example, if the shareholders of Shenzhen Meten or Shenzhen Likeshuo were to refuse to transfer their equity interest
in Shenzhen Meten or Shenzhen Likeshuo to us or our designee when we exercise the call option pursuant to these contractual arrangements,
or if they were otherwise to act in bad faith toward us, then we may have to take legal actions to compel them to perform their
contractual obligations.
All
the material agreements under our contractual arrangements are governed by the PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes
under the agreements through arbitration in the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration. Accordingly, these contracts would
be interpreted in accordance with the PRC law and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The
legal system in the PRC is not as developed as some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties
in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. Under the PRC law, rulings by arbitrators
are final, parties cannot appeal the arbitration results in courts, and the prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration
awards in the PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which would incur additional expenses and delay. In
the event that we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control over our
affiliated entities, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected.
The shareholders of our VIEs may have actual or potential conflicts of interest with us and not act in the best interests of our
Company.
Our
control over affiliated entities is based upon the contractual arrangements with our affiliated entities, the VIEs and their shareholders
and the directors of our affiliated entities. The shareholders of the VIEs may potentially have conflicts of interest with us
and breach their contracts or undertaking with if it would further their own interest or if they otherwise act in bad faith. These
shareholders may refuse to sign or breach, or cause our VIEs to breach or refuse to renew the existing contractual arrangements,
which would have a material and adverse effect on our ability to effectively control our affiliated entities and receive economic
benefits from them. For example, these shareholders may be able to cause our agreements with our VIEs to be performed in a manner
adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments due under the contractual arrangements to us on a timely basis.
When conflicts of interest arise any or all of these shareholders will act in the best interests of our Company or such conflicts
will be resolved in our favor. Currently, we do not have any arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these
shareholders and our Company. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and these shareholders, we would
have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty
as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings. If we are unable to resolve such conflicts, including where the shareholders
of our VIEs breached their contracts or undertakings with us and as a result or otherwise subject us to claims from third parties,
our business, financial condition and operations could be materially and adversely affected.
The
contractual arrangements may be subject to the scrutiny of the PRC tax authorities and additional tax may be imposed, which may
materially and adversely affect our results of operation and value of your investment.
Under
the 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 Exclusive
Management Cooperation Agreement we have with our affiliated entities does not represent an arm’s length price and determines
to adjust any of those entities’ income in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could
increase our tax liabilities. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may have reason to believe that our subsidiaries or our affiliated
entities are dodging their tax obligations, and we may not be able to rectify such incident within the limited timeline required
by the PRC tax authorities. As a result, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on us for underpaid
taxes, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If
any of our affiliated entities becomes subject to winding up or liquidation proceedings, we may lose the ability to make use of
certain important assets, which could negatively impact our business and materially and adversely affect our ability to generate
revenue.
We
currently conduct our operations in China through contractual arrangements. As part of these arrangements, substantially all of
our education-related assets, permits and licenses that are important to the operation of our business are held by our affiliated
entities. If any of these affiliated entities is wound up, and all or part of their assets become subject to liens or rights of
third-party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which would materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of our affiliated entities undergoes a voluntary or
involuntary liquidation proceeding, its equity owner or unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights relating to some
or all of these assets, which would hinder our ability to operate our business and could materially and adversely affect our business
and our ability to generate revenue. As a result, we may not be able to exercise our rights in a timely manner and our business,
financial condition and operations may be materially and adversely affected.
The
custodians or authorized users of our controlling non-tangible assets, including chops and seals, may fail to fulfill their responsibilities,
or misappropriate or misuse these assets.
Under
the 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 PRC industry and commerce authorities. In order to maintain the physical security of
our chops, we generally have them stored in secured locations accessible only to certain authorized employees. Although we
monitor such authorized employees, the procedures may not be sufficient to prevent all instances of abuse or negligence.
There is a risk that our employees could abuse their authority, for example, by entering into a contract not approved by us
or by seeking to gain control of our subsidiaries, our VIEs or any of their subsidiaries. If any employee obtains, 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 and divert management from our operations.
The
PRC regulation of loans and direct investments in PRC subsidiaries by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency
conversion may delay us from using working capital to make loan or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, our
affiliated entities, which could harm our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
From
time to time in the ordinary course of our business, we may (i) make loans to our PRC subsidiaries; (ii) make additional
capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries; (iii) establish new PRC subsidiaries and make capital contributions to them;
and (iv) acquire offshore entities with business operations in the PRC in an offshore transaction. However, most of these
uses are subject to PRC regulations and approvals. For example:
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loans
by us to our PRC subsidiaries cannot exceed a statutory limit and shall be filed with the State Administration of Foreign
Exchange of the PRC, or the SAFE, after the loan agreement is signed and at least three business days before the borrower
makes any drawdown under the loan; and
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capital
contributions to our PRC subsidiaries shall be filed with the MOFCOM and SAMR or their local counterparts and also be registered
with the local banks authorized by the SAFE.
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Currently,
there is no statutory limit to the amount of funding we can provide to our PRC subsidiaries through capital contributions. However,
the maximum amount we can loan to our PRC subsidiaries is subject to statutory limits. According to the current PRC laws and regulations,
we can provide funding to our PRC subsidiaries through loans of up to either (i) the amount of the difference between the
respective registered total investment amount and the registered capital of each of our PRC subsidiaries, or the Total Investment
and Registered Capital Balance; or (ii) two and a half times, or the then applicable statutory multiple, of the amount of
their respective net assets, calculated in accordance with PRC GAAP, or the Net Assets Limit, at our election. If we choose to
make a loan to a PRC subsidiary based on the Total Investment and Registered Capital Balance as of the date of this annual report,
subject to the completion of statutory procedures with the relevant government authorities and banks, we may extend a loan
with an estimated aggregate maximum amount of approximately RMB160.0 million to our PRC subsidiaries. We may increase the
Total Investment and Registered Capital Balance of our PRC subsidiaries, which is subject to governmental procedures and may require
a PRC subsidiary to increase its registered capital at the same time. If we choose to make a loan to a PRC entity based on its
Net Assets Limit, the maximum amount we would be able to loan to the relevant PRC entity would depend on the relevant entity’s
net assets and the applicable statutory multiple at the time of calculation. As of the date of this annual report, our PRC subsidiaries
have negative net assets, and we cannot provide loans to them using the Net Assets Limit method.
In
addition, on March 30, 2015, the SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming Management of the Settlement of Foreign Exchange
Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or Circular 19, a regulation regarding the conversion by a foreign-invested company
of its capital contribution in foreign currency into Renminbi. Circular 19 launched a nationwide reform of the administration
of the settlement of the foreign exchange capital of foreign-invested enterprises and allows foreign-invested enterprises
to settle their foreign exchange capital at their discretion, but continues to prohibit foreign-invested enterprises from
using the Renminbi fund converted from their foreign exchange capital for expenditures beyond their business scopes. In June 2016,
the SAFE promulgated the Notice on Reforming and Standardizing the Administrative Provisions on Capital Account Foreign Exchange
Settlement, or Circular 16. Circular 19 and Circular 16 continue to prohibit foreign-invested enterprises from, among other things,
using the Renminbi fund converted from its foreign exchange capital for expenditure beyond its business scope, investment and
financing (except for security investment or guarantee products issued by bank), providing loans to non-affiliated enterprises
or constructing or purchasing real estate not for self-use. On October 23, 2019, the SAFE issued the Notice of the State
Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Facilitating Cross-border Trade and Investment, which, among other things,
expanded the use of foreign exchange capital to domestic equity investment area. Non-investment foreign-funded enterprises
are allowed to lawfully make domestic equity investments by using their capital on the premise of no violation of prevailing special
administrative measures for access of foreign investments (negative list) and the authenticity and compliance with the regulations
of domestic investment projects.
We
expect that the PRC laws and regulations may continue to limit our use of our working capital. We cannot assure you that we will
be able to obtain these government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans or capital
contributions by us to our entities in the PRC. If we fail to receive such registrations or approvals, our ability to capitalize
our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our
business.
Risks
Related to Doing Business in China
Adverse
changes in the PRC economic, political and social conditions as well as laws and government policies, may materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Substantially
all of our operations are conducted in China, and substantially all of our revenue is derived from China. Accordingly, our business,
prospects, financial condition and results of operations are subject, to a significant extent, to economic, political and legal
developments in China.
The
economic, political and social conditions in the PRC differ from those in more developed countries in many respects, including
structure, government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange, capital reinvestment, allocation
of resources, rate of inflation and trade balance position. Before the adoption of its reform and opening up policies in 1978,
the PRC was primarily a planned economy. In recent years, the PRC government has been reforming the PRC economic system and government
structure. For example, the PRC government has implemented economic reforms and measures emphasizing the utilization of market
forces in the development of the PRC economy in the past three decades. These reforms have resulted in significant economic growth
and social prospects. Economic reform measures, however, may be adjusted, modified or applied inconsistently from industry to
industry or across different regions of the country.
We
cannot predict whether the resulting changes will have any adverse effect on our current or future business, financial condition
or results of operations. Despite these economic reforms and measures, the PRC government continues to play a significant role
in regulating industrial development, allocation of natural and other resources, production, pricing and management of currency,
and there can be no assurance that the PRC government will continue to pursue a policy of economic reform or that the direction
of reform will continue to be market friendly.
Our
ability to successfully expand our business operations in the PRC depends on a number of factors, including macro-economic and
other market conditions, and credit availability from lending institutions. Stricter credit or lending policies in the PRC may
affect our customers’ consumer credit or consumer banking business, and may also affect our ability to obtain external financing,
which may reduce our ability to implement our expansion strategies. We cannot assure you that the PRC government will not implement
any additional measures to tighten credit or lending standards, or that, if any such measure is implemented, it will not adversely
affect our future results of operations or profitability.
Demand
for our services and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by the
following factors:
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political
instability or changes in social conditions of the PRC;
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changes
in laws, regulations, and administrative directives or the interpretation thereof;
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measures
which may be introduced to control inflation or deflation; and
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measures
changes in the rate or method of taxation.
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These
factors are affected by a number of variables, which are beyond our control.
Additionally,
the outbreak of COVID-19 may have a material adverse impact on the overall economic outlook, economic growth and business sentiment
in China, and may in turn influence the operation of our business. See “— Risks Related to Our Business and Operations
— Any natural catastrophes, severe weather conditions, health epidemics, including COVID-19, and other extraordinary events
could severely disrupt our business operations.”
The
legal system of the PRC is not fully developed and there are inherent uncertainties that may affect the protection afforded to
our business and our shareholders.
Our
business and operations in the PRC are governed by the PRC legal system that is based on written statutes. Prior court decisions
may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since the late 1970s, the PRC government has promulgated laws
and regulations dealing with economic matters such as foreign investment, corporate organization and governance, commerce, taxation
and trade. However, as these laws and regulations are relatively new and continue to evolve, interpretation and enforcement of
these laws and regulations involve significant uncertainties and different degrees of inconsistency. Some of the laws and regulations
are still in the developmental stage and are therefore subject to policy changes. Many laws, regulations, policies and legal requirements
have only been recently adopted by PRC central or local government agencies, and their implementation, interpretation and enforcement
may involve uncertainty due to the lack of established practice available for reference. We cannot predict the effect of future
legal developments in the PRC, including the promulgation of new laws, changes in existing laws or their interpretation or enforcement,
or the pre-emption of local regulations by national laws. As a result, there is substantial uncertainty as to the legal protection
available to us and our shareholders. Moreover, due to the limited volume of published cases and the non-binding nature of
prior court decisions, the outcome of dispute resolution may not be as consistent or predictable as in other more developed jurisdictions,
which may limit the legal protection available to us. In addition, any litigation in the PRC may be protracted and result in substantial
costs and the diversion of resources and management attention.
PRC
governmental control and restrictions on the convertibility of Renminbi may materially and adversely affect the value of your
investments.
The
PRC government imposes controls and restrictions on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain
cases, the remittance of currency out of the PRC. The majority of our income is received in Renminbi and shortages in the availability
of foreign currencies may restrict our ability to pay dividends or other payments, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency
denominated obligations, if any. 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. Approval from appropriate government authorities
is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of the PRC to pay capital expenses such as
the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. The PRC government may, at its discretion, impose restrictions on access
to foreign currencies for current account transactions and if this occurs in the future, we may not be able to pay dividends in
foreign currencies to our shareholders.
The
enforcement of the PRC Labor Contract Law and other labor-related regulations in the PRC may adversely affect our business and
our results of operations.
The
PRC Labor Contract Law became effective and was implemented on January 1, 2008, which was amended on December 28, 2012.
It has reinforced the protection of employees who, under the PRC Labor Contract Law, have the right, among others, to have written
labor contracts, to enter into labor contracts with no fixed terms under certain circumstances, to receive overtime wages and
to terminate or alter terms in labor contracts. According to the PRC Social Insurance Law, which became effective on July 1,
2011 and was amended on December 29, 2018, and the Administrative Regulations on the Housing Funds, which became effective
on April 3, 1999 and was amended on March 24, 2002 and March 24, 2019, companies operating in China are required
to participate in pension insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance
and housing funds plans, and the employers must pay all or a portion of the social insurance premiums and housing funds for their
employees.
As
these laws and regulations designed to enhance labor protection, we expect our labor costs will continue to increase. In addition,
since the interpretation and implementation of these laws and regulations are still evolving, our employment practice may not
at all times be deemed in compliance with the new laws and regulations. If we are subject to severe penalties or incur significant
liabilities in connection with labor disputes or investigations, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Regulation
and censorship of information disseminated over the internet in China may adversely affect our business and reputation and subject
us to liability for information displayed on our website.
The
PRC government has adopted regulations governing internet access and the distribution of news and other information over the internet.
Under these regulations, internet content providers are prohibited from posting or displaying over the internet content that,
among other things, violates PRC laws and regulations, impairs the national dignity of China, or is reactionary, obscene, superstitious,
fraudulent or defamatory. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the revocation of licenses to provide Internet
content and other licenses, and the closure of the concerned websites. The website operator may also be held liable for such censored
information displayed on or linked to the websites. If our websites are found to be in violation of any such requirements, we
may be penalized by relevant authorities, and our operations or reputation could be adversely affected.
PRC
regulations relating to foreign exchange registration of overseas investment by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident beneficial
owners or our PRC subsidiaries to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into the PRC subsidiaries, limit
PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect
us.
The
SAFE has promulgated certain regulations, including the Notice on Relevant Issues Relating to Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic
Residents’ Investment and Financing and Round-Trip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or Circular 37,
effective on July 4, 2014, and its appendices, that require PRC residents, including PRC institutions and individuals, to
register with local branches of the SAFE in connection with their direct establishment or indirect control of an offshore entity
for the purpose of overseas investment and financing with such PRC residents’ legally owned assets or equity interests in
domestic enterprises or offshore assets or interests, referred to in Circular 37 as a “special purpose vehicle.”
The term “control” under Circular 37 is broadly defined as the operation rights, beneficiary rights or decision-making rights
acquired by the PRC residents in the offshore special purpose vehicles by such means as acquisition, trust, proxy, voting rights,
repurchase, convertible bonds or other arrangements. Circular 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of
any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as decrease of capital contributed by PRC individuals,
share transfer or exchange, merger, division or other material event. In the event that a PRC shareholder holding interests in
a special purpose vehicle fails to fulfill the required registration with the SAFE, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose
vehicle may be prohibited from making profit distributions to the offshore parent and from carrying out subsequent cross-border foreign
exchange activities. Further, failure to comply with the various SAFE registration requirements described above could result in
liability under PRC law for foreign exchange evasion.
On
February 13, 2015, the SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy
on Direct Investment, or Notice 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. Under Notice 13, applications for foreign
exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound overseas direct investments, including those required
under Circular 37 will be directly reviewed and handled by banks, and the SAFE and its branches shall perform indirect regulation
over the direct investment-related foreign exchange registration via banks.
These
regulations apply to our direct and indirect shareholders who are PRC residents and may apply to any offshore acquisitions or
share transfers that we make in the future if our shares are issued to PRC residents. However, in practice, different local SAFE
branches may have different views and procedures on the application and implementation of SAFE regulations, and since Circular
37 was recently issued, there remains uncertainty with respect to its implementation.
All
PRC residents known to us that currently hold direct or indirect interests in our company have completed the necessary registrations
as required by Circular 37. We cannot assure you that any shareholders or beneficial owners of our company who are PRC residents
will be able to successfully complete the registration or update the registration of their direct and indirect equity interest
as required in the future. If any of them fail to make or update the registration, our PRC subsidiaries could be subject to fines
and legal penalties, and the SAFE could restrict our cross-border investment activities and our foreign exchange activities,
including restricting our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to, or obtain loans denominated in foreign currencies
from, our company, or prevent us from contributing additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries. As a result, our business operations
and our ability to make distributions to you could be materially and adversely affected.
If
we are classified as a PRC “resident enterprise,” we could be subject to PRC income tax at the rate of 25% on our
worldwide income, and holders of our ordinary shares may be subject to a PRC withholding tax upon the dividends payable and upon
gain from the sale of our ordinary shares.
Under
the Enterprise Income Tax Law, or EIT Law, and its implementation rules, if an enterprise incorporated outside the PRC has its
“de facto management body” located within the PRC, such enterprise may be recognized as a PRC tax resident enterprise
and be subject to the unified enterprise income tax rate of 25% on its worldwide income. Under the implementation rules for the
EIT Law, “de facto management body” is defined as the body that has material and overall management control over the
business, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. The SAT issued the Notice regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled
Overseas Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprises on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies, or SAT Circular 82,
on April 22, 2009. SAT Circular 82 provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management
body” of a Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated enterprise is located inside China, stating that only a company
meeting all the criteria would be deemed having its de facto management body within China. One of the criteria is that a company’s
major assets, accounting books and minutes and files of its board and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in the
PRC. In addition, the SAT issued a bulletin on July 27, 2011, effective from September 1, 2011, providing further guidance
on the implementation of SAT Circular 82. This bulletin clarifies matters including residence status determination, post-determination administration
and competent tax authorities. Although both SAT Circular 82 and the bulletin only apply to offshore enterprises controlled by
PRC enterprises and there are currently no further detailed rules or precedents governing the procedures and specific criteria
for determining “de facto management body” for companies like us controlled by PRC individuals, the determination
criteria set forth in SAT Circular 82 and the bulletin may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the “de facto
management body” test should be applied in determining the tax residency status of offshore enterprises and how the administration
measures should be implemented with respect to such enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises
or PRC individuals.
Since
all of our senior management members reside in the PRC, we may be recognized as a PRC tax resident enterprise for the purpose
of the EIT Law and therefore would be subject to PRC income tax at the rate of 25% on our worldwide income. In such event, our
income tax expenses may increase significantly and its net profit and profit margin could be materially and adversely affected.
Under
the EIT Law, foreign enterprise shareholders of a PRC resident enterprise will be subject to a 10% (or 20% for an individual)
withholding tax upon dividends received from the PRC resident enterprise and on gain recognized with respect to the sale of shares
of the resident enterprise, if such amounts are deemed to be derived from sources within the PRC. Accordingly, if we are treated
as a PRC resident enterprise, holders of our ordinary shares may be subject to a 10% (or 20% for an individual) withholding tax
upon dividends received from us and on gain recognized with respect to the sale of our ordinary shares, unless such withholding
tax is reduced by an applicable income tax treaty between China and the jurisdiction of the holder. Any such tax may reduce the
returns on your investment in our ordinary shares.
We
and our shareholders face uncertainties with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by
their non-PRC holding companies.
On
February 3, 2015, the SAT issued the Announcement on Several Issues Concerning the Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Transfer
of Assets by Non-Resident Enterprises, or the SAT Bulletin 7. The SAT Bulletin 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to transactions
involving the transfer of taxable assets through offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, SAT
Bulletin 7 has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public
securities market. SAT Bulletin 7 also brings challenges to both foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated
to pay for the transfer) of taxable assets. On October 17, 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement on Issues Relating to Withholding
at Source of Income Tax of Non-resident Enterprises, or the SAT Bulletin 37, which came into effect on December 1,
2017. The SAT Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding of non-resident enterprise income
tax.
Where
a non-resident enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding
company, which is an Indirect Transfer, the non-resident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity
that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such Indirect Transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a “substance
over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable
commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived
from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to
pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests
in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee
fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes.
We
face uncertainties as to the reporting and other implications of certain past and future transactions where PRC taxable assets
are involved, such as offshore restructuring, sale of the shares in our offshore subsidiaries and investments. We may be subject
to filing obligations or taxed if we are the transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations if
we are the transferee in such transactions, under SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37. For transfer of shares in us that do
not qualify for the public securities market safe harbor by investors who are non-PRC resident enterprises, our PRC subsidiaries
may be requested to assist in the filing under SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37. As a result, we, our non-resident enterprises
and PRC subsidiaries may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37 or to request
the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that we and our
non-resident enterprises should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition and results of operations.
Employee
participants in our share incentive plans who are PRC citizens may be required to register with the SAFE. We also face regulatory
uncertainties in the PRC that could restrict our ability to grant share incentive awards to our employees who are PRC citizens.
Pursuant
to the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in a Stock Incentive
Plan of an Overseas Publicly-Listed Company issued by the SAFE on February 15, 2012, or Circular 7, the PRC citizens
and non-PRC citizens who reside in China for a continuous period of not less than one year who participate in any stock incentive
plan of an overseas publicly listed company, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with the SAFE through a domestic
qualified agent, which could be the PRC subsidiaries of such overseas listed company, and complete certain other procedures. Such
PRC individuals’ foreign exchange income received from the sale of shares and dividends distributed by the overseas listed
company and any other income shall be fully remitted into a collective foreign currency account in the PRC opened and managed
by the PRC domestic agent before distribution to such individuals. In addition, such domestic individuals must also retain an
overseas entrusted institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of share options and their purchase and sale
of shares. The PRC domestic agent also needs to update registration with the SAFE within three months after the overseas-listed
company materially changes its share incentive plan or make any new share incentive plans.
From
time to time, we will need to apply for or update its registration with the SAFE or its local branches on behalf of employees
who receive options or other equity-based incentive grants under our share incentive plans or material changes in our share
incentive plans. However, we may not always be able to make applications or update its registration on behalf of employees in
compliance with Circular 7, nor can we ensure you that such applications or update of registration will be successful. If
we or the participants of its share incentive plans who are PRC citizens fail to comply with Circular 7, we and/or such participants
of our share incentive plans may be subject to fines and legal sanctions, there may be additional restrictions on the ability
of such participants to exercise their share options or remit proceeds gained from sale of their shares into the PRC, and we may
be prevented from further granting share incentive awards under its share incentive plans to employees who are PRC citizens.
You
may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing actions in the PRC
against us or our management named in the annual report based on foreign laws.
We
are a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We conduct substantially all of our operations in the PRC and
substantially all of our assets are located in PRC. In addition, all our senior executive officers reside within the PRC for a
significant portion of the time and most are PRC nationals. As a result, it may be difficult for our shareholders to effect service
of process upon us or those persons inside the PRC. In addition, the PRC does not have treaties providing for the reciprocal recognition
and enforcement of judgments of courts with the Cayman Islands and many other countries and regions. Therefore, recognition and
enforcement in the PRC of judgments of a court in any of these non-PRC jurisdictions in relation to any matter not subject
to a binding arbitration provision may be difficult or impossible.
Fluctuations
in the value of the Renminbi could have a material and adverse effect on your investment.
The
change in value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by various factors such as changes in
political and economic conditions in the PRC. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of
pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar, and the Renminbi appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar over
the following three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation was halted and the exchange rate between the Renminbi
and the U.S. dollar remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, the Renminbi has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times
significantly and unpredictably. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the
exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.
Any
significant appreciation or revaluation of the Renminbi may have a material adverse effect on the value of, and any dividends
payable on, our securities in foreign currency terms. More specifically, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars,
appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. To
the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from our initial public offering into Renminbi for our operations,
appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we would receive from
the conversion. In addition, appreciation or depreciation in the exchange rate of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar could materially
and adversely affect the price of our securities in U.S. dollars without giving effect to any underlying change in our business
or results of operations.
Risks
Related to Our Ordinary Shares
Our
share price may be volatile and could decline substantially.
The
market price of our ordinary shares may be volatile, both because of actual and perceived changes in the company’s financial
results and prospects, and because of general volatility in the stock market. The factors that could cause fluctuations in our
share price may include, among other factors discussed in this section, the following:
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actual
or anticipated variations in the financial results and prospects of the company or other companies in the retail business;
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changes
in financial estimates by research analysts;
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changes
in the market valuations of other education technology companies;
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announcements
by us or our competitors of new education services, expansions, investments, acquisitions, strategic partnerships or joint
ventures;
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mergers
or other business combinations involving us;
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additions
and departures of key personnel and senior management;
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changes
in accounting principles;
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the
passage of legislation or other developments affecting us or our industry;
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the
trading volume of our ordinary shares in the public market;
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the
release of lockup, escrow or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding equity securities or sales of additional equity
securities;
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potential
litigation or regulatory investigations;
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changes
in economic conditions, including fluctuations in global and Chinese economies;
|
|
●
|
financial
market conditions;
|
|
●
|
natural
disasters, terrorist acts, acts of war or periods of civil unrest; and
|
|
●
|
the
realization of some or all of the risks described in this section.
|
In
addition, the stock markets have experienced significant price and trading volume fluctuations from time to time, and the market
prices of the equity securities of retailers have been extremely volatile and are sometimes subject to sharp price and trading
volume changes. These broad market fluctuations may materially and adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares.
We
may issue additional ordinary shares or other equity securities without your approval, which would dilute your ownership interests
and may depress the market price of our ordinary shares.
Currently,
we have warrants outstanding to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,316,125 ordinary shares and may issue an aggregate of up to an
additional 11,000,000 ordinary shares to the former Meten shareholders upon achievement of milestone targets. We may also issue
units or our other securities in connection with the Financing (as defined below) and the Azimut Investment (as defined below).
We will also have the ability to issue additional shares under the ESOP Plan. We may also issue additional ordinary shares or
other equity securities of equal or senior rank in the future for any reason or in connection with, among other things, future
acquisitions or repayment of outstanding indebtedness, without shareholder approval, in a number of circumstances.
Our
issuance of additional ordinary shares or other equity securities of equal or senior rank would have the following effects:
|
●
|
our
existing shareholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;
|
|
●
|
the
amount of cash available per share, including for payment of dividends in the future, may decrease;
|
|
●
|
the
relative voting strength of each previously outstanding share may be diminished; and
|
|
●
|
the
market price of our ordinary shares may decline.
|
We
are not expected to pay dividends on its shares of ordinary shares in the foreseeable future.
We
are not expected to pay dividends on its shares of ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. Instead, for the foreseeable future,
it is expected that we will continue to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of its business, and not
to pay any cash dividends on its ordinary shares. Consequently, you should not rely on an investment in the Company as a source
for any future dividend income.
Our
board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to applicable laws. Even if our board
of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among
other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions,
if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant
by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ordinary shares will likely depend entirely upon
any future price appreciation of our ordinary shares. We cannot guarantee that our ordinary shares will appreciate in value or
even maintain the price at which you purchased the ordinary shares. You may not realize a return on your investment in our ordinary
shares and you may even lose your entire investment in our ordinary shares.
We
may become a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse United States federal income tax consequences to
United States investors.
Based
on the projected composition of our income and valuation of our assets, including goodwill, we are not expected to be a passive
foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for its current taxable year, and we do not expect to become one in the future,
although there can be no assurance in this regard. Although we do not expect to be a PFIC, it is not entirely clear how the contractual
arrangements between our Company and the VIEs will be treated for purposes of the PFIC rules. If it were determined that we do
not own the stock of the VIEs for U.S. federal income tax purposes (for instance, because the relevant PRC authorities do not
respect these arrangements), we may be treated as a PFIC. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—U.S.
Holders—Passive Foreign Investment Company.” If we are or were to become a PFIC, such characterization could result
in adverse United States federal income tax consequences to you if you are a U.S. investor. For example, if we are a PFIC, its
U.S. investors will become subject to increased tax liabilities under U.S. federal income tax laws and regulations and will become
subject to burdensome reporting requirements. We cannot assure you that we will not be a PFIC for our current taxable year or
any future taxable year.
If
securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about us or our business,
our ordinary share price and trading volume could decline.
The
trading market for our ordinary shares will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish
about us or our business. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on us If no securities
or industry analysts commence coverage of our Company, the trading price for its ordinary shares would likely be negatively impacted.
In the event securities or industry analysts initiate coverage, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade its securities
or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about its business, its stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these
analysts cease coverage of our Company or fail to publish reports on our Company, demand for its ordinary shares could decrease,
which might cause its ordinary share price and trading volume to decline.
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contains anti-takeover provisions that could have a material adverse
effect on the rights of holders of our ordinary shares.
Our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association include provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control
of us or cause us to engage in change-of-control transactions. These provisions could have the effect of depriving 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 us in a tender offer or similar transaction. For example, our board of directors has the authority, subject
to any resolution of the shareholders to the contrary, to issue preference 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. Preference shares could be issued quickly
with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of the Company or make removal of management more difficult. If
our board of directors decides to issue preference 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 and adversely affected.
You
may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited,
because we were formed under Cayman Islands law.
We
are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum
and articles of association, the Companies Act of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of our
shareholders to take action against our directors, actions by our minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors
to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman
Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedents in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law
of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands.
The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established
as they would be under statutes or judicial precedents in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands
has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully
developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may
not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
Shareholders
of Cayman Islands exempted companies have no general rights under the Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain
copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have the discretion under our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by
shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to 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.
Certain
corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands differ significantly from requirements for companies incorporated in other
jurisdictions such as the U.S. To the extent we choose to follow home country practice, shareholders may be afforded less protection
than they otherwise would have under rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
The
Cayman Islands courts are also unlikely (i) to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States based
on certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws, or (ii) to impose liabilities against us, in original actions
brought in the Cayman Islands, based on certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws that are penal in nature.
There
is no statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, although the courts of the Cayman
Islands will in certain circumstances recognize and enforce a non-penal judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction
without retrial on the merits.
As
a result of all of the above, our shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken
by our management, members of our board of directors or shareholders than they would as shareholders of a company incorporated
in the United States.
Certain
judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.
We
are a Cayman Islands company and all of its assets are located outside of the United States. All of our current operations are
conducted in the PRC. In addition, the majority of our officers and directors are nationals and residents of countries other than
the United States and all of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible
for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe that your
rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action
of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of the PRC may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or
the assets of our directors and officers. For more information regarding the relevant laws of the Cayman Islands and the PRC.
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 United States domestic public companies.
Because
we are 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:
|
●
|
the
rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K with the
SEC;
|
|
●
|
the
sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security
registered under the Exchange Act;
|
|
●
|
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; 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 through press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the 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, which would be
made available to you, were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.
As
a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate
governance matters that differ significantly from Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards; these practices may afford less
protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.
As
a Cayman Islands company listed on the Nasdaq, we are subject to Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. However, the Nasdaq
rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate
governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from Nasdaq corporate governance
listing standards. A Cayman Islands company is not required to have annual general meetings. Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted
companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of
shareholders of these 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. To the extent we choose
to follow home country practice with respect to corporate governance matters such as the exemption from holding an annual general
meeting pursuant to Nasdaq Rule 5620(a), our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under rules
and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. For details as to the corporate governance matters for which we have elected
to follow our home country practices, rather than Nasdaq listing standards, please see “Item 16.G—Corporate Governance.”
We
will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company.
We
are a public company and expect to incur significant accounting, legal and other expenses. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as
rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the Nasdaq, have detailed requirements concerning corporate governance practices
of public companies, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 relating to internal controls over financial reporting.
We expect these rules and regulations applicable to public companies to increase our accounting, legal and financial compliance
costs and to make certain corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. Our management will be required to devote substantial
time and attention to our public company reporting obligations and other compliance matters. We are currently evaluating and monitoring
developments with respect to these rules and regulations, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we
may incur or the timing of such costs. Our reporting and other compliance obligations as a public company may place a strain on
our management, operational and financial resources and systems for the foreseeable future.
In
the past, shareholders of a public company often brought securities class action suits against the company following periods of
instability in the market price of that company’s 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 operations, which could harm
our results of operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit. 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 have a material adverse effect on
our financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 4.
|
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
|
A.
|
History and Development of the Company
|
We
were formed to serve as a holding company for Meten and EdtechX after consummation of the Mergers (defined below) contemplated
by the Merger Agreement (defined below). We, were formed as a Cayman Islands exempted company on September 27, 2019. Prior to
the Mergers, we owned no material assets and did not operate any business. Our principal executive office is located at 3rd Floor,
Tower A, Tagen Knowledge & Innovation Center, 2nd Shenyun West Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518000,
The People’s Republic of China and our telephone number is +86 755 8294 5250.
On
December 12, 2019, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Merger Agreement”) by and
among the Company, EdtechX Holdings Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“EdtechX”), Meten Education Inc., a
Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“EdtechX Merger Sub”), Meten Education Group Ltd.,
a Cayman Islands exempted company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Meten Merger Sub”, and together with
EdtechX Merger Sub, the “Merger Subs”), and Meten International Education Group, a Cayman Islands exempted company
(“Meten”) which, among other things, provided for (i) Meten Merger Sub to merge with and into the Company, with the
Company being the surviving entity of such merger (the “Meten Merger”) and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company (“Surviving Cayman Islands Company”) and (ii) EdtechX Merger Sub to merge with and into EdtechX, with EdtechX
being the surviving entity of the merger (the “EdtechX Merger” and together with the Meten Merger, the “Mergers”)
and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
On
March 30, 2020, the parties to the Merger Agreement consummated the Mergers. Immediately prior to the Mergers, Azimut Enterprises
Holdings S.r.l. (the “Azimut Investor”) invested US$20 million in EdtechX to purchase 2,000,000 units of EdtechX
(with each unit consisting of one ordinary share and one warrant to purchase one ordinary share of EdtechX at a price of US$11.50
per share), which units converted into the same number of our units upon closing of the Mergers. Concurrently with the closing
of the Mergers, our PIPE financing with two unaffiliated third-party investors, one of which is ITG Education, in an aggregate
investment of US$12 million was completed on March 30, 2020.
On
March 30, 2020, our ordinary shares were listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “METX.” Our warrants
have been trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “METXW” since May 27, 2020.
The SEC maintains a website
at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that
file electronically with the SEC using its EDGAR system.
See “Item 5. Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects — B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Capital Expenditures” for a discussion of
our capital expenditures.
We
are one of the leading ELT service providers in China. China’s ELT market is segmented into general ELT, test-oriented ELT
and after-school language training sectors. We offer a comprehensive ELT service portfolio comprising general adult ELT,
junior ELT, overseas training services, online ELT and other English language-related services to students from a wide range
of age groups. We conduct our business through our synergetic offline-online business model, which maximizes the compatibility
within our business segments to scale up at relatively low costs.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had a nationwide offline learning center network of 105 self-operated learning centers (including
20 learning centers under the “ABC” brand of ABC Education Group, which we acquired in June 2018) covering 28 cities
in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China, and 13 franchised learning centers (including four franchised
learning centers under the “ABC” brand) covering 12 cities in 11 provinces and municipalities in China. Leveraging
our experience gained from operating offline learning centers, we launched our online English learning platform “Likeshuo”
in 2014 to further expand our service reach to a larger student base. As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 1.79 million
registered users on our “Likeshuo” platform and cumulatively over 320,000 paying users who purchased our online ELT
courses or trial lessons. As of the same date, the cumulative number of student enrollments for our online ELT courses since 2014
was approximately 180,000 and we had delivered over 5.35 million accumulated course hours to our students online. We also have
opened two experiential marketing stores in China to enable our prospective students to obtain in-person experience of live
streaming online ELT courses delivered on our “Likeshuo” platform. We take advantage of our business model of combining
our offline learning center network and online platform to deepen our market penetration and further develop our business.
Our
qualified personnel, centralized management system driven by artificial intelligence, and technical expertise enable us to create
a learning environment that caters to the specific learning demands of our students. We have a high-caliber teaching staff
and an experienced content development team, who are supported by our centralized teaching and management systems to optimize
our students’ learning experiences. As of December 31, 2020, we had a team of 1,824 full-time teachers, study advisors
and teaching service staff, of which 826 were study advisors and teaching service staff for our offline and online businesses.
As of the same date, we also had 163 full-time and part-time foreign teachers from English-speaking countries for
our offline ELT services. We have a dedicated content development team focusing on developing practical and innovative education
materials independently and in collaboration with our strategic partners. We have built highly centralized and scalable management
systems to manage our teaching, marketing, finance and human resources activities across our offline and online businesses. In
addition to our management systems, we have made significant investments in developing platforms and systems to support our teaching
activities. For example, we utilize the intelligent tracking and learning coaching function of our artificial intelligence-driven teaching
management systems to record and analyze our students’ real-time learning process and personalize the course content
to address their learning needs.
Our
Education Services
We
offer a comprehensive portfolio of English language learning and training services covering a full spectrum of student age groups,
including general adult ELT, junior ELT, overseas training services, online ELT and other English language-related services.
Our offline strong track record of helping students improve English language skills through high-quality courses has made
our programs popular in China. From 2018 to 2020, we generated all our revenue from our operations in the PRC. The following table
sets forth the breakdown of student enrollment at our self-operated learning centers by service type for the periods indicated.
|
|
Student Enrollment(1)(2)
|
|
|
|
For
the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
General adult ELT
|
|
|
56,060
|
|
|
|
49,974
|
|
|
|
11,337
|
|
Junior ELT(3)
|
|
|
8,746
|
(3)
|
|
|
15,057
|
|
|
|
10,503
|
|
Overseas training services
|
|
|
8,885
|
|
|
|
8,775
|
|
|
|
5,527
|
|
Online ELT(4)
|
|
|
44,586
|
|
|
|
49,639
|
|
|
|
42,943
|
|
Total
|
|
|
118,277
|
|
|
|
123,445
|
|
|
|
70,310
|
|
(1)
|
The
number of student enrollments represents the number of actual new sales contracts entered into between us and our students,
excluding the number of refunded contracts and contracts with no revenue generated during a specified period of time.
|
(2)
|
The
number of student enrollments does not include the number of paying users of our “Shuangge English” App under
our other English language-related services.
|
(3)
|
We started
to offer junior ELT in January 2018 and acquired ABC Education Group in June 2018. The number of student enrollments
for the year ended December 31, 2018 also included the students enrolled with ABC Education Group.
|
(4)
|
Student
enrollment in our online ELT represents the total number of student enrollments on our online “Likeshuo” platform.
|
The
following table sets forth the breakdown of our revenue and percentage by service type at our self-operated learning centers
for the periods indicated.
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
|
General adult ELT(1)
|
|
|
903,756
|
|
|
|
63.5
|
|
|
|
783,988
|
|
|
|
54.1
|
|
|
|
333,500
|
|
|
|
37.2
|
|
Overseas training services
|
|
|
223,601
|
|
|
|
15.7
|
|
|
|
203,677
|
|
|
|
14.1
|
|
|
|
130,567
|
|
|
|
14.6
|
|
Online ELT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For adults
|
|
|
172,825
|
|
|
|
12.1
|
|
|
|
203,982
|
|
|
|
14.1
|
|
|
|
203,546
|
|
|
|
22.7
|
|
For juniors
|
|
|
25,586
|
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
|
37,215
|
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
|
|
64,175
|
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
For international test preparation
|
|
|
13,891
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
|
19,066
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
|
19,820
|
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Japanese
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
2,174
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
|
212,302
|
|
|
|
14.9
|
|
|
|
260,263
|
|
|
|
18.0
|
|
|
|
289,715
|
|
|
|
32.3
|
|
Junior ELT
|
|
|
65,490
|
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
|
167,924
|
|
|
|
11.6
|
|
|
|
130,348
|
|
|
|
14.5
|
|
Other English language-related services(2)
|
|
|
19,085
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
|
32,047
|
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
|
|
12,905
|
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,424,234
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
1,447,899
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
897,035
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
(1)
|
Includes revenue from international
standardized test preparation, overseas study application services and short-term study abroad programs.
|
(2)
|
Comprise primarily of (i) revenue
from our “Shuangge English” App, which had over 9,859, 814 and 411 paying users for the year ended December 31,
2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively; and (ii) the franchise fees we received from our franchised learning centers under
the “Meten” brand.
|
General
Adult ELT
Our
general adult ELT is primarily designed for students aged over 15, which are offered at our learning centers across the PRC.
For details on our learning centers, see “— Our Offline Network.” The courses mainly focus on helping students
learn to use English for personal improvement or professional use through close and frequent interaction with our teachers in
an engaging environment. General adult ELT is a major component of our business in terms of student enrollment and revenue. In
2018, 2019 and 2020, our general adult ELT segment had 56,060, 49,974 and 11,337 students enrolled, respectively, and generated
revenue of RMB903.8 million, RMB784.0 million, and RMB333.5 million (US$51.1 million), respectively.
We
primarily deliver courses in small class sizes, including one-on-one, one-on-four and one-on-ten classes. Since 2006, we
have mainly offered (i) the practical spoken English curriculum, to help students master spoken English for personal improvement
or professional use with a focus on practicing pronunciation, expanding vocabulary and improving communication skills; and (ii) the
practical business English curriculum, which caters to young professionals by focusing on practicing English in numerous practical
business settings. A general adult ELT session typically lasts for 55 minutes.
Starting
in 2018, we have upgraded our general adult ELT by introducing the “Explore Curriculum,” which was built on our practical
spoken English curriculum and expanded to cover more comprehensive ability training. The curriculum consists of our featured “4P
courses,” which are language proficiency, presentation, pronunciation and project-based learning, to address the training
of our students’ “4C” abilities, namely, communication ability, critical thinking ability, creativity and collaborative
skills. The curriculum uses our effective teaching methodology and learning assessment technologies which are a hallmark of all
of our courses. The “Explore Curriculum” was developed through our strategic collaboration with the National Geographic
Learning (NGL), a renowned global platform for English language teaching and learning. Beginning in 2018, we began gradually replacing
the practical business English curriculum with our “Explore Curriculum” as part of our ongoing curriculum updates.
As of May 2019, we had implemented the “Explore Curriculum” for our general adult ELT business at all of our self-operated learning
centers and franchised learning centers.
We
rely on advanced technologies to effectively offer training services to our students. For general adult ELT, we combine our offline
courses with online materials and customized assessments available in our self-developed PIES App to optimize students’
learning experiences. Our PIES App relies on artificial intelligence to provide online personalized learning and combines online
learning with offline course offerings to improve students’ overall English language ability. In addition, we apply an intelligent
tracking and learning assessment system to record and analyze the real-time learning dynamics of our students in order to
improve our course arrangements for better learning experiences of our students.
Overseas
Training Services
We
provide comprehensive overseas training services for students planning to take international standardized tests and/or study abroad.
Such services comprise international standardized test preparation courses and overseas study application and study abroad services.
In 2018, 2019 and 2020, the number of student enrollments in our overseas training services was approximately 8,885, 8,775 and
5,527, respectively, which generated revenue of RMB223.6 million, RMB203.7 million and RMB130.6 million (US$20.0 million)
for the respective period.
International
Standardized Test Preparation. We primarily focus on providing training services to students aged 12 and above who are
preparing for TOEFL, IELTS, SAT and ACT, among other international standardized tests. We had an aggregate of more than 24,000
students enrolled since we introduced such services in 2011. Courses are offered in a one-on-one setting to address students’
individualized learning needs and achieve the optimal learning outcomes for each of our students. A test preparation course is
typically two hours. We also utilize our self-developed iManager system, an intelligent analysis and evaluation system,
to analyze students’ learning progress and collect student feedback to enhance the quality of our teaching services.
Overseas
Study Services. We offer overseas study application services and short-term study abroad programs for students interested
in obtaining overseas education. For students planning to obtain overseas education, we provide step-by-step overseas study
application services, which cover consultation and planning, college major selection, preparation of application documents and
visas, as well as campus tours. As of December 31, 2020, we had provided customized overseas study application services to approximately
4,500 students. We also leverage our self-developed iFuture system to help our students access our teachers for study consultation
and keep track of their application process. We offer our short-term study abroad programs to expose students to the culture
and language environment in various native English-speaking countries.
Online
ELT
Leveraging
our experience in providing offline ELT we initiated our online ELT platform, “Likeshuo,” in 2014 to further diversify
and expand our ELT service lines and market coverage.
Through
the “Likeshuo” platform, we offer online live streaming English courses on our websites or in our “Likeshuo”
App accessible on mobile devices and tablets. We utilize the intelligent course scheduling function on our self-developed “Likeshuo”
platform to give our online users the flexibility to design their own studying plans. An online ELT course hour is typically 45
minutes. As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 1.79 million registered users on our “Likeshuo” platform. Since
the launch of “Likeshuo” and up to December 31, 2020, we had cumulatively over 320,000 paying users who purchased
our online ELT courses or trial lessons. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, the student enrollment on the “Likeshuo” platform
reached 44,586, 49,639 and 42,943, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the cumulative number of student enrollments in our
online ELT since 2014 was approximately 180,000 and we had delivered over 5.35 million accumulated course hours to our students
online. For the paying users of our online English language business, the average course fee per student (also known as average
spending) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 was approximately RMB9,100. Our revenue generated from online ELT was RMB212.3 million,
RMB260.3 million, and RMB289.7 million (US$44.4 million) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Certain refund policies are applicable to our online ELT. See “—Pricing and Refund Policies” for details.
We
currently offer four types of live streaming English language courses on our “Likeshuo” platform, including:
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English
for Adults. We have developed a comprehensive lessons database covering more than 18 topics in over 5,000 real-life English-speaking scenarios
to train students’ practical English language abilities. The curriculums are primarily designed for students aged over 15,
which include basic English grammar, basic spelling skills, English speaking, English for travel and English for interviews.
We primarily offer small classes with up to 15 students per class. Our high-caliber teaching staff for the online adult
English language courses consists of local teachers and foreign teachers from native English-speaking countries, including
the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. We have established a deep pool of approximately 45,000 teachers
who have registered with our “Likeshuo” platform and are accessible by our students online, including approximately
19,000 foreign teachers.
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Junior
English. We have developed an online ELT program primarily designed for young learners aged five to 12, which
allows them to learn English anytime anywhere via our website or in our “Likeshuo” App. We primarily offer small
classes with up to four students per class. We engage foreign teachers from native English-speaking countries to deliver
customized courses to help stimulate students’ interest in speaking and learning English. We generally use teaching
materials from native English-speaking countries to improve young learners’ English proficiency by offering them
the most relevant courses based on their ages and proficiencies;
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International
Test Preparation. We provide online international test preparation training services for students who plan to take
the SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS, among other standardized tests. We primarily offer one-on-one online courses that are
taught by our highly experienced teachers, although students can also choose to have courses taught in small classes of usually
two to four students per class; and
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English
for Professionals. We tailor this curriculum for people who want to improve their business-related English language
skills. We typically offer one-on-one private lessons and incorporate up-to-date and practical real life English
content, such as pop culture and various business activities to ensure students enjoy the lessons while increasing their competitiveness
in their respective workplaces.
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Junior
ELT
In
June 2018, we acquired ABC Education Group, a junior ELT service provider, which acquisition contributed 20 self-operated and
four franchised learning centers to our national learning center network. Our junior ELT courses are mainly designed for students
aged six to 18, with the goal of improving their communication ability, critical thinking and creativity by offering an integrated
curriculum to cater to their different learning demands. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, we had a student enrollment
of 10,503 in our junior ELT (including the student enrollment of ABC Education Group, which we acquired in June 2018). As
of the date of this annual report, we had 26 self-operated junior English language learning centers (including 20 learning
centers we operated under the “ABC” brand) located in Beijing, Foshan, Zhongshan and Nanchang, among other cities
in the PRC. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 and 2020, our revenue generated from junior ELT was RMB65.5 million,
RMB167.9 million and RMB130.3 million (US$20.0 million), respectively.
We
offer various fundamental and value-added courses to improve our junior students’ English language skills, creative
and critical thinking, appreciation of culture and values, as well as English test-taking skills. We strategically limit the class
size to ten to 15 students per class to ensure the quality of our course offerings and effectively engage our students in group
discussion. A junior ELT course hour under the “Meten” brand typically is 55 minutes. An ELT course hour under the
“ABC” brand is typically one hour.
Our
fundamental courses under the “Meten” brand include Art of Language, Presentation and Project Management courses.
In Art of Language courses, we aim to stimulate our students’ lasting curiosity and passion for English language learning
by actively engaging them in various English speaking, listening and reading activities. In our Presentation courses and Project
Management courses, we focus on practical training and improving our junior students’ problem-solving abilities, leadership
skills and team working abilities in presentations and project-based discussions. We also provide complementary Pronunciation
and Master Learner courses as value-added services for students who attend the fundamental courses to improve their English
pronunciation skills and teach effective English learning technics. Our courses under the “ABC” brand aim to improve
our students’ English listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities through various phonetic alphabet, pronunciation
and presentation trainings in an engaging and interactive environment.
In
connection with our junior ELT business, we apply our self-developed MTS system to assess the results of course offerings
for junior students. We have designed two user interfaces in our MTS App for students and parents for their respective access
to the course content and information. Our MTS App is a student service portal through which students can access their files,
online homework, collection of questions and communication between home and school to improve their learning experience. On our
MTS App, students can access online English practice and tests assigned to them on the student interface and parents can view
the course schedules and keep track of their children’s learning progress on the parent interface. Our MTS system also records
students’ learning progress and incorporates comprehensive assessments to evaluate students’ improvement from the
entry level to more advanced levels.
Japanese
Language Training Services
To
further broaden our service offering, in the first quarter of 2020, we launched online Japanese language training services through
a subsidiary formed in partnership with a leading Japanese education brand in China, which caters predominantly to corporate customers.
We delivered approximately 16,146 course hours in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2020,
our revenue derived from Japanese language training services was RMB 2.2 million (US$0.3 million).
Other
English Language-Related Services
In
addition to the major ELT services we provide, we also offer English language-related services. We launched our “Shuangge
English” App in 2014 to offer other English language-related services, which applies cutting-edge voice evaluation
technology to improve students’ listening, speaking and reading abilities. Our “Shuangge English” App had reached
over 2.5 million downloads as of December 31, 2020. We also receive franchise fees for our franchised learning centers. For
details, please see “—Our Offline Network.”
Our
Offline Network
We
have established an extensive network of our self-operated and franchised learning centers to provide students with comprehensive
education services.
As
of December 31, 2020, we have established a nationwide network of 118 learning centers covering 34 cities in 18 provinces,
autonomous regions and municipalities in China. We directly operate 105 learning centers covering 28 cities in 15 provinces, autonomous
regions and municipalities in China (including 20 learning centers under the “ABC” brand of ABC Education Group, which
we acquired in June 2018), and have 13 franchised learning centers covering 12 cities in 11 provinces and municipalities in China
(including four learning centers under the “ABC” brand). The following table sets forth the total number of our learning
centers in each province, autonomous region and municipality we operate as of December 31, 2020.
Province, Autonomous Region and Municipality
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|
Number of
Learning
Center
|
|
Self-operated learning centers under the “Meten” brand
|
|
|
|
|
Guangdong
|
|
|
37
|
|
Jiangsu
|
|
|
9
|
|
Chongqing
|
|
|
6
|
|
Beijing
|
|
|
6
|
|
Sichuan(1)
|
|
|
5
|
|
Hubei
|
|
|
3
|
|
Zhejiang
|
|
|
3
|
|
Liaoning
|
|
|
3
|
|
Fujian
|
|
|
3
|
|
Shaanxi
|
|
|
2
|
|
Yunnan
|
|
|
2
|
|
Anhui
|
|
|
2
|
|
Jiangxi
|
|
|
2
|
|
Hunan
|
|
|
2
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
|
85
|
|
Self-operated learning centers under the “ABC” brand
|
|
|
|
|
Beijing
|
|
|
17
|
|
Heilongjiang
|
|
|
3
|
|
Sub-total
|
|
|
20
|
|
Franchised learning centers under the “Meten” brand
|
|
|
|
|
Guangdong
|
|
|
2
|
|
Hunan
|
|
|
2
|
|
Fujian
|
|
|
1
|
|
Zhejiang
|
|
|
1
|
|
Jiangsu
|
|
|
1
|
|
Liaoning
|
|
|
1
|
|
Yunnan
|
|
|
1
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
|
9
|
|
Franchised learning centers under the “ABC” brand
|
|
|
|
|
Hebei
|
|
|
1
|
|
Hubei
|
|
|
1
|
|
Ningxia
|
|
|
1
|
|
Inner Mongolia
|
|
|
1
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
|
4
|
|
Total
|
|
|
118
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|
Our
network has expanded from 94 self-operated learning centers as of January 1, 2017 to 105 self-operated learning
centers as of December 31, 2020. Our extensive network currently covers a majority of the major cities in the PRC and we
plan to expand our coverage to other provincial and regional central cities with relatively high income per capita, developed
local economy and high demand for English usage, and to tier two and tier three cities surrounding tier one cities where we have
already established our learning centers.
We
provide offline ELT at our learning centers. Each of our self-operated learning centers is managed by a principal, who is
responsible for the daily operations, customer service and marketing activities of the learning center.
Our
self-operated learning centers are generally located in shopping centers and office buildings where there is frequent customer
traffic. Each learning center generally occupies between 200 to 3,000 square meters in gross floor area, with functional areas
including classrooms, office space, cafes, studios and student activity areas. We lease substantially all of our learning centers
as of the date of this annual report.
In
addition to our self-operated learning centers, we utilize a franchise business model to increase our market penetration.
We apply stringent standards in the selection of franchisees and require our franchisees to adopt our centralized management systems
to monitor the daily operations at each of our franchised learning centers under our “Meten” brand in order to ensure
the consistent delivery of high-quality services to our students. As of December 31, 2020, we had nine franchised learning
centers in operation under our “Meten” brand in seven provinces and municipalities in China.
We
expect all of our “Meten” franchisees to be committed to striving for excellence in providing high-quality ELT
services to students and to share our mission and vision. “Meten” franchised centers under our “Meten”
brand are required to operate the franchise in strict accordance with our management rules and guidelines on course offerings,
standardized recruitment, training and performance evaluation of teaching staff, as well as any other aspects of operation as
we may request. We also provide our franchised centers with comprehensive training, marketing and technology support, assisting
in formulating business strategies, as well as supervising staff performance on a regular basis to facilitate their operation.
We believe our highly centralized management system greatly contributes to maintaining our well-established reputation and
the quality of our services.
The
“Meten” franchise agreements generally have a term of three years and we charge each of the “Meten” franchisees
a one-time initial fee, a one-time design consulting fee, which varies based on actual site areas, and a certain percentage
of the gross billings of the franchised learning centers under our “Meten” brand as royalty to be paid on a quarterly
basis.
In
addition, we acquired ABC Education Group in June 2018, which had four franchised learning centers that are operated under the
“ABC” brand. These franchised learning centers are located in Ningxia, Hebei, Hubei and Inner Mongolia. We entered
into franchise agreements with two of such franchisees in July and August 2018, and ABC Education Group entered into franchise
agreements with the other two franchisees in January and May 2018. The term of the franchise agreement with our “ABC”
branded franchisees is generally three years. These franchisees typically pay a fixed one-time royalty fee and brand deposit,
and a one-time franchise fee.
Pricing
and Refund Policies
For
both our offline and online ELT businesses, the course fees vary based on the types, levels and lengths of the courses. We generally
require our students to pay the full amount of the course fees after signing the relevant service contracts but prior to the commencement
of the first training session. The course fees generally cover the courses to be delivered as stipulated in the relevant contracts.
We offer certain discounts for students who enroll in multiple courses or multiple levels of the same course. We consider various
factors when determining the applicable fees of both of our offline and online English course offerings, including, among other
things, our course development and sales costs, the intensity of involvement of our teaching staff in connection with the delivery
of the relevant courses, market competition, prospective increase of students in specific courses and expected development of
customer preferences.
Students
can use installment payment methods provided by accredited third-party financial institutions to pay for the relevant course
and/or service fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 24% of our students have participated in such
installment payment arrangement. Under such arrangement, a third-party financial institution provides an interest-free loan
to a student and remits the course or service fee to us on behalf of the borrowing student to complete his/her purchase of the
relevant course. The borrowing student is obligated to repay the loan to the financial institution in pre-agreed installments
a period ranging from six months to 24 months. A transaction fee associated with such installment payment arrangement typically
ranges from 4.4% to 10.8% of the total amount of such loan, depending on the length of the installment period, which is generally
withheld by such financial institution prior to remitting the course/service fee to us.
We
have refund policies in place with respect to various aspects of our business. The refund policies applicable to our major offline
and online ELT services are set forth as below:
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For
our general adult ELT, we implemented in October 2016 a 20-day period of unconditional full refund to improve students’
experience and satisfaction with our services. Beginning in September 2019, we changed such unconditional refund period to
10 days. We typically allow (i) a full refund of the course fees within 20 days (10 days since September 2019)
of the commencement of the course; and (ii) a refund of 70% of the course fees for uncompleted course hours if a student
fails to complete more than 30% of the course hours after the first 20-day refund period (10 days since September 2019).
Beginning in September 2019, if a student fails to complete more than 30% of the course hours after the first 10 days,
we will refund the course fees for the uncompleted course hours, but will deduct from the refund a teaching service fee of
RMB1,500 for each course level currently attended by such student (however, if the student has attended less than three hours
of class at the current course level, no deduction shall be made). No refund is permitted if a student has completed over
30% of the course hours.
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For
our junior ELT under the “Meten” brand, the first three classes are considered trial classes. We typically allow
(i) a full refund of course fees if a student applies for a refund before completing the first three trial classes; (ii) a
refund of the course fees for uncompleted course hours within the period after a student has completed three trial classes
and before he or she fails to complete more than 30% of the course hours (less the cost of teaching materials); and (iii) no
refund if a student has completed more 30% of the course hours.
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For
our junior ELT under the “ABC” brand, we typically allow (i) a full refund of course fees for uncompleted
course hours, after deducting RMB2,000 as an early contract termination fee, if a student requests a refund within 30 days
of the commencement of the course; and (ii) no refund if a student requests a refund more than 30 days after the
commencement of the course.
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For
our international standardized test preparation courses, the first four classes are considered trial classes, and the two-month period
following the date of the contract is considered the refund period. We typically allow (i) a full refund of course fees
if a student requests a refund before completing the first four trial classes or within seven days from the date of the contract;
(ii) a refund of the course fees for uncompleted course hours within the period after a student has completed four trial
classes within the two-month refund period (less the cost of teaching materials); and (iii) no refund after the
expiration of the two-month refund period.
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For
courses offered on our “Likeshuo” platform, we typically allow a refund of the course fees for any undelivered
course/service hours after deducting a platform operation charge associated with the delivering such courses/services online
if a student requests a refund during the contract period. The refund policy on our “Likeshuo” platform also applies
to online courses which have been transferred to courses to be taught live at our learning centers. We will review the refund
requests based on our refund policy and accuracy of the student’s information and settle the certain refund within seven
days upon the commencement of the refund request procedure.
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Course
Content Development
We
emphasize the quality of our course materials, which we believe is crucial to the effectiveness of our teaching methods and to
our students’ satisfaction with their learning experience. We have established an advanced education model which enables
us to efficiently record and analyze the users’ learning process and improve our course offerings by adjusting the learning
strategies applied to our students. We have a robust and centralized course development process, which is achieved by engaging
our research and development staff as well as seeking strategic cooperation with experts in the English language education industry.
We continually devote substantial resources to develop our curricula and course materials to ensure that our course offerings
are attractive and up-to-date and address evolving market demands. We adhere to the principle of “learning is for using”
to develop not only the language ability of our students, but also their problem-solving skills, information processing capabilities,
creative thinking and writing skills. From time to time we also update our course materials to keep up with the evolving changes
in international standardized tests. We also systematically maintain a comprehensive and growing database for standardized examination
questions.
We
develop courses at our headquarters and our learning centers across the PRC adopt the curricula and course materials with certain
customization to local requirements and demands. We have a dedicated content development team of approximately 136 staff as of
December 31, 2020, which team actively participates in the research and development and updates of our products, course content
and IT systems. All of the research and development team members have solid education background and extensive teaching and research
experience in the English language education field. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 62.5% of our research and development
staff had a bachelor’s degree or above, and approximately 8.1% obtained a master’s degree or above.
Centralized
Management
We
utilize a centralized management system to consistently manage and supervise various aspects of our day-to-day operations
covering our nationwide learning centers and “Likeshuo” platform. It enables us to have a holistic view of various
aspects of our business operations, including, among others, course offerings, management of franchised learning centers, teacher
recruitment and training, human resources, sales and marketing as well as accounting and finance.
Teaching
service management. We have effectively adopted a technology-based management strategy to record and assess course
offerings, teachers’ performance and students’ learning experiences. We have developed our customer relationship management
system, or CRM system, and an artificial intelligence-driven integrated teaching management system, or EME system, to provide
real-time support and precise analysis of our teachers’ performance in course offerings and the quality of follow-up services
for our students throughout our network. For example, we have established a set of standardized evaluation procedures in the EME
system to record and assess the performance of our teaching staff.
Management
of franchised learning centers. We primarily focus on implementing our centralized management system consistently among
all of our franchised learning centers in various stages to maintain our overall high-quality education service standards.
We directly appoint senior management and supervise the recruitment of teaching staff at such franchised learning centers to maintain
the consistency of our teaching quality at these learning centers. We also adopt strictly standardized course materials and curriculums
at both our self-operated and franchised learning centers and regularly assess the operation at our franchised learning centers
to maintain our well-recognized brand names and sustainable business development. We also set heightened standards and recruitment
policies involving our teaching staff, and our franchise partners strictly implement such policies and provide comprehensive training
to newly hired teaching staff.
Teacher
recruitment and training. We benefit from our standardized teaching staff recruitment and training system, which allows
us to apply the best practices in terms of allocation of high-quality teaching resources. We have established a number of
stringent recruitment standards for different teaching positions among our learning centers and “Likeshuo” platform
to cater to the varying needs of our students. We have devoted significant efforts to recruiting, training and evaluating our
teachers and study advisors as part of the centralized management of our operations, which provides a solid foundation for our
long-term business growth development. For details on recruiting, training and evaluating our teaching staff, see “—Our
Teaching Staff.”
Sales
and marketing. We have also adopted a standardized online and offline marketing strategies to recruit prospective students
and enhance our reputation. For details, see “—Marketing and Sales.” We have also established approximately
166 offline sales points and two “Likeshuo” experiential marketing stores in China to form an integrated marketing
network to assist the recruitment of prospective students as of December 31, 2020. These experiential marketing stores are both
located in Guangdong Province. They enable our prospective students to obtain in-person experience of live streaming online
ELT courses delivered on our “Likeshuo” platform.
Human
resources. Our senior management at our headquarters is responsible for the appointment of key management positions in
each of our regional hubs to strengthen our centralized management system. We are also responsible for appointing the regional
principal, business manager and finance manager who act as regional supervisors to oversee the research and development of our
products and technologies, professional recruitment, branding and various other aspects of our customer services.
Accounting
and finance. We have also implemented a standardized accounting and financial management system to monitor the operations
of our learning centers. We manage and record income and expenditure separately at all of our self-operated learning centers,
which is applied uniformly across all our learning centers. The total course and service fee income is required to be transferred
from the local learning centers to our company account on a daily basis. We are also in charge of reviewing and allocating operation
expenditures in each of our learning centers upon approval from our management and are thus able to manage our finances efficiently.
Marketing
and Sales
We
engage in a broad range of marketing approaches to strengthen our brand recognition and enhance the understanding of different
course offerings by prospective students and users, which we believe can help generate prospective students’ and users’
interests in our services. From 2017 to 2019, our student enrollment grew approximately 49.2%, while the percentage of selling
and marketing expenses in our revenue increased by approximately 17.4%. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our selling and marketing
activities in 2020 were limited, and the percentage of selling and marketing expenses in our revenue decreased by approximately
29.1% compared to 2019.
We
actively promote our brands and services through a wide range of offline sales activities. We have employed over 1,000 professional
marketing personnel to conduct effective marketing activities, including advertisement distribution and tele-marketing with
customized content to advertise our brands and services to the prospective customers from specific target age groups and regions.
As part of our expanded sales efforts, we had approximately 166 offline sales points nationwide as of December 31, 2020, which
are generally small marketing booths set up in locations with high traffic and exposure, such as shopping malls, to attract potential
customers and educate them about the diverse programs and services we offer.
In
terms of our online marketing efforts, we leverage various online marketing channels and our online technologies to selectively
provide promotional content on the internet. We have a professional team of approximately 162 online marketing staff, who are
responsible for designing and distributing promotional materials through diversified online channels to facilitate our online
marketing activities. We utilize the big data technology to effectively target our prospective customers with high demands to
learn English from certain age groups and regions. We customize the marketing content regularly to cater for our target student
groups by widely using search engine keywords and distributing in-feed advertisements on various types of leading search
engines and social media platforms. In addition to advertising on social platforms, we also strive to promote our services efficiently
by engaging third-party merchants to conduct digital marketing activities.
Our
Teaching Staff
Our
teaching staff generally comprises teachers and study advisors, who are critical to maintaining the quality of the education services
and promoting our brand recognition for future growth. We have assembled a high-caliber team of teaching professionals with
outstanding abilities and passion for teaching, consisting of dedicated local teachers and foreign teachers for our offline courses
as well as online teachers for courses on the “Likeshuo” platform. Our total number of full-time teachers increased
from 818 as of December 31, 2017 to 998 as of December 31, 2020. We had in total 960 full-time teachers offering ELT
courses at our offline learning centers and the remaining 39 teachers for our online courses. In addition, we have employed a
number of part-time teachers for our offline and online ELT businesses. As of December 31, 2020, we employed 4,318 part-time teachers,
among whom 2,462 were foreign teachers from English-speaking countries.
Personalized
Support Provided by Study Advisors
We
adopt a collaborative working practice among our teachers and study advisors in our daily education services. Each student is
assigned a study advisor who supports the teacher’s offline teaching activities by providing personalized support and guidance
to students. Study advisors provide professional advice to students regarding learning methods, follow up and check students’
learning schedules, offer supplementary materials to improve students’ understanding of the content taught in class, collect
feedback on teaching quality and provide general counselling services. Study advisors also act as the liaison between the students
and our sales staff to facilitate course renewals. As of December 31, 2020, we employed 442 full-time study advisors. As
of the same date, we also had 384 full-time teaching service staff to provide all-round management and consultancy services
for our students.
Teaching
Staff Recruitment
We
seek to engage teachers who possess strong academic credentials, excellent communication skills and practical knowledge to employ
effective teaching methods to optimize the learning experiences of our students. Our human resources staff examines candidates’
language proficiency, work experience, education background and teaching qualifications, such as TESOL, TEFL and CELTA. As of
December 31, 2020, approximately 95.9% of our full-time teachers had a bachelor’s degree or above, and approximately
22.4% have a master’s degree or above. For study advisors, we seek to engage candidates with excellent English language
ability and preferably related work experience. Study advisors are required to have strong teamwork skills and are required to
be detail-oriented when assisting our teachers in course preparation, event organization and daily classroom operations.
We
engage prospective candidates for our teaching positions through various channels. For domestic teachers and study advisors, we
engage applicants through advertising on social media platforms and at job fairs organized by numerous universities in China.
For foreign teachers, we mainly recruit candidates through specialized agencies, who are independent third parties. For online
teachers who deliver courses on our “Likeshuo” platform, we approach prospective candidates through advertising on
social media platforms and career websites in the PRC and abroad. We recruit new teachers from time to time to ensure sufficient
resources of teaching staff to support our business growth.
We
implement a highly selective recruitment process. For the teacher’s recruitment, after the initial review of candidates’
credentials, we conduct several rounds of interviews and written tests with qualified candidates according to the specific course(s)
he or she applies to teach. Online teachers are invited to deliver a trial lesson, where we evaluate his or her abilities in pre-class preparation,
teaching methods, time management and interaction with the students and after-class review. For prospective teachers of international
standardized test preparation courses, we check their examination results or experience as former participants in the examinations.
We will invite teachers at our learning centers and online teachers to give trial lessons as our final assessment at the end of
his/her three-month probation period. We will only make job offers to candidates who have successfully fulfilled recruitment
requirements and have passed our comprehensive quality assessment during the probation period.
Training
and Performance Evaluation
We
devote significant resources to training and retaining our teachers and study advisors. In order to ensure the high quality of
our services, we have put in place a series of training programs and performance evaluation standards for our teachers and study
advisors.
Our
teachers and study advisors are required to undergo various training programs specially designed for those who are in charge of
different curriculums. We offer a series of comprehensive and systematic training programs for teaching skills, communication
skills and content development capability, through which our teachers are able to keep abreast of the changing student needs and
evolving industry development trends to enhance their teaching efficiency and efficacy.
For
new recruits who will join our teaching team at each learning center, we generally organize a five-day orientation camp to provide
comprehensive training to assist them to learn about our Company, our education philosophy and basic teaching skills. In addition,
we also provide monthly training programs to our teaching staff, which cover more detailed teaching guidance for teachers, including,
among others, classroom activity planning, course content preparation, application of collaborative learning strategies and self-development
through performance reviews.
For
the teachers in charge of our general adult ELT, we assign our regional education managers and professional teacher trainers to
host training sessions specially designed for such curriculum. For teachers in charge of our junior ELT, we generally recruit
teachers with professional experience and expertise in providing training to students aged under 18. For teachers in charge of
our overseas training services, we actively engage prospective teachers who have experience of taking international standardized
language tests and/or have participated in overseas studies. For online teachers on the “Likeshuo” platform, we provide
thorough teaching guidance covering both teaching skills and technical support. We introduce them to our main service sectors
and address the different needs of our students and users so that the online teachers can develop the awareness to customize the
course content to satisfy the diversified needs of our students and users. We conduct interviews for all job applicants and provide
continuing professional training to candidates who are successfully hired by us.
We
have developed a comprehensive evaluation system with a focus on assessing our teachers’ abilities of effective teaching
and self-development to stay constantly updated in order to deliver quality teaching to our students and users. We conduct
teacher performance reviews periodically in order to support our teachers for continuous refinement and improvement of their teaching
methods. We also evaluate teachers’ performance by collecting student feedback on a regular basis, which will factor in
the retention and compensation considerations for our teachers. For teachers with excellent performance, we may reward them with
discretionary bonus compensation and other incentives.
Competition
The
ELT market in the PRC is rapidly evolving and highly competitive and we expect the competition in this sector to persist and intensify.
We face direct competition in general adult ELT, junior ELT, overseas training services, online ELT and other English language-related and
services, primarily from existing online and offline English language education service providers in our geographic markets.
We
believe our principal competitive factors include the following:
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scope
and quality of our course offerings and services;
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extensive
operating experience;
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quality
and performance of the teaching staff;
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overall
student experience and satisfaction;
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ability
to align courses and services to specific needs of the students;
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ability
to market course offerings to a broad base of prospective students;
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utilization
of technologies to optimize students’ learning experiences; and
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ability
to attract and retain highly qualified teachers.
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We
believe that we are well-positioned to effectively compete in the markets in which we operate on the basis of strong reputation,
high-quality portfolio of courses, convenient and useful technologies, scalable and efficient business model, extensive and
qualified teacher network, strong course content development capabilities and experienced management team. However, some of our
current or future competitors may have longer operating histories, greater brand recognition, or greater financial, technical
or marketing resources than we do. For a discussion of risks related to competition, see “Item 3. Key Information—D.
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations—We face significant competition in major programs we offer
and geographic markets in which we operate, and if we fail to compete effectively, we would lose our market share and our profitability
would be adversely affected.”
Technologies
We
currently use a combination of commercially available software and hardware and proprietary technology. To closely cope with evolving
market conditions and student needs, we also rely on our in-house research and development for new technology initiatives.
We have established a scalable infrastructure of information technologies by launching and upgrading a series of intelligent learning
systems and platforms. Some of the technologies we use are driven by artificial intelligence, which are different from the typical
algorithmic computing in the following manner: (i) our artificial intelligence-driven teaching management system provides
pertinent course information that is customized for each student and user, which avoids the parameter-invariant defect of
the typical algorithmic computing method; (ii) it offers a greater flexibility to our students by utilizing the computerized
adaptive testing method, as compared with the typical algorithmic computing method; and (iii) comparing to the typical algorithmic
computing method, our artificial intelligence-driven system uses the project response model to determine our students’
English language ability and formulate customized practice questions, which uses adaptive algorithm and enables us to evaluate
a large number of students’ language ability in a short period of time.
CRM
system. We have developed a comprehensive customer relationship management system to store and manage daily operations
and the information related to our students and users. Through years of system development based on big data analytic technology,
we have formulated a complete customer service cycle from customer acquisition to teaching service evaluation. We keep records
of each customer acquisition record and effectively evaluate and stimulate our marketing staff to engage prospective customers.
The CRM system also enables us to conduct strategic research of customer data in order to improve our service quality and increase
our operating efficiency.
EME
system. We have developed our EME system, an artificial intelligence-driven integrated teaching management system,
to manage and facilitate our teaching activities at our headquarters and each of our self-operated learning centers. We effectively
integrate our teaching resources in our EME system to conduct an accurate analysis of student data and allocate suitable training
resources to address our students’ individualized learning needs, which largely increased our efficiency in scheduling classes
and customizing course content for our students. Our students can also review their learning process, class schedules and give
feedbacks to their teachers. We implement EME system across all of our self-operated and franchise learning center network
to supervise our teaching activities and enhance our decision-making capabilities by analyzing our operation database. We
upgraded the class-scheduling function of our EME system in 2019 and began to gradually implement this new function in our
operations. Leveraging on our self-developed AI algorithm, the new class-scheduling function is able to significantly
reduce processing time and improve our operating efficiency despite having limited classroom availability at our learning centers.
ISFS. We
use this intelligent tracking service system for our general adult ELT, overseas training services and online ELT, which generally
comprises student service system, teacher service system and service monitoring system. The student service system mainly sets
up the service tracking in advance for the entire course learning cycle of a student. Based on a set of intelligent task scheduling
services, it automatically generates an individual service tracking task list for such student, and sends the list directly to
his/her teacher for reference. Similarly, the teacher service system, based on a set of intelligent task scheduling services,
automatically generates the personal service tracking task list in the teaching process for the course such teacher teaches, and
timely sends the relevant list to the working panel of the course teaching service staff for execution. Service monitoring system
is mainly used to monitor the functioning of the student service system and the teacher service system. In the event it discovers
any anomaly in these systems, it will timely alert our management.
“Likeshuo”
App and platform. We started to offer online live streaming English courses on our “Likeshuo” App and
platform in 2014. Our platform is equipped with a number of innovative features to provide direct guidance to our students including
introductions to various course offerings, course scheduling and evaluation of their learning process. In order to optimize the
user experience on our “Likeshuo” platform, we have deployed a number of features to enhance our abilities of service
customization. For example, our intelligent online course scheduling system on the “Likeshuo” platform efficiently
facilitates the allocation of teaching resources based on the needs of users and the availability of our online teachers, which
largely enhances our ability to provide flexible course offerings to different users. Users of our online services can access
our course offerings through our platform and our application on their mobile devices, tablets and computers.
ICAS. We
primarily utilize this intelligent class scheduling system for our online ELT services. It was built based on a three-dimension model
encompassing teachers’ teaching demand, students’ learning demand and our available curriculums, and utilizes an intelligent
matching algorithm to optimize the course arrangement and scheduling results for our teachers, students and management. ICAS greatly
improves the course matching efficiency and accuracy comparing to manual and subjective course scheduling.
Leveraging
our experience in developing and upgrading our EME and CRM systems, we have also developed other systems to facilitate our teaching
activities and daily operation. For example, we have developed our iManager system for students enrolled in our international
test preparation courses, which utilizes artificial intelligence to serve as a platform for our students to record course notes,
have writing practice and mock tests which can effectively prepare them for achieving satisfactory learning results. For our overseas
study application services, our iFuture system can help our students access our teachers for study consultation and keep track
of their application process in a timely manner. Moreover, in order to accurately evaluate a student’s English language
ability, we utilize an adaptive evaluation system, which analyzes the student’s listening, vocabulary, grammar and reading
comprehension abilities and diagnoses his or her English language proficiency, in order to more accurately determine applicable
course targets and key learning steps. We also use the same evaluation system when the students have completed their courses to
evaluate the progress they have made, which allows us to judge and compare the quality of our teaching in various regions and
to provide a useful basis for improvement.
Our
system infrastructure is designed to meet the requirements of our business operations, to support the growth and expansion of
our learning center network and to ensure the reliability of our operations. Our data is currently maintained at our headquarters
and an offsite IT facility in Shenzhen. For details of the risks associated with the technologies we use, see “Item 3. Key
Information—D. Risk Factors—Risk Related to Our Business and Operations—Failure to protect confidential information
of our students and teaching staff against security breaches could damage our reputation and brands and substantially harm our
business and results of operations.”
Intellectual
Property
Our
trademarks, copyrights, domain names, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights distinguish our program from those
of our competitors and contribute to our competitive advantages in our target markets. We believe the protection of our intellectual
property rights is critical to our business, and we protect our intellectual property rights by relying on local laws and contractual
restrictions. We specifically rely on a combination of copyright and trademark law, trade secret protection and confidentiality
agreements with our management and research and development staff to protect our intellectual property rights. We also regularly
monitor any infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property rights.
As
of the date of this annual report, we had registered 5 patents and 95 trademarks which bolstered our strong brand recognition
in the PRC. We also held 80 domain names relating to our business, including www.meten.com, www.likeshuo.com
and www.investor.metenedu-edtechx.com, 21 copyrights to certain course content and technologies we developed in-house and
37 copyrights registration certificates for software programs developed by us relating to various aspects of our operations.
We
had not been subject to any intellectual property infringement claims which had any material impact on us up to the date of this
annual report. While we actively take steps to protect our intellectual property rights, these steps may not be adequate to prevent
the infringement or misappropriation of the intellectual property created by or licensed to us. Further, we cannot be certain
that the course materials that we license, and our redesign of these materials, do not or will not infringe on the valid patents,
copyrights or other intellectual property rights held by third parties. We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims from
time to time relating to the intellectual property of others, as discussed in Item 3. “Key Information — D. Risk Factors
— Risks Related to Our Business and Operations — We may encounter infringement disputes from time to time relating
to our use of intellectual properties of third parties.”
Seasonality
Seasonal
fluctuations have affected, and are likely to affect our business in the future. Historically, the PRC offline ELT industry experiences
lower gross billings growth rate in the first quarter of each year due to the Chinese New Year holiday, and our industry enjoys
increases in gross billings growth during the summer months as certain students are generally on summer holiday and have more
time to take ELT courses. Overall, the historical seasonality of our business has been relatively mild due to our rapid growth
and our focus on the general ELT business. However, the seasonal trends that we have experienced in the past may not be indicative
of our future operating results. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business
and Operations—Our results of operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations.”
Insurance
We
maintain various insurance policies to safeguard against risks and unexpected events. We maintain insurance to cover our liability
should any injuries occur at our learning centers. We maintain medical insurance for our employees and management. We also maintain
company property insurance, decoration protection insurance and accident insurance which cover property damage and casualty damage
in accidents. We do not have business interruption, general third-party liability, product liability or key-man insurance.
See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations—We may not maintain
adequate insurance, which could expose us to significant costs and business disruption.” We consider our insurance coverage
to be in line with that of other ELT service providers of similar scale in the PRC.
Regulations
This
section summarizes the principal PRC regulations relating to our businesses.
We
operate our business in China under a legal regime created and made by PRC lawmakers consisting of the National People’s
Congress, or the NPC, which is the country’s highest legislative body, the State Council, which is the highest authority
of the executive branch of the PRC central government, and several ministries and agencies under its authority, including the
MOE, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT, the SAMR, the MCA, and their respective local offices.
This section summarizes the principal PRC regulations related to our business.
PRC
Laws and Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment in Education and Telecommunications
Foreign
Investment Industries Guidance Catalog (Amended in 2017) and Special Administrative Measures for Access of Foreign Investments
(Negative List for Access of Foreign Investments)
Pursuant
to the Catalog of Industries Encouraging Foreign Investment (2019 Version), or the 2019 Encouraged Catalog, which was amended
and promulgated jointly by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce on June 30, 2019 and became
effective on July 30, 2019, and the Special Administrative Measures for Access of Foreign Investments (Negative List for
Access of Foreign Investments) (2020 version), or the 2020 Negative List, which was promulgated on June 30, 2020 and implemented
on July 23, 2020, foreign investment industries are classified into two categories, (1) industries in which foreign
investments are encouraged; and (2) industries in which foreign investments are regulated by the Negative List. The Negative
List has further classified regulated foreign investment industries as industries in which foreign investments are restricted
and industries in which foreign investments are prohibited. Industries which are not included in the 2020 Negative List are industries
in which foreign investments are allowed, unless otherwise prescribed by PRC laws.
Pursuant
to the 2020 Negative List, our offline ELT services do not fall in the restricted category, while the online ELT services fall
within the scope of value-added telecommunications, which is considered “restricted” and, with a few exceptions,
the percentage of foreign ownership cannot exceed 50%.
Foreign
Investment Law and Implementing Regulations of the Foreign Investment Law
On
March 15, 2019, the NPC promulgated the Foreign Investment Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced
the three existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, the Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise
Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the Wholly Foreign-invested Enterprise Law, together
with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The existing foreign-invested enterprises, or FIEs, established
prior to the effectiveness of the Foreign Investment Law may keep their corporate forms within five years. The Foreign Investment
Law stipulates that China implements the management system of pre-establishment national treatment plus a negative list to
foreign investment. The negative list, which will be issued by or upon approval by the State Council, refers to special administrative
measures for access of foreign investment in specific fields in China. A foreign investor shall not invest in any field prohibited
from foreign investment under the negative list. A foreign investor shall meet the investment conditions stipulated under the
negative list for any restricted fields. For fields not mentioned in the negative list, domestic and foreign investments shall
be treated equally. Additionally, the Foreign Investment Law stipulates that the government will not expropriate foreign investment,
except under certain special circumstances, in which case it will provide fair and reasonable compensation to foreign investors.
Moreover,
the Foreign Investment Law does not stipulate whether “foreign investment” as defined thereunder includes contractual
arrangements. Instead, it adds a catch-all provision to the definition of foreign investment so that foreign investment,
by its definition, includes “investments through other means stipulated by laws or administrative regulations or by the
State Council” without elaboration on the meaning of “other means.”
On
December 26, 2019, the State Council promulgated the Implementing Regulations of the Foreign Investment Law, which came into
effect on January 1, 2020, pursuant to which, the existing FIEs established prior to the effectiveness of the Foreign Investment
Law may choose to keep or change corporate forms in accordance with the Company Law, Partnership Enterprise Law or other laws
applicable within five years. Where any existing FIEs fails to change corporate forms as of the date of January 1, 2025,
the administrative departments for market regulation will not process other registration matters for the enterprise, and may disclose
the relevant information in the enterprise information publicity system. Additionally, the regulations further require that FIEs
and domestic enterprises be treated equally with respect to policy making and implementation. However, the Implementing Regulations
of the Foreign Investment Law still does not specify whether foreign investment includes contractual arrangements.
Regulations
on Sino-Foreign Cooperation in Operating Schools
Sino-foreign cooperation
in operating schools is specifically governed by the Regulation on Sino-Foreign Cooperation in Operating Schools of the PRC, which
was promulgated by the State Council on March 1, 2003, became effective on September 1, 2003 and was amended on July 18,
2013 and March 2, 2019, and the Implementing Rules for the Regulations on Operating Sino-foreign Schools, which were issued
by the MOE on June 2, 2004 and became effective on July 1, 2004. Pursuant to these regulations, any foreign entity that
invests in the education business in China through Sino-foreign cooperation must be an education institution with relevant
qualifications and experiences.
Additionally,
on June 18, 2012, the MOE issued the Implementation Opinions of the MOE on Encouraging and Guiding the Entry of Private Capital
in the Fields of Education and Promoting the Healthy Development of Private Education to encourage private investment and foreign
investment in the field of education. According to these opinions, the proportion of foreign capital in a Sino-foreign educational
institution shall be less than 50%.
In
the areas where we operate our ELT service business, local government authorities do not allow foreign-invested entities
to establish private institutions to engage in the ELT services, other than in the forms of Sino-foreign cooperative institutions,
and the domestic party shall play a dominant role in such cooperation. Meanwhile, foreign investors of Sino-foreign cooperative
institutions must be foreign educational institutions with relevant qualifications and experience.
Notice
on Proper Handling of Approval and Registration of Foreign Invested For-Profit Non-Academic Language Training Institutions
On
July 24, 2019, the General Office of the MOE, the General Office of the MOC and the General Office of the State Administration
for Market Regulation jointly issued the Notice 75, which came into effect on the same date. Pursuant to the Notice 75,
foreign invested for-profit non-academic language training institutions, or the Foreign-invested Language Training
Institutions, shall mean foreign investment enterprises which are established and registered in the PRC pursuant to the PRC laws
and have obtained the enterprise legal person qualification pursuant to the law to engage in for-profit non-academic language
training activities, and Foreign-invested Language Training Institutions conducting training activities shall comply with
the relevant State provisions on non-academic training institutions, apply for a private school operating permit in accordance
with the standards, complete legal person registration formalities with the market regulatory authorities upon obtaining a private
school operating permits issued by the education authorities, and comply with the relevant State provisions on foreign investments.
Regulations
on Foreign Investment in Telecommunications Enterprises
The
Regulations on Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises, or the FITE Regulations, which took effect
on January 1, 2002, and was most recently amended on February 6, 2016, are the key regulations that regulate foreign
direct investment in telecommunications enterprises in China. According to the FITE Regulations, foreign investors are prohibited
from holding more than 50% of the equity interests in a company providing value-added telecommunications services.
In
addition, a foreign investor who invests in a value-added telecommunications business in the PRC must possess prior experience
in operating value-added telecommunications businesses and a proven track record of business operations overseas. Currently,
none of the applicable PRC laws, regulations or rules provides clear guidance or interpretation on such qualification requirements.
In light of the above restrictions and requirements, we conduct our online ELT and offline ELT service business through a variable
interest entity structure.
Regulations
on Private Education in the PRC
Education
Law of the PRC
On
March 18, 1995, the NPC enacted the Education Law of the PRC, or the Education Law, which was amended on August 27,
2009. The Education Law sets forth provisions relating to the fundamental education systems of the PRC, including a school education
system comprising preschool education, elementary education, middle education and higher education, a system of nine-year compulsory
education, a national education examination system, and a system of education certificates. The Education Law stipulates that
the government formulates plans for the development of education, establishes and operates schools and other training institutions.
Furthermore, it provides that in principle, enterprises, social organizations and individuals are encouraged to establish and
operate schools and other types of education institutions. It also provides that no organization or individual is allowed to establish
or operate a school or any other education institution for profit-making purposes. Under the amendment enacted on December 27,
2015 and becoming effective on June 1, 2016, the amended Education Law allows organizations and individuals to establish
and operate schools or other education institutions for profit-making purposes. Nevertheless, schools and other education
institutions sponsored wholly or partially by government financial funds and donated assets remain prohibited from being established
as for-profit organizations.
Law
on the Promotion of Private Education of the PRC and Implementation Rules for the Law on the Promotion of Private Education of
the PRC
The
Law on the Promotion of Private Education of the PRC became effective on September 1, 2003 and was amended on June 29,
2013, and the Implementation Rules for the Law on the Promotion of Private Education of the PRC became effective on April 1,
2004. Under these law and rules, “private schools” are defined as schools established by social organizations or individuals
using non-government funds. Private schools that provide diploma- and degree-oriented education, preschool education,
self-taught higher education examination and other categories of education services shall be subject to approval by the education
authorities at or above the county level, while private schools engaging in occupational qualification training and occupational
skill training shall be subject to approvals from the authorities in charge of labor and social welfare at or above the county
level. A duly approved private school will be granted a private school operating permit, and shall be registered with the MCA
or its local counterparts as a private non-enterprise entity and obtain a private non-enterprise entity certificate.
According
to the PRC laws and regulations, entities and individuals who establish private schools are commonly referred to as “sponsors”
rather than “owners” or “shareholders.” The economic substance of “sponsorship” with respect
to private schools is substantially similar to that of shareholder’s ownership with respect to companies in terms of legal,
regulatory and tax matters. For example, the name of a sponsor is required to be stated in the private school’s articles
of association and the private school operating permit, similar to that of shareholders, whose names are stated in the Company’s
articles of association and corporate records filed with relevant authorities. From the perspective of control, the sponsor of
a private school also has the right to exercise ultimate control over the school by means such as adopting the private school’s
constitutional documents and electing the school’s decision-making bodies, including the school’s board of directors
and principals. The sponsor can also profit from the private schools by receiving “reasonable returns,” as explained
in detail below, or disposing of its sponsorship interests in the schools for economic gains. However, the rights of sponsors
vis-à-vis private schools differ from the rights of shareholders vis-à-vis companies. For example, under the
PRC laws, a company’s ultimate decision-making body is its shareholders meeting, while for private schools, it is the
board of directors, though the members of which are substantially appointed by the sponsor. The sponsorship interests also differ
from the ownership interests with regard to the right to the distribution of residual properties upon liquidation of a private
school, mainly because private education is treated as a public welfare undertaking under the current regulations. While private
education is treated as a public welfare undertaking under the current regulations, sponsors of a private school may choose to
require “reasonable returns” from the annual net balance of the school after deduction of costs for school operations,
donations received, government subsidies (if any), the reserved development fund and other expenses as required by the regulations.
Private schools whose sponsors do not require reasonable returns shall be entitled to the same preferential tax treatment as public
schools, while the preferential tax treatment policies applicable to private schools whose sponsors require reasonable returns
shall be formulated by the finance authority, taxation authority and other authorities under the State Council.
On
November 7, 2016, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress promulgated the Decision on Amending the
Law on the Promotion of Private Education of the PRC, or the Amended Private Education Promotion Law, which came into force on
September 1, 2017.
Under
the Amended Private Education Promotion Law, the term “reasonable return” is no longer used and a new classification
system for private schools is established based on whether they are established and operated for the purpose of making profits.
Sponsors of private schools may choose to establish non-profit or for-profit private schools at their own discretion, while
before the Amended Private Education Promotion Law, all private schools shall not be established for for-profit purposes.
Nonetheless, school sponsors are not allowed to establish for-profit private schools that are engaged in compulsory education.
In other words, the private schools engaged in compulsory education should retain their non-profit status even after the
Amended Private Education Promotion Law comes into force. We currently intend to register all of our private schools as for-profit schools
according to the Amended Private Education Promotion Law when it is practically allowed. However, as a matter of practice, most
local authorities have not started to accept or approve applications for for-profit schools because the local implementing
regulations have not been promulgated and well enforced.
According
to the Amended Private Education Promotion Law, the key features of the aforesaid new classification system for private schools
include the following:
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Sponsors of for-profit private
schools are entitled to retain the profits and proceeds from the private schools and the operation surplus may be distributed
to the sponsors pursuant to the PRC Company Law and other relevant laws and regulations;
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Sponsors of non-profit private
schools are not entitled to the distribution of profits or proceed from the non-profit schools and all operation surplus
of non-profit schools shall be used for the operation of the private schools;
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For-profit private schools
are entitled to set their own tuition and other miscellaneous fees without the obligation to seek prior approvals from or
to report to the relevant government authorities. The collection of fees by non-profit private schools, on the other
hand, shall be regulated by the provincial, autonomous regional or municipal governments;
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Both for-profit and
non-profit private schools may enjoy preferential tax treatment. Non-profit private schools will be entitled to the same
tax benefits as public schools. Taxation policies for for-profit private schools after the Amended Private Education
Promotion Law takes effect are still unclear as more specific provisions are yet to be introduced;
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Where there is construction
or expansion of a non-profit private school, the private school may acquire the land use rights through allocation by
the government as a preferential treatment. Where there is construction or expansion of a for-profit private school,
the private school may acquire the land use rights by purchasing them from the government;
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The remaining assets of non-profit private
schools after liquidation shall continue to be used for the operation of non-profit schools. The remaining assets of
for-profit private schools shall be distributed to the sponsors in accordance with the PRC Company Law; and
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The People’s governments
at or above the county level may support private schools by subscribing to their services, providing student loans and scholarships,
and leasing or transferring unused state assets. The governments may further take such measures as providing government subsidies,
bonus funds and donation incentives to support non-profit private schools.
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Several
Opinions on Encouraging the Operation of Education by Social Forces and Promoting the Healthy Development of Private Education
On
December 29, 2016, the State Council issued the Several Opinions of the State Council on Encouraging the Operation of Education
by Social Forces and Promoting the Healthy Development of Private Education, or the State Council Opinions, which lowers the barriers
to entry into the business of private schools and encourages social forces to enter the education industry. The State Council
Opinions also provides that each level of the People’s governments shall increase their support to the private schools in
terms of, among others, financial investment, financial support, autonomy policies, preferential tax treatments, land policies,
fee policies, autonomy operation, protection of the rights of teachers and students. Further, the State Council Opinions requires
each level of the people’s governments to improve its local policies on government support to for-profit and non-profit private
schools by means of preferential tax treatments.
Implementation
Regulations for Classification Registration of Private Schools
On
December 30, 2016, the MOE, the MCA, the SAIC, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Welfare and the State Commission
Office of Public Sectors Reform jointly issued the Implementation Regulations for Classification Registration of Private Schools
to reflect the new classification system for private schools as set out in the Amended Private Education Promotion Law. Generally,
if a private school established before the promulgation of the Amended Private Education Promotion Law chooses to register as
a non-profit school, it shall amend its articles of association, continue its operation and complete the new registration process.
If such private school chooses to register as a for-profit school, it shall conduct financial liquidation process, have the
property rights of its assets such as lands, school buildings and net balance authenticated by relevant government authorities,
pay up relevant taxes, reapply for a new private school operating permit, reregister as a for-profit school and continue
its operation. Specific provisions regarding the above registrations are yet to be introduced by the people’s governments
at the provincial level.
Implementing
Rules on the Supervision and Administration of For-Profit Private Schools
On
December 30, 2016, the MOE, the SAIC and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Welfare jointly issued the Implementing
Rules on the Supervision and Administration of For-Profit Private Schools, pursuant to which the establishment, division,
merger and other material changes of a for-profit private school shall first be reported by the board of directors of the
school to and get approvals from the relevant authorities, and then be registered with the competent branch of the SAIC.
For
a detailed discussion on how the Amended Private Education Promotion Law and the above rules will affect our training institutions,
see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations — We are subject
to uncertainties brought by the Amended Private Education Promotion Law and other rules, regulations and opinions promulgated
by the PRC government from time to time.”
In
addition to the Amended Private Education Promotion Law and the rules above mentioned, more implementing regulations will be introduced
to further provide detailed requirements for the operation of non-profit and for-profit private schools:
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the amendment to the Implementation
Rules for the Law on the Promotion of Private Education of the PRC;
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the local regulations relating
to legal entity registration of for-profit and non-profit private schools; and
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the specific measures to
be formulated and promulgated by the competent authorities responsible for the administration of private schools in the provinces
in which our schools are located, including but not limited to the specific measures for registration of pre-existing private
schools, the specific requirements for authenticating various parties’ property rights and payment of taxes and fees
of for-profit private schools, taxation policies for for-profit private schools and measures for collection of non-profit private
schools’ fees.
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Circular
on Alleviating After-school Burden on Elementary and Middle School Students and Implementing Inspections on After-school Training
Institutions
On
February 13, 2018, the MOE, the MCA, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and SAIC jointly promulgated the
Circular on Alleviating After-school Burden on Elementary and Middle School Students and Implementing Inspections on After-school Training
Institutions, or Circular 3, which came into effect on the same date. Pursuant to Circular 3, the aforesaid government
authorities will carry out a series of inspections on after-school training institutions and order those with material potential
safety risks to suspend business for self-inspection and rectification and those without proper establishment licenses or
school operating permits to apply for relevant qualifications and certificates under the guidance of competent government authorities.
Circular 3 mandates that the foregoing rectification be completed by the end of 2018. Moreover, after-school training institutions
must file with the local education authorities and make public the classes, courses, target students, class hours and other information
relating to their academic training courses (including primarily courses on Chinese, English and mathematics). After-school training
institutions are prohibited from providing academic training services beyond the scope or above the level of school textbooks,
or organizing any academic competitions (such as Olympiad competitions) or level tests for students of elementary or secondary
schools. In addition, elementary or secondary schools may not reference a student’s performance in the after-school training
institutions as one of admission criteria.
Opinions
of the General Office of the State Council on Regulating the Development of After-School Training Institutions
On
August 6, 2018, the General Office of the State Council promulgated Circular 80, which came into effect on the same
date. Pursuant to Circular 80, the after-school training institutions must obtain the business license (or corporate
legal person certificate or private non-enterprise unit registration certificate) for carrying out the training business.
The county-level education authority is responsible for approving the education permit. Without the approval of the education
authority, the after-school training institution may not conduct training services for elementary and secondary school students
in the name of training, counseling, and cultural communication. If an after-school training institution establishes a branch
or training point in the same county, it must be approved; if a branch or training point is established across the county, it
must be approved by the county-level education department where the branch or training point is located. Teachers engaged
in language, mathematics, English and physics, chemistry, biology and other subject training should have corresponding teacher
qualifications.
Notice
on Improving Several Working Mechanisms for Special Governance and Rectification of After-School Training Institutions
On
November 20, 2018, the General Office of the MOE, the General Office of the State Administration for Market Regulation and
the General Office of Ministry of Emergency Management jointly issued Circular 10, which came into effect on the same date. Pursuant
to Circular 10, (i) for institutions that carry out academic training activities without permits, non-academic training
institutions that carry out academic training activities and other institutions that carry out illegal training activities, the
education authorities, in collaboration with other relevant departments, shall cease their business, restrict their legal representatives
to engage in training activities for primary and secondary school students and refer to the market supervision authority to revoke
their business licenses; (ii) the local education authority shall further accelerate the progress of approving school operating
permits, especially for academic training institutions, the school operating permits can be issued as soon as possible by means
of document approval or issuing private school operating permits if the standards are met. For those institutions that do not
meet the applicable standards, they shall be suspended for rectification according to the law. By the end of 2018, there should
be no training institutions that are still carrying out training activities without permits or licenses; (iii) for provinces
(regions and municipalities) with a large number of non-academic training institutions, under the premise of ensuring effective
supervision, the provincial education authorities may, in conjunction with the market supervision authorities may propose a practical
rectification plan to ensure the rectification could be completed by the end of the year. After the promulgation and implementation
of Regulations on the Implementation Rules of the Law on Promoting Private Education in PRC, the after-school training institutions
shall be classified and regulated accordingly; (iv) the county-level education authority shall complete the filing and
assessment of academic training courses offered by the training institutions in its administrative area as soon as possible, which
includes the name, training content, enrollment targets, schedule and class hours of the academic training courses. The training
institutions that fail to make the filing and pass the assessment are prohibited from recruiting students; (v) the local
fire authorities shall provide the education authority with relevant information on fire safety standards. The education authority
shall approve training qualifications in accordance with fire safety standards. For existing institutions that have not met the
relevant fire safety standards, their training qualifications shall be revoked; and (vi) the provincial education authorities
shall be responsible for the filing of the online education institutions providing training for elementary and secondary school
students and standardize online training institutions according to the policies for offline training institutions. The name, training
content, enrollment target, schedule and class hours of the online academic training courses offered by the online training institutions
shall be filed with the provincial education authorities. The name, photos, shifts and certification numbers of the teachers shall
be posted prominently on their websites of such training institutions.
Potential
Impact of the Regulatory Uncertainty on Our Business and Financial Performance
Regulatory
Background and Development
The
Private Education Promotion Law became effective on September 1, 2003. Article 18 of the Private Education Promotion
Law requires private schools to obtain requisite school operating permits and register with the relevant authorities, while Article 66
of the Private Education Promotion Law stipulates that separate rules promulgated by the State Council will govern private training
institutions that are registered with the competent administration of commerce and industry. However, as of the date of this annual
report, the State Council has not yet promulgated any rules in this regard. Therefore, all private training institutions in the
PRC that are established in the form of corporations are not required explicitly by regulations to obtain the private school operating
permits. The Amended Private Education Promotion Law that became effective on September 1, 2017 removed Article 66 of
the Private Education Promotion Law and treated all for-profit private training institution as private schools, which are
required to obtain private school permits, but it did not provide any further guidance on the registration requirement for private
training institutions. The Implementing Rules on the Supervision and Administration of For-Profit Private Schools requires
private training institutions to obtain the private school operating permits prior to the completion of registration with the
competent administration of commerce and industry. According to the Several Opinions of the State Council on Encouraging Social
Resources to Invest in Education and Promote Sound Development of Private Education, after the Amended Private Education Promotion
Law became effective, the provincial government authorities must issue their own implementation opinions and licensing measures
in relation to the specific implementation methods and operative approaches of the amended law based on local conditions. However,
whether and how educational authorities regulate private training institutions vary from region to region, especially after the
MOE issued the Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law on April 20, 2018, and requested public
comment. On August 10, 2018, the Ministry of Justice published the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education
Promotion Law, which stipulates that private training institutions that enroll students of K-12 education and carry out activities
relating to (i) the cultural and educational courses at such students’ regular schools; (ii) examination-related and
academic tutoring; and (iii) other cultural and educational activities would be required to obtain the private school operating
permits. However, private training institutions that only carry out activities aiming at the quality promotion and personality
development in the areas of linguistic competence, arts, sports, science and technology teaching, and activities targeting cultural
education and non-academic continuing education for adults are not subject to such requirement.
As
of the date of this annual report, there has been no indication when the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education
Promotion Law would become law. We believe that if the Committee Draft Implementation Rules of the Private Education Promotion
Law comes into effect in its current form, based on the nature of our business, our self-operated learning centers would
likely to be categorized as private training institutions that implement activities aiming at quality promotion and personality
development in the areas of linguistic competence, and therefore, they should not be required to obtain the private school operating
permits. We also noticed that since the promulgation of the Private Education Promotion Law in 2003, only the Implementing Rules
on the Supervision and Administration of For-Profit Private Schools promulgated in December 2016 clearly required private
training institutions that were registered as corporations to obtain the private school operating permits, and the Committee Draft
Implementation Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law subsequently by implementing different requirements for training institutions
based on the nature of their business. We believe that these regulatory changes demonstrated that the PRC regulatory authorities
generally intended to improve the category-based administration of private training institutions and encourage the development
of training institutions that are focused on providing training activities relating to quality promotion and personality development
and cultural education and non-academic continuing education for adults.
Enforcement
Actions on Private Training Institutions
Since
2018, the local governments in the PRC began to tighten the regulations on after-school training institutions. Pursuant to
Circular 3, which came into effect on February 13, 2018, the relevant government authorities will carry out a series
of inspections on after-school training institutions and order those with material potential safety risks to suspend business
for self-inspection and rectification, which specified that the nationwide rectification work by the local authorities shall
be completed by December 31, 2018, and those without proper establishment licenses or school operating permits to apply for
the relevant qualifications and certificates under the guidance of competent government authorities. Pursuant to Circular 80,
which came into effect on August 6, 2018, the after-school training institutions must obtain the business license (or
corporate legal person certificate or private non-enterprise unit registration certificate) for carrying out the training
business. In addition, pursuant to Circular 10, for institutions that carry out academic training activities without permits,
non-academic training institutions that carry out academic training activities and other institutions that carry out illegal
training activities, the education authorities, in collaboration with other relevant government departments, shall cease their
business, restrict their legal representatives to engage in training activities for primary and secondary school students and
refer to the market supervision authority to revoke their business licenses. We believe that the abovementioned enforcement actions
were aimed to regulate the private after-school training institutions that primarily provide academic training activities
and services targeting K-12 students. Additionally, according to Circular 10, private training institutions should implement
classified management, be categorized by the nature of the services they provide and be regulated after the Committee Draft Implementation
Rules of the Private Education Promotion Law is officially promulgated and implemented.
In
terms of enforcement of the abovementioned rules and regulations on after-school training institutions, local government
authorities have approached it differently: (i) certain local authorities provided seminars to the public to explain their
proposed enforcement measures but did not take any further action; (ii) certain other local authorities treated all English-related training
as further education-related tutoring without differentiating the nature, content and enrollment target of the English-related services
they provide and required all those English-related training service providers to obtain the private school operating permits;
and (iii) some local authorities have yet to begin accepting private school operating permit applications.
As
of the date of this annual report, other than our four learning centers located in Xi’an, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hefei
that were ordered by the relevant local authorities to suspend their business operations for rectification, no other self-operated learning
centers has been ordered to suspend their business operations for rectification by the local authorities. Of these four learning
centers, we have applied for the private school operating permits and the learning center in Guangzhou has obtained the private
school operating permit, while the competent local authorities are in the process of reviewing their applications with respect
to the learning center in Xi’an as of the date of annual report. However, the remaining learning centers in Shenzhen and
Hefei were unable to apply for the private school operating permit because the local government authority in Shenzhen has temporarily
suspended its acceptance of private school operating permit applications as a result a lack of clear local implementation policy
for private training institutions and the local government authority in Hefei has temporarily suspended its acceptance of private
school operating permit applications of the adult ELT business. We intend to proactively apply for the private school operating
permit for such learning centers once the relevant implementation policy is in place.
Measures
of Punishment for Violation of Professional Ethics of Elementary and Secondary School Teachers
The
MOE promulgated the Measures for Punishment for Violation of Professional Ethics of Elementary and Secondary School Teachers on
January 11, 2014 and amended such measures on November 8, 2018, which prohibits teachers of elementary and secondary
schools from providing paid training in schools or in out-of-school training institutions. Some provinces and cities where
our schools are located have adopted more stringent regulations which prohibit public school teachers from teaching, on a part-time basis,
at private schools or learning centers. For a detailed description of the risk associated with these matters, see “Item
3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations—We may not be able to continue
to recruit, train and retain dedicated and qualified teaching staff, who are critical to the success of our business and the effective
delivery of our ELT services to students.”
Regulations
Related to Online Business
Value-Added
Telecommunications Services
The
Telecommunications Regulations of the PRC, or the Telecommunications Regulations, which was promulgated by the State Council on
PRC. The Telecommunications Regulations categorize telecommunications services into basic telecommunications services and value-added telecommunications
services. Operators of value-added telecommunications services must first obtain a Value-added Telecommunications Business
Operating License, or the VAT License, from the MIIT or its provincial level counterparts.
According
to the Catalog of Telecommunications Business (2015 version), attached to the Telecommunications Regulations, which was promulgated
by the MIIT on February 21, 2003 and amended on December 28, 2015. Information services provided via fixed network,
mobile network and internet fall within value-added telecommunications services.
Internet
Information Services
The
State Council promulgated the Internet Information Services Administrative Measures, or the Internet Information Measures, on
September 25, 2000, and amended on January 8, 2011. According to the Internet Information Measures, Internet information
services refers to service activities which provide information to online users through the internet, which are divided into services
of a commercial nature and services of a non-commercial nature. Commercial internet information services refer to paid services
of providing information or creating webpages offered to online users through the internet, while non-commercial internet
information services refer to services free of charge of providing public information to online users through the internet. Entities
engaging in commercial internet information services shall obtain a license for internet information services, or ICP license,
from the appropriate telecommunications authorities. Entities engaging in non-commercial internet information services shall
complete filings with the telecommunications authorities.
Broadcasting
Audio-Visual Programs through the Internet or Other Information Network
The
Administrative Measures Regarding Internet Audio-Visual Program Services, or the Audio-Visual Measures, promulgated by the
State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or the SAPPRFT (formerly known as the State Administration
of Radio, Film and Television, or the SARFT), on July 6, 2004 and came into effect on October 11, 2004, applies to the
activities relating to the opening, broadcasting, integration, transmission or downloading of audio-visual programs using
the internet or other information networks. Under the Audio-Visual Measures, in order to engage in the business of transmitting
audio-visual programs, a license issued by the SAPPRFT is required, and “audio-visual programs (including the
audio-visual products of film and televisions)” is defined as audio-visual programs consisting of movable pictures
or sounds that can be listened to continuously, which are shot and recorded using video cameras, vidicons, recorders and other
audio-visual equipment for producing programs. Foreign-invested enterprises are not allowed to carry out such business.
On April 13, 2005, the State Council promulgated Certain Decisions on the Entry of Non-state-owned Capital into the
Cultural Industry. On July 6, 2005, five PRC governmental authorities, including the SAPPRFT, jointly adopted the Several
Opinions on Canvassing Foreign Investment into the Cultural Sector. According to these regulations, non-state-owned capital
or foreign investors are not allowed to engage in the business of transmitting audio-visual programs through information
networks. However, the Audio-Visual Measures have been repealed according to the Administrative Provisions on Audio-Visual Program
Service through Special Network and Directed Transmission that was promulgated by the SAPPRFT on May 4, 2016, and became
effective as of June 1, 2016.
To
further regulate the provision of audio-visual program services to the public via the internet, including through mobile
networks, within the territory of the PRC, the SAPPRFT and the MIIT jointly promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet
Audio-Visual Program Service, or the Audio-Visual Program Provisions, on December 20, 2007, which came into effect
on January 31, 2008. Under the Audio-Visual Program Provisions, “Internet audio-visual program services”
is defined as the activity of producing, redacting and integrating audio-visual programs, providing them to the general public
via internet, and providing services for other people to upload and transmit audio-visual programs; providers of internet
audio-visual program services are required to obtain a License for Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs issued
by the SAPPRFT or to complete certain registration procedures with the SAPPRFT. In general, providers of internet audio-visual
program services must be either state-owned or state-controlled entities, and the business to be carried out by such
providers must satisfy the overall planning and guidance catalog for internet audio-visual program service determined by
the SAPPRFT. In a press conference jointly held by the SAPPRFT and the MIIT to answer questions relating to the Audio-Visual Program
Provisions in February 2008, the SAPPRFT and the MIIT clarified that providers of internet audio-visual program services
who are engaged in such services prior to the promulgation of the Audio-Visual Program Provisions are eligible to re-register with
the relevant authorities and continue their operation of internet audio-visual program services so long as those providers
had not violated relevant laws and regulations in the past. On May 21, 2008, the SAPPRFT issued a Notice on Relevant Issues
Concerning Application and Approval of License for the Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs, which further sets out
detailed provisions concerning the application and approval process regarding the License for Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs.
The notice also states that providers of internet audio-visual program services that are engaged in such services prior to
the promulgation of the Audio-Visual Program Provisions are eligible to apply for the license so long as their violation
of the laws and regulations is minor in scope and can be rectified in a timely manner and they have no records of violation during
the last three months prior to the promulgation of the Audio-Visual Program Provisions. Further, on March 30, 2009,
SAPPRFT promulgated the Notice on Strengthening the Administration of the Content of Internet Audio-Visual Programs, which
reiterates the pre-approval requirements for the audio-visual programs transmitted via the internet, including through
mobile networks, where applicable, and prohibits certain types of internet audio-visual programs containing violence, pornography,
gambling, terrorism, superstition or other similarly prohibited elements.
On
April 1, 2010, the SAPPRFT promulgated the Provisional Implementation of the Tentative Categories of Internet Audio-Visual Program
Services, or the Categories, which clarifies the scope of internet audio-visual program services. According to the Categories,
there are four categories of internet audio-visual program services which are further divided into seventeen sub-categories.
The third sub-category under the second category covers the making and editing of certain specialized audio-visual programs
concerning, among other things, educational content and broadcasting such content to the general public online. However, there
are still significant uncertainties relating to the interpretation and implementation of the Audio-Visual Program Provisions,
in particular, the scope of the term “internet audio-visual programs.”
Internet
Cultural Activities
On
February 17, 2011, the MOC promulgated the Interim Administrative Provisions on Internet Culture, or the Internet Culture
Provisions, which became effective on April 1, 2011. The Internet Culture Provisions require ICP service providers engaging
in commercial internet cultural activities to obtain a permit from the appropriate culture authority. Internet cultural activities
include (i) the production, duplication, importation, and broadcasting of internet cultural products; (ii) the online
dissemination whereby cultural products are posted on the internet or transmitted via the internet to end users, such as computers,
fixed-line telephones, mobile phones, television sets and games machines, for online users’ browsing, use or downloading;
and (iii) the exhibition and comparison of internet cultural products. “Internet cultural products” is defined
in the Internet Culture Provisions as cultural products produced, broadcasted and disseminated via the internet, which mainly
include internet cultural products produced specifically for the internet, such as online music entertainment, online games, online
shows and plays, online performances, online works of art and online cartoons, and internet cultural products produced from cultural
products such as music entertainment, games, shows and plays, performances, works of art and cartoons and duplicated for dissemination
on the internet.
Internet
Publishing
On
February 4, 2016, the SAPPRFT and the MIIT jointly issued the Administrative Measures of Internet Publishing Services, or
the Internet Publishing Measures. According to the Internet Publishing Measures, an entity shall obtain an online publishing services
permit to provide online publishing services. Online publishing services refers to the provision of online publications to the
public through information networks. Online publications refer to digital works with publishing features such as having been edited,
produced or processed and are made available to the public through information networks, including: (i) written works, pictures,
maps, games, cartoons, audio/video reading materials and other original digital works containing useful knowledge or ideas in
the field of literature, art, science or other fields; (ii) digital works of which the content is identical to that of any
published book, newspaper, periodical, audio/video product, electronic publication or the like; (iii) network literature
databases or other digital works, derived from any of the aforesaid works by selection, arrangement, collection or other means;
and (iv) other types of digital works as may be determined by the SAPPRFT.
We
have obtained the relevant ICP licenses and may also be required to obtain a license for the online transmission of audio-visual programs,
an internet culture permit and an online publishing services permit for the operation of our online education products.
Regulation
Relating to Publication Distribution
The
State Council promulgated the Administrative Regulations on Publishing, or the Publishing Regulations, on December 25, 2001,
and amended them on February 2, 2016. In accordance with the Publishing Regulations, publishing activities refer to the publishing,
printing, copying, importation or distribution of publications, such as books, newspapers, periodicals, audio and video products
and electronic publications, and an entity engaging in publishing activities is required to obtain an approval from the relevant
publication administrative authorities. Under the Administrative Measures for the Publication Market, or the Publication Market
Measures, which was jointly promulgated by the SAPPRFT and the MOFCOM and became effective on March 25, 2011, as amended
on May 31, 2016, any enterprise or individual who engages in publication distribution activities shall obtain permission
from SAPPRFT or its local counterpart. “Publication” is defined as “books, newspapers, periodicals, audio-visual products,
and electronic publications,” and “distributing” is defined as “general distribution, wholesale, retail,
rental, exhibition and other activities,” respectively, in the Publication Market Measures. Any enterprise or individual
that engages in retail of publications shall obtain a Publication Business Operating License issued by the local counterpart of
the SAPPRFT at the county level. In addition, any enterprise or individual that holds a Publication Business Operating License
shall file with the relevant local counterpart of the SAPPRFT that granted such license to it within 15 days since it begins
to carry out any online publication distribution business.
Provisions
on Intermediary Service for Self-Funded Overseas Studies
On
June 17, 1999, the MOE, the Ministry of Public Security and the SAIC jointly promulgated the Provisions on Intermediary Service
for Self-Funded Overseas Studies, which became effective on the same date. Pursuant to the regulations, the institutions
which intend to carry out intermediary service business shall apply for the Recognition on the Intermediate Service Organization
for Self-Funded Overseas Studies with the provincial education authorities. On January 12, 2017, the State Council promulgated
the Decision of the State Council on the Third Installment of the Cancelation of the Administrative Licensing Matters Delegated
to Local Governments, which, among other things, canceled the Recognition on the Intermediate Service Organization for Self-Funded Overseas
Studies, which means that the requirement for intermediate service organizations to obtain Recognition on the Intermediate Service
Organization for Self-Funded Overseas Studies from the provincial government for their engaging in intermediate and consulting
business activities relating to self-funded overseas studies is canceled. This decision provides that after the cancelation
of such requirements, the MOE and the SAIC shall study and develop a contract template for reference, and strengthen their guidance
for, regulation on and service to intermediate service organizations and that the relevant industrial association shall take on
a self-disciplinary role.
Provisions
on Travel Agency
The
State Council promulgated the Regulations on Travel Agencies on February 20, 2009, which took into effect on May 1,
2009 and were amended on February 6, 2016 and March 1, 2017. On April 25, 2013, the SCNPC promulgated the Tourism
Law of the PRC, which took into effect on October 1, 2013 and was amended on November 7, 2016. Pursuant to the Tourism
Law of the PRC, travel agencies may engage in domestic tourism, outbound tourism, border tourism and inbound tourism. According
to the Implementing Rules of the Regulations on Travel Agencies promulgated by Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the PRC and
took into effect on December 12, 2016, outbound tourism business means the travel agencies’ businesses of soliciting,
organizing, and receiving residents of the mainland of China to travel abroad, and to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan region, and their businesses of soliciting, organizing, and hosting foreigners
in the mainland of China, and residents of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan
region in the mainland of China to travel outside the mainland of China. Pursuant to such regulations and laws, the travel agency
engaging in domestic tourism business and inbound tourism business shall apply for business operation permit for travel agency.
After obtaining such business operation permit for travel agency for two years without fines and severe punishment by administrative
organs for infringing tourists’ legal rights and interests, the travel agency may then apply for outbound tourism business.
Further, pursuant to the Measures for Administration of Outbound Tours by Chinese Citizens promulgated by the State Council on
May 27, 2002, took into effect on July 1, 2002 and amended on March 1, 2017, the travel agency applying for operating
the outbound tour business shall have obtained the qualification as an international travel agency over one year, have prominent
performance of inbound tour business and have no material unlawful acts and major service problems.
Regulations
on Fire Safety
The
Fire Safety Law, promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC on April 29, 1998, amended by the Standing Committee of
the NPC on October 28, 2008 and April 23, 2019, as well as other relevant detailed fire prevention regulations such
as the Provisions on Administration of Construction Permit of Construction Projects, require that premises of training institutions
and their training branches with an investment amount of more than RMB300,000 and a construction area of more than 300 square
meters shall (i) pass the relevant fire control design examination; and (ii) complete the relevant fire control acceptance inspection.
In
accordance with the Interim Provisions on the Management of Fire Control Design Examination and Acceptance of Construction Projects,
or the Fire Control Management Provisions, which came into effect on June 1, 2020, the housing and urban-rural development bureaus
at or above county level are responsible for the matters related to fire safety requirements. Pursuant to the Fire Control Management
Provisions, the construction projects are classified under two categories, namely, special projects and other projects. For special
projects, the fire control design examination and fire control acceptance inspection procedure applies, according to which the
construction entity undertaking special projects shall submit the application for fire control design examination to the competent
authority, who will take responsibility for the review results according to the laws and regulations. Following the inspection
and acceptance procedures carried out over the completed special projects, the construction entity shall submit an application
for fire control acceptance inspection with the competent authorities. For other projects, documentation filing procedures applies.
The construction entities are only required to file with the competent authorities by submitting relevant documents and the competent
authorities will issue the acknowledgment for completing the fire safety filing
Pursuant
to these regulations, failure to pass the relevant fire control design examination or complete the relevant fire control acceptance
inspection shall subject a company to: (i) orders to suspend the construction of projects, use of such projects or operation
of relevant business; and (ii) a fine of between RMB30,000 and RMB300,000. Failure to complete a fire safety filing shall
subject a company to: (i) orders to make rectifications within a specified time limit; and (ii) a fine of not more than
RMB5,000. See “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations—A certain
number of our self-operated learning centers and our owned properties are not in compliance with fire safety regulations.”
In
addition, fire departments conduct spot inspections irregularly. The training institutions and their training branches that fail
to pass such inspections are also subject to monetary penalties and suspension of business operations.
Regulations
Relating to Employment, Social Insurance and Housing Provident Fund
Employment
According
to the PRC Labor Law, or the Labor Law, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress,
or the SCNPC, on July 5, 1994, came into effect on January 1, 1995, and was amended on August 27, 2009 and December 29,
2018, an employer shall develop and improve its rules and regulations to safeguard the rights of its employees. An employer shall
establish and develop labor safety and health systems, stringently implement national protocols and standards on labor safety
and health, get employees to receive labor safety and health education, guard against labor accidents and reduce occupational
hazards. Labor safety and health facilities must comply with the relevant national standards. An employer must provide employees
with the necessary labor protection gear that complies with labor safety and health conditions stipulated under national regulations,
and provide regular health examinations for employees that are engaged in work with occupational hazards. Employees engaged in
special operations must receive specialized training and obtain pertinent qualifications. An employer shall develop a vocational
training system. Vocational training funds shall be set aside and used in accordance with national regulations, and vocational
training for employees shall be carried out systematically based on the actual conditions of the Company.
The
Labor Contract Law of the PRC, which was promulgated by the SCNPC on June 29, 2007, amended on December 28, 2012, and
came into effect on July 1, 2013, combined with the Implementation Regulations on Labor Contract Law, which was promulgated
and became effective September 18, 2008, regulate the parties to labor contracts, namely employers and employees, and contain
specific provisions relating to the terms of labor contracts. Under the Labor Contract Law and the Implementation Regulations
on Labor Contract Law, a labor contract must be made in writing. An employer and an employee may enter into a fixed-term labor
contract, an un-fixed term labor contract, or a labor contract that concludes upon the completion of certain work assignments,
after reaching agreement upon due negotiations. An employer may legally terminate a labor contract and dismiss its employees after
reaching agreement upon due negotiations with its employees or by fulfilling the statutory conditions. Where a labor relationship
has already been established without a written labor contract, the written labor contracts shall be entered into within one month
from the date on which the employee commences working.
Social
Insurance
The
Law on Social Insurance of the PRC, which was promulgated on October 28, 2010, and became effective on July 1, 2011
and was amended on December 29, 2018, has established social insurance systems of basic pension insurance, unemployment insurance,
maternity insurance, work injury insurance and basic medical insurance, and has elaborated in detail the legal obligations and
liabilities of employers who do not comply with relevant laws and regulations on social insurance.
According
to the Interim Regulations on the Collection and Payment of Social Insurance Premiums, the Regulations on Work Injury Insurance,
the Regulations on Unemployment Insurance and the Trial Measures on Employee Maternity Insurance of Enterprises, enterprises in
the PRC shall provide benefit plans for their employees, which include basic pension insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity
insurance, work injury insurance and basic medical insurance. An enterprise must provide social insurance by going through social
insurance registration with local social insurance authorities or agencies, and shall pay or withhold relevant social insurance
premiums for or on behalf of employees.
Housing
Provident Fund
According
to the Administrative Regulations on the Administration of the Housing Provident Fund, which was promulgated and became effective
on April 3, 1999, and was amended on March 24, 2002 and March 24, 2019, housing provident fund contributions paid
and deposited both by employees and their unit employer shall be owned by the employees.
A
unit employer shall undertake registration of payment and deposit of the housing provident fund in the housing provident fund
management center and, upon verification by the housing provident fund management center, open a housing provident fund account
on behalf of its employees in a commissioned bank. Employers shall timely pay and deposit housing provident fund contributions
in the full amount and late or insufficient payments shall be prohibited. With respect to unit employers who violate the regulations
hereinabove and fail to complete housing provident fund payment and deposit registrations or open housing provident fund accounts
for their employees, such unit employers shall be ordered by the housing provident fund administration center to complete such
procedures within a designated period. Those who fail to complete their registrations within the designated period shall be subject
to a fine of between RMB10,000 and RMB50,000. When unit employers are in breach of these regulations and fail to pay deposit housing
provident fund contributions in the full amount as they fall due, the housing provident fund administration center shall order
such unit employers to pay within a prescribed time limit, failing which an application may be made to a people’s court
for compulsory enforcement.
PRC
Laws and Regulations Relating to Trademark, Domain Name and Copyright
Trademark
Pursuant
to the Trademark Law of the PRC, or the Trademark Law, which was revised on April 23, 2019, and came into effect from November 1,
2019, the term “registered trademarks” refers to trademarks that have been approved by and registered with the Trademark
Office of the National Intellectual Property Administration, and includes commodity trademarks, service trademarks, collective
marks and certification marks. The trademark registrant shall enjoy an exclusive right to use the trademark registered under its
name, which shall be protected by laws.
Domain
Name
Pursuant
to the Administrative Measures for Internet Domain Names, which was promulgated by the MIIT on August 24, 2017 and became
effective on November 1, 2017, domain name registration is subject to the principle of “first come, first served.”
The domain names registered or used by an organization or individual may not contain any contents prohibited by laws and administrative
regulations. A domain name registration applicant is required to provide the domain name registration service agency with true,
accurate and complete identity information on the domain name holder.
Copyright
and Software Registration
The
Standing Committee of the NPC adopted the Copyright Law in 1990 and amended it in 2001 and 2010, respectively. The amended Copyright
Law extends copyright protection to internet activities, products disseminated over the internet and software products. In addition,
there is a voluntary registration system administered by the China Copyright Protection Center. The amended Copyright Law also
requires registration of a copyright pledge. To address the problem of copyright infringement related to the content posted or
transmitted over the internet, the National Copyright Administration and the MIIT jointly promulgated the Measures for Administrative
Protection of Copyright Related to Internet on April 29, 2005. This measure became effective on May 30, 2005.
Pursuant
to the Computer Software Protection Regulations promulgated by the State Council on December 20, 2001, and amended on November 8,
2011 and January 30, 2013, respectively, the software copyright owner may go through the registration formalities with a
software registration authority recognized by the State Council’s copyright administrative department. The owner of a software
copyright may authorize others to exercise that copyright, and shall have the right to receive remuneration. In order to further
implement the Computer Software Protection Regulations, the State Copyright Bureau issued the Computer Software Copyright Registration
Procedures on February 20, 2002, which applies to software copyright registration, license contract registration and transfer
contract registration.
Regulations
on Companies
The
establishment, operation and management of corporate entities in the PRC are governed by the Company Law of the PRC, or the PRC
Company Law, which was promulgated on December 29, 1993 and amended on December 25, 1999, August 28, 2004, October 27,
2005, December 28, 2013 and October 26, 2018. Under the PRC Company Law, companies are generally classified into two
categories: limited liability companies and limited companies by shares. The PRC Company Law also applies to foreign-invested limited
liability companies but where other relevant laws regarding foreign investment have provided otherwise, such other laws shall
prevail. The latest amendment to the PRC Company Law took effect from March 1, 2014, pursuant to which there is no longer
a prescribed timeframe for the shareholders to make full capital contribution to a company, except otherwise provided in other
relevant laws, administrative regulations and State Council decisions. Instead, shareholders are only required to state the capital
amount that they commit to subscribe in the articles of association of the company. Further, the initial payment of a company’s
registered capital is no longer subject to a minimum amount requirement and the business license of a company will not show its
paid-up capital. In addition, shareholders’ contribution of the registered capital is no longer required to be verified
by capital verification agencies.
Regulations
on Tax
PRC
Enterprise Income Tax Law
The
EIT Law took effect in January 1, 2008 and was amended on February 24, 2017 and December 29, 2018. The EIT Law
applies a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate to both foreign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises, except where
tax incentives are granted to special industries and projects. Small and micro enterprises meeting certain conditions are entitled
to a preferential enterprise income tax rate of 20%. Under the EIT Law and its implementation regulations, dividends generated
from the business of a PRC subsidiary after January 1, 2008 and payable to its foreign investor may be subject to a withholding
tax rate of 10% if the PRC tax authorities determine that the foreign investor is a nonresident enterprise, unless there is a
tax treaty with China that provides for a preferential withholding tax rate. Distributions of earnings generated before January 1,
2008 are exempt from PRC withholding tax.
Under
the EIT Law, an enterprise established outside China with a “de facto management body” within China is considered
a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise
income tax rate on its worldwide income. A circular issued by the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, in April 2009
regarding the standards used to classify certain Chinese-invested enterprises controlled by Chinese enterprises or Chinese enterprise
groups and established outside of China as “resident enterprises” clarified that dividends and other income paid by
such PRC “resident enterprises” will be considered PRC-source income and subject to PRC withholding tax, currently
at a rate of 10%, when paid to non-PRC enterprise shareholders. This circular also subjects such PRC “resident enterprises”
to various reporting requirements with the PRC tax authorities. Under the implementation regulations to the EIT Law, a “de
facto management body” is defined as the management body that exercises substantial and overall management and control over
the business, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In addition, the tax circular mentioned above specifies that
certain PRC-invested overseas enterprises controlled by a Chinese enterprise or a Chinese enterprise group in the PRC will
be classified as PRC resident enterprises if the following are located or resident in the PRC: (i) senior management personnel
and departments responsible for daily production, operation and management; (ii) financial and personnel decision-making bodies;
(iii) key properties, accounting books, the company seal, and minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings;
and (iv) half or more of the senior management or directors who have voting rights.
Pursuant
to the Arrangement between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax
Evasion on Income, the withholding tax rate with respect to the payment of dividends by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise
may be reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25% of the PRC enterprise.
Pursuant to the Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on the Issues concerning the Application of the Dividend Clauses
of Tax Agreements, or SAT Circular 81, a Hong Kong resident enterprise must meet the following conditions, among others,
in order to apply the reduced withholding tax rate: (i) it must be a company; (ii) it must directly own the required
percentage of equity interests and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (iii) it must have directly owned such
required percentage in the PRC resident enterprise throughout the 12 months prior to receiving the dividends. In August 2015,
the State Administration of Taxation promulgated the Administrative Measures for Nonresident Taxpayers to Enjoy Treatment under
Tax Treaties, or SAT Circular 60, which became effective on November 1, 2015. SAT Circular 60 provides that nonresident
enterprises are not required to obtain pre-approval from the relevant tax authority in order to enjoy the reduced withholding
tax. Instead, nonresident enterprises and their withholding agents may, by self-assessment and on confirmation that the prescribed
criteria to enjoy the tax treaty benefits are met, directly apply the reduced withholding tax rate, and file necessary forms and
supporting documents when performing tax filings, which will be subject to post-tax filing examinations by the relevant tax
authorities.
In
January 2009, the SAT promulgated the Provisional Measures for the Administration of Withholding of Enterprise Income Tax for
Nonresident Enterprises, or the Nonresident Enterprises Measures, pursuant to which entities that have the direct obligation to
make certain payments to a nonresident enterprise shall be the relevant tax withholders for such nonresident enterprise. Further,
the Nonresident Enterprises Measures provide that, in case of an equity transfer between two nonresident enterprises which occurs
outside China, the nonresident enterprise which receives the equity transfer payment shall, by itself or engage an agent to, file a
tax declaration with the PRC tax authority located at the place of the PRC company whose equity has been transferred, and the
PRC company whose equity has been transferred shall assist the tax authorities to collect taxes from the relevant nonresident
enterprise. On April 30, 2009, the Ministry of Finance and the SAT jointly issued the Notice on Issues Concerning Process
of Enterprise Income Tax in Enterprise Restructuring Business, or Circular 59. On December 10, 2009, the SAT issued the Notice
on Strengthening the Administration of the Enterprise Income Tax concerning Proceeds from Equity Transfers by Nonresident Enterprises,
or Circular 698. Both Circular 59 and Circular 698 became effective retroactively as of January 1, 2008. By promulgating
and implementing these two circulars, the PRC tax authorities have enhanced their scrutiny over the direct or indirect transfer
of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise by a nonresident enterprise.
On
February 3, 2015, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Several Issues Concerning the
Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Property Transfer by Nonresident Enterprises, or SAT Bulletin 7, to supersede the provisions
in relation to the indirect transfer as set forth in Circular 698. SAT Bulletin 7 introduces a new tax regime that is significantly
different from that under Circular 698. SAT Bulletin 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to capture not only indirect transfers as
set forth under Circular 698 but also transactions involving transfer of immovable property in China and assets held under the
establishment and place in China of a foreign company through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company.
SAT Bulletin 7 also addresses transfer of the equity interest in a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, SAT Bulletin
7 provides clearer criteria than Circular 698 on how to assess reasonable commercial purposes and introduces safe harbor scenarios
applicable to internal group restructurings. However, it also brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee
of the indirect transfer as they have to make self-assessment on whether the transaction should be subject to PRC tax and
to file or withhold the PRC tax accordingly.
On
October 17, 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding
of Nonresident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or SAT Bulletin 37, which came into effect and superseded Circular 698 and
the Nonresident Enterprises Measures on December 1, 2017. SAT Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedure for
the withholding of nonresident enterprise income tax. Among other things, SAT Bulletin 37 provides that:
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for the income from equity
investment assets, the competent tax authority for the income tax of the invested enterprise shall be the competent tax authority,
while for the income from the dividends, extra dividends and other equity investment, the competent tax authority for the
income tax of the enterprise distributing the income shall be the competent tax authority;
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the withholding obligator
shall declare and pay the withheld tax to the competent tax authority in the place where such withholding obligator is located
with seven days from the date of occurrence of the withholding obligation;
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where the income obtained
by the withholding obligator and required to be withheld at source is in the form of dividends, extra dividends or any other
equity investment gains, the date of occurrence of the obligation for withholding relevant payable tax is the date of actual
payment of the dividends, extra dividends or other equity investment gains;
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for the income tax required
to be withheld under Article 37 of the EIT Law, if the withholding obligator fails to withhold in accordance with the
law or is unable to perform its withholding obligation, the nonresident enterprise obtaining the income shall declare and
pay the tax not withheld to the competent tax authority of the place of the occurrence of the income in accordance with Article 39
of the EIT Law and complete the Form of Report on Withholding of Enterprise Income Tax of the People’s Republic of China;
where the nonresident enterprise fails to declare and pay tax in accordance with Article 39 of the EIT Law, the tax authority
may order it to pay the tax within a specified time limit and the nonresident enterprise shall declare and pay the tax within
the time limit determined by the tax authority; the nonresident enterprise that declares and pays the tax voluntarily before
the tax authority orders it to pay tax within a specified time limit shall be deemed as having paid tax as scheduled;
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the competent tax authority
may require the taxpayer, withholding obligator and relevant parties with knowledge of relevant information to provide the
contracts and other relevant materials relating to the withholding of tax. The withholding obligator shall set up the account
books for withholding and payment of tax and file of contracts and materials to accurately record the withholding and payment
of nonresident enterprise income tax; and
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where the withholding obligator
fails to withhold the tax required to be withheld under Article 37 of the EIT Law, the competent tax authority of the
place where the withholding obligator is located shall order the withholding obligator to make up for the withholding of tax
in accordance with Article 23 of the Administrative Punishment Law of the People’s Republic of China and hold the
withholding obligator liable in accordance with the law; if recovery of tax payment from the taxpayer is necessary, the competent
tax authority of the place where the income occurs shall implement the recovery in accordance with the law. If the place where
the withholding obligator is located is different from the place where the income occurs, the competent tax authority of the
place of occurrence of the income that is responsible for recovering the tax payment shall give notice to the competent tax
authority of the place where the withholding obligator is located for verifying relevant information. The competent tax authority
of the place where the withholding obligator is located shall, within five working days from the date where it is determined
that the payable tax is not withheld in accordance with the law, send the Contact Letter for Nonresident Enterprise Tax Matters
to the competent tax authority of the place of occurrence of income and notify the latter of the tax-related matters
of the nonresident enterprise.
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Where
nonresident investors were involved in our private equity financing, if such transactions were determined by the tax authorities
to lack reasonable commercial purpose, we and our nonresident investors may become at risk of being required to file a return
and taxed under SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37 and we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Bulletin
7 and/or SAT Bulletin 37 or to establish that we should not be held liable for any obligations under SAT Bulletin 7 and/or SAT
Bulletin 37.
PRC
Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax
On
January 1, 2012, the Chinese State Council officially launched a pilot value-added tax reform program, or Pilot Program,
applicable to businesses in selected industries. Businesses in the Pilot Program would pay value-added tax, or VAT, instead
of business tax. Pilot industries in Shanghai include industries involving the leasing of tangible movable property, transportation
services, product development and technical services, information technology services, cultural and creative services, logistics
and ancillary services, certification and consulting services. According to official announcements made by competent authorities
in Beijing and Guangdong Province, Beijing launched the same Pilot Program on September 1, 2012, and Guangdong Province launched
its pilot program on November 1, 2012. On May 24, 2013, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation
issued the Circular on Tax Policies in the Nationwide Pilot Collection of Value Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax in the Transportation
Industry and Certain Modern Services Industries, or the Pilot Collection Circular. The scope of certain modern services industries
under the Pilot Collection Circular extends to the inclusion of radio and television services. On August 1, 2013, the Pilot
Program was implemented throughout China. On December 12, 2013, the Ministry of Finance and the SAT issued the Circular on
the Inclusion of the Railway Transport Industry and Postal Service Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-added Tax in
Lieu of Business Tax, or the 2013 VAT Circular. Among the other things, the 2013 VAT Circular abolished the Pilot Collection Circular,
and refined the policies for the Pilot Program. On April 29, 2014, the Ministry of Finance and the SAT issued the Circular
on the Inclusion of Telecommunications Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax. On March 23,
2016, the Ministry of Finance and the SAT issued the Circular on the Comprehensive Promotion of the Pilot Program of the Collection
of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax. Effective from May 1, 2016, the PRC tax authorities collect VAT in lieu
of business tax on a trial basis within the territory of China, and in industries such as construction industries, real estate
industries, financial industries and living service industries. Some of our subsidiaries as a small-scale taxpayer will be
required to pay VAT at a tax rate of 3% for the services. On March 20, 2019, the Ministry of Finance, the SAT and the General
Administration of Customs announced the VAT rate of 16% for sales of goods is reduced to 13% effective from April 1, 2019.
PRC
Laws and Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange
Regulations
on Loans to and Direct Investment in the PRC Entities by Offshore Holding Companies
According
to the Implementation Rules for the Provisional Regulations on Statistics and Supervision of Foreign Debt promulgated by the SAFE
on September 24, 1997 and the Interim Provisions on the Management of Foreign Debts promulgated by the SAFE, the NDRC and
the MOF that became effective from March 1, 2003, loans by foreign companies to their subsidiaries in China, which accordingly
are foreign-invested enterprises, are considered foreign debts. Pursuant to the Measures for the Administration of Foreign Debt
Registration issued by the SAFE on April 28, 2013 and the Notice on Matters concerning the Macro-Prudential Administration
of Full-Covered Cross-Border Financing issued by the PBOC on January 11, 2017, the total amount of accumulated
foreign debt borrowed by a foreign-invested enterprise is subject to a upper limit calculated based on a statutory formula,
and the foreign-invested enterprise is required to file with the SAFE after entering into relevant foreign debt contract
and within at least three business days before drawing any money from the foreign debts.
According
to applicable PRC regulations on foreign-invested enterprises, if a foreign holding company makes capital contributions to
its PRC subsidiaries, which are considered foreign-invested enterprises, the PRC subsidiaries must file with the MOFCOM or
its local counterpart in connection with the increase of its registered capital.
Foreign
Currency Exchange
Pursuant
to the Foreign Exchange Administration Rules, as amended from time to time up until the date of this annual report, and various
regulations issued by SAFE and other relevant PRC government authorities, Renminbi is freely convertible to the extent of current
account items, such as trade and service-related receipts and payments, interest and dividends. Capital account items, such
as direct equity investments, loans and repatriation of investment, unless expressly exempted by laws and regulations, still require
prior approval from the SAFE or its provincial branch for conversion of Renminbi into a foreign currency, such as U.S. dollars,
and remittance of the foreign currency outside of China. Payments for transactions that take place within China shall be made
in Renminbi. Foreign currency revenue received by PRC companies may be repatriated into China or retained outside of China in
accordance with requirements and terms specified by the SAFE.
Under
the Foreign Exchange Administration Rules, foreign-invested enterprises in China may, without the approval of the SAFE, make
a payment from their foreign exchange accounts at designated foreign exchange banks for paying dividends with certain evidencing
documents (e.g., board resolutions and tax certificates), or for trade and services-related foreign exchange transactions
by providing commercial documents evidencing such transactions. They are also allowed to retain foreign currency (subject to a
cap approved by the SAFE) to satisfy foreign exchange liabilities. In addition, foreign exchange transactions involving overseas
direct investment or investment and trading in securities and derivative products abroad are subject to registration with the
SAFE or its local counterparts and approval from or filling with other relevant PRC government authorities, if necessary.
Regulations
Relating to Foreign Exchange Registration of Overseas Investment by PRC Residents
SAFE
Circular on Relevant Issues Relating to Domestic Resident’s Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special
Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, issued by the SAFE and becoming effective on July 4, 2014, 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 and conduct round trip investment in China. Under SAFE Circular 37, an 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 domestic or offshore assets or interests, while “round trip investment” refers to the
direct investment in China by PRC residents or entities through SPVs, namely, establishing foreign-invested enterprises within
the PRC through a new entity, merger or acquisition and other ways to obtain the ownership, control rights and management rights.
SAFE Circular 37 requires that, before making contribution into an SPV, PRC residents or entities are required to complete foreign
exchange registration with SAFE or its local branch. In the event of any change in the basic information such as the domestic
individual shareholder, name, operation term, etc. in connection with such SPV, or if there is a capital increase, decrease, equity
transfer or swap, merge, spinoff or other material changes in connection with such SPV, the PRC residents or entities shall complete
foreign exchange alteration registration formality for offshore investment. SAFE Circular 37 further provides that option or share-based incentive
tool holders of a non-listed SPV can exercise the options or share incentive tools to become a shareholder of such non-listed SPV,
subject to registration with SAFE or its local branch. In addition, according to the procedural guidelines as attached to SAFE
Circular 37, PRC residents or entities are only required to register the SPV directly established or controlled (first level).
On
February 13, 2015, the SAFE further promulgated the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving the Administration of the
Foreign Exchange Concerning Direct Investment, or SAFE Circular 13, which took effect on June 1, 2015. SAFE Circular
13 has amended SAFE Circular 37 by 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.
Regulations
on Share Incentive Plans
Pursuant
to the Notice on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Share Incentive
Plan of an Overseas Publicly Listed Company, or SAFE Circular 7, which was issued by the SAFE in February 2012, the domestic
individuals, including PRC citizens and non-PRC citizens residing in China for a continuous period of not less than one year
(but excluding the foreign diplomatic personnel and representatives of international organizations), who participate in any share
incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company, such as its employees, directors, supervisors and other senior management,
are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed
company, and certain other procedures are also required to be completed. Failure to complete the SAFE registrations may result
in fines and legal sanctions on such domestic individuals and may also limit their capability to contribute additional capital
into the wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in China and further limit such subsidiary’s capability to distribute dividends.
In
addition, the State Administration of Taxation has issued certain circulars concerning employee share options or restricted shares.
Under these circulars, the employees working in the PRC will be subject to PRC individual income tax when they exercise share
options or are granted restricted shares. The PRC subsidiaries of such overseas listed company have the obligations to file documents
related to employee share options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes levied
on those employees exercising their share options. If the employees fail to pay or the PRC subsidiaries fail to withhold their
income taxes according to relevant laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities
or other PRC government authorities.
C.
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Organizational Structure
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We
are an exempted company with limited liability incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We began our operations in April 2006, when
Mr. Jishuang Zhao, Mr. Siguang Peng and Mr. Yupeng Guo founded Shenzhen Meten. Since our incorporation and as of
December 31, 2020, we have established a network of 118 learning centers in China, including 105 self-operated learning centers
and 13 franchised learning centers, and also acquired a number of complementary businesses in China.
In
order to facilitate international capital investment in us, in July 2018, we incorporated Meten to become our offshore holding
company under the laws of Cayman Islands and reorganized our group companies into a reorganization structure typical for China-based education
businesses. In October 2018, we established Shenzhen Likeshuo as part of our onshore reorganization. Due to restrictions imposed
by PRC laws and regulations on foreign ownership of companies that engage in education services, we currently do not hold any
equity interest in Shenzhen Meten and Shenzhen Likeshuo. Instead, we entered into a series of contractual arrangements with, among
others, Shenzhen Meten, Shenzhen Likeshuo and their respective shareholders in November 2018 to obtain effective control of these
two companies and their respective subsidiaries.
On
December 12, 2019, we entered into the Merger Agreement with EdtechX, EdtechX Merger Sub, Meten Merger Sub and Meten. On March
30, 2020, the parties to the Merger Agreement consummated the Mergers. After the consummation of the Mergers, Meten becomes a
wholly owned subsidiary of our Company. The chart below illustrates our corporate and shareholding structure:
(1)
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Shenzhen Meten is owned as
to 27.3250% by Mr. Jishuang Zhao, 13.8080% by Mr. Siguang Peng, 13.0829% by Mr. Yupeng Guo, 10.3918% by Xinyu
Meilianzhong Investment Management Centre (Limited Partnership), or Xinyu Meilianzhong, 4.9146% by Mr. Yun Feng, 3.9957%
by Xinyu Meilianxing Investment Management Centre (Limited Partnership), or Xinyu Meilianxing, 3.6719% by Mr. Jun Yao,
3.1719% by Ms. Tong Zeng, 3.5431% by Xinyu Meilianchou Investment Management Centre (Limited Partnership), or Xinyu Meilianchou,
3.0000% by Shenzhen Daoge No.11 Education Investment Partnership (Limited Partnership), or No. 11 Daoge, 1.5781% by Shenzhen
Daoge Growth No.3 Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership), or No. 3 Daoge, 1.5090% by Shenzhen Daoge Growth
No.6 Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership), or No. 6 Daoge, 0.8722% by Shenzhen Daoge Growth No.5 Investment
Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership), or No. 5 Daoge, 0.5000% by Mr. Yongchao Chen, 4.0000% by Zhihan (Shanghai)
Investment Center (Limited Partnership), or Shanghai Zhihan, 3.6358% by Shenzhen Daoge No.21 Investment Partnership (Limited
Partnership), or No. 21 Daoge and 1.0000% by Hangzhou Muhua Equity Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership),
or Hangzhou Muhua.
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(2)
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Shenzhen Likeshuo is owned
as to 27.3250% by Mr. Jishuang Zhao, 13.8080% by Mr. Siguang Peng, 13.0829% by Mr. Yupeng Guo, 10.3918% by
Xinyu Meilianzhong, 4.9146% by Mr. Yun Feng, 3.9957% by Xinyu Meilianxing, 3.6719% by Mr. Jun Yao, 3.1719% by Ms. Tong
Zeng, 3.5431% by Xinyu Meilianchou, 3.0000% by No. 11 Daoge, 1.5781% by No. 3 Daoge, 1.5090% by No. 6 Daoge,
0.8722% by No. 5 Daoge, 0.5000% by Mr. Yongchao Chen, 4.0000% by Shanghai Zhihan, 3.6358% by No. 21 Daoge and
1.0000% by Hangzhou Muhua.
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(3)
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Primarily involved in operating
our “Shuangge English” App.
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(4)
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Primarily involved in providing
our general adult ELT, overseas training services and junior ELT.
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(5)
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Primarily involved in providing
our online ELT.
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Contractual Arrangements with Our VIE and its Shareholders
Currently,
the PRC laws and regulations do not explicitly impose restrictions on foreign investment in the ELT services in the PRC. However,
some local government authorities in the PRC have adopted different approaches to granting licenses and permits (particularly,
imposing more stringent restrictions on foreign-invested entities) for entities providing ELT services. In the areas where
we operate our ELT service business, most local government authorities do not allow foreign-invested entities to establish
private institutions to engage in the ELT services, other than in the forms of Sino-foreign cooperative institutions, and
the domestic party shall play a dominant role in such cooperation. According to the relevant regulations, foreign investors of
Sino-foreign cooperative institutions must be foreign educational institutions with relevant qualifications and experiences.
As a foreign company, we are not qualified to run Sino-foreign cooperative institutions in the PRC. In addition, according
to Notice 75, foreign invested language training institutions are required to apply for the private school operating permit.
However, based on the interviews we conducted in November 2019 with the officials of the local educational authorities in the
areas where we have learning centers in operation, most of the local educational authorities provided oral confirmations that
due to the fact that the Notice 75 has just been issued for a short period of time and that no detailed supporting rules and regulations
have been promulgated, the relevant procedure, approval process and transitional period regarding the application by the foreign
invested language training institutions for the private school operating permit are not yet clear and the relevant government
authorities have not yet begun to accept applications. In addition, the PRC laws and regulations restrict foreign ownership in
value-added telecommunication services and require that a foreign investor who invests in a value-added telecommunications
business in the PRC must possess prior experience in operating value-added telecommunications businesses and a proven track
record of business operations overseas.
Due
to the restrictions on foreign ownership in the ELT and value-added telecommunications services described above, we carry
out our offline and online ELT business in the PRC through a variable interest entity structure. We currently have two wholly-owned subsidiaries,
namely, Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo, in China. Zhuhai Meten entered into a series of contractual arrangements with, among
others, the shareholders of Shenzhen Meten, Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities on November 23, 2018 and April 2,
2019, to obtain effective control of Shenzhen Meten and its subsidiaries.
The
following is a summary of the currently effective contractual arrangements entered into by and among others, Zhuhai Meten, Shenzhen
Meten and their respective shareholders and affiliated entities.
Business
Cooperation Agreement
Pursuant
to the business cooperation agreement, Zhuhai Meten shall provide management support, consulting services and technical services
necessary for the English training and relevant services, and in return, Shenzhen Meten shall pay services fees to Zhuhai Meten
accordingly as described under the exclusive technical service and management consultancy agreement. Without the prior written
consent of Zhuhai Meten, Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities cannot accept services provided by or establishing similar
corporation relationship with any third party. The agreement was entered into on November 23, 2018 and became effective on
November 23, 2018 and will remain effective unless terminated upon the full exercise of call option in accordance with the
exclusive call option agreement or unilaterally terminated by Zhuhai Meten with a notice of 30 days in advance. Unless otherwise
required by applicable PRC laws, Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities and shareholders do not have any right to terminate
the business corporation agreement.
Exclusive
Technical Service and Management Consultancy Agreement
Pursuant
to the exclusive technical service and management consultancy agreement, Zhuhai Meten agreed to provide exclusive technical services
to Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities, including, but not limited to, (i) design, development, update and maintenance
of education software for computer and mobile devices; (ii) design, development, update and maintenance of webpages and websites
necessary for the English training and relevant activities; (iii) design, development, update and maintenance of management
information systems and other internal management systems necessary for the English training and relevant activities; (iv) provision
of other technical support necessary for the education activities; (v) provision of technical consulting services; (vi) provision
of technical training; (vii) engaging technical staff to provide on-site technical support; and (viii) providing
other technical services reasonably requested by Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities.
Without
the prior written consent of Zhuhai Meten, Shenzhen Meten and their respective affiliated entities cannot accept services provided
by or establishing similar corporation relationship with any third party. Zhuhai Meten owns the exclusive intellectual property
rights created as a result of the performance of this agreement unless otherwise provided by the PRC laws or regulations. In consideration
of the technical and management consultancy services provided by Zhuhai Meten, Shenzhen Meten and their respective affiliated
entities agreed to pay annual service fees to Zhuhai Meten in an amount at Zhuhai Meten’s discretion. The agreement was
entered into on November 23, 2018 and became effective on November 23, 2018 and will remain effective unless terminated
upon the full exercise of call option in accordance with the exclusive call option agreement or unilaterally terminated by Zhuhai
Meten with a 30-day notice in advance. Unless otherwise required by applicable PRC laws, Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated
entities do not have any right to terminate the exclusive technical service and management consultancy agreement.
Exclusive
Call Option Agreement
Under
the exclusive call option agreement, the shareholders of Shenzhen Meten have irrevocably granted Zhuhai Meten or its designated
purchaser the right to purchase all or part of the equity interest and all or part of the school sponsor’s interest owned
by them in Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities at a purchase price equal to the lowest price permitted under the PRC laws
and regulations. Zhuhai Meten or its designated purchaser shall have the right to purchase such proportion of equity interests
or school sponsor’s interest in Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities as it decides at any time.
In
the event that PRC laws and regulations allow Zhuhai Meten or us to directly hold all or part of the equity interest and/or all
or part of the school sponsor’s interest in Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities and operate English training and
relevant businesses in the PRC, Zhuhai Meten shall issue the notice of exercise of the equity call option as soon as practicable,
and the percentage of equity interest and/or school sponsor’s interest purchased upon exercise of the equity call option
shall not be lower than the maximum percentage then allowed to be held by Zhuhai Meten or us under PRC laws and regulations. This
agreement was entered into on November 23, 2018 and became effective on November 23, 2018 and will remain effective
unless terminated upon the full exercise of call option in accordance with this agreement or unilaterally terminated by Zhuhai
Meten with a 30-day notice in advance. Unless otherwise required by applicable PRC laws, Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated
entities and shareholders do not have any right to terminate the exclusive call option agreement.
Equity
Pledge Agreement
Pursuant
to the equity pledge agreement, each of the shareholders of Shenzhen Meten unconditionally and irrevocably pledged and granted
first priority security interests over all of his/her/its equity interest in Shenzhen Meten together with all related rights thereto
to Zhuhai Meten as security for performance of the contractual arrangements and all direct, indirect or consequential damages
and foreseeable loss of interest incurred by Zhuhai Meten as a result of any event of default on the part of the shareholders
or Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities and all expenses incurred by Zhuhai Meten as a result of enforcement of the obligations
of the shareholders and/or Shenzhen Meten under the contractual arrangements. If any of the specified events of default occurs,
Zhuhai Meten may exercise the right to enforce the pledge by written notice to the shareholders of Meten Education in one or more
of the following ways: (i) to the extent permitted under PRC laws and regulations, Zhuhai Meten may request the shareholders
of Shenzhen Meten to transfer all or part of his/her/its equity interest in Shenzhen Meten to any entity or individual designated
by Zhuhai Meten at the lowest consideration permissible under the PRC laws and regulations; (ii) sell the pledged equity
interest by way of auction or at a discount and have priority in the entitlement to the sales proceeds; or (iii) dispose
of the pledged equity interest in other manner subject to applicable laws and regulations. This agreement was entered into on
November 23, 2018 and became effective on November 23, 2018 and will remain effective unless terminated upon the full
exercise of all obligations under the contractual arrangements or unilaterally terminated by Zhuhai Meten with a 30-day notice
in advance. Unless otherwise required by applicable PRC laws, Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities and shareholders do not
have any right to terminate the equity pledge agreement.
Shareholders’
Rights Entrustment Agreement
Pursuant
to the shareholders’ rights entrustment agreement, each of the shareholders of Shenzhen Meten has irrevocably authorized
and entrusted Zhuhai Meten to exercise of all his/her/its respective rights as shareholders of Shenzhen Meten to the extent permitted
by the PRC laws. These rights include, but not limited to: (i) the right to attend shareholders’ meetings of Shenzhen
Meten, as the case may be; (ii) the right to exercise voting rights in respect of all matters discussed and resolved at the
shareholders’ meeting of Shenzhen Meten; (iii) the right to propose to convene interim shareholders’ meetings
of Shenzhen Meten, as the case may be; (iv) the right to sign all shareholders’ resolutions and other legal documents
which the shareholders have authority to sign in its capacity as shareholders of Shenzhen Meten, as the case may be; (v) the
right to instruct the directors and legal representative of Shenzhen Meten, as the case may be to act in accordance with the instruction
of Shenzhen Meten; (vi) the right to exercise all other rights and voting rights of shareholders as prescribed under the
articles of association of Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities, as the case may be; (vii) the right to handle the
legal procedures of registration, approval and licensing of Shenzhen Meten, as the case may be, at business administration department
or other government regulatory departments; (viii) the right to transfer or dispose his/her/its equity interest in Shenzhen
Meten; and (ix) other shareholders’ rights pursuant to applicable PRC laws and regulations and the articles of association
of Shenzhen Meten as amended from time to time. This agreement was entered into on November 23, 2018 and became effective
on November 23, 2018 and will remain effective unless terminated upon the full exercise of call option in accordance with
the exclusive call option agreement or unilaterally terminated by Zhuhai Meten with a 30-day notice in advance. Unless otherwise
required by applicable PRC laws, Shenzhen Meten and its affiliated entities and shareholders do not have any right to terminate
the shareholders’ rights entrustment agreement.
Spouse
Undertakings
Pursuant
to the spouse undertakings, the respective spouse of the individual shareholders of Shenzhen Meten has irrevocably agreed to the
execution of business cooperation agreement, exclusive technical service and management consultancy agreement, exclusive call
option agreement, equity pledge agreement and shareholders’ rights entrustment agreement. The respective spouse of the individual
shareholders of Shenzhen Meten further undertakes that he or she has not participated, is not participating and shall not in the
future participate in the operation, management, liquidation, dissolution and other matters in relation to Shenzhen Meten and
its affiliated entities, and confirms that the respective shareholder or its designated person can execute all necessary documents
and perform all necessary procedures and give effect to the fundamental purposes under the contractual arrangements mentioned
above, and further confirms and agrees to all such documents and procedures in relation to the spouse’s equity interest
in Shenzhen Meten. The spouse undertaking shall not be revoked, prejudiced, invalidated or otherwise adversely affected by any
increase, decrease, consolidation or other similar events relating to the direct or indirect equity interest in Shenzhen Meten
or affected by the death, loss of or restriction on capacity of the spouse, divorce or other similar events. The valid term of
the spouse undertakings is same as the term of the business cooperation agreement and shall continue to be valid and binding until
otherwise terminated by both Zhuhai Meten and the spouses of the respective individual shareholders in writing.
On
November 23, 2018, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhuhai Likeshuo entered into a series of contractual arrangements which
are substantially the same as the contractual arrangements discussed above with the shareholders of Shenzhen Likeshuo, Shenzhen
Likeshuo, and its affiliated entities to obtain effective control of Shenzhen Likeshuo and its subsidiaries.
In
the opinion of our PRC counsel these contractual arrangements are valid, binding, and do not and will not violate applicable PRC
laws currently in effect, except that the pledges on the equity interests in our VIEs would not be deemed validly created until
they are registered with the competent administration of industry and commerce. However, these contractual arrangements may not
be as effective in providing control as direct ownership. There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and
application of current or future PRC laws and regulations. For a description of the risks related to our contractual arrangements,
please see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure.”
Corporate
Information
Our
principal executive offices are located at 3rd Floor, Tower A, Tagen Knowledge & Innovation Center, 2nd Shenyun
West Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518000, the People’s Republic of China. Our telephone number at
this address is +86 755 8294 5250 and our fax number is +86 755 8299 5963.
Our
registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at Cricket Square, Hutchins Drive, PO Box 2681, Grand Cayman, KY1-1111,
Cayman Islands.
Our
agent for service of process in the United States is Puglisi & Associates, located at 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204,
Newark, Delaware 19711.
Our
corporate website is www.investor.metenedu-edtechx.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this annual
report.
D.
|
Property, Plants and Equipment
|
We
currently lease substantially all of the properties we use to operate our business. We are headquartered in Shenzhen and Beijing,
and the business premises of our offices and self-operated learning centers are located in 28 cities in China as of December 31,
2020. The majority of lease agreements for our learning centers have terms of three to five years. For most of our learning centers,
we pay monthly and quarterly rental charges. The rental payments for our learning centers are either set at a fixed rate during
the entire rental period or increased every five years based on a preset rate. For details on locations of our facilities, see
“Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Our Offline Network.”
|
ITEM 4.A.
|
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
|
Not
applicable.
|
ITEM 5.
|
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
|
Meten EdtechX Education Group Ltd. was formed for the purpose of effecting
the Merger Agreement, dated as of December 12, 2019, by and among EdtechX, the Company, EdtechX Merger Sub, Meten Merger Sub, and Meten
International. On March 30, 2020, the parties to the Merger Agreement consummated the Mergers.
The
consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 include the accounts of its subsidiaries
and consolidated affiliated entities. The financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and for each of the years
in the two year period ended December 31, 2019 only include the account of Meten International and do not include the historical
financial information of Meten EdtechX prior to January 1, 2020. Meten International was determined to be the accounting acquirer
given the controller of Meten International effectively controlled the combined entity Meten EdtechX Education Group Ltd after
the Mergers.
The
Mergers is not a business combination because EdtechX was not a business. The Mergers is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization,
which is equivalent to the issuance of shares by Meten International for the net monetary assets of EdtechX, accompanied by a
recapitalization. Meten International is determined as the predecessor and the historical financial statements of Meten International
became the Company’s historical financial statements, with retrospective adjustments to give effect of the reverse recapitalization.
The
following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon and should be read in conjunction with
our consolidated financial statements and their related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. This annual report contains
forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Information” on page iv of this annual report. In evaluating our business,
you should carefully consider the information provided under the caption “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors”
in this annual report. We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties.
Overview
We
are one of the leading general ELT service providers in China. We are committed to improving the overall English competence and
practical English language skills of the general Chinese population. We offer a comprehensive ELT service portfolio comprising
general adult ELT, junior ELT, overseas training services, online ELT and other English language-related services to students
from a wide range of age groups.
We
have established a highly scalable offline-online business model. We have a nationwide offline network of both self-operated learning
centers and franchised learning centers. As of December 31, 2020, we had established a nationwide offline learning center network
of 105 self-operated learning centers covering 28 cities in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China, and
13 franchised learning centers across 12 cities in 11 provinces and municipalities in China as of December 31, 2020. As of December
31, 2020, we had approximately 1.79 million registered users on our “Likeshuo” platform and cumulatively over 320,000
paying users, who purchased our online ELT courses or trial lessons. As of the same date, the cumulative number of student enrollments
in our online ELT courses since 2014 was approximately 180,000 and we had delivered over 5.35 million accumulated course hours
to our students online.
Major
Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
We
operate in China’s ELT market, and our results of operations and financial condition are significantly affected by the general
factors driving this market. China’s rapid economic growth over the past two decades and the increasing per capita disposable
income have led to both increased spending on English language education services and intensified competition for high-quality education
resources.
We
have benefited from a number of factors, including, but not limited to, China’s rising birth rate, which largely results
from the rising population in large urban centers, increases in average household income, increasing number of high-income families,
limited penetration of ELT services across China, favorable government policies that support the growth of private education enterprises
and permits that increase operational and pricing flexibility, and the continued focus on study-abroad opportunities by parents.
At
the same time, our results are subject to changes in the regulatory regime governing the education industry in China. The PRC
government regulates various aspects of our business and operations, including the qualification and licensing requirements for
entities that provide education services, standards for operating facilities and limitations on foreign investments in the education
industry. In addition, the PRC laws and regulations on private education and training services and related regulatory practices
are constantly evolving, involve substantial uncertainties, and their implementation differs from region to region. For example,
among our self-operated learning centers in operation as of December 31, 2020, 37 of them did not have the private
school operating permits or business licenses, or were operating beyond the authorized business scope. We believe some of these
learnings centers were not required to obtain such private school operating permits based on local regulations, and they contributed
to an aggregate of approximately 9.8% of our total gross billings for the year ended December 31, 2020. Based on our understanding
of the current PRC regulatory framework and discussion with our PRC counsel and the relevant local regulatory authorities, we
currently believe that we will not be required to actually suspend the operation of any substantial number of our learning centers
notwithstanding the regulatory uncertainties. However, we cannot assure you that PRC regulatory authorities will not take any
action contrary to our belief in the future, in which case our revenues, gross profit, income from operations and net income may
decrease significantly and our liquidity and capital resources may also be materially and adversely affected. See “Item
3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations—We are required to obtain various
operating permits and licenses for our ELT services in China and failure to comply with these requirements may materially and
adversely affect our business operations.” For description of the evolving regulatory landscape in China, see “Item
4. B.—Business Overview—Regulations—Regulations on Private Education in the PRC.”
While
our business is influenced by factors affecting the offline and online ELT market in China generally, we believe our results of
operations are more directly affected by company-specific factors, including the major factors highlighted below.
Student
Enrollment
Our
revenue primarily consists of course and service fees from students enrolled in our offline ELT and online ELT services, which
is directly driven by the number of our student enrollments, which represents the number of actual new sales contracts entered
into between us and our students, excluding the number of refunded contracts and contracts with no revenue generated during a
specified period of time. Our total student enrollment increased by 49.5% from 118,277 in 2018 to 123,445 in 2019, and due to
the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it reduced to 62,810, by 49.1%. Growth in our student enrollment is dependent on our ability to
retain our current students and to recruit new students.
Our
ability to retain existing students is largely dependent on the variety and quality of our course offerings, the quality of our
teachers and students’ overall satisfaction with the education services we offer. A substantial number of the students are
enrolled in our courses through word-of-mouth referrals. Consequently, our ability to recruit new students also depends on
our reputation and brand recognition, which are affected by our branding activities and other selling and marketing efforts. Our
reputation and brand recognition are primarily driven by the satisfaction of our students and the high quality of our teaching
staff. We have expanded our service offerings to a full spectrum of offline and online ELT services, including general adult ELT
and overseas training services to students of a wide range of age groups since the inception of our first self-operated learning
center. In 2014, we launched our online English learning platform “Likeshuo” to offer online live streaming ELT courses
to a wider coverage of student base. In 2018, we commenced to offer junior ELT, which is mainly designed for students aged between
six to 18, and introduced a new curriculum, the “Explore Curriculum,” for our general adult ELT.
Number
and Maturity of Learning Centers
Our
revenue growth is mainly driven by the number of our self-operated and franchised learning centers, which directly affects
our overall student enrollment, as well as the maturity of our existing learning centers. Our ability to increase the number of
self-operated and franchised learning centers depends on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, identifying
suitable locations and partners, hiring high-caliber teaching staff and other necessary personnel for the new learning centers,
and other investment in implementing our centralized management across our offline learning center network. As of December 31,
2020, we had 105 self-operated learning centers covering 28 cities and 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities
in China, and 13 franchised learning centers across 12 cities in 11 provinces and municipalities in China. We have adopted a prudent
approach to seek and evaluate qualified franchisees and implemented centralized management across all our self-operated and
franchised learning centers in various stages. In addition, the maturity of our learning centers affects our revenue growth and
profitability. Newly established learning centers normally start contributing to our revenue growth and profitability after an
initial ramp-up period, which typically lasts between one to two years. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, most of our newly established
learning centers were able to generate sufficient gross billings to cover their operating costs during the ramp-up period.
The number of our self-operated learning centers had grown steadily in recent years, increasing from 94 as of January 1,
2017 to 132 as of December 31, 2019. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of our self-operated learning
centers decreased to 105 as of December 31, 2020. We intend to continue to expand our learning center network. We believe that
our large business scale strengthens our brands and enhances our reputation, which in turn supports further growth of our business.
The number of our learning centers in operation may also be affected by changes in the PRC regulatory framework and practices.
Among the 105 self-operated learning centers as of December 31, 2020, 37 of them were probably operating without the requisite
private school operating permits or business licenses, or were operating beyond their authorized business scope. If we have to
actually suspend the business operation of any of our learning centers, our reputation, results of operation and financial conditions
could be materially and adversely affected. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our
Business and Operations—We are required to obtain various operating permits and licenses for our ELT services in China and
failure to comply with these requirements may materially and adversely affect our business operations.”
Pricing
Our
revenue is directly affected by the pricing of our courses and the type of services we offer. We typically charge students course
and service fees based on the total number of course hours, the class sizes and the types of courses the student enrolls in, or
the types of services we provide to such student. When we set fee rates for our courses and services, we also consider the general
economic condition in and the income level of the residents of the relevant locations of our learning centers, the local demand
for our services and our competitors’ fee rates for similar service offerings. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B.
Business Overview—Regulations—Pricing and Refund Policies” for details of our pricing policy.
We
implement our effective centralized management systems at a majority of our franchised learning centers and require them to adhere
to our standardized pricing and refund policies we apply at our self-operated learning centers in order to maintain stable
student retention rates and efficient operations at our franchise learning centers. We may adjust the course and service fees
for new contracts when we have upgraded our existing courses or developed new courses and services. The course and service fee
levels of our learning centers remained relatively stable in 2018, 2019 and 2020. In the long run, we seek to gradually increase
our course and service fee levels without compromising our student enrollment.
Cost
Control and Operating Efficiency
Our
profitability depends significantly on our ability to improve our operating efficiency through effective cost control. Our cost
of revenues consists primarily of teaching staff costs and property expenses for our self-operated learning centers. Teaching
staff costs depend on the number of our teachers we employ and their levels of compensation. We offer attractive compensation
to our teachers to attract and retain the best teaching talent. The number of our full-time teachers, study advisors and
teaching service staff increased from 2,152 as of December 31, 2018 to 2,534 as of December 31, 2019 and further to
1,824 as of December 31, 2020, which were in line with our efforts to enhance our teaching quality, the growth of student enrollment
and the expansion of our network and course offerings.
Our
operating expenses consist of sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses.
Historically, we have incurred significant sales and marketing expenses primarily because we utilize a variety of sales and marketing
approaches to increase our student enrollment and strengthen our brand recognition, including, but not limited to, various offline
sales activities. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Marketing and Sales.” In
addition, we leverage our developed offline and online marketing channels to recruit new students.
Going
forward, we expect that our total costs and expenses will increase in line with the expansion of our network and education service
offerings. Also, we expect to incur additional costs and expenses associated with becoming a public company. However, this increase
is likely to be partially offset by our increasing economies of scale and improved operating efficiency.
Upgrade
and Diversification of Course and Service Offerings
The
diversification of our course and service offerings has had a positive impact on our revenue growth and we believe it will continue
to positively impact our growth going forward. However, it may have a negative impact on our revenue recognition and results of
operations during the transition period as we gradually roll out new courses and services across our nationwide learning center
network. We currently have a wide spectrum of offline and online ELT course offerings. Our extensive portfolio of services allows
us to extend our service to a wider group of customers and conduct cross-selling between our offline and online ELT businesses,
improve student stickiness to realize synergies across these business lines and thereby, maximize student lifetime value that
we could capture. For example, historically, we have witnessed significant growth in our online ELT business since the launch
of our “Likeshuo” platform in 2014. The synergy created by such offline-online business model effectively helped
us to increase customer conversion rate at reasonable costs. We expect to achieve ramp-up and expansion of our online ELT
business in an economical and effective manner with the support from our extensive offline learning center network.
In
addition, in early 2018, driven by the increasing English learning demand from younger aged students, we decided to further expand
our business segments to include junior ELT in selected regions where we have extensive network coverage and brand recognition.
In line with this strategy, we acquired ABC Education Group in June 2018. As part of the integration, it went through management
restructuring and upgrade of its management system that led to increased administrative expenses. We also introduced the new “Explore
Curriculum” for our general adult ELT beginning in 2018, the implementation of which was completed in May 2019 at all of
our learning centers in the PRC. While we believe such new curriculum will have a positive long-term impact on improving
our students’ comprehensive and practical English language abilities, the implementation of the new curriculum across our
nationwide network of self-operated learning centers nevertheless adversely affected the course hours delivered and segment
revenue recognized during the transition period.
The
Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019
Our
results of operations and financial conditions in 2020 were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and may continue to be affected
by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and potentially beyond. In early February 2020, we temporarily closed all of our learning centers
in the PRC in response to government mandates. Leveraging our efficient and synergetic omnichannel business model, in early February
2020, we temporarily migrated all offline general adult ELT, overseas training and junior ELT courses to various online platforms
to transition the relevant training services. These online platforms we utilized to facilitate the migration included our Likeshuo
platform and our proprietary and third-party online platforms.
Since
the second quarter of 2020, the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in China declined, and the business activities in
China’s major cities started to resume. As such, we re-opened 95 of our learning centers (including 84 self-operated
learning centers and 11 franchised learning centers) by the end of June 2020. By September, 2020, we re-opened all of our learning
centers. By October 2020, the operation of both our offline ELT and online ELT services returned to normal.
Due
to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had recognized an aggregate RMB897.0 million (US$137.5 million) in revenue in 2020, a 38.0% decrease
compared to RMB1,447.9 million in 2019. As of December 31, 2020, we had RMB90.1 million (US$13.8 million) in cash and cash
equivalents. We believe this level of liquidity is sufficient to successfully navigate an extended period of uncertainty. We will
pay close attention to the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, perform further assessment of its impact and take relevant measures
to minimize the impact. See also “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and
Operations—Any natural catastrophes, severe weather conditions, health epidemics, including COVID-19, and other extraordinary
events could severely disrupt our business operations” in this annual report for more details.
Key
Components of our Results of Operations
Revenues
For
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, we primarily offered general adult ELT, overseas training services, online ELT,
junior ELT and other English language-related services. The table below sets forth a breakdown of our revenue for the periods
indicated:
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
|
General adult ELT(1)
|
|
|
903,756
|
|
|
|
63.5
|
|
|
|
783,988
|
|
|
|
54.1
|
|
|
|
333,500
|
|
|
|
51,111
|
|
|
|
37.2
|
|
Overseas training services
|
|
|
223,601
|
|
|
|
15.7
|
|
|
|
203,677
|
|
|
|
14.1
|
|
|
|
130,567
|
|
|
|
20,010
|
|
|
|
14.6
|
|
Online ELT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For adults
|
|
|
172,825
|
|
|
|
12.1
|
|
|
|
203,982
|
|
|
|
14.1
|
|
|
|
203,546
|
|
|
|
31,195
|
|
|
|
22.7
|
|
For juniors
|
|
|
25,586
|
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
|
37,215
|
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
|
|
64,175
|
|
|
|
9,835
|
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
For international test preparation
|
|
|
13,891
|
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
|
19,066
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
|
19,820
|
|
|
|
3,038
|
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Japanese
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
2,174
|
|
|
|
333
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
Subtotal
|
|
|
212,302
|
|
|
|
14.9
|
|
|
|
260,263
|
|
|
|
18.0
|
|
|
|
289,715
|
|
|
|
44,401
|
|
|
|
32.3
|
|
Junior ELT
|
|
|
65,490
|
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
|
167,924
|
|
|
|
11.6
|
|
|
|
130,348
|
|
|
|
19,977
|
|
|
|
14.5
|
|
Other English language-related services(2)
|
|
|
19,085
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
|
32,047
|
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
|
|
12,905
|
|
|
|
1,978
|
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,424,234
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
1,447,899
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
897,035
|
|
|
|
137,477
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
(1)
|
Includes revenue from the
sales of goods, such as educational materials and food and beverages sold at our self-operated learning centers.
|
(2)
|
Includes (i) franchise
fees received from our franchised learning centers under the “Meten” brand; and (ii) revenue generated from
our “Shuangge English” App.
|
Revenue
generated from general adult ELT was RMB903.8 million, RMB784.0 million, and RMB333.5 million (US$51.1 million), representing
63.5%, 54.1% and 37.2% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Revenue generated
from overseas training services was RMB223.6 million, RMB203.7 million, and RMB130.6 million (US$20.0 million), representing
15.7%, 14.1% and 14.6% of our total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Revenue generated
from junior ELT was RMB65.5 million, RMB167.9 million, and RMB130.3 million (US$20.0 million), representing 4.6%, 11.6% and
14.5% of our total revenue in for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. With respect to our general adult
ELT, overseas training services and junior ELT, we generally collect course/service fees upfront from our students or in installments.
We have refund policies in place for these businesses, and will refund the relevant course/service fees partially or fully depending
on when the request is made by the students in the applicable refund period. For our general adult ELT, overseas training services
and junior ELT, we record the course/service fees initially as financial liabilities from contracts with customers, and then as
deferred revenue depending on whether the course/service fees under the relevant contracts are refundable.
Revenue
generated from our online ELT was RMB212.3 million, RMB260.3 million, and RMB289.7 million (US$44.4 million), representing 14.9%,
18.0% and 32.3% of our total revenue in for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. For the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, revenue generated from online ELT for adults was RMB172.8 million, RMB204.0 million, and
RMB203.5 million (US$31.2 million), respectively, representing 81.4%, 78.4% and 70.3%, respectively, of our revenue generated
from the online ELT business. For the year ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, revenue generated from online ELT for
juniors was RMB25.6 million, RMB37.2 million, and RMB64.2million (US$9.8 million) respectively, representing 12.1%, 14.3%
and 22.2%, respectively, of our revenue generated from the online ELT business. Students of our online ELT services purchase prepaid
study cards to enroll in the courses. We typically allow a refund of the course fees for any undelivered course/service hours
after deducting a platform operation charge associated with delivering such courses/services online if a student requests a refund
during the contract period. We record the proceeds collected from online ELT initially as financial liabilities from contracts
with customers, and revenue is generally recognized proportionately as the course hours are delivered. For details of our pricing
and refund policies, please see “—Pricing and Refund Policies.” In addition, for further details of our revenue
recognition policies, please see “—Critical Accounting Policies—Revenue Recognition.”
We
generate other revenue primarily from the franchised learning centers under the “Meten” brand through which our franchise
partners are authorized to use our brand and are required to adopt our centralized management system. We receive an initial or
renewal franchise fee when we enter into or renew a franchise agreement, and a one-time design consulting fee. During the
term of the franchise, we charge each franchised learning center a recurring franchise fee based on an agreed percentage of its
collected course and service fees and related individual course materials fees. Our other revenue also includes revenue generated
from our self-developed “Shuangge English” App, which applies the cutting-edge voice evaluation technology to
improve students’ listening, speaking and reading abilities. See “—Our Education Services—Other
English Language-Related Services” for details.
Cost
of Revenues
Our
cost of revenues consists primarily of (i) staff costs, including teaching staff costs and, to a lesser extent, costs relating
to research and curriculum development team; (ii) property expenses, including rental, utilities and maintenance expenses
of our learning centers; (iii) depreciation and amortization, which represents the depreciation of real properties and equipment
for learning centers, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets and amortization of our training services related
intangible assets; and (iv) others, which primarily include consulting fees, foreign teacher-related administrative
expenses and teaching materials costs. Our cost of revenues accounted for 44.1%, 52.2% and 67.7% of our revenues for the years
ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The following table sets forth the components of cost of revenues both in
absolute amount and as a percentage of our total cost of revenues for the periods indicated.
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
|
Staff costs
|
|
|
396,111
|
|
|
|
63.1
|
|
|
|
471,986
|
|
|
|
62.5
|
|
|
|
394,160
|
|
|
|
60,408
|
|
|
|
64.9
|
|
Property expenses
|
|
|
148,024
|
|
|
|
23.6
|
|
|
|
187,586
|
|
|
|
24.8
|
|
|
|
150,680
|
|
|
|
23,093
|
|
|
|
24.8
|
|
Depreciation and amortization for learning centers
|
|
|
22,838
|
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
|
35,039
|
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
|
39,480
|
|
|
|
6,051
|
|
|
|
6.5
|
|
Others
|
|
|
61,023
|
|
|
|
9.7
|
|
|
|
60,745
|
|
|
|
8.1
|
|
|
|
22,757
|
|
|
|
3,487
|
|
|
|
3.8
|
|
Total
|
|
|
627,996
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
755,356
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
607,077
|
|
|
|
93,039
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
The
following tables set forth a breakdown of our cost of revenues by major business segment for the periods indicated.
General
adult ELT
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
|
Staff costs
|
|
|
186,693
|
|
|
|
55.4
|
|
|
|
203,443
|
|
|
|
56.3
|
|
|
|
134,718
|
|
|
|
20,646
|
|
|
|
58.9
|
|
Property expenses, depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
123,827
|
|
|
|
36.8
|
|
|
|
129,422
|
|
|
|
35.8
|
|
|
|
93,393
|
|
|
|
14,313
|
|
|
|
40.8
|
|
Others
|
|
|
26,242
|
|
|
|
7.8
|
|
|
|
28,606
|
|
|
|
7.9
|
|
|
|
514
|
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
Total
|
|
|
336,762
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
361,471
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
228,625
|
|
|
|
35,038
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
Overseas
training services
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
|
Staff costs
|
|
|
74,123
|
|
|
|
61.8
|
|
|
|
63,416
|
|
|
|
54.1
|
|
|
|
40,898
|
|
|
|
6,268
|
|
|
|
42.5
|
|
Property expenses, depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
33,397
|
|
|
|
27.9
|
|
|
|
37,980
|
|
|
|
32.4
|
|
|
|
50,661
|
|
|
|
7,764
|
|
|
|
52.6
|
|
Others
|
|
|
12,378
|
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
|
|
15,923
|
|
|
|
13.5
|
|
|
|
4,690
|
|
|
|
719
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
Total
|
|
|
119,898
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
117,319
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
96,249
|
|
|
|
14,751
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
Online
ELT
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
|
Staff costs
|
|
|
107,440
|
|
|
|
93.3
|
|
|
|
145,776
|
|
|
|
93.7
|
|
|
|
167,326
|
|
|
|
25,644
|
|
|
|
98.3
|
|
Property expenses, depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
911
|
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
|
|
7,741
|
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
|
757
|
|
|
|
116
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
Others
|
|
|
6,807
|
|
|
|
5.9
|
|
|
|
2,126
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
|
2,194
|
|
|
|
336
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
Total
|
|
|
115,158
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
155,643
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
170,277
|
|
|
|
26,096
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
Junior
ELT
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
|
Staff costs
|
|
|
23,306
|
|
|
|
55.8
|
|
|
|
54,240
|
|
|
|
50.8
|
|
|
|
45,560
|
|
|
|
6,982
|
|
|
|
44.5
|
|
Property expenses, depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
12,726
|
|
|
|
30.5
|
|
|
|
47,483
|
|
|
|
44.4
|
|
|
|
44,442
|
|
|
|
6,811
|
|
|
|
43.4
|
|
Others
|
|
|
5,741
|
|
|
|
13.7
|
|
|
|
5,131
|
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
12,413
|
|
|
|
1,902
|
|
|
|
12.1
|
|
Total
|
|
|
41,773
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
106,854
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
102,415
|
|
|
|
15,695
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
Gross
Profit and Gross Profit Margin
The
following table sets forth our gross profit and gross profit margin by major business segment for the periods indicated.
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
Gross
Profit
|
|
|
Gross Profit Margin
|
|
|
Gross Profit
|
|
|
Gross Profit Margin
|
|
|
Gross
Profit
|
|
|
Gross Profit Margin
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except percentages)
|
|
General adult ELT
|
|
|
566,994
|
|
|
|
62.7
|
|
|
|
422,517
|
|
|
|
53.9
|
|
|
|
104,875
|
|
|
|
16,073
|
|
|
|
31.4
|
|
Overseas training services
|
|
|
103,703
|
|
|
|
46.4
|
|
|
|
86,358
|
|
|
|
42.4
|
|
|
|
34,318
|
|
|
|
5,259
|
|
|
|
26.3
|
|
Online ELT
|
|
|
97,144
|
|
|
|
45.8
|
|
|
|
104,620
|
|
|
|
40.2
|
|
|
|
119,438
|
|
|
|
18,305
|
|
|
|
41.2
|
|
Junior ELT
|
|
|
23,717
|
|
|
|
36.2
|
|
|
|
61,070
|
|
|
|
36.4
|
|
|
|
27,933
|
|
|
|
4,281
|
|
|
|
21.4
|
|
Total
|
|
|
791,558
|
|
|
|
56.3
|
|
|
|
674,565
|
|
|
|
47.6
|
|
|
|
286,564
|
|
|
|
43,918
|
|
|
|
32.4
|
|
Operating
Expenses
Our
operating expenses consist of selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, as well as research and development
expenses. The table below sets forth our operating expenses, both in absolute amount and as a percentage of our total operating
expenses for the periods indicated.
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
|
Selling and marketing expenses
|
|
|
425,217
|
|
|
|
57.1
|
|
|
|
437,986
|
|
|
|
47.6
|
|
|
|
310,433
|
|
|
|
47,576
|
|
|
|
44.9
|
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
293,157
|
|
|
|
39.4
|
|
|
|
449,903
|
|
|
|
48.9
|
|
|
|
348,435
|
|
|
|
53,400
|
|
|
|
50.4
|
|
Research and development expenses
|
|
|
26,178
|
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
|
32,333
|
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
|
31,878
|
|
|
|
4,886
|
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
Total
|
|
|
744,552
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
920,222
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
690,746
|
|
|
|
105,862
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
Selling
and Marketing Expenses
Our
selling and marketing expenses primarily consist of (i) salaries and benefits of our sales and marketing personnel, which amounted
to RMB259.2 million, RMB271.7 million, and RMB173.8 million (US$26.6 million) for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2019
and 2020, respectively; and (ii) marketing expenses, which amounted to RMB144.2 million, RMB140.3 million, and RMB123.3
million (US$18.9 million) for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Our marketing expenses primarily
consist of promotional activity expenses, including rental cost and personnel expenses for our offline sales points, online marketing
expenses, media advertisement expenses and other marketing expenses; (iii) promotional expenses relating to the recruitment
of prospective student; (iv) tele-marketing expenses; (v) consulting service fees for sales and marketing purposes;
and (vi) others, which primarily consist of the transaction fees withheld by certain third-party financial institutions
in relation to the installment payment arrangement we help set up between certain of our students and such financial institutions
to facilitate the payments of the course/service fees by such students, which are recorded as sales and marketing expenses. See
Item 4. B.—Business Overview—Regulations—Pricing and Refund Policies.” As we continue to increase our
sales and marketing efforts in line with our business expansion, we expect that our selling and marketing expenses will likely
continue to increase in absolute amounts.
General
and Administrative Expenses
Our
general and administrative expenses mainly consist of (i) salaries and benefits of our administrative personnel; (ii) depreciation
and amortization of the properties and facilities used for administrative purposes; and (iii) office expenses. We expect
that our general and administrative expenses will increase in absolute amounts in the foreseeable future as we incur additional
costs for becoming and being a public company. However, this increase is likely to be partially offset by our increasing economies
of scale and improve our operating efficiency.
Research
and Development Expenses
Our
research and development expenses are primarily expenses incurred in relation to the development of our products, course content
and IT systems. We expect to continue to increase our investment in research and development activities, as we believe continuous
development of our products and services to improve our teaching outcome and enhance students’ learning experience is crucial
to our success.
Results
of Operations
The
following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations, both in absolute amounts and as a percentage of
total net revenue, for the period indicated. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements
and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. The operating results in any period are not necessarily indicative
of the results that may be expected for any future period.
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
|
Summary Consolidated Statements of Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
1,424,234
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
1,447,899
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
|
|
897,035
|
|
|
|
137,477
|
|
|
|
100.0
|
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
(627,996
|
)
|
|
|
(44.1
|
)
|
|
|
(755,356
|
)
|
|
|
(52.2
|
)
|
|
|
(607,077
|
)
|
|
|
(93,039
|
)
|
|
|
(67.7
|
)
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
796,238
|
|
|
|
55.9
|
|
|
|
692,543
|
|
|
|
47.8
|
|
|
|
289,958
|
|
|
|
44,438
|
|
|
|
32.3
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and marketing expenses
|
|
|
(425,217
|
)
|
|
|
(29.9
|
)
|
|
|
(437,986
|
)
|
|
|
(30.2
|
)
|
|
|
(310,433
|
)
|
|
|
(47,576
|
)
|
|
|
(34.6
|
)
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
(293,157
|
)
|
|
|
(20.6
|
)
|
|
|
(449,903
|
)
|
|
|
(31.1
|
)
|
|
|
(348,435
|
)
|
|
|
(53,400
|
)
|
|
|
(38.8
|
)
|
Research and development expenses
|
|
|
(26,178
|
)
|
|
|
(1.8
|
)
|
|
|
(32,333
|
)
|
|
|
(2.2
|
)
|
|
|
(31,878
|
)
|
|
|
(4,886
|
)
|
|
|
(3.6
|
)
|
(Loss)/income from operations
|
|
|
51,686
|
|
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
|
(227,679
|
)
|
|
|
(15.7
|
)
|
|
|
(400,788
|
)
|
|
|
(61,424
|
)
|
|
|
(44.7
|
)
|
Interest income
|
|
|
1,150
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
1,633
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
448
|
|
|
|
69
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Interest expenses
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
(2,453
|
)
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
|
|
(6,101
|
)
|
|
|
(935
|
)
|
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
Foreign exchange gain/(loss), net
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
(19
|
)
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
(382
|
)
|
|
|
(59
|
)
|
|
|
*
|
|
Gains/(losses) on disposal and closure of subsidiaries and branches
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
583
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
(31,884
|
)
|
|
|
(4,886
|
)
|
|
|
(3.6
|
)
|
Gains on available-for-sale investments
|
|
|
3,916
|
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Gains on Short-term investments
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
495
|
|
|
|
76
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
Government grants
|
|
|
7,817
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
|
5,773
|
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
|
28,124
|
|
|
|
4,310
|
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Equity in income/(loss) on equity method investments
|
|
|
1,668
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
2,658
|
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
(1,532
|
)
|
|
|
(235
|
)
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)
|
Others, net
|
|
|
1,649
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
4,044
|
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
|
4,640
|
|
|
|
711
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
(Loss)/income before income tax
|
|
|
67,899
|
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
(215,460
|
)
|
|
|
(14.9
|
)
|
|
|
(406,980
|
)
|
|
|
(62,373
|
)
|
|
|
(45.4
|
)
|
Income tax (expense)/benefit
|
|
|
(14,454
|
)
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)
|
|
|
(9,608
|
)
|
|
|
(0.7
|
)
|
|
|
(5,803
|
)
|
|
|
(889
|
)
|
|
|
(0.6
|
)
|
Net (loss)/income
|
|
|
53,445
|
|
|
|
3.8
|
|
|
|
(225,068
|
)
|
|
|
(15.5
|
)
|
|
|
(412,783
|
)
|
|
|
(63,262
|
)
|
|
|
(46.0
|
)
|
|
*
|
Denotes
percentages between (0.1%) and 0.1%.
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019
Revenues
Our
total revenue decreased by 38.0% from RMB1,447.9 million in 2019 to RMB897.0 million (US$137.5 million) in 2020, primarily
as a result of the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
For
our general adult ELT, revenues decreased from RMB784.0 million in 2019 to RMB333.5 million (US$51.1 million) in
2020, for our overseas training services, revenues decreased from RMB203.7 million in 2019 to RMB130.6 million (US$20.0 million)
in 2020, and for our Junior ELT, revenues decreased from RMB167.9 million in 2019 to RMB130.3 million (US$20.0 million) in
2020.This decrease in revenues was largely driven by the temporary closure of the Company’s learning centers during the
period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For
our online ELT, revenues increased from RMB260.3 million in 2019 to RMB289.7 million (US$44.4 million) in 2020.
On the one hand, the COVID-19 has promoted the development of online education, and more consumers are actively choosing online
education platforms. On the other hand, the competitive advantages of our efficient omnichannel platform and rising brand awareness
also give the Company a competitive advantage in terms of customer acquisition.
Cost
of Revenues
Our
total cost of revenues decreased by 19.6% from RMB755.4 million in 2019 to RMB607.1 million (US$93.0 million) in 2020.
This was predominantly due to our efforts to optimize costs and drive greater operating efficiencies in response to the COVID-19
pandemic.
Gross
Profit and Gross Profit Margin
As
a result of the foregoing, our gross profit decreased by 58.1%, from RMB692.5 million in 2019 to RMB290.0 million (US$44.4 million)
in 2020. Our gross profit margin decreased from 47.8% in 2019 to 32.3% in 2020 due to the negative impact of COVID-19 for the
majority of the year.
Selling
and Marketing Expenses
Our
selling and marketing expenses decreased by 29.1% from RMB438.0 million in 2019 to RMB310.4 million (US$47.6 million)
in 2020, primarily as a result of lower marketing activity due to the temporary closure of offline learning centers during COVID-19
in 2020.
General
and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses decreased by 22.6% from RMB449.9
million in 2019 to RMB348.4 million (US$53.4 million) in 2020. This increase was primarily due to (i) the decreased staff cost, rental
and other expenses for our offices due to the temporary closure of learning centers during COVID-19 in 2020; (ii) an increase in provision
for impairment of goodwill and accounts receivable from franchisees as these related learning centers were closed; (iii) share-based compensation
expenses; and (iv) warrant financing expenses.
Research
and Development Expenses
Our
research and development expenses decreased by 1.4% from RMB32.3 million in 2019 to RMB31.9 million (US$4.9 million)
in 2020.
Interest
Income
Our
interest income decreased by 72.6% from RMB1.6 million in 2019 to RMB448,000 (US$69,000) in 2020 mainly the decrease of interest
income from our cash deposit in 2020.
Interest
Expenses
Our
interest expenses increased from RMB2.5 million in 2019 to RMB6.1 million (US$0.9 million) in 2020. This increase was primarily
because we borrowed additional bank loans in 2020 and incurred related interest expenses.
Foreign
Exchange Gain/(Loss), net
We
had a net total of RMB19,000 foreign exchange loss in 2019, as compared to a net total of RMB382,000 (US$59,000) foreign exchange
loss in 2020.
Gains/(losses) on disposal
and closure of subsidiaries and branches
Our
losses on disposal and closure of subsidiaries and branches increased from RMB 583,000 in 2019 to RMB31.9 million (US$4.9 million)
in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, we optimized the layout of offline centers and closed some offline learning centers, which
resulted in large disposal losses.
Gains
on Short-term investments
Our
gains on short-term investments increased from nil in 2019 to RMB495,000 (US$75,862) in 2020, mainly due to gain from the
company’s investment in financial instruments.
Government
Grants
We
had a total of RMB5.8 million government grants in 2019, as compared to RMB28.1 million (US$4.3 million) in 2020. Such
government grants were non-recurring in nature and could fluctuate.
Equity
in Income/(loss) on Equity Method Investments
Our
gain on equity method investments was RMB2.7 million in 2019, and loss on equity method investments RMB1.5 million (US$0.2
million) in 2020. This decrease was primarily as a result of two of the education service companies we invested in, namely, Shenzhen
SKT Education Technology Co., Ltd. and Beijing Wuyan Education Consulting Co., Ltd., generated a loss because
of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Others,
Net
Our net income from others increased from a gain of RMB4.0 million in 2019
to a gain of RMB4.6 million (US$711,000) in 2020.
Income/(Loss)
Before Income Tax
As
a result of the foregoing, we had a loss before income tax of RMB215.5 million in 2019, as compared to a loss before income
tax of RMB407.0 million (US$62.4 million) in 2020.
Income
Tax Expense/Benefit
We
had income tax expense of RMB9.6 million in 2019, as compared to income tax expense of RMB5.8 million (US$0.9 million)
in 2020.
Net
Income/(Loss)
As
a result of the foregoing, we had net loss of RMB225.1 million in 2019, as compared to a net loss of RMB412.8 million (US63.3 million)
in 2020.
Year
Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018
Revenues
Our
total revenue increased by 1.7% from RMB1,424.2 million in 2018 to RMB1,447.9 million (US$208.0 million) in 2019. This increase
was primarily due to (i) the growth of our online ELT business as the student enrollment increased from 44,586 in 2018 to
49,639 in 2019; and (ii) the gradual maturity and growth of our junior ELT business since we began to operate this business
in April 2018 and subsequently acquired ABC Education Group, an English language training service provider, in June 2018, which
resulted in student enrollment increasing from 8,746 in 2018 to 15,057 in 2019. This increase was partially offset by a decrease
in revenue from our general adult ELT business mainly as a result of our effort to implement the new “Explore Curriculum”
for our general adult ELT business, which resulted in a decrease in our delivery of course hours and segment revenue recognized
as we focused on training our teaching staff and delivering such new courses in a small-class setting during the implementation
stage.
For
our general adult ELT, revenues decreased from RMB903.8 million in 2018 to RMB784.0 million (US$112.6 million)
in 2019, primarily due to (i) a decrease in the course hours delivered and segment revenue recognized as a result of the implementation
of the “Explore Curriculum” at our self-operated learning centers during the implementation period, which was
completed in May 2019; and (ii) a decrease of student enrollment from 56,060 in 2018 to 49,974 in 2019, primarily as a result
of (a) the negative industry-wide sentiment created by the winding down of one of Meten’s major competitors in 2019, which
adversely affected the short-term demand for general adult ELT services; and (b) a reduction in student enrollment for the dedicated
English language training boot camps as we strategically scaled down this business in 2019. Excluding the effect of gross billings
and student enrollment under the English language training boot camps, which is a two-day add-on course we began to
offer to both newly enrolled or existing students under the general adult ELT segment in 2017, the average course fee per student
under our general adult ELT increased from RMB26,615 in 2018 to RMB27,633 in 2019.
For
our overseas training services, revenues decreased from RMB223.6 million in 2018 to RMB203.7 million (US$29.3 million) in 2019,
primarily due to our strategic adjustment to shift our focus from overseas training services to our other three main business
segments. The average course fee per student decreased from approximately RMB29,709 in 2018 to RMB29,330 in 2019.
For
our online ELT, revenues increased from RMB212.3 million in 2018 to RMB260.3 million (US$37.4 million) in 2019,
primarily due to steady growth in our student enrollment from 44,586 in 2018 to 49,639 in 2019.
For
our Junior ELT, revenues increased from RMB65.5 million in 2018 to RMB167.9 million (US$24.1 million) in 2019, mainly because
this business started to mature since we began to operate it in April 2018 and acquired ABC Education Group in June 2018, which
resulted in a substantial increase in student enrollment from 8,746 in 2018 to 15,057 in 2019.
Cost
of Revenues
Our
total cost of revenues increased by 20.3% from RMB628.0 million in 2018 to RMB755.4 million (US$108.5 million) in 2019.
This increase was primarily due to (i) an increase in staff costs; and (ii) increases in property expenses, and depreciation
and amortization costs, including rental, utilities, maintenance and depreciation and amortization costs for our learning centers
for our general adult ELT, overseas training services and junior ELT, as a result of the expansion of our learning center network.
For
our general adult ELT, cost of revenues increased from RMB336.8 million in 2018 to RMB361.5 million (US$51.9 million)
in 2019, primarily due to increases in staff costs. Staff costs increased from RMB186.7 million in 2018 to RMB203.4 million
(US$29.2 million) in 2019, primarily due to increased mandatory training hours consumed by our teaching staff in connection with
the implementation of the new “Explore Curriculum” for our general adult ELT business during the implementation period,
which was completed in May 2019.
For
our overseas training services, cost of revenues decreased from RMB119.9 million in 2018 to RMB117.3 million (US$16.9
million) in 2019, primarily due to decreases in staff costs. The staff costs decreased from RMB74.1 million in 2018 to RMB63.4 million
(US$9.1 million) in 2019, which was in line with the decrease in segment revenue as a result of our strategic adjustment
to shift our focus from the overseas training services to our other three main business segments.
For
our online ELT, cost of revenues increased from RMB115.2 million in 2018 to RMB155.6 million (US$22.4 million)
in 2019, primarily reflecting increases in staff costs. Staff costs increased from RMB107.4 million in 2018 to RMB145.8 million
(US$20.9 million) in 2018, primarily as a result of the increased delivery of course hours.
For
our junior ELT, cost of revenues increased from RMB41.8 million in 2018 to RMB106.9 million (US$15.3 million) in
2019, mainly because we experienced steady growth after we started to operate this business in April 2018 and acquired ABC Education
Group in June 2018, which resulted in the increases in staff costs and property expenses, depreciation and amortization.
Gross
Profit and Gross Profit Margin
As
a result of the foregoing, our gross profit decreased by 13.0%, from RMB796.2 million in 2018 to RMB692.5 million (US$99.5 million)
in 2019. Our gross profit margin decreased from 55.9% in 2018 to 47.8% in 2019 primarily due to that (i) we implemented the
new “Explore Curriculum” for our general adult ELT business across a majority of our self-operated learning center
network during the first five months of 2019, which resulted in a decrease in our delivery of course hours and segment revenue
recognized as we focused on training our teaching staff and delivering such new courses in a small-class setting during the
initial implementation stage, whereas the cost of revenue for our general adult English increased by 7.3% in 2019 compared to
2018; and (ii) we increasingly offered certain of our online ELT products at lower prices to attract student enrollment,
which had a lower gross profit margin compared to our other online ELT services and products, and because we introduced online
ELT courses for juniors, which were primarily conducted in one-to-one format and had lower gross profit margin compared to
larger classes.
The
gross profit margin for our general adult English decreased from 62.7% in 2018 compared to 53.9% in 2019 because of the implementation
of the new “Explore Curriculum.” The gross profit margin for our online ELT decreased from 45.8% in 2018 to 40.2%
in 2019, primarily because we increasingly offered certain of our online ELT products at lower prices to attract student enrollment,
which had a lower gross profit margin compared to our other online ELT services and products, and because we introduced online
ELT courses to juniors that were delivered mainly in one-to-one setting, which had lower gross profit margin compared to
larger classes. The gross profit margin for our overseas training services decreased from 46.4% in 2018 to 42.4% in 2019 due to
(i) additional costs incurred in connection with our short-term study abroad program that commenced in late 2018, which
had a relatively lower profit margin as compared with our other overseas training services; and (ii) a decrease in student
enrollment for international test preparation as we were in the process of developing new courses for international test preparation
for secondary school students, which reduced the revenue recognized. The gross profit margin for our junior ELT increased from
36.2% in 2018 to 36.4% in 2019 primarily due to the acquisition of ABC Education Group in June 2018 and the maturity and growth
of the junior ELT business under the “Meten” brand in 2019, which enabled us to experience economy of scale, as compared
to 2018 when we had just begun to operate this business and did not have sufficient number of students enrolled, which resulted
in higher cost of revenue per student.
Selling
and Marketing Expenses
Our
selling and marketing expenses increased by 3.0% from RMB425.2 million in 2018 to RMB438.0 million (US$62.9 million)
in 2019, primarily due to an increase in the staff costs from RMB259.2 million in 2018 to RMB271.7 million (US$39.0 million)
in 2019.
General
and Administrative Expenses
Our
general and administrative expenses increased by 53.4% from RMB293.2 million in 2018 to RMB449.9 million (US$64.6 million) in
2019. This increase was primarily due to (i) the increased staff cost, rental and other expenses for our offices in connection
with our business expansion; (ii) an increase in professional consulting service expenses in connection with the attempted initial
public offering in 2019; and (iii) share-based compensation expenses.
Research
and Development Expenses
Our
research and development expenses increased by 23.3% from RMB26.2 million in 2018 to RMB32.3 million (US$4.6 million)
in 2019. This increase was primarily due to the increase in the investment in research and development activities of our online
ELT business.
Interest
Income
Our
interest income increased by 33.3% from RMB1.2 million in 2018 to RMB1.6 million (US$235,000) in 2019 mainly because we received
a larger amount of interest income from our cash deposit in 2019.
Interest
Expenses
Our
interest expenses increased significantly from RMB8,000 in 2018 to RMB2.5 million (US$352,000) in 2019. This increase was primarily
because we borrowed additional bank loans in 2019 and incurred related interest expenses.
Foreign
Exchange Gain/(Loss), net
We
had a net total of RMB21,000 foreign exchange gain in 2018, as compared to a net total of RMB19,000 (US$3,000) foreign exchange
loss in 2019.
Gains/(losses) on disposal and closure of subsidiaries and branches
Our
gains on disposal of subsidiaries increased from nil in 2018 to RMB583,000 (US$84,000) in 2019. This increase was primarily due
to our disposal of three subsidiaries in 2019.
Gains
on Available-for-sale Investments
Our
gains on available-for-sale investments decreased from RMB3.9 million in 2018 to nil in 2019. We invested in short-term structured
bank deposits and short-term PRC government bonds in 2018 but did not make such investment in the same period in 2019.
Government
Grants
We
had a total of RMB7.8 million government grants in 2018, as compared to RMB5.8 million (US$829,000) in 2019. Such government
grants were non-recurring in nature and could fluctuate.
Equity
in Income/(loss) on Equity Method Investments
Our
gain on equity method investments increased from RMB1.7 million in 2018 to RMB2.7 million (US$382,000) in 2019. This
increase was primarily as a result of two of the education service companies we invested in, namely, Shenzhen SKT Education Technology Co., Ltd.
and Beijing Wuyan Education Consulting Co., Ltd., becoming profitable after the initial ramp-up period. As of December
31, 2019, we held 10.88% and 20% equity interest in common shares or in-substance common shares of these two companies, respectively.
Others,
Net
Our
net income from others increased from a gain of RMB1.6 million in 2018 to a gain of RMB4.0 million (US$579,000) in 2019. This
increase was primarily because we recognized income from the deposits we received from certain prospective students who eventually
did not enter into any contracts with us.
Income/(Loss)
Before Income Tax
As
a result of the foregoing, we had income before income tax of RMB67.9 million in 2018, as compared to a loss before income
tax of RMB215.5 million (US$31.0 million) in 2019.
Income
Tax Expense/Benefit
We
had income tax expense of RMB14.5 million in 2018, as compared to income tax expense of RMB9.6 million (US$1.4 million)
in 2019.
Net
Income/(Loss)
As
a result of the foregoing, we had net income of RMB53.4 million in 2018, as compared to a net loss of RMB225.1 million (US32.3 million)
in 2019.
Non-GAAP
Financial Measures
To
supplement our consolidated financial statements which are presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we also use adjusted net
income and adjusted EBITDA as additional non-GAAP financial measures. We present these non-GAAP financial measures because they
are used by its management to evaluate its operating performance. We also believe that such non-GAAP financial measures provide
useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating its consolidated results of operations in the same
manner as its management and in comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of its peer companies.
Adjusted
net income and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or construed as alternatives to net income/(loss) or any
other measure of performance or as indicators of our operating performance. Investors are encouraged to compare the historical
non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA presented
here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly
titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to our data. We encourage investors and others
to review our financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.
Adjusted
net income represents net income/(loss) before share-based compensation, offering expenses and warrant financing.
The table below sets forth a reconciliation of our adjusted net income for the periods indicated:
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Net (loss)/income
|
|
|
(27,147
|
)
|
|
|
40,342
|
|
|
|
53,445
|
|
|
|
(225,068
|
)
|
|
|
(412,783
|
)
|
|
|
(63,262
|
)
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation expenses
|
|
|
6,557
|
|
|
|
7,886
|
|
|
|
7,648
|
|
|
|
96,661
|
|
|
|
52,256
|
|
|
|
8,009
|
|
Offering expenses
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
14,766
|
|
|
|
28,123
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant financing
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
41,118
|
|
|
|
6,302
|
|
Adjusted net (loss)/income
|
|
|
(20,590
|
)
|
|
|
48,228
|
|
|
|
75,859
|
|
|
|
(100,284
|
)
|
|
|
(319,409
|
)
|
|
|
(48,951
|
)
|
In
addition, adjusted EBITDA represents the net income/(loss) before interest expenses, income tax expenses, depreciation and amortization,
and excluding share-based compensation expenses, offering expenses and warrant financing. The table below sets
forth a reconciliation of our adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Net (loss)/income
|
|
|
(27,147
|
)
|
|
|
40,342
|
|
|
|
53,445
|
|
|
|
(225,068
|
)
|
|
|
(412,783
|
)
|
|
|
(63,262
|
)
|
Subtract:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest income/(loss)
|
|
|
1,809
|
|
|
|
4,094
|
|
|
|
1,142
|
|
|
|
(820
|
)
|
|
|
(5,653
|
)
|
|
|
(866
|
)
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense/(benefit)
|
|
|
7,869
|
|
|
|
19,539
|
|
|
|
14,454
|
|
|
|
9,608
|
|
|
|
5,803
|
|
|
|
889
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
31,659
|
|
|
|
36,768
|
|
|
|
54,944
|
|
|
|
58,453
|
|
|
|
55,950
|
|
|
|
8,575
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
10,572
|
|
|
|
92,555
|
|
|
|
121,701
|
|
|
|
(156,187
|
)
|
|
|
(345,377
|
)
|
|
|
(52,932
|
)
|
Add:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation expenses
|
|
|
6,557
|
|
|
|
7,886
|
|
|
|
7,648
|
|
|
|
96,661
|
|
|
|
52,256
|
|
|
|
8,009
|
|
Offering expenses
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
14,766
|
|
|
|
28,123
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Warrant financing
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
41,118
|
|
|
|
6,302
|
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
17,129
|
|
|
|
100,441
|
|
|
|
144,115
|
|
|
|
(31,403
|
)
|
|
|
(252,003
|
)
|
|
|
(38,621
|
)
|
Taxation
Cayman
Islands
We
are incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current law of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to income or capital gains
tax. In addition, dividend payments are not subject to withholding tax in the Cayman Islands.
Hong
Kong
Our
two wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong Kong, Meten Education (Hong Kong) Limited and Likeshuo Education (Hong Kong) Limited,
are subject to an income tax rate of 16.5% for taxable income earned in Hong Kong. No Hong Kong profit tax has been levied
in our consolidated financial statements as Meten Education (Hong Kong) Limited and Likeshuo Education (Hong Kong) Limited had
no assessable income for 2018, 2019 and 2020.
PRC
Our
subsidiaries and affiliated entities in China are companies incorporated under the PRC laws and, as such, are subject to PRC enterprise
income tax on their taxable income in accordance with the relevant PRC income tax laws. Pursuant to the PRC Enterprise Income
Tax Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate is generally applicable to both
foreign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises, except where a special preferential rate applies. The enterprise income
tax is calculated based on the entity’s global income as determined under PRC tax laws and accounting standards.
We
are subject to VAT at a rate of 6%, less any deductible VAT we have already paid or borne. We are also subject to surcharges on
VAT payments in accordance with PRC law. In addition, most of our subsidiaries in China that participate in the non-diploma education
service industry choose the simplified method of taxation where the VAT collection rate is 3%.
As
a Cayman Islands holding company, we may receive dividends from our PRC subsidiaries, Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo. The PRC
Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementing rules provide that dividends paid by a PRC entity to a non-resident enterprise
for income tax purposes is subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of 10%, subject to reduction by an applicable tax treaty with
China. Pursuant to the Arrangement between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double
Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, the withholding tax rate with respect to the payment of dividends by a PRC enterprise to a
Hong Kong enterprise may be reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25%
of the PRC enterprise. Pursuant to the Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on the Issues concerning the Application
of the Dividend Clauses of Tax Agreements, or SAT Circular 81, a Hong Kong resident enterprise must meet the following conditions,
among others, in order to apply the reduced withholding tax rate: (i) it must be a company; (ii) it must directly own
the required percentage of equity interests and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (iii) it must have directly
owned such required percentage in the PRC resident enterprise throughout the 12 months prior to receiving the dividends.
In August 2015, the State Administration of Taxation promulgated the Administrative Measures for Nonresident Taxpayers to Enjoy
Treatment under Tax Treaties, or SAT Circular 60, which became effective on November 1, 2015. SAT Circular 60 provides
that non-resident enterprises are not required to obtain pre-approval from the relevant tax authority in order to enjoy
the reduced withholding tax. Instead, non-resident enterprises and their withholding agents may, by self-assessment and
on confirmation that the prescribed criteria to enjoy the tax treaty benefits are met, directly apply the reduced withholding
tax rate, and file the necessary forms and supporting documents when performing tax filings, which will be subject to post-tax filing
examinations by the relevant tax authorities. Accordingly, we may be able to benefit from the 5% withholding tax rate for the
dividends it receives from Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo, if they satisfy the conditions prescribed under SAT Circular 81 and
other relevant tax rules and regulations. However, according to SAT Circular 81 and SAT Circular 60, if the relevant tax
authorities consider the transactions or arrangements we have are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment,
the relevant tax authorities may adjust the favorable withholding tax in the future.
If
our holding company in the Cayman Islands or any of our subsidiaries outside of China were deemed to be a “resident enterprise”
under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, it would be subject to enterprise income tax on its worldwide income at a rate of 25%,
which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders. See “Item 3. Key Information—D.
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—If we are classified as a PRC “resident enterprise,”
we could be subject to PRC income tax at the rate of 25% on our worldwide income, and holders of our ordinary shares may be subject
to a PRC withholding tax upon the dividends payable and upon gain from the sale of our ordinary shares.”
Critical
Accounting Policies
We
prepare our financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires our management to make judgment, estimates
and assumptions that affect our reporting of, among other things, assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities and
revenue and expenses. We continually evaluate these judgments, estimates and assumptions based on our own historical experience,
knowledge and assessment of relevant current business and other conditions, our expectations regarding the future based on available
information and various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, which together form our basis for making judgments about
matters that are not readily apparent from other sources. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial
reporting process, our actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require a higher degree
of judgment than others in their application.
The
selection of critical accounting policies, the judgments and other uncertainties affecting the application of those policies and
the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions are factors that should be considered when reviewing
our financial statements. We believe the following accounting policies involve the most significant judgments and estimates used
in the preparation of our financial statements. You should read the following description of critical accounting policies, judgments
and estimates in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and other disclosures included in this annual report.
Revenue
Recognition
We
adopted ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for all periods presented. Consistent with the criteria of
ASC 606, we follow five steps for its revenue recognition: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify
the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price
to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance
obligation. The primary sources of our revenues are as follows:
General
adult ELT and overseas training services
Course
and service fees for general adult ELT are generally collected in advance as a package for: (i) course fee of main general
adult English courses; (ii) course fee of supplementary general adult English course; (iii) education materials; and
(iv) assessment of level of English proficiency.
The
overseas training services are provided for customers who plan to take international standardized tests and/or study abroad. Such
services mainly comprise international standardized test preparation courses, which is the key component, and overseas study services.
Students
can attend general adult ELT courses and international standardized test preparation courses for predetermined course hours in
a predetermined period of time. Supplementary general adult ELT courses can be attended without limit in such period of time.
Generally, students are entitled to a short-term course trial period/trial courses which commence on the date the course
begins or the date of contract signed. Refunds are provided to students if they decide not to participate in such course within
the trial period/trial courses. In addition, we offer refunds amount to 70% of the uncompleted course fees to students who withdraw
from such courses, provided attended classes are less than or equal to 30% of total course hours of such course at the time of
withdrawal. No refund will be provided to students who have attended more than 30% of the total course hours the underlying course.
Each
type of service/product included in the course fee is a separate unit of accounting, as each type has distinct nature with different
patterns and measurements of transfer to the students. We estimate standalone selling prices of each service/product and recognizes
them in different revenue recording methods.
For
main general adult ELT courses/international standardized test preparation courses, revenues are recognized proportionately as
the course hours are consumed. Students may not utilize all of their contracted rights within the service period. Such unutilized
service treatments are referred to as breakage. An expected breakage amount is determined by historical experience and is recognized
as revenue in proportion to the pattern of service utilized by the students.
For
supplementary general adult ELT courses, revenues are recognized on a straight line basis over the entire main general adult ELT
course period.
For
education materials and assessments of level of English proficiency, revenues are recognized according to the accounting policy
for sales of goods. See “— Sales of goods.”
Course
fees received are initially recorded as financial liabilities from contracts with customers. During the trial period/trial courses,
we recognize contract assets when revenues are recognized. After the completion of trial period/trial courses but before the completion
of 30% of total course hours of such course, the contract assets are set off against the financial liabilities from contracts
with customers, recognition of revenue is recorded as a reduction of the related financial liabilities from contracts with customers,
and nonrefundable amounts of course fee are transferred from financial liabilities from contracts with customers to deferred revenue.
After the completion of 30% of total course hours of such course, the remaining financial liabilities from contracts with customers
are reclassified as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheet and the recognition of revenue is recorded as a reduction
of the deferred revenue.
Online
ELT
We
operate “Likeshuo” platform to offer online live streaming ELT courses. Students enrolled for online courses by using
prepaid study cards. For courses offered on the “Likeshuo” platform, we typically allow refunds of the course fees
for any undelivered course hours after deducting a platform operation charge associated with the delivering such courses online,
provided that a student can apply for refund at any time during these courses.
The
proceeds collected for the study cards are initially recorded as financial liabilities from contracts with customers. Revenues
are generally recognized proportionately as the course/service hours are delivered.
Junior
ELT
We
offer junior ELT services under our “Meten” brand and “ABC” brand. Students attend the classroom-based training
for predetermined course hours in a predetermined period of time.
We
assess and consider a number of factors when determining the transaction price. In making such assessment, we consider price concessions,
discounts, rebates, refunds, credits, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties or other similar items. For courses offered under
our “Meten” brand, the refund policy is similar to our general adult ELT service. For courses offered under our “ABC”
brand, customers are generally entitled to a refund that is proportionate to incomplete course hours after a deduction of RMB2,000
as early contract termination fee if such customer requests for a refund within 30 days upon the commencement of the course.
No refund will be provided if a customer requests a refund after 30 days upon the commencement of the course. Course fee
received are initially recorded as financial liabilities from contracts with customers. Within the 30-day trial period, recognition
of revenue is recorded as a reduction of the related financial liabilities from contracts with customers. After 30 days and
upon the commencement of the course, the remaining financial liabilities from contracts with customers are reclassified as deferred
revenue in the consolidated balance sheet and the recognition of revenue is recorded as a reduction of the deferred revenue. Revenues
are generally recognized proportionately as the course hours are delivered.
Sales
of goods
Sales
of goods are primarily derived from (i) the sales of food and beverages at our self-operated learning centers; and (ii) the
delivery of education materials and assessment report of level of English proficiency as included in the package of the general
adult ELT. Revenue is recognized when the customer takes possession of and accepts the products.
Other
English language-related services
Revenues
from other English language-related services are primarily derived from franchised learning centers through which the franchisees
are authorized to use our brands and are required to adopt our centralized management system. A one-time initial franchise
fee and one-time design consulting fee or a one-time renewal franchise fee is received when we enter into or renew a
franchise agreement. During the term of the franchise agreement, each franchised learning center are charged recurring monthly
franchise fees based on an agreed percentage of its collected course and service fees and related individual course materials
fees. The revenue of initial/renewal franchise fee is recognized on a straight-line basis over the franchise period. The
revenue of the one-time design consulting fee is recognized when the consulting service is provided. The revenue of recurring
franchise fee is recognized when the franchisee and we confirm and agree the calculation of the fee at the end of each month during
the franchise period.
Lease
We
adopted ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” on January 1, 2019. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception.
Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, current and non-current lease
liabilities on the Group’s consolidated balance sheets.
ROU
lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease obligations represent our obligation
to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based
on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of our leases do not
provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining
the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU assets also include initial direct costs incurred and any lease
payments made to the lessor at or before the commencement date, minus any lease incentives received. Lease expense for minimum
lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Goodwill
Goodwill
represents the excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination.
Goodwill
is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that
it might be impaired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests
if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its
carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in business climate, legal factors, operating
performance indicators, competition, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit. Application of the goodwill
impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of the reporting unit, assignment of assets and liabilities to
the reporting unit, assignment of goodwill to the reporting unit, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit.
Estimating fair value is performed by utilizing various valuation techniques, with a primary technique being a discounted cash
flow which requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts,
estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur,
and determination of our weighted average cost of capital.
Income
Taxes
Income
taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, if any. Deferred income
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change
in tax rates or tax laws is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income in the period the change in tax
rates or tax laws is enacted. We reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance, if based on the
available evidence, it is “more-likely-than-not” that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish
valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed at each reporting period based on a “more-likely-than-not”
realization threshold. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative
losses, forecasts of futures profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, and our experience with operating
loss and tax credit carryforwards, if any, not expiring.
In
the financial statements, we recognize the impact of a tax position if that position is “more likely than not” to
prevail based on the facts and technical merits of the position. Tax positions that meet the “more likely than not”
recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being
realized upon settlement. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgement occurs.
Interest and penalties recognized related to an unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income tax expense in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income.
Share-based
compensation
Share-based compensation
costs are measured at the grant date. The compensation expense in connection with the shares awarded to employees is recognized
using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant, with such
estimate updated periodically and with actual forfeitures recognized currently to the extent they differ from the estimate. In
determining the fair value of the shares awarded to employees, the discounted cash flow pricing model has been applied.
|
B.
|
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
|
Cash
Flows and Working Capital
Our
principal sources of liquidity have been from cash generated from operating activities. As of December 31, 2018, 2019 and
2020, we had RMB174.7 million, RMB140.1 million, and RMB90.1 million (US$13.8 million), respectively, in cash and cash equivalents.
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand placed with banks or other financial institutions and highly liquid investment
which are unrestricted as to withdrawal and use and have original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Our cash
and cash equivalents are primarily denominated in Renminbi.
We
intend to finance our future working capital requirements and capital expenditures from cash generated from operating activities,
and funds raised from financing activities, including the net proceeds we received from the Transactions. As an offshore holding
company, we are permitted under PRC laws and regulations to provide funding to our PRC subsidiaries through loans or capital contributions,
subject to applicable regulatory approvals. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these regulatory approvals on
a timely basis, if at all. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—The
PRC regulation of loans and direct investments in PRC subsidiaries by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency
conversion may delay us from using the working capital to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries,
our affiliated entities, which could harm our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.” We believe that
our current available cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements and capital expenditures
in the ordinary course of business for the next twelve months.
However,
we may require additional cash resources due to the changing business conditions or other future developments, including any investment
or acquisition we may decide to selectively pursue. If our existing cash resources are insufficient to meet our requirements,
we may seek to sell equity or equity-linked securities, sell debt securities or borrow from banks. We cannot assure you that
financing will be available in the amounts we need or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. The sale of additional equity securities
would result in additional dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of debt securities would
result in debt service obligations and could result in operating and financial covenants that restrict our operations and our
ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.
As
a holding company with no material operations of our own, we are a corporation separate and apart from our subsidiaries and our
VIE and its subsidiaries and, therefore, must provide for our own liquidity. We conduct our operations in China primarily through
our affiliated entities. As a result, our ability to pay dividends and to finance any debt we may incur depends upon dividends
paid by our subsidiaries, our VIE and its subsidiaries and learning centers. If our PRC subsidiaries or any newly formed PRC subsidiaries
incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends
to us. In addition, our PRC subsidiaries are permitted to pay dividends to us only out of their respective retained earnings,
if any, as determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations.
Under
the applicable PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries and learning centers are each required to set aside a portion of
its after tax profits each year to fund certain statutory reserves, and funds from such reserves may not be distributed to us
as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation of such subsidiaries. These statutory limitations affect, and future covenant
debt limitations might affect, our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to us. We currently believe that such limitations
will not impact our ability to meet our ongoing short-term cash obligations although we cannot assure you that such limitations
will not affect our ability to meet our short-term cash obligations and to distribute dividends to our shareholders in the
future.
The
following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods presented:
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
US$
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Summary Consolidated Cash flow Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash flow generated from/(used in) operating activities
|
|
|
78,535
|
|
|
|
(21,571
|
)
|
|
|
(343,218
|
)
|
|
|
(52,601
|
)
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(74,793
|
)
|
|
|
(89,159
|
)
|
|
|
(680
|
)
|
|
|
(104
|
)
|
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(142,633
|
)
|
|
|
72,995
|
|
|
|
292,640
|
|
|
|
44,849
|
|
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
|
|
|
(138,891
|
)
|
|
|
(37,735
|
)
|
|
|
(51,258
|
)
|
|
|
(7,856
|
)
|
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of year
|
|
|
328,357
|
|
|
|
189,466
|
|
|
|
151,731
|
|
|
|
23,254
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of year
|
|
|
189,466
|
|
|
|
151,731
|
|
|
|
100,473
|
|
|
|
15,398
|
|
Operating
Activities
Net
cash generated from operating activities amounted to RMB78.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The difference
between our net income of RMB53.4 million and the net cash generated from operating activities was due to (i) depreciation
and amortization of RMB54.9 million; and (ii) a decrease in prepayments and other current assets of RMB34.7 million,
partially offset by a decrease in deferred revenue of RMB49.4 million. Prepayments and other current assets decreased for
the year ended December 31, 2018 was mainly because of the increase in our prepaid investment and certain loan to a non-related company.
The decrease in deferred revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily a result of the reduction in the increase
of gross billings due to slower increase in student enrollment in our general adult ELT services in 2018, whereas we continue
to recognize revenue proportionately as the course hours were consumed for the main general adult ELT courses or on a straight
line basis over the entire main general adult ELT course period for supplementary general adult ELT courses, in accordance with
our revenue recognition policy.
Net
cash flow used in operating activities amounted to RMB21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The difference
between our net loss of RMB225.1 million and the net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to (i) depreciation
and amortization of RMB58.5 million; (ii) amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of RMB134.8 million; (iii)
share-based compensation expenses of RMB96.7 million; and (iv) an increase in financial liabilities from contracts with customers
of RMB66.9 million, partially offset by (i) a decrease in operating lease liabilities of RMB121.3 million; (ii) an
increase in accounts receivable of RMB42.2 million; and (iii) a decrease in deferred revenue of RMB35.3 million. Operating
lease liabilities decreased mainly due to an increase of payments for leased assets. Our accounts receivable relates to the franchise
fees to be received from our franchised learning centers, which increased for the year ended December 31, 2019 because we usually
settle these franchise fees with our franchised learning centers at year end. The decrease in deferred revenue for the year ended
December 31, 2019 mainly as a result of the reduction in the increase of gross billings due to slower increase in student enrollment
in our general adult ELT business in the year ended December 31, 2019, whereas we continue to recognize revenue proportionately
as the course hours were consumed for the main general adult ELT courses or on a straight line basis over the entire main general
adult ELT course period for supplementary general adult ELT courses, in accordance with our revenue recognition policy.
Net cash flow used in operating activities amounted to RMB343.2 million
(US$52.6 million) for the year ended December 31, 2020. The difference between our net loss of RMB412.8 million (US$63.3 million) and
the net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to (i) depreciation and amortization of RMB56.0 million (US$8.6 million);
(ii) amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets of RMB125.5 million (US$19.2 million); (iii) Warrant financing expenses of RMB41.1
million (US$6.3 million); (iv) share-based compensation expenses of RMB52.3 million (US$8.0 million); and (v) a decrease in financial
liabilities from contracts with customers of RMB105.5 million (US$16.1 million), partially offset by (i) a decrease in operating lease
liabilities of RMB107.0 million (US$16.4 million); (ii) an increase in accounts receivable of RMB22.1 million (US$3.4 million); and (iii)
a decrease in deferred revenue of RMB80.0 million (US$12.3 million). Operating lease liabilities decreased mainly due to the closure of
some Learning Centers and the withdrawal of lease. Our accounts receivable relates to the franchise fees to be received from our franchised
learning centers, which increased for the year ended December 31, 2020 because we have received some students who have been transferred
from the franchise center. The decrease in deferred revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 mainly as a result of the decrease of
gross billings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investing
Activities
Net
cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB74.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This was primarily
attributable to (i) the purchase of short-term investments of RMB511.0 million as we purchased short-term wealth
management products to obtain higher returns; and (ii) the acquisition of subsidiaries of RMB88.0 million in connection
with our acquisition of ABC Education Group in June 2018, partially offset by the proceeds from the redemption of the short-term investments
upon their maturity of RMB565.0 million and the repayment from related parties of RMB97.7 million.
Net
cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB89.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was primarily attributable
to (i) the advances to related parties of RMB45.0 million; (ii) the purchases of property and equipment of RMB86.5 million;
and (iii) acquisition of subsidiaries of RMB38.6 million in connection with our acquisitions of certain franchised learning centers
in Yunan, Jiangsu and Anhui Provinces, partially offset by (i) our repayment of advances to related parties of RMB64.1 million;
and (ii) our repayment of loan to a third party of RMB20.0 million.
Net
cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB680,000 (US$104,000) for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was primarily
attributable to (i) Purchase of short-term investments RMB 42.0 million (US$6.4 million); (ii) the purchases of property and equipment
of RMB25.7 million (US$3.9 million); and (iii) the advances to related parties of RMB10.2 million (US$1.6 million), partially
offset by (i) the proceeds from maturity of short-term investments RMB 42.5 million (US$6.5 million); (ii) the proceeds from disposal
of property and equipment RMB 22.7 million (US$3.5 million), and (iii) our repayment of advances to related parties of RMB11.9
million (US$1.8 million).
Financing
Activities
Net
cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB142.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was primarily
attributable to (i) repayment of advances from related parties of RMB26.3 million; and (ii) and distribution in connection
with our Reorganization of RMB148.3 million, partially offset by the advances from related parties of RMB37.1 million.
Net
cash flow generated from financing activities amounted to RMB73.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was
primarily attributable to (i) the proceeds from bank loans of RMB107.0 million; and (ii) the proceeds of advances
from related parties of RMB31.1 million, partially offset by our (i) repayment of advances from related parties of RMB50.3 million;
and (ii) repayment of bank loans of RMB15.0 million.
Net cash flow generated from financing activities amounted to RMB292.6
million (US$44.8 million) for the year ended December 31, 2020, which was primarily attributable to (i) the proceeds from recapitalization
of RMB216.2 million (US$33.1 million); and (ii) the proceeds from bank loans of RMB185.0 million (US$28.4 million); and (iii)the proceeds
of advances from related parties of RMB63.7 million (US$9.8 million), partially offset by our (i) repayment of advances from related parties
of RMB14.3 million (US$2.2 million); and (ii) repayment of bank loans of RMB143.1 million (US$21.9 million).
Capital
Expenditures
Our
capital expenditures amounted to RMB64.4 million, RMB86.5 million, and RMB25.7 million (US$3.9 million) in 2018, 2019 and 2020,
respectively, for purchases of property and equipment and intangible assets, such as course materials and software, as we expanded
existing and opened new self-operated learning centers. We will continue to make capital expenditures to meet the expected growth
of our business and expect that cash generated from our operating activities and financing activities will meet our capital expenditure
needs in the foreseeable future.
Holding
Company Structure
We
are a holding company with no material operations of our own. We conduct our operations primarily through our affiliated entities
in China. As a result, our ability to pay dividends depends upon dividends paid by our subsidiaries, which in turn depends on
the service and license fees paid to Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo. As we invest in and expand our PRC operations in the future,
each of Meten BVI, Likeshuo BVI, Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo will continue to rely on service and license fees from our affiliated
entities and we will rely on dividends from Meten BVI and Likeshuo BVI, and Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo for our cash needs.
Furthermore, if our subsidiaries or any newly formed subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments
governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends to us.
Although
we currently do not require any such dividends, loans or advances from our entities for working capital and other funding purposes,
we may in the future require additional cash resources from them due to changes in business conditions, to fund future acquisitions
and development, or merely to declare and pay dividends or distributions to our shareholders.
Our
revenue contribution primarily comes from our affiliated entities. All of our operations are based in the PRC and our assets are
primarily located in the PRC.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”) to increase transparency and comparability
among organizations by requiring the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheets. Most prominent among
the changes in the standard is the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating
leases. Under the standard, disclosures are required to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess
the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. We elected to recognize and measure leases existing at
the beginning of the period of adoption through a cumulative–effect adjustment using a modified retrospective approach,
with certain practical expedients available. We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2019 and applied the modified retrospective
approach on this date by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients
permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard.
The
following table summarizes the effect on the consolidated balance sheet as a result of adopting ASC 842.
|
|
December 31,
2018
As previously
reported
|
|
|
Effect of
the Adoption of
ASC 842
|
|
|
January 1,
2019
As adjusted
|
|
Current portions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepayment and other current assets
|
|
|
104,761
|
|
|
|
(10,612
|
)
|
|
|
94,149
|
|
Current operating lease liabilities
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
99,706
|
|
|
|
99,706
|
|
Non-current portions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
397,490
|
|
|
|
397,490
|
|
Intangible assets, net
|
|
|
36,904
|
|
|
|
(6,305
|
)
|
|
|
30,599
|
|
Operating lease liabilities
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
280,867
|
|
|
|
280,867
|
|
We
have operating leases for learning centers, corporate offices, and office equipment. Our leases are for an initial one to 10 years’
term.
Short-term
leases are leases having a term of twelve months or less. We recognize short-term leases on a straight-line basis and does not
record a related lease asset or liability for such leases.
In
June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses” (“ASU 2016-13”),
which introduces new guidance for credit losses on instruments within its scope. The new guidance introduces an approach based
on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including, but not limited to, trade and
other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and net investments in leases. The new guidance also modifies the impairment
model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires the entities to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized
loss on an available-for-sale debt security is a credit loss. The standard also indicates that entities may not use the length
of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a factor in concluding whether a credit loss exists. The ASU is
effective for Emerging Growth Company (“EGC”) for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods
within those fiscal years and effective for public companies excluding EGC and smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including
interim periods within those fiscal years. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated
financial statements.
In
January 2017, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the current two-step goodwill impairment test by eliminating Step two
of the test. The guidance requires a one-step impairment test in which an entity compares the fair value of a reporting unit with
its carrying amount and recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s
fair value, if any. This guidance is effective for EGC for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods
within those fiscal years and effective for public companies excluding EGC and smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2019, and should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for the interim or annual goodwill
impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption
of this guidance on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In
August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 modifies
the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain disclosures. The amendments
in ASU 2018-13 will be effective for the Group beginning after December 15, 2019 including interim periods within the year. Early
adoption is permitted. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of ASU No. 2018-13
and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The Group is not early adopting the standard and
it is in the process of evaluation the impact of adoption of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In
December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASU 2019-12”).
ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740.
The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending
existing guidance. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods
within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption
of the amendments is permitted. The Group is not early adopting the standard and it is in the process of evaluation the impact
of adoption of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In
March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-03, “Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2020-03”).
ASU 2020-03 represents changes to clarify or improve the Codification. The amendments make the Codification easier to understand
and easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. With regard to amendments related to Issue 1,
Issue 2, Issue 4, and Issue 5, for public business entities, the amendments are effective upon issuance of this final Update,
for all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within
those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application is permitted. With regard to amendments related to Issue
6 and Issue 7, for entities that have not yet adopted the guidance in Update 2016-13, the effective dates and the transition requirements
for these amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Update 2016-13, for entities that have
adopted the guidance in Update 2016-13, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including
interim periods within those fiscal years. The Group is not early adopting the standard and it is in the process of evaluation
the impact of adoption of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
|
C.
|
Research
and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
|
See
“Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Course Content Development” and “—Intellectual
Property.”
Other
than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events
for the period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our
net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause the disclosed financial information to
be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.
|
E.
|
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
|
We,
in cooperation with several third-party financing institutions (the “Loan Institutions”), offer tuition installment
payment option to our students. Under this arrangement, the Loan Institutions remit the tuition fee to us for the borrowing students
to complete their purchases of the courses. The interest expenses of the installment are born by the borrowing students who are
obligated to repay the loans in pre-agreed installments over a period of six months to 24 months to the Loan Institutions. According
to one of the arrangements we had with the Loan Institutions, we are obligated to repay 50% of the overdue amounts to the Loan
Institution for any default in repayment by the borrowing students. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments we would have
to make in the event of borrower default is RMB13,463, RMB199 and nil as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. We
consider the fair value of the guarantee not to be significant to our consolidated financial statements and do not recognize this
as a liability based on the estimated fair value of the guarantee.
We
have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholders’ equity, or
that are not reflected in our 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. Moreover,
we do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support
to us or engages in leasing, hedging or product development services with us.
|
F.
|
Tabular
Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
|
The
following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020:
|
|
Payment
Due by Period
|
|
(In
thousands of RMB)
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Less than
1 year
|
|
|
1-3
years
|
|
|
3-5
years
|
|
|
More than
5 years
|
|
Operating lease obligations(1)
|
|
|
356,793
|
|
|
|
155,400
|
|
|
|
155,018
|
|
|
|
42,924
|
|
|
|
3,451
|
|
Purchase obligations(2)
|
|
|
4,104
|
|
|
|
4,104
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
|
|
|
360,897
|
|
|
|
159,504
|
|
|
|
155,018
|
|
|
|
42,924
|
|
|
|
3,451
|
|
|
(1)
|
Represents
our non-cancelable leases for our offices, learning centers and service centers. See note 15 to our consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this annual report.
|
|
(2)
|
Represents
leasehold improvement obligations in connection with renovations of the leased facilities and purchase of property and equipment.
|
See
“Forward-Looking Statements” on page iv of this annual report.
|
ITEM
6.
|
DIRECTORS,
SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
|
|
A.
|
Directors
and Senior Management
|
The
following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our directors and executive officers as of the date of this
annual report.
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
Siguang Peng(3)
|
|
41
|
|
Chief Executive Officer, Director
|
Yupeng Guo(2)
|
|
42
|
|
Vice President, Director and Acting Chief Financial
Officer
|
Jishuang Zhao(2)(3)
|
|
44
|
|
Director
|
Yongchao Chen
|
|
41
|
|
Director
|
Yanli Chen(1)(3)
|
|
49
|
|
Independent Director
|
Zhiyi Xie(1)(2)
|
|
41
|
|
Independent Director
|
Ying Cheng(1)
|
|
46
|
|
Independent Director
|
Libin Ma
|
|
51
|
|
Independent Director
|
Guoqiang Fei
|
|
62
|
|
Independent Director
|
|
(1)
|
Member
of the Audit Committee
|
|
(2)
|
Member
of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
|
|
(3)
|
Member
of the Compensation Committee
|
Siguang
Peng is a founder of Meten and has served as our director and chief executive officer since inception. Prior to starting
Meten’s business in 2006, Mr. Peng served as director of teaching department and principal of Quanzhou School of King’s
International from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Peng received his EMBA degree from China Europe International Business School in 2011
and his bachelor’s degree in international economics and trading from Changchun University of Science and Technology in
2000.
Yupeng
Guo is a founder of Meten and has served as our director and vice president since inception and served as our acting
chief financial officer since April 2021. Prior to starting Meten’s business in 2006, Mr. Guo served as director of
marketing department of Quanzhou School of King’s International from 2005 to 2006. Mr. Guo received his EMBA degree
from China Europe International Business School in 2012, his master’s degree in business administration from Shanghai Jiaotong
University in 2007 and his bachelor’s degree in trading and economics from Changchun University of Science and Technology
in 2000.
Jishuang
Zhao is a founder of Meten and has served as chairman of Meten’s board of directors since inception. Prior to starting
Meten’s business in 2006, Mr. Zhao served as the vice president at Fujian King’s International ELT School, or
King’s International, from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Zhao received his EMBA degree from China Europe International Business
School in 2010 and his bachelor’s degree in trading economics from Changchun University of Science and Technology (formerly
known as Changchun Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics) in 2000.
Yongchao
Chen has served as our director since inception. Mr. Chen
joined Meten in May 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Chen served as a translator at Longwangang Group Shanghai Industrial Co., Ltd. from
2003 to 2005. Mr. Chen received his bachelor’s degree in accounting computerization from Changsha University of Science &
Technology (formerly known as Changsha Communication College) in 2002.
Yanli
Chen has served as the managing partner of Cornerstone Asset Management Co., Ltd. since June 2008. Mr. Chen received
his bachelor’s degree in auditing from Wuhan University in 1991, and his master’s degree in EMBA from China Europe
International Business School in 2011.
Zhiyi
Xie has been the general manager of Shenzhen Shenghongtao Technology Co., Ltd. since April 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Xie
served as the general manager of Shenzhen Haiyue Huifu Investment Management Co., Ltd. from 2016 to 2017. He served as the deputy
general manager of Shenzhen Yipu Rui Venture Capital Co., Ltd. from 2010 to 2015. Mr. Xie served as the investment director
of Shenzhen Dingchuan Investment Co., Ltd. from 2008 to 2010. Between 2007 and 2008, Mr. Xie served as the assistant general
manager at Shenzhen Jingrui Industrial Co., Ltd., prior to that he served as a manager of Shenzhen Jinhongxing Guarantee Investment
Management Co., Ltd. from 2005 to 2007. He served as a risk control manager at Shenzhen Zhongrongxin Financing Guarantee Co.,
Ltd. and a lawyer at Hunan Hongye Tengfei Law Firm from 2003 to 2005 and 2001 to 2003, respectively. Mr. Xie obtained his
bachelor’s degree in law from Xiangtan University in 2001. He received his Lawyer’s Qualification Certificate and
Fund Qualification Certificate in 2000 and 2017, respectively.
Ying
Cheng has been a partner of Beijing Trans Technology Co., Ltd. since 2016. Prior to that, Ms. Cheng served as the senior
financial manager of the engine business unit of Cummins (China) Investment Co. Ltd from 2015 to 2016. She served as the financial
director of Green Energy High-Tech Group Co., Ltd. between 2013 and 2014 and chief financial officer of China Haohan Group
Co., Ltd. between 2012 and 2013. Ms. Cheng used to work with our group as a center director from 2011 to 2012. From 2004 to 2010,
Ms. Cheng worked on different roles in relation to compliance and accounting in Shell China Exploration and Production Co., Ltd.
She also served as the internal audit manager and the finance manager in Beijing Sifang Jibao Automation Co., Ltd. from 2002 to
2004, and before that she worked as the chief financial officer in Netchaching Inc. from 2000 to 2002. In addition, Ms. Cheng
worked as a senior accountant at the assurance & business advisory service division of Arthur Andersen from 1996 to 2000.
Ms. Cheng received her bachelor’s degree in economics in national economic management from Peking University in 1996, and
her EMBA degree from China Europe International Business School in 2012.
Libin
Ma has served as our independent director since March 2021. Mr. Ma has served as the chairman of the board of directors and
President of Piano Scientific Artist House (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. (“Piano”), a company founded by Mr. Ma that specializes
in custom-made cabinets, wardrobes, and supporting household products. In 2017, Piano was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange
(Ticker: 002853). Mr. Ma obtained an International MBA degree from Peking University in 2005. Since 2019, Mr. Ma has been pursuing
a Doctorate degree in Business Administration at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.
Guoqiang
Fei has served as our independent director since March 2021. Mr. Fei, is the founder of Shenzhen Shundian Chain Co., Ltd.
(“Shundian”), a wholesale company, and has served as its chairman of the board of directors since 1994. In 2014, Shundian
was listed in China on the National Equities Exchange and Quotations Co., Ltd. From 1992 to 1994, Mr. Fei worked at Shenzhen Liantang
Industry Co., Ltd. Mr. Fei received his college degree from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Continuous Education
College in 1986.
Executive
Employment Agreements
We
have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers for a specified time period providing that the agreements
are terminable for cause at any time. The terms of these agreements are substantially similar to each other. A senior executive
officer may terminate his or her employment at any time by 30-day prior written notice. We may terminate the executive officer’s
employment for cause, at any time, without advance notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the executive officer, such as
conviction or plea of guilty to a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, negligent or dishonest acts to our detriment,
or misconduct or a failure to perform agreed duties.
Each
executive officer has agreed to hold in strict confidence and not to use, except for our benefit, any proprietary information,
technical data, trade secrets and know-how of our company or the confidential or proprietary information of any third party, including
our subsidiaries and clients, received by us. Each of these executive officers has also agreed to be bound by noncompetition and
non-solicitation restrictions during the term of his or her employment and typically for two years following the last date of
employment.
Voting
Agreement
On
March 30, 2020, the Company, EdtechX, Meten and certain shareholders of Meten and stockholders of EdtechX entered into a voting
agreement (“Voting Agreement”) pursuant to which they agreed to nominate nine members to our board of directors, including
Benjamin Vedrenne-Cloquet and Charles McIntyre, EdtechX’s chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors
of EdtechX, respectively, and Jishuang Zhao, Siguang Peng and Yupeng Guo, the founders of Meten, and Yongchao Chen, Yanli Chen,
Zhiyi Xie, and Ying Cheng and to take all actions necessary to vote all our ordinary shares beneficially owned by them for the
election of such persons until the third anniversary of the closing.
|
B.
|
Compensation
of Directors and Executive Officers
|
Overview
For
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, we and our subsidiaries paid aggregate cash compensation of approximately RMB1.6 million
(US$0.2 million) to our directors and executive officers as a group. For information regarding options granted to officers and
directors, see “— Share Incentive Plans.” We do not pay or set aside any amounts for pensions,
retirement or other benefits for officers and directors.
Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The
following table summarizes for our employees, directors and service providers: (i) the outstanding options granted under the 2018
Plan as of December 31, 2020 and (ii) the number of our ordinary shares to be received in the business combination, based on their
number of our options held as of December 31, 2020:
Name
|
|
Our Ordinary
Shares
|
|
|
Options
Awarded
|
|
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
|
Date of
Grant
|
|
|
Date of
Expiration
|
|
All non-executive employees as a group
|
|
|
41,500
|
|
|
|
41,500
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
10/8/2020
|
|
|
10/8/2023
|
|
Ms. Ruby Pan
|
|
|
1,327,514
|
|
|
|
1,327,514
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
12/31/2020
|
|
|
12/31/2030
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,369,014
|
|
|
|
1,369,014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share
Incentive Plans
2013
Plan
Shenzhen
Meten adopted the 2013 Plan in January 2013. The purpose of the 2013 Plan is to enhance Shenzhen Meten’s ability to attract
and retain highly qualified mid- to high-level management, consultants and other qualified persons, and to motivate such persons
to serve us and to expend maximum effort to improve our business results and earnings, by providing such persons an opportunity
to share equity interest in our future success.
2018
Plan
Meten
adopted a new share incentive plan, or the 2018 Plan, to replace the 2013 Plan in December 2018. Meten rolled over the awards
granted under the 2013 Plan with the same amount and terms in December 2018 to the Meten level, and as a result a total of 20,085,242
options were granted to the plan participants according to the awards under our 2013 Plan and the 2018 Plan as described below.
Upon the adoption of the 2018 Plan, no additional awards were made under our 2013 Plan.
2020
Plan
In
connection with the Mergers, we adopted a new incentive plan to replace the 2018 Plan. We rolled over awards granted under the
2013 Plan and 2018 Plan with the same amount and terms. As a result, options to purchase 1,369,014 of our ordinary shares were
issued and outstanding on December 31, 2020. Additionally, the Company will reserve an additional 3.5% of then-outstanding shares
each year for a period of four years following the first anniversary of the closing date of the Mergers.
The
following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2020 Plan:
Eligibility.
Our qualified officers, directors, employees, consultants and other qualified persons are eligible to participate in the 2020
Plan.
Types
of Awards. The 2020 Plan permits the awards of options, share appreciation rights, share awards, restricted share units,
dividend equivalents or other share-based awards.
Plan
Administration. Our board of directors, or a committee designated by our board of directors, will administer the plan,
unless otherwise determined by the board of directors.
Evidence
of award. Awards can be evidenced by an agreement, certificate, resolution or other types of writing or an electronic
medium approved by the board of directors or the compensation committee as the plan administrator that sets forth the terms
and conditions of the awards granted.
Conditions
of Award. The 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, cancellation,
forfeiture 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, provided that the term shall generally be no more than five years from the date of grant
thereof.
Vesting
Schedule. In general, the plan administration committee determines the vesting schedule, which is specified in the
relevant award agreement.
Transfer
Restrictions. Unless otherwise determined by the administrator or for certain limited permitted transfers, no award and
no right under any such award shall be assignable, alienable, saleable or transferable by the employee holder otherwise than
by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
Amendment,
Suspension or Termination. The board of directors may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the 2020 Plan,
or any award agreement hereunder or any portion hereof or thereof at any time, provided, however, that no such amendment, alteration,
suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made without the consent of the affected recipient of an award with respect
to any award agreement, the consent of the affected recipient of an award, if such action would materially and adversely affect
the rights of such recipient under any outstanding award.
Our
board of directors consists of nine directors, including five independent directors, namely, Yanli Chen, Zhiyi Xie, Ying Cheng,
Libin Ma and Guoqiang Fei. 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 arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement with our company is required
to declare the nature of his or her interest at a meeting of our directors at which the question of entering into the contract or arrangement
is first considered. Subject to the Nasdaq Capital Market rules and separate requirement for audit committee approval under applicable
law, and unless disqualified by a majority of the board of directors not including the interested director, a director may vote in respect
of any contract or arrangement or proposed contract or arrangement notwithstanding that he or she may be interested therein, and may be
counted in the quorum at any meeting of our directors at which any such contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction is
considered. Our directors may exercise all the powers of our company to raise or borrow money and to mortgage or charge all or any part
of the undertaking, property and assets (present and future) and uncalled capital and subject to applicable law, to issue debentures,
debenture stock, bonds and other securities, whether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of our company
or of any third party.
Terms
of Directors and Executive Officers
Our
officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of our board of directors. 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 or the unanimous written resolution of
all shareholders. None of our directors has a service contract with us that provides for benefits upon termination of service
as a director.
Duties
of Directors
Under
Cayman Islands law, our directors have a duty of loyalty to act honestly in good faith with a view to our best interests. Our
directors also have a duty to exercise the skill they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person
would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with
our memorandum and articles of association. A shareholder has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached.
Committees
of the Board of Directors
We
have established three fully independent committees under the board of directors: the audit committee, the nominating and corporate
governance committee and the compensation committee. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees. The committee
charters are available on our website at www.investor.metenedu-edtechx.com. Each committee’s members and functions are described
below.
Audit
Committee
Our
audit committee consists of Mr. Yanli Chen, Mr. Zhiyi Xie and Ms. Ying Cheng. We have determined that each of Mr. Yanli
Chen, Mr. Zhiyi Xie and Ms. Ying Cheng satisfies the “independence” requirements of Nasdaq Stock Market Rules
and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We have determined that Ms. Ying Cheng qualifies as an “audit committee
financial expert.” The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial
statements of our company. The audit committee is 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 Mr. Jishuang Zhao, Mr. Siguang Peng and Mr. Yanli Chen. We have determined that
Mr. Yanli Chen satisfies the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules. The compensation
committee assists the board in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating
to our directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which
his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee is 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 board for determination with respect to the compensation of our non-employee 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
and Corporate Governance Committee
Our
nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Mr. Jishuang Zhao, Mr. Yupeng Guo and Mr. Zhiyi Xie.
We have determined that Mr. Zhiyi Xie satisfies the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605 of the Nasdaq Stock Market
Rules. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists 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 and corporate governance
committee is responsible for, among other things:
|
●
|
selecting
and recommending to the board nominees and officer 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; and
|
|
●
|
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.
|
We
had 5,491 and 3,721 full-time employees as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively, including the staff
of ABC Education Group, which we acquired in June 2018. The following table sets forth the numbers of our full-time employees,
categorized by function, as of December 31, 2020:
Function
|
|
Employees at Offline Learning Centers
|
|
|
Employees for Online Platform
|
|
|
Total Number of Employees
(Offline and Online)
|
|
Teaching staff(1)
|
|
|
1,689
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
1,824
|
|
Management staff
|
|
|
142
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
161
|
|
Sales, marketing and customer services
|
|
|
1,089
|
|
|
|
162
|
|
|
|
1,251
|
|
Research and development(2)
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
136
|
|
General and administration
|
|
|
330
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
349
|
|
Total
|
|
|
3,313
|
|
|
|
408
|
|
|
|
3,721
|
|
|
(1)
|
Teaching
staff includes the full-time teachers, study advisors and teaching service staff.
|
|
(2)
|
Includes
personnel dedicated to products, course content and IT systems development.
|
As
of December 31, 2020, we employed 587 part-time teachers for our offline ELT business. We also established a deep pool of
approximately 45,000 teachers who have registered with our “Likeshuo” platform and are accessible by our students
online, including approximately 19,000 foreign teachers.
We
enter into employment contracts with our full-time employees. In addition to salaries and benefits, we provide performance-based bonuses
for our full-time employees and commission-based compensation for our sales and marketing force.
As
required by applicable laws and regulations in China, we participate in various employee social security plans that are organized
by municipal and provincial governments for our PRC-based full-time employees, including pension, unemployment insurance,
maternity insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance and housing funds. We are required under the PRC law
to make contributions to statutory employee benefit plans from time to time for our PRC-based full-time employees at
specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of such employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the
local governments in China. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Operations—Failure
to make adequate contributions to various employee benefits plans as required by PRC regulations may subject us to penalties.”
Our
employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreement. We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with
our employees, and we have not experienced any significant labor disputes as of the date of this annual report.
The
following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership based on 64,325,637 of our ordinary shares outstanding
as of April 22, 2021 based on information obtained from the persons named below, with respect to the beneficial ownership of our
shares by:
|
●
|
each
person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares;
|
|
●
|
each
of our officers and directors; and
|
|
●
|
all
our officers and directors as a group.
|
Unless
otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all
ordinary shares beneficially owned by them.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
|
Amount and nature of beneficial ownership
|
|
|
Percentage of outstanding ordinary shares
|
|
Directors and Executive Officers (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jishuang Zhao (2)
|
|
|
13,430,636
|
|
|
|
20.88
|
%
|
Siguang Peng (3)
|
|
|
6,561,133
|
|
|
|
10.20
|
%
|
Yupeng Guo (4)
|
|
|
3,358,415
|
|
|
|
5.22
|
%
|
Yongchao Chen
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Yanli Chen
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Zhiyi Xie
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Ying Chen
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Wong Heung Ming, Henry
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Guoqiang Fei
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Libin Ma
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
All directors and executive officers as a group
|
|
|
23,351,662
|
|
|
|
36.30
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5% or Greater Shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JZ Education Investment (2)
|
|
|
13,430,636
|
|
|
|
20.88
|
%
|
AP Education Investment (3)
|
|
|
6,561,133
|
|
|
|
10.20
|
%
|
RG Education Investment (4)
|
|
|
3,358,415
|
|
|
|
5.22
|
%
|
|
(1)
|
Unless
otherwise indicated, the business address of each of the individuals is 3rd Floor, Tower A, Tagen Knowledge & Innovation Center,
2nd Shenyun West Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518000, The People’s Republic of China.
|
|
(2)
|
Represents
13,430,636 ordinary shares directly held by JZ Education Investment, a business company limited by shares incorporated in British
Virgin Islands. JZ Education Investment is controlled by The Zhao Jishuang Family Trust, a trust established under the laws of
British Virgin Islands and managed by Conyers Trustee Services (BVI) Limited, or Conyers Trustee, as trustee. Mr. Jishuang Zhao
is the settlor of The Zhao Jishuang Family Trust and Mr. Jishuang Zhao and his family members are the trust’s beneficiaries.
Under the term of this trust, Mr. Jishuang Zhao has the power to direct the trustee with respect to the retention or disposal
of, and the exercise of any voting and other rights attached to, the shares held by JZ Education Investment in the Company. The
registered office of JZ Education Investment is Commerce House, Wickhams Cay 1, P.O. Box 3140, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin
Islands VG1110.
|
|
(3)
|
Represents
6,561,133 ordinary shares directly held by AP Education Investment, a business company limited by shares incorporated in British
Virgin Islands. AP Education Investment is controlled by The Peng Siguang Family Trust, a trust established under the laws of
British Virgin Islands and managed by Conyers Trustee as trustee. Mr. Siguang Peng is the settlor of The Peng Siguang Family Trust
and Mr. Siguang Peng and his family members are the trust’s beneficiaries. Under the term of this trust, Mr. Siguang Peng
has the power to direct the trustee with respect to the retention or disposal of, and the exercise of any voting and other rights
attached to, the shares held by AP Education Investment in the Company. The registered office of AP Education Investment is Commerce
House, Wickhams Cay 1, P.O. Box 3140, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110.
|
|
(4)
|
Represents
1 ordinary share held by Mr. Yupeng Guo and 3,358,414 ordinary shares directly held by RG Education Investment, a business company
limited by shares incorporated in British Virgin Islands. RG Education Investment is controlled by The Guo Yupeng Family Trust,
a trust established under the laws of British Virgin Islands and managed by Conyers Trustee as trustee. Mr. Yupeng Guo is the
settlor of The Guo Yupeng Family Trust and Mr. Yupeng Guo and his family members are the trust’s beneficiaries. Under the
term of this trust, Mr. Yupeng Guo has the power to direct the trustee with respect to the retention or disposal of, and the exercise
of any voting and other rights attached to, the shares held by RG Education Investment in the Company. The registered office of
RG Education Investment is Commerce House, Wickhams Cay 1, P.O. Box 3140, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands VG1110.
|
None
of our existing shareholders have different voting rights from other shareholders. To our knowledge, we are not owned or controlled,
directly or indirectly, by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any other natural or legal persons, severally
or jointly. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.
To
our best knowledge, as of April 22, 2021, we had 64,325,637 ordinary shares issued and outstanding, among which approximately
0.19% of those ordinary shares are held in the U.S., all under three registered holders of record. The number of beneficial owners
of our ordinary shares in the U.S. is likely much larger than the three record holders of our ordinary shares in the U.S.
|
ITEM
7.
|
MAJOR
SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
See
“Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—E. Share Ownership.”
|
B.
|
Related
Party Transactions
|
Contractual
Arrangements with Our VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders
See
“Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure.”
Registration
Rights
At
the closing of the Mergers, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement providing the shareholders of Meten with
certain demand registration rights and piggy-back registration rights with respect to registration statements filed by the Company
after the closing of the Mergers.
Additionally,
upon the closing of the Mergers, the Company and EdtechX entered into an amended and restated registration rights agreement providing
IBIS Capital Sponsor LLC, IBIS Capital Sponsor II LLC, Azimut Enterprises S.R.L. and Cofircont Compagnia Fiduciaria S.R.L. with
certain demand registration rights and piggy-back registration rights with respect to registration of (a) securities of the Company
received by such entities in connection with the Mergers; and (b) securities of the Company acquired by Azimut Investor in the
Azimut Investment.
The
Company also entered into a registration rights agreement with each PIPE investor providing such PIPE investor with certain demand
registration rights and piggy-back registration rights with respect to registration of securities of the Company acquired by such
PIPE investor in its PIPE investment.
27,619,622
ordinary shares held by certain shareholders who are pre-merger shareholders of Meten and received ordinary shares in connection
with the consummation of the Mergers are subject to the Founder Lock-up Agreement, pursuant to which they agree not to transfer
such shares, until (i) with respect to 50% of such ordinary shares, the earlier of the date that is six months after the closing
of the Mergers and the date on which the closing price of Company’s ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as
adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading
day period after closing and (ii) with respect to the remaining 50% of such ordinary shares, one year after closing, or earlier,
in either case, if, subsequent to the closing, the Company consummates a liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar
transaction which results in all holders of the Company’s ordinary shares ceasing to hold more than fifty percent (50%)
of the then outstanding Company ordinary shares or having the right to exchange their ordinary shares for cash or freely tradable
securities.
1,543,750
ordinary shares and 3,660,000 warrants held by certain securityholders who are per-merger EdtechX securityholders and received
ordinary shares and/or warrants in connection with the consummation of the Mergers are subject to the Amended Stock Escrow Agreement
and Warrant Lock-up Agreement, pursuant to which they will agree not to transfer such ordinary shares and warrants until, with
respect to 50% of such ordinary shares and warrants, the earlier of the date that is six months after the closing of the Mergers
and the date on which the closing price of the Holdco Ordinary Shares equals or exceeds $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share
splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period
after closing, and with respect to the remaining 50% of such Holdco Ordinary Shares and Holdco Warrants, six months after the
closing of the Mergers, subject in each case to earlier release of the shares if certain conditions are met.
Employment
Agreements
See
“Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—A. Directors and Senior Management—Executive Employment
Agreements.”
Share
Incentive Plans
See
“Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers—Share
Incentive Plans.”
Other
Transactions with Related Parties
Amount
due from related parties
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due from Zhongshi Qile (Beijing) Culture Media Co., Ltd., or Zhongshi Culture,
one of our then fellow subsidiaries, of RMB508,000 (US$78,000), for various expenses in relation to our daily operation and employee
compensation paid by Shenzhen Meten on behalf of Zhongshi Culture.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due from Shenzhen Meifu English Information Consulting Co., Ltd., or Meifu
English, one of our then fellow subsidiaries, of RMB2.8 million (US$422,000) for various expenses in relation to daily operation
and employee compensation paid by Shenzhen Meten on behalf of Meifu English.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due from Xiamen Siming District Meten ELT School, or Xiamen Siming Meten School, one
of our then fellow subsidiaries, of RMB246,000 (US$38,000) for various expenses paid by Shenzhen Meten on behalf of Xiamen Siming
Meten School.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due from Oxford International College Chengdu School, or Chengdu School, one of our then
fellow subsidiaries, of RMB17,000 (US$3,000) for various expenses paid by Shenzhen Meten on behalf of Chengdu School.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due from Shenzhen Meten Overseas Education, Consulting Co., Ltd., or Shenzhen Meten Overseas,
one of our then fellow subsidiaries, of RMB3.3 million (US$500,000), for various expenses paid by Shenzhen Meten on behalf of
Shenzhen Meten Overseas.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due from Meten International Educational Talent Management Service (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.,
or Meten Talent Service, one of our then fellow subsidiaries, of RMB458,000 (US$70,000) for various expenses paid by Shenzhen
Meten on behalf of Meten Talent Service.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due from Shenzhen Shuangge Technology Co., Ltd., or Shenzhen Shuangge, one of our then fellow
subsidiaries, of RMB289,000 (US$44,000), for various expenses paid by Shenzhen Meten on behalf of Shenzhen Shuangge.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due from Shenzhen Yilian Education Investment Co. Ltd., or Shenzhen Yilian Education, one
of our then fellow subsidiaries, of RMB401,000 (US$61,000), for various expenses paid by Shenzhen Meten on behalf of Shenzhen
Shuangge.
Amount
due to related parties
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due to Chengdu School, one of our then fellow subsidiaries, of RMB9.4 million (US$1.4
million) as a result of the reorganization of Meten.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due to Shenzhen Meten Oversea, one of our then fellow subsidiaries, of RMB1.1 million (US$164,000),
for various expenses paid by Shenzhen Meten Oversea on behalf of Shenzhen Meten.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due to Mr. Jishuang Zhao, our director and one of our major shareholders, of RMB30.9 million
(US$4.7 million), for various expenses paid by Xiamen Siming Meten School on behalf of Shenzhen Meten.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due to Meifu English, one of our then fellow subsidiaries, of RMB4.0 million (US$615,000)
for various expenses in relation to daily operation and employee compensation paid by Meifu English on behalf of Shenzhen Meten.
As
of December 31, 2020, we had amounts due to Meten Talent Service, one of our then fellow subsidiaries, of RMB4.9 million
(US$745,000) for various expenses paid by Shenzhen Meten on behalf of Meten Talent Service.
|
C.
|
Interests
of Experts and Counsel
|
Not
applicable.
|
ITEM
8.
|
FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
|
|
A.
|
Consolidated
Statements and Other Financial Information
|
We
have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report.
Legal
Proceedings
From
time to time, we may become a party to various legal or administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business,
including actions with respect to intellectual property infringement, violation of third-party licenses or other rights,
breach of contract and labor and employment claims. Excepts as otherwise disclosed in this annual report, we are currently not
a party to, and we are not aware of any threat of, any legal or administrative proceedings that, in the opinion of our management,
are likely to have any material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash-flow or results of operations.
We may periodically be subject to legal proceedings, investigations and claims relating to our business. We may also initiate
legal proceedings to protect our rights and interests.
Dividend
Policy
We
previously did not declare or pay any cash dividends and have no intention to declare or pay any dividends in the near future
on our ordinary shares. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate
and expand our business.
Our
board of directors has complete discretion in deciding whether to distribute dividends. Even if our board of directors decides
to pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results
of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our
subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
We
are a holding company with no material operations of our own. We conduct our operations primarily through our affiliated entities
in China. PRC regulations may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. As a result, our ability to
pay dividends and to finance any debt we may incur depends upon dividends paid by our subsidiaries. If our existing subsidiaries
or any newly formed subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing their debt may restrict
their ability to pay dividends to us.
Except
as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, 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
|
|
A.
|
Offering
and Listing Details
|
Our
ordinary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “METX”. Holders of our ordinary shares should
obtain current market quotations for their shares. Our warrants have been trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol
“METXW” since May 27, 2020.
Not
applicable.
Our
ordinary shares are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “METX”. Our warrants have been trading on
the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol METXW since May 27, 2020.
Not
applicable.
Not
applicable.
Not
applicable.
|
ITEM
10.
|
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
|
Not
applicable.
|
B.
|
Memorandum
and Articles of Association
|
The
following are summaries of material provisions of our third amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and the
Companies Act insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.
Ordinary
Shares
General. Our
ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Shareholders who are non-residents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold
and transfer their ordinary shares.
Dividends. The
holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors. Dividends may be declared
and paid out of the funds legally available therefor. Dividends may also be declared and paid out of share premium account or
any other fund or account which can be authorized for this purpose in accordance with the Companies Act.
Classes
of Ordinary Shares. We have only one class of ordinary shares with all shares carrying equal rights and ranking pari
passu with one another
Voting
Rights. In respect of all matters subject to a shareholders’ vote, holders of ordinary shares shall, at all
times, vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote by the members at any such general meeting. Each ordinary
share shall be entitled to one vote on all matters subject to the vote at our general meetings. Voting at any meeting of shareholders
is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by the chairman of such meeting or any one or more shareholders
representing not less than 10% of the total voting rights of all the shareholders present in person or by proxy entitled to vote.
An
ordinary resolution to be passed at a meeting by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes
attaching to the ordinary shares cast at a meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of
the votes cast attaching to the outstanding ordinary shares at a meeting and includes a unanimous written resolution. A special
resolution will be required for important matters such as a change of name, reducing the share capital or making changes to our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association to be in effect.
Transfer
of Ordinary Shares. Subject to the restrictions contained in the Lock-Up Agreements, Amended Stock Escrow Agreement,
and as otherwise set forth in the Merger Agreement, and subject to any further restrictions contained in our amended and restated
articles of association, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer
in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.
Our
board of directors may, in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully
paid up or on which we have a lien. Our board of directors may also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless:
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the
instrument of transfer is lodged at the registered office of us or such other place at which the principal register is kept
in accordance with the law or the registration office (as the case may be) accompanied by the relevant share certificate(s)
and such other evidence as the board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer
(and, if the instrument of transfer is executed by some other person on his behalf, the authority of that person so to do);
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the instrument of
transfer is in respect of only one class of shares;
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the instrument of
transfer is properly stamped, if required; and
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a fee of such maximum
sum as Nasdaq may determine to be payable or such lesser sum as our directors may from time to time require is paid to us
in respect thereof.
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If
our directors refuse to register a transfer, they shall, within three months after the date on which the instrument of transfer
was lodged, send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
The
registration of transfers may, after compliance with any notice required of Nasdaq, be suspended and the register of members closed
at such times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine, provided, however, that the registration
of transfers shall not be suspended nor the register of members closed for more than 30 days in any year as our board may determine.
Liquidation. On
a return of capital on winding-up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of ordinary shares), assets
available for distribution among the holders of ordinary shares shall be distributed among the holders of the ordinary shares
on a pro rata basis. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets
will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately.
Calls
on Ordinary Shares and Forfeiture of Ordinary Shares. Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon
shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their ordinary shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 clear days prior
to the specified time of payment. The ordinary shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid are subject to forfeiture.
Redemption
of Ordinary Shares. The Companies Act and our amended and restated articles of association permit us to purchase
its own shares. In accordance with our amended and restated articles of association and provided the necessary shareholders or
board approval have been obtained, we may issue shares on terms that are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option
of the holders of these shares, on such terms and in such manner, including out of capital, as may be determined by our board
of directors.
Variations
of Rights of Shares. All or any of the special rights attached to any class of shares may, subject to the provisions
of the Companies Act, be varied 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 at least a two-thirds majority of the holders of shares of
the class present in person or by proxy at a separate general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. The rights conferred
upon the holders of the shares of any class issued shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the
shares of that class, be deemed to be materially adversely varied by or abrogated by, inter alia, the creation or allotment or
issue of further shares ranking pari passu with or subsequent to such existing class of shares.
General
Meetings of Shareholders. Shareholders’ meetings may be convened by a majority of the board of directors or
the chairman of the board of directors, and they shall on a member’s requisition forthwith proceed to convene a general
meeting. A member’s requisition is a requisition of shareholders holding at the date of deposit of the requisition shares
which carry in aggregate not less than one-third (1/3) of all votes attaching to all issued and outstanding shares that as
at the date of the deposit carry the right to vote at our general meetings. Advance notice of at least ten calendar days is required
for the convening of our annual general shareholders’ meeting and any other general meeting of shareholders, provided that
a general meeting or our shareholders shall be deemed to have been duly convened if it is so agreed:
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(i)
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in the
case of an annual general meeting by all the shareholders (or their proxies) entitled to attend and vote thereat; and
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(ii)
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in the
case of an extraordinary general meeting, by two-thirds (2/3) of the shareholders having a right to attend and vote at
the meeting, present in person or by proxy or, in the case of a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly
authorized representative or proxy.
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Any
action required or permitted to be taken at any annual or extraordinary general meetings may be taken only upon the vote of the
shareholders at an annual or extraordinary general meeting duly noticed and convened in accordance with our articles of association
and the Companies Act and may not be taken by written resolution of shareholders without a meeting.
Voting
Rights Attaching to the Shares. Subject to any rights and restrictions for the time being attached
to any ordinary share, on a show of hands every shareholder present in person and every person representing a shareholder by proxy
shall, at a shareholders’ meeting, each have one vote and on a poll every shareholder 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.
Inspection
of Books and Records. Holders of our ordinary shares will have no general right under Cayman Islands
law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or corporate records. However, we will in provide shareholders with
the right to inspect the list of shareholders and to receive annual audited financial statements. See “Where You Can
Find More Information.”
Changes
in Capital. We may from time to time by ordinary resolution:
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increase the share capital
by such sum, to be divided into shares of such amount, as the resolution shall prescribe;
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divide the shares into several
classes and without prejudice to any special rights previously conferred on the holders of existing shares attach thereto
respectively any preferential, deferred, qualified or special rights, privileges, conditions or such restrictions which in
the absence of any such determination by our shareholders, as the board of directors may determine;
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consolidate and divide all
or any of the share capital into shares of a larger amount than the existing shares;
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subdivide the existing shares,
or any of them into shares of a smaller amount; or
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cancel any shares which,
at the date of the passing of the resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person.
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We
may by special resolution, subject to any confirmation or consent required by the Companies Act, reduce our share capital or any
capital redemption reserve in any manner permitted by law.
Indemnification
of Directors and Officers. Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and
articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision
may be held by the Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against willful
default, willful neglect, civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our memorandum and articles of association
will provide for indemnification of our officers and directors to the maximum extent permitted by law, including for any
liability incurred in their capacities as such, except through their fraud or dishonesty.
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling
us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is theretofore unenforceable.
We
have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in “Item
4. Information on the Company,” “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party
Transactions” or elsewhere in this annual report.
See
“Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—PRC Laws and Regulations Relating
to Foreign Exchange—Foreign Currency Exchange.”
The
following discussion of the material Cayman Islands, PRC and United States federal income tax consequences of an investment in
our ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this annual report on
Form 20-F, all of which are subject to change. This discussion 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. Accordingly, each investor
should consult its own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of an investment in our ordinary shares applicable under its
particular circumstances.
Cayman
Islands Taxation
We
are incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current law of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to income or capital gains
tax. In addition, dividend payments are not subject to withholding tax in the Cayman Islands.
PRC
Taxation
Our
subsidiaries and affiliated entities in China are companies incorporated under the PRC laws and, as such, are subject to PRC enterprise
income tax on their taxable income in accordance with the relevant PRC income tax laws. Pursuant to the PRC Enterprise Income
Tax Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate is generally applicable to both
foreign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises, except where a special preferential rate applies. The enterprise income
tax is calculated based on the entity’s global income as determined under PRC tax laws and accounting standards.
We
are subject to VAT at a rate of 6%, less any deductible VAT we have already paid or borne. We are also subject to surcharges on
VAT payments in accordance with PRC law. In addition, most of our subsidiaries in China that participate in the non-diploma education
service industry choose the simplified method of taxation where the VAT collection rate is 3%.
As
a Cayman Islands holding company, we may receive dividends from our PRC subsidiaries, Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo. The PRC
Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementing rules provide that dividends paid by a PRC entity to a non-resident enterprise
for income tax purposes is subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of 10%, subject to reduction by an applicable tax treaty with
China. Pursuant to the Arrangement between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double
Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, the withholding tax rate with respect to the payment of dividends by a PRC enterprise to a
Hong Kong enterprise may be reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25%
of the PRC enterprise. Pursuant to the Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on the Issues concerning the Application
of the Dividend Clauses of Tax Agreements, or SAT Circular 81, a Hong Kong resident enterprise must meet the following conditions,
among others, in order to apply the reduced withholding tax rate: (i) it must be a company; (ii) it must directly own
the required percentage of equity interests and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (iii) it must have directly
owned such required percentage in the PRC resident enterprise throughout the 12 months prior to receiving the dividends.
In August 2015, the State Administration of Taxation promulgated the Administrative Measures for Nonresident Taxpayers to Enjoy
Treatment under Tax Treaties, or SAT Circular 60, which became effective on November 1, 2015. SAT Circular 60 provides
that non-resident enterprises are not required to obtain pre-approval from the relevant tax authority in order to enjoy the
reduced withholding tax. Instead, non-resident enterprises and their withholding agents may, by self-assessment and
on confirmation that the prescribed criteria to enjoy the tax treaty benefits are met, directly apply the reduced withholding
tax rate, and file the necessary forms and supporting documents when performing tax filings, which will be subject to post-tax filing
examinations by the relevant tax authorities. Accordingly, we may be able to benefit from the 5% withholding tax rate for the
dividends it receives from Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo, if they satisfy the conditions prescribed under SAT Circular 81 and
other relevant tax rules and regulations. However, according to SAT Circular 81 and SAT Circular 60, if the relevant tax
authorities consider the transactions or arrangements we have are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment,
the relevant tax authorities may adjust the favorable withholding tax in the future.
If
our holding company in the Cayman Islands or any of our subsidiaries outside of China were deemed to be a “resident enterprise”
under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, it would be subject to enterprise income tax on its worldwide income at a rate of 25%,
which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders. See “Item 3. Key Information—D.
Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—If we are classified as a PRC “resident enterprise,”
we could be subject to PRC income tax at the rate of 25% on our worldwide income, and holders of our ordinary shares may be subject
to a PRC withholding tax upon the dividends payable and upon gain from the sale of our ordinary shares.”
United
States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The
following does not address the tax consequences to any particular investor or to persons in special tax situations such as:
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banks;
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financial
institutions;
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insurance
companies;
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regulated
investment companies;
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real
estate investment trusts;
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broker-dealers;
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persons
that elect to mark their securities to market;
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U.S.
expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.;
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governments
or agencies or instrumentalities thereof;
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tax-exempt
entities;
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persons
liable for alternative minimum tax;
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persons
holding our Ordinary Shares as part of a straddle, hedging, conversion or integrated transaction;
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persons
that actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting power or value (including by reason of owning our Ordinary Shares);
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persons
who acquired our Ordinary Shares pursuant to the exercise of any employee share option or otherwise as compensation;
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persons
holding our Ordinary Shares through partnerships or other pass-through entities;
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beneficiaries
of a Trust holding our Ordinary Shares; or
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persons
holding our Ordinary Shares through a Trust.
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Material
Tax Consequences Applicable to U.S. Holders of Our Ordinary Shares
The
following sets forth the material U.S. federal income tax consequences related to the ownership and disposition of our Ordinary
Shares. 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 the date of this annual report, all of which are subject to change. This description does not deal with
all possible tax consequences relating to ownership and disposition of our Ordinary Shares or U.S. tax laws, other than the U.S.
federal income tax laws, such as the tax consequences under non-U.S. tax laws, 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 federal income tax laws of the United
States in effect as of the date of this annual report and on U.S. Treasury regulations in effect or, in some cases, proposed,
as of the date of this annual report, 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 Ordinary Share 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;
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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;
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an
estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
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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.
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Taxation
of Dividends and Other Distributions on our Ordinary Shares
Subject
to the PFIC (defined below) rules 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 the Nasdaq Capital Market. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the availability
of the lower rate for dividends paid with respect to our Ordinary Shares, including the effects of any change in law after the
date of this annual report.
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 Shares 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 Shares, 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 Shares
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 Shares. 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
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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”).
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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 in this offering 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 Shares 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 (including the cash raised in this offering)
on any particular quarterly testing date for purposes of the asset test.
Based
upon our current and projected income and assets, we do not expect to be a PFIC for the current taxable year or the foreseeable
future. However, no assurance can be given in this regard because the determination of whether we are or will become a PFIC for
any taxable year is a factual determination made annually that will depend, in part, upon the composition and classification of
our income and assets. Furthermore, fluctuations in the market price of our ordinary shares may cause us to be classified as a
PFIC for the current or future taxable years because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test, including the value
of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles, may be determined by reference to the market price of our ordinary shares from
time to time (which may be volatile). In addition, the composition of our income and assets may also be affected by how, and how
quickly, we use our liquid assets and the cash raised in our initial public offering. Under circumstances where our revenue from
activities that produce passive income significantly increases relative to our revenue from activities that produce non-passive income,
or where we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes, our risk of becoming classified as a PFIC
may substantially increase.
If
we are a PFIC for your taxable year(s) during which you hold ordinary shares, 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 shares, 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 shares;
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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.
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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 shares 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 shares, 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 shares,
are treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment also applies to any loss realized on the actual sale or disposition of
the ordinary shares, to the extent that the amount of such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included
for such ordinary shares. 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 Shares” 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 Capital Market. If the ordinary shares are regularly
traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market 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 shares 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 shares, including regarding distributions received on the ordinary shares and any gain realized on the disposition
of the ordinary shares.
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 shares, then such ordinary shares 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 shares 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
shares for tax purposes.
You
are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to your investment in our ordinary shares and
the elections discussed above.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding
Dividend
payments with respect to our ordinary shares and proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of our ordinary shares may be
subject to information reporting to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and possible U.S. backup withholding under Section 3406
of the U.S. 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 shares, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for ordinary shares 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 shares.
|
F.
|
Dividends
and Paying Agents
|
Not
applicable.
Not
applicable.
We
are subject to certain of the informational filing requirements of the Exchange Act. Since we are a “foreign private issuer,”
we are exempt from the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements,
and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery
provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act, with respect to their purchase and sale of our shares. In addition, we
are not required to file reports and financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission as frequently or as promptly
as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we are required to file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission an Annual Report on Form 20-F containing financial statements audited by an independent accounting firm.
We also furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, on Form 6-K, unaudited financial information after each of our first
three fiscal quarters. Copies of reports and other information, when so filed with the SEC, can be inspected and copied at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington,
D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The public may obtain information regarding the Washington, D.C. Public Reference Room by calling the Securities and
Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that
contains reports and other information that we file with or furnish electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Additionally, documents referred to in this Form 20-F may be inspected at our corporate offices, which are located at 3rd Floor,
Tower A, Tagen Knowledge & Innovation Center, 2nd Shenyun West Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518000,
People’s Republic of China.
|
I.
|
Subsidiary
Information
|
Not
applicable.
|
ITEM
11.
|
QUANTITATIVE
AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|
Foreign
Exchange Risk
As
our principal activities are carried out in the PRC, our transactions are mainly denominated in RMB, which is not freely convertible
into foreign currencies. All foreign exchange transactions involving RMB must take place through the PBOC or other institutions
authorized to buy and sell foreign exchange. The exchange rates adopted for the foreign exchange transactions are the rates of
exchange quoted by the PBOC that are determined largely by supply and demand. In July 2005, the PRC government changed its decades-old
policy of pegging the value of RMB to the U.S. dollar, and RMB appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar over the following
three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between RMB and the U.S. dollar remained
within a narrow band. Since June 2010, RMB has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. It
is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between RMB and the U.S.
dollar in the future. The management does not expect that there will be any significant currency risk for us during the reporting
periods.
Credit
and Concentration Risk
Our
credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, prepayments and other current assets, and accounts
receivable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments represent the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk.
We
expect that there is no significant credit risk associated with the cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
which are held by reputable financial institutions in the jurisdictions where we are located. We believe that it is not exposed
to unusual risks as these financial institutions have high credit quality. We have no significant concentrations of credit risk
with respect to its prepayments.
Accounts
receivable is typically unsecured and are derived from revenue earned either from franchisees or from students under the installment
payment arrangement. The risk with respect to accounts receivable is mitigated by credit evaluations performed on them.
The
credit risk exposure resulted from guarantee provided for customers under the installment payment arrangement are disclosed in
note 22(b) to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
Concentration
of Revenues
No
single customer represented 10% or more of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Concentration
of Accounts Receivable
We
have not experienced any significant recoverability issue with respect to its accounts receivable. We conduct credit evaluations
on our franchisees and students under the installment payment arrangements and generally does not require collateral or other
security from such franchisees and customers.
The
following table summarized parties with greater than 10% of the accounts receivable:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
%
|
|
|
%
|
|
Receivables from Franchisee A
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
Receivables from Franchisee B
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
Receivables from Franchisee C
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
Receivables from Franchisee D
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
11
|
|
Receivables from Franchisee E
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Receivables from Franchisee F
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
ITEM
12.
|
DESCRIPTION
OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
|
Not
applicable.
Not
applicable.
Not
applicable.
|
D.
|
American
Depositary Shares
|
Not
applicable.
NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In
thousands of RMB, except share data and per share data, or otherwise noted)
1.
|
Organization
and Principal Activities
|
Meten
EdtechX Education Group Ltd (the “Company”) was incorporated on September 27, 2019 under the law of Cayman Islands as an
exempted company with limited liability. The Company, through its subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”)
(collectively referred to as the “Group”) is primarily engaged in providing a wide range of educational programs, services
and products, consisting primarily of classroom-based English training services, overseas training services, online English training
services and operation of education software. All of the Group’s operations and customers are located in the People’s Republic
of China(“PRC”). The Company does not conduct any substantive operations of its own
As
of December 31, 2020, the details of the Company’s major subsidiaries, consolidated VIEs and the major subsidiaries of the VIEs
are as follows:
Entity
|
|
Date of
incorporation
|
|
Place of
incorporation
|
|
Percentage of
direct or indirect economic ownership
|
|
Principal activities
|
Major subsidiaries:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Meten International Education Group
|
|
July 10, 2018
|
|
Cayman Islands
|
|
100%
|
|
Investment holding
|
Meten Education Investment Limited (“Meten BVI”)
|
|
July 18, 2018
|
|
British
Virgin Islands (“BVI”)
|
|
100%
|
|
Investment holding
|
Likeshuo Education Investment Limited (“Likeshuo BVI”)
|
|
July 18, 2018
|
|
British
Virgin Islands (“BVI”)
|
|
100%
|
|
Investment holding
|
Meten Education (Hong Kong) Limited (“Meten HK”)
|
|
August 22, 2018
|
|
Hong Kong
|
|
100%
|
|
Investment holding
|
Likeshuo Education (Hong Kong) Limited (“Likeshuo HK”)
|
|
August 22, 2018
|
|
Hong Kong
|
|
100%
|
|
Investment holding
|
Zhuhai Meizhilian Education Technology Co., Ltd.(“Zhuhai Meizhilian”)
|
|
September 20, 2018
|
|
PRC
|
|
100%
|
|
Technology
development and education consulting service
|
Zhuhai Likeshuo Education Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhuhai Likeshuo”)
|
|
September 20, 2018
|
|
PRC
|
|
100%
|
|
Technology
development and education consulting service
|
VIEs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shenzhen Meten International Education Co., Limited (“Shenzhen Meten”)
|
|
April 3, 2006
|
|
PRC
|
|
100%
|
|
Offline English training
|
Shenzhen Likeshuo Education Co., Ltd. (‘‘Shenzhen Likeshuo’’)
|
|
October 26, 2018
|
|
PRC
|
|
100%
|
|
Online English training
|
VIEs’ major subsidiaries and schools:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shenzhen Qianhai Meten Technology Co., Ltd
|
|
October 30, 2013
|
|
PRC
|
|
80%
|
|
Online English training
|
Meten Education (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd
|
|
November
24, 2015
|
|
PRC
|
|
100%
|
|
Offline
English training
|
Nanjing Meten Foreign Language Training Co., Ltd
|
|
December 6, 2013
|
|
PRC
|
|
100%
|
|
Offline
English training
|
Chengdu Meten Education Technology Co., Ltd
|
|
April 20, 2016
|
|
PRC
|
|
100%
|
|
Offline
English training
|
Guangzhou Meten Education Technology Co., Ltd
|
|
March 29, 2016
|
|
PRC
|
|
100%
|
|
Offline English training
|
Beijing Jingchengying Education and Culture Development Co., Ltd.
|
|
September 16, 2002
|
|
PRC
|
|
80%
|
|
Offline English training
|
Beijing Jingcheng Education Network Technology Co., Ltd.
|
|
July 15, 2005
|
|
PRC
|
|
80%
|
|
Offline English training
|
Beijing Fengtai District ABC Foreign Language Training School
|
|
May 27, 2005
|
|
PRC
|
|
80%
|
|
Offline English training
|
Beijing Xicheng District ABC Foreign Language Training School
|
|
February 16, 2007
|
|
PRC
|
|
80%
|
|
Offline English training
|
Harbin ABC Foreign Language School
|
|
February 28, 2000
|
|
PRC
|
|
80%
|
|
Offline English training
|
Harbin ABC Culture Training School
|
|
November 18,2016
|
|
PRC
|
|
80%
|
|
Offline English training
|
Harbin Xiangfang District ABC Foreign Language School
|
|
July 31, 2006
|
|
PRC
|
|
80%
|
|
Offline English training
|
(b)
|
History
of the Group and reorganization
|
Organization
and General
The
Company is authorized to issue 500,000,000 ordinary shares with a par value of $0.0001 per share. On September 27, 2019, the Company
issued one ordinary share to its sole director Richard Fear for a purchase price of $ 0.0001. On the same day, the one ordinary share
owned by Richard Fear was transferred to Guo Yupeng.
Reverse
recapitalization
On
December 12, 2019, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among
the Company, EdtechX Holdings Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“EdtechX”), Meten Education Inc., a Delaware corporation
and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“EdtechX Merger Sub”), Meten Education Group Ltd.(“Meten International”),
a Cayman Islands exempted company which incorporated on July 10,2018 and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Meten Merger
Sub”, and together with EdtechX Merger Sub, the“Merger Subs”). EdtechX was a blank check company incorporated in Delaware
on May 15, 2018 for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar
business combination with one or more businesses or entities.
On
March 30, 2020, the Company consummated its acquisition of Meten International and EdtechX, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, where the
Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Meten International and EdtechX, i.e., 318,601,222 ordinary shares
of Meten International and 1,971,505 ordinary shares of EdtechX for 48,391,607 and 1,971,505 ordinary shares of the Company respectively.
Meten
International was determined to be the accounting acquirer given the controller of Meten International effectively controlled the combined
entity Meten EdtechX Education Group Ltd after the SPAC transaction.
The
transaction is not a business combination because EdtechX was not a business. The transaction is accounted for as a reverse
recapitalization, which is equivalent to the issuance of shares by Meten International for the net monetary assets of
EdtechX, accompanied by a recapitalization. Meten International is determined as the predecessor and the historical financial
statements of Meten International became the Company’s historical financial statements, with retrospective adjustments
to give effect of the reverse recapitalization. The equity is restated using the exchange ratio of 0.1519 established
in the reverse recapitalization transaction, which is 48,391,607 divided by 318,601,222, to reflect the equity structure of
the Company. Loss (income) per share is retrospectively restated using the historical weighted-average number of ordinary
shares outstanding multiplied by the exchange ratio. The share and per share data is retrospectively restated using the
exchange ratio in the share-based compensation footnote, see Note 20.
The
par value of ordinary shares was adjusted retrospectively from RMB219 to RMB34, the subscription receivable was adjusted
retrospectively from negative RMB 2 to RMB nil, and the difference of RMB183 was adjusted retrospectively as in addition
paid-in capital as of December 31, 2019. The consolidated statements of changes in equity (deficit) for the years ended
December 31, 2018 and 2019 were also adjusted retrospectively to reflect these changes.
The
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding used in computing net loss per ordinary share - basic and diluted was adjusted
retrospectively from 300,393,162 and 307,843,576 to 45,626,027 and 46,997,775 respectively for the years ended December 31, 2018; The
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding used in computing net loss per ordinary share - basic and diluted was adjusted
retrospectively from 318,601,222 to 48,391,607 for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The
loss per share before and after the retrospective adjustments are as follows.
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
Before
adjustment
|
|
|
After
adjustment
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Meten International’ shareholders – per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-Basic
|
|
|
0.16
|
|
|
|
1.04
|
|
-Diluted
|
|
|
0.15
|
|
|
|
1.01
|
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
Before
adjustment
|
|
|
After
adjustment
|
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
|
RMB
|
|
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Meten International’ shareholders – per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-Basic
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
|
|
(4.53
|
)
|
-Diluted
|
|
|
(0.69
|
)
|
|
|
(4.53
|
)
|
Immediately
prior to the merger transaction, Azimut Enterprises Holdings S.r.l. invested $20,000 in EdtechX to purchase 2,000,000 units of EdtechX,
which were converted into same number of units of the Company upon closing of the merger transaction.
In
connection with merger transaction, on February 28, 2020, March 19, 2020 and March 26, 2020, three unrelated investors agreed to invest
USD6,000, USD4,000 and USD6,000 to purchase shares of the Company. The financing of the USD12,000 was completed on March 30, 2020, and
the USD4,000 financing was terminated on April 14, 2020 as the investor failed to pay the purchase price by the agreed deadline.
Reorganization
of Meten International
Prior
to the SPAC Transaction, the Meten International undertook a series of steps to restructure its business.
Meten
International’s history began in April 2006 with the commencement of operations of Shenzhen Meten, a limited liability company
incorporated in the PRC by Mr. Jishuang Zhao, Mr. Siguang Peng and Mr. Yupeng Guo. On December 18, 2017, Shenzhen Meten converted into
a joint stock limited liability company and 30,000,000 shares of RMB1 each were issued.
From
March 2012 to August 2018, Mr. Yun Feng, Shenzhen Daoge Growth No.3 Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership), Shenzhen Daoge
Growth No.5 Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership), Shenzhen Daoge Growth No.6 Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership),
Shenzhen Daoge Growth No.11 Investment Fund Partnership (Limited Partnership), Shenzhen Daoge Growth No.21 Investment Fund Partnership
(Limited Partnership), Zhihan (Shanghai) Investment Center (Limited Partnership), Hangzhou Muhua Equity Investment Fund Partnership (Limited
Partnership) (collectively known as the “Pre-listing Investors”) each acquired certain equity interests in Shenzhen Meten.
In
preparation of the listing in capital markets of Shenzhen Meten’s general adult English training, overseas training services, online
English training and other English language-related services businesses (“the Business”), Shenzhen Meten has undergone a
series of reorganization transactions (“Reorganization”) in 2018. The main purpose of the Reorganization is to establish
a Cayman holding company for the Business in preparation for its overseas listing.
The
Reorganization was executed in the following steps:
|
1)
|
Meten
International was incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability in the Cayman
Islands on September 27, 2019 and as offshore holding company of the Group. In July and August
2018, the Founders and Pre-listing Investors subscribed for ordinary shares of Meten International
at par value, all in the same proportions as the percentage of the then equity interest they
held in Shenzhen Meten. Upon the issuance of ordinary shares to the Founders and Pre-listing
Investors, the equity structure of the Meten International is identical to that of Shenzhen
Meten.
|
|
2)
|
In
July 2018, Meten International further established two wholly-owned subsidiaries in the British
Virgin Islands, Meten BVI and Likeshuo BVI.
|
|
3)
|
In
August 2018, Meten BVI and Likeshuo BVI established two wholly-owned subsidiaries in Hong
Kong, Meten HK and Likeshuo HK, respectively.
|
|
4)
|
In
September 2018, Meten HK and Likeshuo HK established two wholly-owned subsidiaries in China,
named Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo, respectively.
|
|
5)
|
In
October 2018, Shenzhen Meten was split into three separate legal entities, namely Shenzhen
Meten, Shenzhen Likeshuo and Shenzhen Yilian Education Investment Co. Ltd. (“Shenzhen
Yilian Investment”).
|
|
6)
|
In
November 2018, Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo (collectively the “WFOEs”) entered
into a series of contractual arrangements, including a business cooperation agreement, exclusive
technical service and management consultancy agreement, exclusive call option agreement,
equity pledge agreement and shareholders’ rights entrustment agreement (collectively
referred to as the “Contractual Arrangements” as further described below) with
Shenzhen Meten, Shenzhen Likeshuo and their shareholders, respectively. Consequently, Shenzhen
Meten and Shenzhen Likeshuo became consolidated VIEs of Meten International upon the completion
of the relevant reorganization steps.
|
|
7)
|
As
part of the Reorganization, Shenzhen Meten transferred its equity interests in certain operations
that are not a part of the Business to Shenzhen Yilian Investment and made a net cash distribution
of approximately RMB148,270. Such net payment is recorded as distributions in connection
with Reorganization in the accompanying consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’
deficit for the year ended December 31, 2018.
|
The
Reorganization involved the restructuring of the legal structure of the Business, which was under common control and did not result in
any changes in the economic substance of the ownership and the Business. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
prepared as if the current corporate structure had been in existence throughout the periods presented.
Upon
completion of the Reorganization, Meten International’s shares and per share information including the basic and diluted income/(loss)
per share have been presented retrospectively as if the number of ordinary shares outstanding immediately after the completion of the
Reorganization had been outstanding from the beginning of the earliest period presented, except for the ordinary shares issued in connection
with the exchange of Redeemable Owner’s Investment held by the Pre-listing investors during the Reorganization have been weighted
for the portion of the period that they were outstanding.
Given
the uncertainties as to whether applicable PRC laws and regulations prohibit foreign investors from providing English language training
and value-added telecommunications services in the PRC, the Company operates substantially all of its business through its VIEs. To provide
the Company the control of the VIEs, Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo entered into a series of contractual arrangements with the VIEs
and their respective equity holders as follows:
Business
Cooperation Agreements
Pursuant
to the business cooperation agreements, the WFOEs shall provide management support, consulting services and technical services necessary
for the English training and relevant services, and in return, the VIEs shall pay services fees to the WFOEs accordingly as described
under the exclusive technical service and management consultancy agreement. Without the prior written consent of the WFOEs, the VIEs
and its affiliated entities cannot accept services provided by or establishing similar corporation relationship with any third party.
Exclusive
Technical Service and Management Consultancy Agreements
Pursuant
to the exclusive technical service and management consultancy agreements, the WFOEs agreed to provide exclusive technical services to
the VIEs and its affiliated entities. Without the prior written consent of the WFOEs, the VIEs and their respective affiliated entities
cannot accept services provided by or establishing similar corporation relationship with any third party. The WFOEs owns the exclusive
intellectual property rights created as a result of the performance of this agreement unless otherwise provided by the PRC laws or regulations.
In consideration of the technical and management consultancy services provided by the WFOEs, the VIEs and their respective affiliated
entities agreed to pay annual service fees to the WFOEs in an amount at the WFOEs’ discretion. As of December 31, 2018, no service
fee had been paid by and or was payable from the VIEs to the WFOEs.
Exclusive
Call Option Agreements
Under
the exclusive call option agreements, entered into among the VIEs, the WFOEs and each of the equity holders of the VIEs, each of the
equity holders of the VIEs irrevocably granted the WFOEs an exclusive option to purchase, or have its designated representatives to purchase,
to the extent permitted under PRC law, all or part of his or its equity interests in the VIEs. The WFOEs or its designated representatives
have sole discretion as to when to exercise such options, either in part or in full. The exercise prices for the VIEs is equal to the
lowest price as permitted under applicable PRC law and regulations. Without the WFOEs’ prior written consent, the VIEs’ equity
holders shall not sell or otherwise dispose of their beneficial interest, increase or decrease the registered capital, amend its articles
of association, create or allow any encumbrance on its assets or other beneficial interests and provide any loans or guarantees, etc..
The agreements expire upon transfer of all equity interest and assets of the VIEs to the WFOEs or its designated representatives.
Equity
Pledge Agreements
Pursuant
to the equity pledge agreements among the WFOEs, the VIEs and the equity holders of the VIEs, the equity holders of the VIEs shall pledge
all of their equity interests in the VIEs to the WFOEs to guarantee the performance by the VIEs and the equity holders’ performance
of their respective obligations under the Contractual Arrangements. In enforcing the pledge, if the VIEs and/or their shareholders breach
their contractual obligations under those agreements, the WFOEs, as pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights, including the right
to dispose of the pledged equity interests. This agreement is not terminated until all of the VIEs’ obligations have been fulfilled
under the Contractual Arrangements.
Shareholders’
Rights Entrustment Agreements
Pursuant
to the shareholders’ rights entrustment agreement signed between the WFOEs, the VIEs and the equity holders of the VIEs, the equity
holders of the VIEs irrevocably appointed the WFOEs as its attorney-in-fact to exercise on such shareholder’s behalf any and all
rights that such shareholder has in respect of its equity interest in the VIEs, including but not limited to executing the exclusive
right to convene and attend shareholders’ meeting, vote on all matters of the VIEs under their Articles of Association, nominate
and appoint directors and other senior management members of the VIEs. These agreements remain effective and irrevocable in the period
which can be extended under PRC laws until the WFOEs has purchased all equity of the VIEs under the exclusive call option agreements.
Spousal
Undertakings
Pursuant
to the spouse undertakings, the respective spouse of the individual shareholders of the VIEs has irrevocably agreed to the execution
of business cooperation agreement, exclusive technical service and management consultancy agreement, exclusive call option agreement,
equity pledge agreement and shareholders’ rights entrustment agreement. The respective spouse of the individual shareholders of
the VIEs further undertakes that he or she has not participated, is not participating and shall not in the future participate in the
operation, management, liquidation, dissolution and other matters in relation to the VIEs and its affiliated entities, and confirms that
the respective shareholder or its designated person can execute all necessary documents and perform all necessary procedures and give
effect to the fundamental purposes under the contractual arrangements mentioned above, and further confirms and agrees to all such documents
and procedures in relation to the spouse’s equity interest in the VIEs.
Through
the aforementioned contractual agreements, the Company has the ability to:
|
●
|
exercise
effective control over the VIEs whereby having the power to direct Shenzhen Meten and Shenzhen
Likeshuo’s activities that most significantly drive the economic results of them;
|
|
●
|
receive
substantially all of the economic benefits and residual returns, and absorb substantially
all the risks and expected losses from Shenzhen Meten and Shenzhen Likeshuo as if it was
their sole shareholder; and
|
|
●
|
have
an exclusive option to purchase all of the equity interests in Shenzhen Meten and Shenzhen
Likeshuo.
|
Management
therefore concluded that the Company, through the above Contractual Arrangements, has the power to direct the activities that most significantly
impact the VIEs’ economic performance, bears the risks of and enjoys the rewards normally associated with ownership of the VIEs,
and therefore the Company is the ultimate primary beneficiary of these VIEs. Consequently, the financial results of the VIEs were included
in the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
The
table sets forth the assets and liabilities of the VIEs included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
138,827
|
|
|
|
66,987
|
|
Contract assets
|
|
|
7,824
|
|
|
|
6,194
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
28,903
|
|
|
|
26,731
|
|
Other contract costs
|
|
|
54,088
|
|
|
|
33,153
|
|
Prepayments and other current assets
|
|
|
56,654
|
|
|
|
49,153
|
|
Amounts due from related parties
|
|
|
21,468
|
|
|
|
7,934
|
|
Prepaid income tax
|
|
|
12,265
|
|
|
|
13,046
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
320,029
|
|
|
|
203,198
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash
|
|
|
11,599
|
|
|
|
10,358
|
|
Other contract costs
|
|
|
10,114
|
|
|
|
19,995
|
|
Equity method investments
|
|
|
26,084
|
|
|
|
24,552
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
219,502
|
|
|
|
146,215
|
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets
|
|
|
484,225
|
|
|
|
322,559
|
|
Intangible assets, net
|
|
|
24,968
|
|
|
|
18,277
|
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
4,200
|
|
|
|
6,997
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
302,158
|
|
|
|
274,567
|
|
Long-term prepayments and other non-current assets
|
|
|
62,337
|
|
|
|
40,648
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets
|
|
|
1,145,187
|
|
|
|
864,168
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
1,465,216
|
|
|
|
1,067,366
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
14,648
|
|
|
|
9,762
|
|
Bank loans
|
|
|
92,000
|
|
|
|
133,900
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
408,287
|
|
|
|
341,934
|
|
Salary and welfare payable
|
|
|
71,334
|
|
|
|
65,927
|
|
Financial liabilities from contracts with customers
|
|
|
490,095
|
|
|
|
384,561
|
|
Accrued expenses and other payables
|
|
|
46,845
|
|
|
|
43,009
|
|
Current operating lease liabilities
|
|
|
142,155
|
|
|
|
131,151
|
|
Income taxes payable
|
|
|
495
|
|
|
|
267
|
|
Amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
851
|
|
|
|
159,739
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
1,266,710
|
|
|
|
1,270,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
60,528
|
|
|
|
46,927
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
14,085
|
|
|
|
7,661
|
|
Operating lease liabilities
|
|
|
333,613
|
|
|
|
200,409
|
|
Non-current tax payable
|
|
|
26,085
|
|
|
|
33,718
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current liabilities
|
|
|
434,311
|
|
|
|
288,715
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
1,701,021
|
|
|
|
1,558,965
|
|
The
table sets forth the results of operations of the VIE included in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive
income/(loss):
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
|
1,424,234
|
|
|
|
1,447,899
|
|
|
|
897,035
|
|
Net income/(loss)
|
|
|
53,755
|
|
|
|
(121,363
|
)
|
|
|
(283,829
|
)
|
The
table sets forth the cash flows of the VIE included in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows:
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities
|
|
|
78,680
|
|
|
|
(16,195
|
)
|
|
|
(164,268
|
)
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(74,793
|
)
|
|
|
(99,087
|
)
|
|
|
(54
|
)
|
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(142,633
|
)
|
|
|
72,778
|
|
|
|
91,241
|
|
The
unrecognized revenue producing assets that are held by the VIEs comprise of assembly workforce and intellectual property and trademarks
which were not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as they do not meet all the capitalization criteria.
In
accordance with the Contractual Arrangements, the Company has power to direct activities of the VIEs, and can have assets transferred
freely out of the VIEs without restrictions. Therefore the Company considers that there is no asset in the VIEs that can be used
only to settle obligations of the respective VIE, except for registered capital and the PRC statutory reserves. Relevant PRC laws
and regulations restrict the VIEs from transferring a portion of its net assets, equivalent to the balance of their registered
capital and statutory reserves, to the Company in the form of loans and advances or cash dividends. Please refer to Note 24
for disclosure of the restricted net assets.
As
the VIEs are incorporated as limited liability companies under the PRC Company Law, the creditors of the VIEs do not have recourse
to the general credit of the Company. There is currently no contractual arrangement that would require the Company to provide
additional financial support to the VIEs.
Risks
associated with VIE arrangements
There
are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the PRC laws and regulations, and the Company cannot
assure you that the PRC government would agree that the Group’s corporate structure or any of the above-mentioned Contractual
Arrangements comply with current or future PRC laws or regulations. The PRC laws and regulations governing the validity of these
Contractual Arrangements are uncertain and the relevant government authorities may have broad discretion in interpreting these
laws and regulations. If the Company and its consolidated VIEs are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws
or regulations, or fail to obtain any of the required licenses and permits, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have
broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including:
|
(a)
|
revoking
the business licenses of such entities;
|
|
(b)
|
discontinuing
or restricting the operations of any transactions among the Company’s PRC subsidiaries
and the VIEs;
|
|
(c)
|
limiting
the Company’s business expansion in China by way of entering into contractual arrangements;
|
|
(d)
|
confiscating
the income of the VIEs or the Company’s PRC subsidiaries;
|
|
(e)
|
imposing
fines, penalties or other requirements with which the Company, its PRC subsidiaries or
consolidated VIEs may not be able to comply;
|
|
(f)
|
requiring
the Company to restructure its ownership structure or operations, terminate the Contractual
Arrangements with the VIEs and deregistering the equity pledges on the equity interest
in the VIEs, which in turn would affect its ability to consolidate, derive economic interests
from, or exert effective control over the VIEs;
|
|
(g)
|
restricting
or prohibiting its use of the proceeds of any offering to finance its business and operations
in China; or
|
|
(h)
|
restricting
the use of financing sources by the Company or the VIEs, or otherwise restricting the
Company or the VIEs’ ability to conduct business.
|
If
the imposition of any of these penalties precludes the Company from operating its business, it would no longer be in a position
to generate revenue or cash from it. If the imposition of any of these penalties causes the Company to lose its rights to direct
the activities of its consolidated VIEs or its rights to receive its economic benefits, the Company would no longer be able to
consolidate these entities, and its financial statements would no longer reflect the results of operations from the business conducted
by VIEs except to the extent that the Company receives payments from VIEs under the Contractual Arrangements. Either of these
results, or any other significant penalties that might be imposed on the Company in this event, would have a material adverse
effect on its financial condition and results of operations.
|
(d)
|
Basis
of presentation
|
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
(‘‘GAAP’’).
The
consolidated financial statements are presented in Renminbi (“RMB”), rounded to the nearest thousands except share
data and per share data, or otherwise noted.
|
(e)
|
Principles
of consolidation
|
The
Group’s consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries and its VIEs.
All transactions and balances among the Company, its subsidiaries and its VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Subsidiaries
are those entities in which the Company, directly or indirectly, controls more than one half of the voting powers; has the power
to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors; or to cast a majority of votes at the meeting of directors;
or has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the investee under a statute or agreement among the shareholders
or equity holders.
A
consolidated VIE is an entity in which the Company, or its subsidiary, through contractual agreements, bears the risks of, and
enjoys the rewards normally associated with ownership of the entity. In determining whether the Company or its subsidiaries are
the primary beneficiary, the Company considered whether it has the power to direct activities that are significant to the VIE’s
economic performance, and also the Group’s obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant
to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company, through
the WFOEs holds all the variable interests of the VIEs, and has been determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs.
|
2.
|
Liquidity
and Going Concern
|
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Group 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.
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements contemplate the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the
normal course of business. The realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business are
dependent on, among other things, the Group’s ability to operate profitably, to generate cash flows from operations, and
to pursue financing arrangements, including obtaining bank borrowings.
Historically,
the Group relied on external bank loans and financing from Pre-listing investors to fund its working capital and capital expenditure
requirements and to meet its obligations and commitments when they become due.
The
operations of all of the Group’s offline learning centers were suspended in February and March 2020 pursuant to the use
of emergency executive authority by central and local governments in relation to the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. The
suspension of the Group’s offline learning centers has had a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition
and results of operations.
As
reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Group incurred a
net loss of RMB 412,783 and had a net negative operating cash flow of RMB343,218. As of December 31, 2020, the Group had a total
deficit of RMB362,542 and net current liabilities of RMB929,158.
The
Group had taken actions to manage its costs and to conserve cash, including reducing operating expenses, negotiating rent concessions
for certain leased properties and closing underperforming learning centers. The Group has also migrated some offline general adult
ELT, overseas training and junior ELT courses to various online platforms to continue the delivery of the relevant training services.
The Group’s offline learning centers had been gradually reopened since April 2020 with approval of central and relevant
local governments. As of the date of issuance of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, a majority of the Group’s
offline learning centres have been partially or fully reopened.
The
Group has carried out a review of its cash flow forecast for the twelve months ending from the date of issuance of the accompanying
consolidated financial statements. Based on such forecast, management believes that adequate sources of liquidity exist to fund
the Group’s working capital and capital expenditures requirements, and other liabilities and commitments as they become
due. In preparing the cash flow forecast, management has considered historical cash requirements, working capital and capital
expenditures plans, estimated operating cash flows during forecast period taking into consideration the impact of COVID-19, existing
cash on hand, as well as other key factors, including utilization of credit facilities granted by financial institutions.
The
Group’s principal liquidity needs are to meet its working capital requirements, operating expenses and capital expenditure
obligations. The Group’s ability to fund these needs will depend on its future performance, which will be subject in part
to general economic, competitive and other factors beyond its control. These conditions raise substantial doubt as to the Group’s
ability to remain a going concern.
|
3.
|
Summary
of significant accounting policies
|
The
preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities
at the balance sheet date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are
not limited to, estimate of standalone selling prices of each unit of accounting in multiple elements arrangements, estimate of
breakage, the fair value of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests in business combinations,
the useful lives of long-lived assets including intangible assets, the fair value of the reporting unit for the goodwill impairment
test, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and other receivables, the realization of deferred tax assets, the fair value
of share-based compensation awards, lease liabilities, right-of-use assets and the recoverability of long-lived assets. Changes
in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and as such, differences
may be material to the consolidated financial statements.
The
Group use RMB as its reporting currency. The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries incorporated outside of the
PRC is United States dollar (“US$”), while the functional currency of the PRC entities in the Group is RMB as determined
based on the criteria of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, Foreign Currency Matters.
|
(c)
|
Convenience
translation
|
Translations
of balances in the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) and consolidated statements
of cash flows from RMB into US$ as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 are solely for the convenience of the readers and
were calculated at the rate of US$1.00=RMB 6.525, representing the index rates stipulated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
on 31 December 2020. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled
into US$ at that rate on December 31, 2020, or at any other rate. The US$ convenience translation is not required under U.S. GAAP
and all US$ convenience translation amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited.
|
(d)
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
Cash
and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, and highly liquid investments. The Group considers highly liquid investments
that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash
equivalents. All of the Group’s bank deposits is RMB denominated and are placed with financial institutions in the PRC.
The Group does not have any cash equivalents as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
|
(e)
|
Short-term
investments
|
Short-term
investments include wealth management products, which are mainly deposits with variable interest rates placed with financial institutions.
The Group classifies the wealth management products as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded
at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related income tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are
excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. Realized
gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific-identification basis.
A
contract asset is recognized when the Group recognizes revenue before being unconditionally entitled to the consideration under
the payment terms set out in the contract. Contract assets are set off against financial liabilities with customers when the customers
are not entitled to full refund of the tuition fee paid (see note 3(r)).
Accounts
receivable primarily consists of receivables of franchise fees. Accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for doubtful
accounts. The Group uses specific identification in providing for bad debts when facts and circumstances indicate that collection
is doubtful and based on factors listed in the following paragraph. If the financial conditions of its franchisee were to deteriorate,
resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowance may be required.
The
Group maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make
required payments. In establishing the required allowance, management considers historical losses adjusted to take into account
current market conditions and customers’ financial condition, the amount of receivables in dispute, and the current receivables
aging and current payment patterns. Accounts receivable are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have
been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. As of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Group does not
have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure relate to its customers, except for the guarantees given to installment institutions
for loans granted to customers of the Group’s English training services in Note 23(b).
Contract
costs are the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs
that the Group incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that it would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained
e.g. an incremental sales commission. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract are capitalized when incurred if the costs relate
to revenue which will be recognised in a future reporting period and the costs are expected to be recovered. Other costs of obtaining
a contract are expensed when incurred. Capitalized contract costs are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment
losses.
Contract
costs capitalized as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 relate to the incremental sales commissions paid to third-party sales agents
or the Group’s sales personnel whose selling activities resulted in customers entering into sale and purchase agreements
for the Group’s services. Contract costs are recognized as part of “selling and marketing expenses” in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income/(loss) in the period in which revenue from the related services is recognized. The amount of
capitalized costs recognized in profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 were RMB 87,126, RMB 87,635
and RMB 59,014 respectively.
Restricted
cash mainly consists of security deposits for establishments of training schools as requested by local education bureau. Restricted
cash is classified as either current or non-current based on when the funds will be released in accordance with the terms of the
respective agreement for the establishment. Amounts included in restricted cash represent those required to be set aside by a
contractual agreement with education bureau.
|
(j)
|
Equity
method investments
|
Investee
companies over which the Group has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have a controlling interest through
investment in common shares or in-substance common shares, are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is
generally considered to exist when the Group has an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%,
and other factors, such as representation on the investee’s board of directors, voting rights and the impact of commercial
arrangements, are also considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate.
Under
the equity method, the Group initially records its investment at cost and subsequently recognizes the Group’s proportionate
share of each equity investee’s net income or loss after the date of investment into earnings and accordingly adjusts the
carrying amount of the investment. The Group reviews its equity method investments for impairment whenever an event or circumstance
indicates that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. The Group considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence
in evaluating potential impairment of its equity method investments. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying amount
of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary.
|
(k)
|
Property
and equipment, net
|
Property
and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recorded impairment.
Gains
or losses arising from the disposal of an item of property and equipment are determined as the difference between the net disposal
proceeds and the carrying amount of the item and are recognized in profit or loss on the date of disposal.
The
estimated useful lives are presented below.
|
Buildings
|
|
20 years
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
Shorter of the lease
term and the estimated useful lives of the assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
Motor vehicles
|
|
5 years
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equipment, fixture
and furniture, and other fixed assets
|
|
2 - 10 years
|
Depreciation
on property and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
The
Group capitalizes costs associated with the acquisition of major software for internal use in other assets in the consolidated
balance sheets and amortizes the assets over the expected life of the software, generally between five and ten years.
|
(l)
|
Business
combinations
|
Business
combinations are recorded using the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling
interests of the acquiree at the acquisition date, if any, are measured at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Goodwill
is recognized and measured as the excess of the total consideration transferred plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest
of the acquiree and fair value of previously held equity interest in the acquiree, if any, at the acquisition date over the fair
values of the identifiable net assets acquired. Consideration transferred in a business acquisition is measured at the fair value
as of the date of acquisition.
Major
business combinations occurred during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are disclosed in Note 5.
|
(m)
|
Acquired
intangible assets, net
|
Acquired
intangible assets other than goodwill mainly consist of trademark, backlog, customer relationship and favorable lease assets,
and are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization and impairment. Amortization of finite-lived intangible assets is computed
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. The amortization periods by intangible asset classes are as follows:
|
Trademark
|
|
10 years
|
|
|
|
|
|
Backlog
|
|
3 years
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer relationship
|
|
5.5 years
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reacquired right
|
|
1 year
|
|
(n)
|
Impairment
of long-lived assets
|
Long-lived
assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for
possible impairment, the Group first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to
its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash
flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined
through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals,
as considered necessary. No impairment losses were recorded for the years December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Policy
applicable before January 1, 2019:
Leases
where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the lessor are accounted for as operating leases.
Payments made under operating leases are charged to the consolidated statements comprehensive (loss) income on a straight-line
basis over the lease periods. Certain operating leases contain rent holidays and escalating rent. Rent holidays and escalating
rent are considered in determining the straight-line rent expense to be recorded over the lease term. The Group had no capital
leases for the years ended December 31, 2018.
Policy
applicable beginning January 1, 2019:
The
Group determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”)
assets, current and non-current lease liabilities on the Group’s consolidated balance sheets.
ROU
lease assets represent the Group’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease obligations represent the
Group’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities
are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most
of the Group’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Group use its incremental borrowing rate based on the information
available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The Group’s incremental borrowing rate
for a lease is the rate of interest it would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms.
The operating lease ROU assets also include initial direct costs incurred and any lease payments made to the lessor or before
the commencement date, minus any lease incentives received. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line
basis over the lease term.
Goodwill
represents the excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination.
Goodwill
is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that
it might be impaired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests
if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its
carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in business climate, legal factors, operating
performance indicators, competition, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit. Application of the goodwill
impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of the reporting unit, assignment of assets and liabilities to
the reporting unit, assignment of goodwill to the reporting unit, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit.
Estimating fair value is performed by utilizing various valuation techniques, with a primary technique being a discounted cash
flow which requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts,
estimation of the long term rate of growth for the Group’s business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows
will occur, and determination of the Group’s weighted average cost of capital.
The
Group has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of
a reporting unit is less than its carrying value prior to performing the two-step goodwill impairment test. If it is more-likely-than-not
that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required.
If the two-step goodwill impairment test is required, first, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying
amount (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, an indication of goodwill
impairment exists for the reporting unit and the Group performs step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two,
an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied
fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit
in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation and the residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value
of the reporting unit goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. The Group
performs its annual impairment review of goodwill at December 31 of each year. RMB 27,591 impairment losses were recorded for
goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2020.
Cash
proceeds received from customers are recorded as deferred revenue when the Group being unconditionally entitled to the tuition
fees/proceeds under the payment terms set out in the contract. Deferred revenue are recognized as revenues when revenue recognition
criteria are met.
The
Company adopted ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for all periods presented. Consistent with the criteria
of ASC 606, the Company follows five steps for its revenue recognition: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify
the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the
performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
The
primary sources of the Group’s revenues are as follows:
|
(1)
|
General
adult English training service and overseas training service
|
The
general adult English training service primarily consist of English classroom-based training. Course fees are generally collected
in advance as a package or paid under installment plans for: (i) service fee of main English classroom-based courses; (ii) service
fee of supplementary English classroom-based course; (iii) educational materials; and (iv) assessment of level of English proficiency.
The
overseas training services are provided for customers planning to take international standardized tests and/or study abroad. Such
services comprise international standardized test preparation courses and overseas study services.
The
customers can attend main English classroom-based course/overseas training for predetermined course hours in a predetermined period
of time. Supplementary English classroom-based course can be attend without limit in such period of time.
The
Group has assessed all variable considerations identified when determining the transaction price. In making such assessment, the
Group has considered various possible forms that variable considerations may take, including price concessions, discounts, rebates,
refunds, credits, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties or other similar items. Generally, customers are entitled to a short-term
course trial period/trial courses which commences on the date the course begins or the date of contract signed. Course fee refunds
are provided to customers if they decide not to participate in such course within the trial period/trial courses. In addition,
the Group offers refunds of the amount related to the course fee of the undelivered course hours after deducting 30% of it or
certain amount of teaching service fee for each completed course level to customers who withdraw from a course, provided attended
course hours are less than or equal to 30% of total hours in the courses at the time of withdrawal. No refund will be provided
for customers attending more than 30% of total hours in the underlying courses. Reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue arising
from refunds have been insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Each
type of service/product included in the course fee is a separate unit of accounting, as each type has distinct nature with different
patterns and measurements of transfer to the customers. The Group estimates standalone selling prices of each service/product
and recognizes them in different revenue recording methods.
For
main English classroom-based courses/overseas training services, revenues are recognized proportionately as the course hours are
consumed. Customers may not utilize all of their contracted rights within the service period. Such unutilized service treatments
are referred to as breakage. An expected breakage amount is determined by historical experience and is recognized as revenue in
proportion to the pattern of service utilized by the customers.
For
supplementary English classroom-based course, revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the entire main English classroom-based
course period.
For
educational materials and assessments of level of English proficiency, revenues are recognized according to the accounting policy
as set out in note 3(r)(4) below.
Course
fee received are initially recorded as financial liabilities from contracts with customers. During the trial period/trial courses,
the Group recognizes contract assets when revenues are recognized. After the completion of trial period/trial course but before
the completion of 30% of total hours in the courses, the contract assets are set off against the financial liabilities from contracts
with customers and recognition of revenue is recorded as a reduction of the related financial liabilities from contracts with
customers, and non-refundable amounts of course fee are transferred from financial liabilities from contracts with customers to
deferred revenue. After the completion of 30% of total hours in the courses, the remaining financial liabilities from contracts
with customers are reclassified as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheet and the recognition of revenue is recorded
as a reduction of the deferred revenue.
|
(2)
|
Online
English training services
|
The
Group operates “Likeshuo” platform to offer online live streaming English training services. Customers enroll for
online courses by the use of prepaid study cards.
The
Group has assessed all variable considerations identified when determining the transaction price. In making such assessment, the
Group has considered various possible forms that variable considerations may take, including price concessions, discounts, rebates,
refunds, credits, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties or other similar items. For courses offered on the “Likeshuo”
platform, the Group typically allows a refund of the course fees for any undelivered course/service hours after deducting a platform
operation charge associated with the delivering such courses/services online, provided that a customer shall apply for refund
at any time during these courses. Reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue arising from refunds have been insignificant for
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
The
proceeds collected for the study cards are initially recorded as financial liabilities from contracts with customers. Revenues
are generally recognized proportionately as the course/service hours are delivered.
|
(3)
|
Junior
English training
|
The
Group offers junior English training services under “Meten” brand and “ABC” brand. Customers attend the
classroom-based training for predetermined course hours in a predetermined period of time.
The
Group has assessed all variable considerations identified when determining the transaction price. In making such assessment, the
Group has considered various possible forms that variable considerations may take, including price concessions, discounts, rebates,
refunds, credits, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties or other similar items. For courses offered under “Meten”
brand, the refund policy is similar to the general adult English training service. For courses offered under “ABC”
brand, customers are generally entitled to full refund regarding the incompleted course hours after deduction of RMB 2,000 yuan
as the early contract termination fee if a student requests a refund within 30 days upon the commencement of the course. No refund
will be provided if a student requests a refund after 30 days upon the commencement of the course. Course fee received are initially
recorded as financial liabilities from contracts with customers. Within the trial period of 30 days, recognition of revenue is
recorded as a reduction of the related financial liabilities from contracts with customers. After 30 days upon the commencement
of the course, the remaining financial liabilities from contracts with customers are reclassified as deferred revenue in the consolidated
balance sheet and the recognition of revenue is recorded as a reduction of the deferred revenue. Revenues are generally recognized
proportionately as the course hours are delivered.
Sales
of goods are primarily derived from 1) sales of food and beverage during tuitions; and 2) delivery of educational materials and
assessment report of level of English proficiency as included in the package of general classroom-based English training services.
Revenue is recognized when the customer takes possession of and accepts the products.
|
(5)
|
Revenue
from other English language-related services
|
Revenue
from other English language-related services are primarily derived from franchising learning centers through which the franchisee
are authorized to use the Group’s brand and are required to adopt the Group’s centralized management system. An initial
franchise fee and one-time design consulting fee or a renewal franchise fee is received when the Group enters into or renew a
franchise agreement. During the term of the franchise, each franchised learning center are charged recurring franchise fees monthly
based on an agreed percentage of its collected course and service fees and related individual course materials fees. The revenue
of initial/renewal franchise fee is recognized on a straight-line basis over the franchise period. The revenue of one-time design
consulting fee is recognized when the consulting service is provided. The revenue of recurring franchise fee is recognized when
the Group and the franchisee confirm and agree the calculation of the fee at the end of each month during the franchise period.
Cost
of revenue consists of expenditures incurred in the generation of the Group’s revenue, includes but not limited to the course
content related costs, service fees paid to contract human teachers in courses, rental expenses, IT service costs and depreciations
for property and equipment.
(t)
|
Sales
and marketing expenses
|
Sales
and marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising costs, branding and marketing expenses, salary and welfare for sales and
marketing personnel, commission to distribution channels and sales and marketing personnel. The branding and marketing expenses
amounted to RMB 144,203, RMB 140,281 and RMB 123,308 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
(u)
|
General
and administrative expenses
|
General
and administrative expenses consist primarily of salary and welfare for general and administrative personnel, share-based compensation
expenses, agency expenses, depreciation expenses for property and equipment, property management fee and general office expenses.
(v)
|
Research
and development expenses
|
Research
and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Government
grant is recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the Group will comply with the conditions attach to it and the grant
will be received. Government grant for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the Group with no future related costs
or obligation is recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) when the grant becomes
receivable. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, RMB 7,817, RMB 5,773 and RMB 28,124 of government grants were
recognized, respectively.
Full
time employees of the Group in the PRC participate in a government mandated defined contribution plan, pursuant to which certain
pension benefits, medical care, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to the employees. Chinese labor
regulations require that the PRC subsidiaries and VIE of the Group make contributions to the government for these benefits based
on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government. The Group has
no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions made. Total amounts of such employee benefit expenses, which were
expensed as incurred, were approximately RMB 56,248, RMB 62,084 and RMB27,054 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and
2020, respectively.
Income
taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, if any. Deferred income
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change
in tax rates or tax laws is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income in the period the change in tax
rates or tax laws is enacted.
The
Group reduces the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance, if based on the available evidence, it is
‘‘more-likely-than-not’’ that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation
allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed at each reporting period based on a ‘‘more-likely-than-not’’
realization threshold. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative
losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, and the Group’s experience with
operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, if any, not expiring.
The
Group recognizes in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is ‘‘more-likely-than-not’’
to prevail based on the facts and technical merits of the position. Tax positions that meet the ‘‘more-likely-than-not’’
recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being
realized upon settlement. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
Interest and penalties recognized related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income tax expense in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income.
(z)
|
Share
based compensation
|
Share-based
awards granted to the employees in the form of share options are subject to service and non-market performance conditions. They
are measured at the grant date fair value of the awards. The compensation expense in connection with the shares awarded to employees
is recognized using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant,
with such estimate updated periodically and with actual forfeitures recognized currently to the extent they differ from the estimate.
In
determining the fair value of the shares awarded to employees, the discounted cash flow pricing model has been applied.
Estimation
of the fair value involves significant assumptions that might not be observable in the market, and a number of complex and subjective
variables, including the expected share price volatility (approximated by the volatility of comparable companies), discount rate,
risk-free interest rate and subjective judgments regarding the Company’s projected financial and operating results, its
unique business risks and its operating history and prospects at the time the grants are made.
In
accordance with the Company Laws of the PRC, the PRC Entities registered as PRC domestic companies must make appropriations from
its after-tax profit as determined under the PRC GAAP to non-distributable reserve funds including a statutory surplus fund and
a discretionary surplus fund. The appropriation to the statutory surplus fund must be at least 10% of the after-tax profits as
determined in accordance with the legal requirements in the PRC. Appropriation is not required if the surplus fund has reached
50% of the registered capital of the respective company. Appropriation to the discretionary surplus fund is made at the discretion
of the respective company.
The
use of the statutory reserves are restricted to the off-setting of losses or increasing capital of the respective company. All
these reserves are not allowed to be transferred to their investors in terms of cash dividends, loans or advances, nor can they
be distributed except under liquidation.
In
the normal course of business, the Group is subject to loss contingencies, such as legal proceedings and claims arising out of
its business, that cover a wide range of matters, including, among others, government investigations, shareholder lawsuits, and
non-income tax matters. An accrual for a loss contingency is recognized when it is probable that a liability has been incurred
and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. If a potential material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably
possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the
range of possible loss if determinable and material, is disclosed.
(ac)
|
Fair
value measurements
|
The
Group applies ASC 820, Fair Value measurements and Disclosures, for fair value measurements financial assets and financial liabilities
and for fair value measurements of non-financial items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements
on a recurring and non-recurring basis. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid
to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair
value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Group considers the principal
or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing
the asset or liability. ASC 820 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements.
ASC
820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of
unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.
The
hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level
1 measurements) and the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The
three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
|
●
|
Level
1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
that the Group has the ability to access at the measurement date.
|
|
●
|
Level
2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable
for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
|
|
●
|
Level
3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
|
The
level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest level input
that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. In situations where there is little, if any, market activity
for the asset or liability at the measurement date, the fair value measurement reflects management’s own judgments about
the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Those judgments are developed by management
based on the best information available in the circumstances.
The
carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, amounts due from related parties, accounts payable, amounts
due to related parties, income taxes payable, accrued expenses and other payables as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 approximate
their fair values because of short maturity of these instruments.
(ad)
|
Net
income/(loss) per share
|
Basic
net income/(loss) per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income/(loss) per share reflects the potential
dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised into common shares. Common share
equivalents are excluded from the computation of the diluted net income/(loss) per share in years when their effect would be anti-dilutive.
The Group has non-vested shares which could potentially dilute basic income/(loss) per share in the future. To calculate the number
of shares for diluted net income/(loss) per share, the effect of the non-vested shares is computed using the treasury stock method.
(ae)
|
Recently
issued accounting pronouncements
|
In
February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition
of ROU assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheets. Most prominent among the changes in the standard is the recognition
of ROU assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases. Under the standard, disclosures
are required to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of
cash flows arising from leases. The Group elected to recognize and measure leases existing at the beginning of the period of adoption
through a cumulative–effect adjustment using a modified retrospective approach, with certain practical expedients available.
The Group adopted the standard as of January 1, 2019 and applied the modified retrospective approach on this date by recording
a cumulative-effect adjustment. In addition, the Group elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition
guidance within the new standard.
The
following table summarizes the effect on the consolidated balance sheet as a result of adopting ASC 842.
|
|
December 31,
2018
As previously reported
|
|
|
Effect of the adoption of
ASC 842
|
|
|
January 1,
2019
As adjusted
|
|
Current portions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepayment and other current assets
|
|
|
104,761
|
|
|
|
(10,612
|
)
|
|
|
94,149
|
|
Current operating lease liabilities
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
99,706
|
|
|
|
99,706
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current portions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
397,490
|
|
|
|
397,490
|
|
Intangible assets, net
|
|
|
36,904
|
|
|
|
(6,305
|
)
|
|
|
30,599
|
|
Operating lease liabilities
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
280,867
|
|
|
|
280,867
|
|
The
Group has operating leases for learning centers, corporate offices, and office equipment. The Group’s leases are for an
initial 1 to 10 years’ term.
Short-term
leases are leases having a term of twelve months or less. The Group recognizes short-term leases on a straight-line basis and
does not record a related lease asset or liability for such leases.
In
June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses” (“ASU 2016-13”),
which introduces new guidance for credit losses on instruments within its scope. The new guidance introduces an approach based
on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including, but not limited to, trade and
other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and net investments in leases. The new guidance also modifies the impairment
model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires the entities to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized
loss on an available-for-sale debt security is a credit loss. The standard also indicates that entities may not use the length
of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a factor in concluding whether a credit loss exists. The ASU is
effective for Emerging Growth Company (“EGC”) for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods
within those fiscal years and effective for public companies excluding EGC and smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including
interim periods within those fiscal years. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated
financial statements.
In
January 2017, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the current two-step goodwill impairment test by eliminating Step two
of the test. The guidance requires a one-step impairment test in which an entity compares the fair value of a reporting unit with
its carrying amount and recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s
fair value, if any. This guidance is effective for EGC for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods
within those fiscal years and effective for public companies excluding EGC and smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2019, and should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for the interim or annual goodwill
impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption
of this guidance on its financial statements and related disclosures.
In
December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12 (“ASU 2019-12”), Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12
simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments
also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance.
For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal
years, beginning after December 15, 2020. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption of the amendments
is permitted. The Group is not early adopting the standard and it is in the process of evaluation the impact of adoption of this
new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In
March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-03 (“ASU 2020-03”), Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments. ASU
2020-03 represents changes to clarify or improve the Codification. The amendments make the Codification easier to understand and
easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. With regard to amendments related to Issue 1, Issue
2, Issue 4, and Issue 5, for public business entities, the amendments are effective upon issuance of this final Update, for all
other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application is permitted. The Group is not early adopting the standard and
it is in the process of evaluation the impact of adoption of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In
August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity
(“ASU 2020-06”), which focuses on amending the legacy guidance on convertible instruments and the derivatives scope
exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 simplifies an issuer’s accounting for convertible instruments
by reducing the number of accounting models that require separate accounting for embedded conversion features. ASU 2020-06 also
simplifies the settlement assessment that entities are required to perform to determine whether a contract qualifies for equity
classification. Further, ASU 2020-06 enhances information transparency by making targeted improvements to the disclosures for
convertible instruments and earnings-per-share (EPS) guidance, i.e., aligning the diluted EPS calculation for convertible instruments
by requiring that an entity use the if-converted method and that the effect of potential share settlement be included in the diluted
EPS calculation when an instrument may be settled in cash or shares, adding information about events or conditions that occur
during the reporting period that cause conversion contingencies to be met or conversion terms to be significantly changed. This
update will be effective for the Company’s fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within those
fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods
within those fiscal years. Entities can elect to adopt the new guidance through either a modified retrospective method of transition
or a fully retrospective method of transition. The Group is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU
2020-06 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosure.
4.
|
Risks
and Concentration
|
(a)
|
Foreign
exchange risk
|
As
the Group’s principal activities are carried out in the PRC, the Group’s transactions are mainly denominated in RMB,
which is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. All foreign exchange transactions involving RMB must take place through
the People’s Bank of China or other institutions authorized to buy and sell foreign exchange. The exchange rates adopted
for the foreign exchange transactions are the rates of exchange quoted by the People’s Bank of China that are determined
largely by supply and demand.
The
management does not expect that there will be any significant currency risk for the Group during the reporting periods.
(b)
|
Credit
and concentration risk
|
The
Group’s credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, prepayments and other current assets,
and accounts receivable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments represent the maximum amount of loss due to credit
risk.
The
Group expects that there is no significant credit risk associated with the cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
which are held by reputable financial institutions in the jurisdictions where the Company, its subsidiaries and VIEs are located.
The Group believes that it is not exposed to unusual risks as these financial institutions have high credit quality.
The
Group has no significant concentrations of credit risk with respect to its prepayments.
Accounts
receivable is typically unsecured and are derived from revenue earned either from franchisee or from customers under the installment
payment arrangement. The risk with respect to accounts receivable is mitigated by credit evaluations performed on them.
The
credit risk exposure resulted from guarantee provided for customers under the installment payment arrangement are disclosed in
Note 23(b).
|
(i)
|
Concentration
of revenues
|
No
single customer represented 10% or more of the Group’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
|
(ii)
|
Concentration
of accounts receivable
|
The
Group has not experienced any significant recoverability issue with respect to its accounts receivable. The Group conducts credit
evaluations on its franchisees and customers under the installment payment arrangements and generally does not require collateral
or other security from such franchisees and customers.
The
following table summarized party with greater than 10% of the accounts receivable:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
Receivables from Franchisee A
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
|
19
|
%
|
Receivables from Franchisee B
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
|
19
|
%
|
Receivables from Franchisee C
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
19
|
%
|
Receivables from Franchisee D
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
Receivables from Franchisee E
|
|
|
13
|
%
|
|
|
*
|
|
Receivables from Franchisee F
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
|
-
|
|
Assets
acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations were recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as of the respective
acquisition dates based upon their estimated fair values at such dates. The results of operations of businesses acquired by the
Group have been included in the consolidated statements of income (loss) since their respective dates of acquisition. The excess
of the purchase price at the acquisition date over the estimated fair values of the underlying assets acquired and liabilities
assumed was allocated to goodwill.
There
was no business acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19.
Business
acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2019:
On
May 31, 2019, Shenzhen Meten entered into several agreements with respect to certain business acquisitions, including 1)Yunnan
Meten Enterprise Management Co., Ltd.; 2) Nantong Meilianhang Education Consulting Co., Ltd.; 3) Nantong Chongchuang Xinlianyu
English Training School Co., Ltd.; and 4) Hefei Yilian Education Training Co., Ltd. (collectively referred as the “Acquirees”),
pursuant to which Shenzhen Meten agreed to acquire 100% equity interests in the Acquirees for a total cash consideration of RMB15,010.
Upon completion of the acquisition on May 31, 2019, the Acquirees became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Shenzhen Meten.
The
principal business activity of the Acquirees is providing general English language training service. The Acquirees were the franchised
stores of the Group prior to the acquisition and management considered the results of the Group’s operations involving franchisees
to be immaterial.
These
transactions were accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations.
The results of the Acquirees’ operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since
May 31, 2019. The revenue and net income of the Acquirees from the acquisition date to December 31, 2019 is RMB23,999 and RMB6,585
respectively.
The
allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values was as follows:
|
|
As of May 31,
2019
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
4,254
|
|
Prepayments and other current assets
|
|
|
8,974
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
6,959
|
|
Operating lease right-of-use
|
|
|
15,320
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
200
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(1,518
|
)
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
(25,098
|
)
|
Salary and welfare payable
|
|
|
(1,219
|
)
|
Accrued expenses and other payables
|
|
|
(2,795
|
)
|
Operating lease liabilities
|
|
|
(15,320
|
)
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
25,253
|
|
Total purchase consideration
|
|
|
15,010
|
|
The
intangible assets mainly consist of reacquired right. The fair values of the reacquired right of RMB200 is amortized within 1
year on a straight line basis. The goodwill of RMB25,253, which was primarily attributable to the synergies expected to be achieved
from the acquisition, was assigned to general English training unit and is not deductible for tax purposes.
The
fair value of the deferred revenue was estimated based on the costs of fulfilling the obligations plus a normal profit margin
under income approach.
Unaudited
Pro Forma Financial Information
The
following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 is presented as
if the acquisitions had been consummated on January 1, 2018 and after giving effect to acquisition accounting adjustments. These
pro forma results have been prepared for illustrative purpose only and do not purport to be indicative of what operating results
would have been had the acquisition actually taken place on the date indicated and may not be indicative of future operating results.
Unaudited
pro forma consolidated statements of comprehensive income(loss) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019:
|
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
1,455,736
|
|
|
|
1,464,028
|
|
Net income/(loss)
|
|
|
48,990
|
|
|
|
(228,193
|
)
|
Business
acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2018:
On
June 25, 2018, Shenzhen Meten entered into an agreement with the then shareholders of Beijing Jingchengying Education Culture
Development Co., Ltd. (referred as “ABC Education” which is the brand name of this company), pursuant to which Shenzhen
Meten agreed to acquire 80% equity interests in ABC Education for a cash consideration of RMB139,040. Upon completion of the acquisition,
ABC Education became a partially-owned subsidiary of Shenzhen Meten. The acquisition was consummated on June 30, 2018.
The
principal business activity of ABC Education is providing Junior English training service.
The
transaction was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. The
results of ABC Education’s operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since
June 30, 2018. The revenue and net loss of ABC Education from the acquisition date to December 31, 2018 is RMB62,791 and RMB11,520
respectively.
The
allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values was as follows. The
non-controlling interest represents the fair value of the 20% equity interest not held by the Company:
|
|
As of June 30,
2018
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
24,248
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
165
|
|
Prepayments and other current assets
|
|
|
43,122
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
2,517
|
|
Prepaid tax
|
|
|
613
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
3,804
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
3,679
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
41,010
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(1,467
|
)
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
(149,656
|
)
|
Salary and welfare payable
|
|
|
(6,981
|
)
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(17,832
|
)
|
Fair value of non-controlling interests
|
|
|
(26,070
|
)
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
221,888
|
|
Total purchase consideration
|
|
|
139,040
|
|
The
intangible assets mainly consist of trademark, backlog, customer relationship and favorable lease contracts. The fair values of
the trademark of RMB16,200, the backlog of RMB5,815, the customer relationship of RMB11,400 and the favorable lease assets of
RMB 7,565 are amortized over 10 years, 3 years, 5.5 years and 3 years, respectively on a straight line basis. The goodwill of
RMB 221,888, which was primarily attributable to the synergies expected to be achieved from the acquisition, was assigned to junior
English training unit and is not deductible for tax purposes.
The
fair value of the deferred revenue was estimated based on the costs of fulfilling the obligations plus a normal profit margin
under income approach.
Unaudited
Pro Forma Financial Information
The
following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 is presented as
if the acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2017 and after giving effect to purchase accounting adjustments. These pro
forma results have been prepared for illustrative purpose only and do not purport to be indicative of what operating results would
have been had the acquisition actually taken place on the date indicated and may not be indicative of future operating results.
Unaudited
pro forma consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018:
|
|
Year ended
December 31,
2017
|
|
|
Year ended
December 31,
2018
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
1,298,977
|
|
|
|
1,486,635
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
33,309
|
|
|
|
44,237
|
|
6.
|
Disposal
and closure of subsidiaries and branches
|
During
the year ended December 31,2020, due to the impact of COVID-19, the Group closed under-performing learning centers and subsidiaries
to reduce operating expense. Loss on disposal and closing of subsidiaries and branches amounting to RMB 31,884 were recorded in
the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2020.
During
the year ended December 31, 2019, the Group disposed Shenzhen Meten Oversea Education Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Meten
Oversea”), Shenzhen Shuangge Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Shuangge”) to Shenzhen Yilian Education Investment
Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Yilian Education”) and Shenzhen Xinlian Oversea Education Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen
Xinlian Oversea”) to two third-party individuals. The total cash consideration of the disposal of the three subsidiaries
were RMB1,275.Disposal gains amounting to RMB583 were recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for
the year ended December 31, 2019.
The
following table provides information about contract assets, accounts receivable, deferred revenue and financial liabilities from
contracts with customers.
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
30,654
|
|
|
|
52,866
|
|
Less: Allowance for doubtful debts (i)
|
|
|
(1,751
|
)
|
|
|
(25,853
|
)
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
28,903
|
|
|
|
27,013
|
|
Contract assets
|
|
|
7,824
|
|
|
|
6,194
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-current
|
|
|
408,287
|
|
|
|
341,934
|
|
-non-current
|
|
|
60,528
|
|
|
|
46,927
|
|
Financial liabilities from contracts with customers
|
|
|
490,095
|
|
|
|
384,561
|
|
|
(i)
|
Changes
in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
At the beginning of the year
|
|
|
125
|
|
|
|
1,751
|
|
Allowance made during the year
|
|
|
1,700
|
|
|
|
25,694
|
|
Write-off
|
|
|
(74
|
)
|
|
|
(1,592
|
)
|
At the end of the year
|
|
|
1,751
|
|
|
|
25,853
|
|
Significant
changes in the balances of contract assets, deferred revenue and financial liabilities from contracts with customers are as follows.
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
At the beginning of the year
|
|
|
14,208
|
|
|
|
7,824
|
|
Net off the beginning contract assets with financial liabilities, as the result of rights to consideration becoming unconditional
|
|
|
(13,527
|
)
|
|
|
(7,384
|
)
|
Contract assets recognized with the recognition of revenue during the year
|
|
|
7,143
|
|
|
|
5,754
|
|
At the end of the year
|
|
|
7,824
|
|
|
|
6,194
|
|
|
(b)
|
Deferred
revenue and financial liabilities from contracts with customers
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
At the beginning of the year
|
|
|
907,415
|
|
|
|
958,910
|
|
Net off the beginning contract assets with financial liabilities, as the result of rights to consideration becoming unconditional
|
|
|
(13,527
|
)
|
|
|
(7,384
|
)
|
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liabilities and financial liabilities at the beginning of the year
|
|
|
(709,412
|
)
|
|
|
(644,097
|
)
|
Increase due to cash received, excluding amount recognized as revenue or refunded
|
|
|
754,592
|
|
|
|
465,993
|
|
Disposal of subsidiaries
|
|
|
(5,256
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Business combination (note 4)
|
|
|
25,098
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
At the end of the year
|
|
|
958,910
|
|
|
|
773,422
|
|
Reconciliation
to the consolidated balance sheets
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Deferred revenue
|
|
|
468,815
|
|
|
|
388,861
|
|
Financial liabilities
|
|
|
490,095
|
|
|
|
384,561
|
|
8.
|
Prepayments
and other assets
|
The
prepayments and other assets consist of the following:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Prepayments and other current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Receivables from third-party payment channels (i)
|
|
|
17,420
|
|
|
|
17,983
|
|
Cash advanced to employees
|
|
|
275
|
|
|
|
517
|
|
Prepaid advertising and marketing fees
|
|
|
8,376
|
|
|
|
1,056
|
|
Prepaid rental and property management fees
|
|
|
12,528
|
|
|
|
3,109
|
|
Prepayment for purchase of office supplies
|
|
|
2,460
|
|
|
|
534
|
|
Books and other related educational materials (ii)
|
|
|
10,131
|
|
|
|
9,254
|
|
Prepayment for acquisition of subsidiaries
|
|
|
4,379
|
|
|
|
3,085
|
|
Prepaid taxes
|
|
|
3,704
|
|
|
|
4,837
|
|
Others
|
|
|
5,517
|
|
|
|
10,283
|
|
Total
|
|
|
64,790
|
|
|
|
50,658
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term prepayments and other non-current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepayment for leasehold improvement
|
|
|
10,923
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
Long-term rental deposits
|
|
|
51,512
|
|
|
|
40,704
|
|
Total
|
|
|
62,435
|
|
|
|
40,754
|
|
(i)
|
The
balances represent the course fee for the courses due from third-party payment channels
that are mainly due to timing difference between the Group’s receipts from the
third-party payment channels versus the third-party payment channels’ cash receipts
from the customers.
|
(ii)
|
Inventories
are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the
first-in, first-out method (FIFO) for all inventories.
|
9.
|
Equity
method investments
|
In
May 2006, the Group invested RMB 250 to acquire 30% equity interest of Xiamen Han’en Education Consulting Co., Ltd. and
in July and November 2016, the Group invested RMB 9,000 and RMB10,000 to acquire 15% and 20% equity interests of Shenzhen SKT
Education Technology Co., Ltd. and Beijing Wuyan Education Consulting Co., Ltd., respectively (“Wuyan”), which are
mainly engaged in educational services. The Group accounts for these investments under the equity method because the Group has
the ability to exercise significant influence but does not have control over the investees. In April 2018, the Group made additional
investment of RMB 3,750 in Wuyan to maintain its share of equity interests in this investee. The Group recognized (loss)/gain
on equity method investments of RMB1,668, RMB 2,658 and RMB(1,532) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
10.
|
Property
and equipment, net
|
Property
and equipment consists of the following:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Cost:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buildings
|
|
|
102,795
|
|
|
|
75,092
|
|
Motor vehicles
|
|
|
11,543
|
|
|
|
11,185
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
231,741
|
|
|
|
71,136
|
|
Equipment, fixture and furniture, and other fixed assets
|
|
|
62,571
|
|
|
|
49,823
|
|
Total cost
|
|
|
408,650
|
|
|
|
207,236
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
188,532
|
|
|
|
60,345
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
220,118
|
|
|
|
146,891
|
|
Depreciation
expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2018,2019 and 2020 were RMB 50,868, RMB 52,622 and RMB 50,319, respectively.
As
of December 31, 2018,2019 and 2020, the ownership certificates for buildings with carrying value of RMB25,604, RMB24,218 and nil
have not been obtained, respectively.
As
of December 31, 2018,2019 and 2020, the buildings with carrying value of nil, RMB60,328and RMB56,573 have been pledged for the
purpose of obtaining bank facilities.
11.
|
Intangible
assets, net
|
Intangible
assets, net, consist of the following:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Trademark
|
|
|
16,200
|
|
|
|
16,200
|
|
Backlog
|
|
|
5,815
|
|
|
|
5,815
|
|
Customer relationship
|
|
|
11,400
|
|
|
|
11,400
|
|
Reacquired right
|
|
|
200
|
|
|
|
200
|
|
Total cost
|
|
|
33,615
|
|
|
|
33,615
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: accumulated amortization
|
|
|
8,647
|
|
|
|
14,278
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets, net
|
|
|
24,968
|
|
|
|
19,337
|
|
Trademark,
backlog, customer relationship and favourable lease contracts were recorded as a result of business acquisitions as disclosed
in note 5.
The
Group recorded amortization expense of RMB 4,076, RMB 5,831 and RMB5,631 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020,
respectively.
Estimated
amortization expense of the existing intangible assets for the next five years is RMB 4,662, RMB 3,693, RMB 3,693, RMB 1,620 and
RMB 1,620 respectively.
Under
the current tax laws of Cayman Islands, the Company is not subject to tax on income, corporation or capital gain, and no withholding
tax is imposed upon the payment of dividends to shareholders.
|
(b)
|
The
British Virgin Islands (“BVI”)
|
Under
the current tax laws of the BVI, the Company’s BVI subsidiaries are not subject to any income taxes in BVI.
|
(c)
|
Hong
Kong Profits Tax
|
Under
the current Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance, the Company’s Hong Kong subsidiary is subject to Hong Kong profits tax on
its taxable income generated from the operations in Hong Kong. A Two-tiered Profits Tax rates regime was introduced since
year 2018 where the first HK$2,000 of assessable profits earned by a company will be taxed at half the current tax rate (8.25%)
whilst the remaining profits will continue to be taxed at 16.5%. There is an anti-fragmentation measure where each group will
have to nominate only one company in the group to benefit from the progressive rates. Payments of dividends by the subsidiary
to the Company is not subject to withholding tax in Hong Kong.
|
(d)
|
PRC
Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”)
|
On
March 16, 2007, the National People’s Congress of the PRC enacted the Enterprise Income Tax Law (“EIT Law”),
under which domestic companies would be subject to Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) at a uniform rate of 25%. The EIT
Law became effective on January 1, 2008.
In
November 30, 2018, Shenzhen Likeshuo received the High and New Technology Enterprise (“HNTE”) certificate from the
Guangdong provincial government. This certificate entitled Shenzhen Likeshuo to enjoy a preferential income tax rate of 15% for
a period of three years from 2018 to 2020 if all the criteria for HNTE status could be satisfied in the relevant year.
In
September 2018, Zhuhai Meten and Zhuhai Likeshuo (collectively the “WFOEs”) were set up in Hengqin New Area of Guangdong
Province. The WFOEs engage in the High and New Technology Industry, which are eligible for a preferential income tax rate of 15%
for a period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020 according to the Notice (Cai Shui [2014] No. 26) issued by Ministry of Finance
and State Administration of Taxation.
All
the other PRC subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries of the Group are subject to income tax at 25%.
Under
the EIT Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside China with a “place of effective management”
within China is considered a China resident enterprise for Chinese enterprise income tax purposes. A China resident enterprise
is generally subject to certain Chinese tax reporting obligations and a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide
income. The implementation rules to the New EIT Law provide that non-resident legal entities are considered PRC residents if substantial
and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting, properties, etc., occur
within the PRC. Despite the present uncertainties resulting from the limited PRC tax guidance on the issue, the Company does not
believe that the legal entities organized outside the PRC should be treated as residents for 2008 EIT law purposes. If the PRC
tax authorities subsequently determine that the Company and its subsidiaries registered outside the PRC are deemed resident enterprises,
the Company and its subsidiaries registered outside the PRC will be subject to the PRC income tax at a rate of 25%.
If
the Company were to be non-resident for PRC tax purposes, dividends paid to it from profits earned by the PRC subsidiaries after
January 1, 2008 would be subject to a withholding tax. The EIT law and its relevant regulations impose a withholding tax at 10%,
unless reduced by a tax treaty or agreement, for dividends distributed by a PRC-resident enterprise to its non-PRC-resident corporate
investor for earnings generated beginning on January 1, 2008. Earnings generated prior to January 1, 2008 are exempt from such
withholding tax. The Company has not recognized any deferred tax liability for the undistributed earnings of the PRC-resident
enterprise as of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, as the Company plans to permanently reinvest the earnings generated before
December 31, 2020 in the PRC.
Income
tax returns of PRC Entities are filed on an individual entity basis. The PRC Entities have calculated their income tax provision
using the separate return method in these consolidated financial statements.
Income
taxes
Income
tax expense consists of the following:
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Current income tax expense
|
|
|
20,720
|
|
|
|
18,752
|
|
|
|
8,589
|
|
Deferred income tax benefit
|
|
|
(6,266
|
)
|
|
|
(9,144
|
)
|
|
|
(2,786
|
)
|
Total
|
|
|
14,454
|
|
|
|
9,608
|
|
|
|
5,803
|
|
Tax
rate reconciliation
The
actual income tax expenses reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income(loss) for each of the years ended December
31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 differ from the amount computed by applying the PRC statutory income tax rate of 25% to income before
income taxes due to the following:
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Income/(loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
67,899
|
|
|
|
(215,461
|
)
|
|
|
(406,980
|
)
|
Computed expected tax expense/(benefit)
|
|
|
16,975
|
|
|
|
(53,809
|
)
|
|
|
(86,039
|
)
|
Increase/(decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-taxable income
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(816
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Non-taxable income due to disposal of subsidiaries
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(2,440
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Non-deductible expenses
|
|
|
1,766
|
|
|
|
25,099
|
|
|
|
6,463
|
|
Additional deduction for research and development expenses
|
|
|
(283
|
)
|
|
|
(2,353
|
)
|
|
|
(6,554
|
)
|
Preferential tax rate
|
|
|
166
|
|
|
|
11,370
|
|
|
|
4,727
|
|
Tax loss expired
|
|
|
1,619
|
|
|
|
6,271
|
|
|
|
12,128
|
|
EIT true-up difference
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
478
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Tax rate differential on deferred tax items
|
|
|
5,152
|
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Change in valuation allowance
|
|
|
(10,355
|
)
|
|
|
25,457
|
|
|
|
75,078
|
|
Others
|
|
|
(586
|
)
|
|
|
320
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
|
|
|
14,454
|
|
|
|
9,608
|
|
|
|
5,803
|
|
Deferred
taxes
The
tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred income tax assets and liabilities balances as of December
31, 2019 and 2020 are as follows:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax losses carried forward
|
|
|
84,066
|
|
|
|
152,728
|
|
Provision of other receivables
|
|
|
534
|
|
|
|
4,715
|
|
Deductible advertisement expenses
|
|
|
1,338
|
|
|
|
7,083
|
|
Accrued payroll and other expenses
|
|
|
2,735
|
|
|
|
1,990
|
|
Total gross deferred tax assets
|
|
|
88,673
|
|
|
|
166,516
|
|
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
|
|
|
(71,393
|
)
|
|
|
(146,471
|
)
|
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
|
|
|
17,280
|
|
|
|
20,045
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalized contract costs
|
|
|
(15,914
|
)
|
|
|
(13,606
|
)
|
Equity investment gain
|
|
|
(771
|
)
|
|
|
(388
|
)
|
Operating lease
|
|
|
(1,050
|
)
|
|
|
(263
|
)
|
Surplus on revaluation
|
|
|
(9,430
|
)
|
|
|
(6,452
|
)
|
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(27,165
|
)
|
|
|
(20,709
|
)
|
Net deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(9,885
|
)
|
|
|
(664
|
)
|
Reported
in Consolidated Balance Sheets as:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
4,200
|
|
|
|
6,997
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(14,085
|
)
|
|
|
(7,661
|
)
|
Net deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(9,885
|
)
|
|
|
(664
|
)
|
The
movements of the valuation allowance are as follows:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Balance at the beginning of the year
|
|
|
53,854
|
|
|
|
71,393
|
|
Business combination
|
|
|
4,069
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Disposal of subsidiaries
|
|
|
(4,394
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Addition/(decrease) during the year
|
|
|
25,457
|
|
|
|
75,078
|
|
Reversal
|
|
|
(7,593
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Balance at the end of the year
|
|
|
71,393
|
|
|
|
146,471
|
|
The
valuation allowance as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 was primarily provided for the deferred income tax assets of certain PRC
subsidiaries, which were in cumulative loss positions. In assessing the realization of deferred income tax assets, management
considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.
The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods
in which those temporary differences become deductible or utilizable. Management considers projected future taxable income and
tax planning strategies in making this assessment. The net operating losses carry forward of the Company’s VIE’s PRC
subsidiaries amounted to RMB598,202 as of December 31, 2020, of which RMB66,684, RMB41,454, RMB 37,827, RMB168,724 and RMB320,314
will expire if unused by December 31, 2021, 2022, 2023,2024 and 2025, respectively.
Non-current
income tax payable
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Beginning balance
|
|
|
6,801
|
|
|
|
26,085
|
|
Addition
|
|
|
19,284
|
|
|
|
7,633
|
|
Ending balance
|
|
|
26,085
|
|
|
|
33,718
|
|
RMB
26,085 and RMB 33,718 of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, if recognized, would affect the effective
tax rate. The unrecognized tax benefits mainly represent the estimated tax expenses of the Company would be required to pay, should
the deductibility of the expenses for tax purpose be denied by the PRC tax authorities in accordance with tax laws and regulations.
The unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 were included in other non-current liabilities. The Company is
currently unable to provide an estimate of a range of total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that is reasonably possible to
change significantly within the next twelve months. The accrued interest and penalties were recognized in the Consolidated Statements
of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as components of income tax expense.
According
to the PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the statute of limitation is three years if the underpayment of taxes is due
to computational errors made by the taxpayer or the withholding agent. The statute of limitation is extended to five years under
special circumstances where the underpayment of taxes is more than RMB 100. In the case of transfer pricing issues, the statute
of limitation is 10 years. There is no statute of limitation in the case of tax evasion.
Changes
in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 consisted of the following:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Beginning balance
|
|
|
276,905
|
|
|
|
302,158
|
|
Addition/(decrease) during the year (note 5)
|
|
|
25,253
|
|
|
|
(27,591
|
)
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
302,158
|
|
|
|
274,567
|
|
The
Group did not incur impairment loss on goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, and incurred RMB27,591 impairment
loss on goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2020.
|
14.
|
Accrued
expenses and other payables
|
Accrued
expenses and other payables consist of the following:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Accrued expenses and other payables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payables for purchase of property and equipment
|
|
|
4,953
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Deposits received from customers
|
|
|
4,296
|
|
|
|
1,710
|
|
Deposits received from franchisees
|
|
|
2,907
|
|
|
|
2,967
|
|
Accrued rental, utility and other expenses
|
|
|
4,019
|
|
|
|
10,859
|
|
VAT and other taxes payable
|
|
|
8,834
|
|
|
|
13,380
|
|
Payables for refund of tuition fee
|
|
|
9,670
|
|
|
|
4,143
|
|
Amount due to non-controlling shareholders of subsidiaries
|
|
|
481
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Offering expenses
|
|
|
11,052
|
|
|
|
4,261
|
|
Others
|
|
|
2,245
|
|
|
|
8,710
|
|
Total
|
|
|
48,457
|
|
|
|
46,030
|
|
On
January 18, 2019, the Group entered into a loan agreement with China Ningbo Bank with a maturity date of January 17, 2020. As
of December 31, 2020, the aggregated draw amounted to RMB20,000 subject to a fixed interest rate of 5.28% per annum. The loan
was guaranteed by Mr. Zhao Jishuang, Mr. Peng Siguang and Mr. Guo Yupeng. The bank loan was fully repaid upon maturity.
On
January 18, 2020, the Group entered into a loan agreement with China Ningbo Bank with a maturity date of April 18, 2020. As of
December 31, 2020, the aggregated draw amounted to RMB20,000 subject to a fixed interest rate of 4.80% per annum. The loan was
guaranteed by Mr. Zhao Jishuang, Mr. Peng Siguang and Mr. Guo Yupeng. The bank loan was fully repaid upon maturity.
On
September 5, 2019, the Group entered into a facility agreement with China Minsheng Bank with a maturity date of March 5, 2020.
As of December 31, 2020, the aggregated draw amounted to RMB2,000 subject to a fixed interest rate of 4.9%. The loan was guaranteed
by Mr. Zhao Jishuang, Mr. Peng Siguang and Mr. Guo Yupeng. The bank loan was fully repaid upon maturity.
On
June 20, 2019, the Group entered into a facility agreement with China Merchants Bank with a maturity date of June 20, 2020 (“CMB
Facility”). On November 5, 2019, the Group entered into a new facility agreement with China Merchants Bank with total facilities
of RMB100,000 and a maturity date of October 27, 2021 (“New CMB Facility”) which replaced the CMB Facility. The New
CMB Facilities were guaranteed by Mr. Zhao Jishuang, Mr. Peng Siguang and Mr. Guo Yupeng and pledged by the buildings of the Group
Company’s VIE. As of December 31, 2020, the Group had drawn down RMB30,000, RMB 30,000 and RMB 40,000 under the facilities,
which is subject to a fixed interest rate of 4.9%,5.0% and 5.0% respectively.
On
June 9, 2020, the Group entered into a loan agreement with China Construction Bank with a maturity date of July 9, 2021. On July 2,
2020, the Group entered into a loan agreement with China Construction Bank with a maturity date of July 2, 2021. As of December 31,
2020, had drawn down RMB9,900 and RMB15,100 under the agreements, which is subject to a fixed interest rate of 5.0%. The loan was
guaranteed by Shenzhen Yilian Education Investment Co., Ltd, Shenzhen Likeshuo network technology Co., Ltd., Mr. Zhao Jishuang, Mr.
Peng Siguang and Mr. Guo Yupeng.
On
March 27, 2020, the Group entered into a loan agreement with Postal Savings Bank of China Co. Ltd with a maturity date of March
26, 2021. As of December 31, 2020, the aggregated draw amounted to RMB5,000 subject to a fixed interest rate of 3.95% per annum.
The loan was guaranteed by Mr. Zhao Jishuang, Shenzhen High-tech Investment and Financing Guarantee Co., Ltd., Mr. Zhuo Mo and
Shenzhen Instant Education Co., Ltd. The bank loan was repaid RMB800 until December 31 2020.
On
October 19, 2020, the Group entered into a loan agreement with Industrial Bank Co. Ltd with a maturity date of October 19, 2021. As
of December 31, 2020, the aggregated draw amounted to RMB5,000 subject to a fixed interest rate of 4.35% per annum. The loan was
guaranteed by Mr. Zhao Jishuang, Mr.Zhao Jishuang, Mr. Zhuo Mo, Mr. Peng Siguang, Mr. Guo Yupeng, Shenzhen Meilian International
Education Co., Ltd. The bank loan was repaid RMB300 until December 31 2020.
Some of the Group’s loan agreements are subjected to covenant clause, whereby the Group was required to meet
certain key financial ratios. The Group has fulfilled the loan covenants as required in the loan contract.
The
component of lease cost was as follows:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Operating lease cost
|
|
|
158,410
|
|
|
|
150,224
|
|
Short-term lease cost
|
|
|
49,441
|
|
|
|
24,355
|
|
Total
|
|
|
207,851
|
|
|
|
174,579
|
|
Supplemental
balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Operating Leases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease right-of-use assets
|
|
|
484,225
|
|
|
|
332,559
|
|
Operating lease liabilities, current portion
|
|
|
142,155
|
|
|
|
131,151
|
|
Operating lease liabilities, non-current portion
|
|
|
333,613
|
|
|
|
200,409
|
|
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases
|
|
|
3.77 years
|
|
|
|
3.61 years
|
|
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases
|
|
|
5.18
|
%
|
|
|
4.89
|
%
|
Non-cancellable
operating lease rentals as of December 31, 2020 are payable as follows:
Years ending December 31,
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
2021
|
|
|
155,400
|
|
2022
|
|
|
90,074
|
|
2023
|
|
|
64,944
|
|
2024
|
|
|
32,367
|
|
2025
|
|
|
10,557
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
3,451
|
|
Total lease payment
|
|
|
356,793
|
|
Less: imputed interest
|
|
|
(25,233
|
)
|
Total
|
|
|
331,560
|
|
|
17.
|
Redeemable
Owners’ Investment
|
On
September 1, 2015, certain Pre-listing investors acquired equity interests in Shenzhen Meten (“First Tranche Redeemable
Owners’ Investment”) for a total consideration of RMB20,000.
On
June 24, 2016, certain Pre-listing investors acquired equity interests in Shenzhen Meten (“Second Tranche Redeemable Owners’
Investment”) for a total consideration of RMB170,000.
After
the above investments and as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the First and Second Tranche Redeemable Owners’ Investment (together,
‘‘Redeemable Owners’ Investment’’) represented 1.81% and 9.62% equity interest in Shenzhen Meten,
respectively.
The
holders of the Redeemable Owner’s Investment are entitled to the same voting rights, dividend rights and liquidation preference
as other equity holders of Shenzhen Meten, except for the followings:
Voting
rights
Holders
of the Redeemable Owners’ Investment are entitled to Veto right in the board of directors meeting or shareholders meeting
for certain events, including: (1) Merger, spin-off, dismissal, acquisition, liquidation which change the legal form of Shenzhen
Meten; (2) Material change of the principal activities of Shenzhen Meten; (3) Provide external guarantee or loans with amounts
over RMB5,000; and (4) Initiate a litigation or arbitration with the potential claim of over RMB1,000.
Redemption
At
the request of the holders of the Redeemable Owners’ Investment, Shenzhen Meten or the Founder Investors of Shenzhen Meten
(as defined in the capital contribution agreements and supplementary agreements) shall buy back all or portion of the Redeemable
Owners’ Investment held by such holder upon certain events, including: (i) the Shenzhen Meten’s failure to complete
a qualified public offering by December 31, 2018 (for certain holders of Second Tranche Redeemable Owners’ Investment) or
December 31, 2019 (for holders of First Tranche Redeemable Owners’ Investment and certain holders of Second Tranche Redeemable
Owners’ Investment) (ii) any material breach by Founder Investors or Shenzhen Meten which causes a material adverse effect
(as defined in the capital contribution agreements and supplementary agreements) on the business of Shenzhen Meten or any holder
of Redeemable Owners’ Investment, or in the event any Founder Investors or Shenzhen Meten gives any material misrepresentation
or engages in wilful or fraudulent misconducts, which causes a material adverse effect on the business of Shenzhen Meten or any
holder of Redeemable Owners’ Investment.
In
addition, certain holders of the Second Tranche Redeemable Owners’ Investment are entitled to exercise the redemption right
when Shenzhen Meten or the Founder Investors redeems the Redeemable Owners’ Investment from any other holders.
The
redemption price for the First Tranche Redeemable Owners’ Investment shall be the higher of: (1) original capital contribution
amounts plus a ten percent (10%) annual interest and (2) an amount equivalent to the amounts of Shenzhen Meten’s net assets
shared by the corresponding equity interest. Any cash dividends distributed by Shenzhen Meten will be deducted from the redemption
price.
The
redemption price for the Second Tranche Redeemable Owners’ Investment shall be the original capital contribution amounts
plus a ten percent (10%) annual interest. Any cash dividends distributed by Shenzhen Meten will be deducted from the redemption
price.
Redeemable
Owners’ Investment were classified as the mezzanine equity upon the contribution by the holders because they were redeemable
at the holders’ option any time after a certain date and was contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of certain events
that are outside of the Company’s control. The initial carrying value for the First Tranche Redeemable Owners’ Investment
are recorded at fair value, net of any costs related to the contribution.
For
each reporting period, the Company recorded accretions on the Redeemable Owners’ Investment to the respective redemption
value by using the effective interest rate method from the dates of capital contribution to the earliest redemption dates. The
failure to complete a qualified public offering by December 31, 2018 or 2019 would be considered the earliest redemption date.
The accretion is recorded against retained earnings, or in the absence of retained earnings, by charges against additional paid-in-capital,
or in the absence of additional paid-in-capital, by charges to accumulated deficit.
In
connection with the Reorganization in 2018, the holders of Redeemable Owners’ Investment exchanged their investment in Shenzhen
Meten for 36,416,120 ordinary shares of the Company all in the same proportions as the percentage of the then equity interest
they held in Shenzhen Meten. The ordinary shares exchanged do not have any redemption feature.
The
movements of Redeemable Owners’ Investment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 are summarized below:
|
|
First Tranche Redeemable Owners’ Investment
|
|
|
Second Tranche Redeemable Owners’ Investment
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Balances as of January 1, 2017
|
|
|
22,042
|
|
|
|
178,577
|
|
|
|
200,619
|
|
Accretion
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
|
17,000
|
|
|
|
19,000
|
|
Balances as of December 31, 2017
|
|
|
24,042
|
|
|
|
195,577
|
|
|
|
219,619
|
|
Accretion
|
|
|
1,096
|
|
|
|
8,718
|
|
|
|
9,814
|
|
Reclassification to permanent equity
|
|
|
(25,138
|
)
|
|
|
(204,295
|
)
|
|
|
(229,433
|
)
|
Balances as of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
18.
|
Revenue
and segment reporting
|
The
principal activities of the Group are providing a wide range of educational programs, services and products, consisting primarily
of general adult English training, overseas training services, online English training, junior English training and other English
language-related services in the PRC.
|
(a)
|
Disaggregation
of revenue
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Revenue from contracts with customers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General adult English training
|
|
|
810,218
|
|
|
|
690,534
|
|
|
|
240,103
|
|
Overseas training services
|
|
|
223,601
|
|
|
|
203,677
|
|
|
|
130,567
|
|
Online English training
|
|
|
212,302
|
|
|
|
260,263
|
|
|
|
289,715
|
|
Junior English training
|
|
|
65,490
|
|
|
|
167,924
|
|
|
|
130,348
|
|
Sales of goods
|
|
|
93,538
|
|
|
|
93,454
|
|
|
|
93,397
|
|
Others English language-related services
|
|
|
19,085
|
|
|
|
32,047
|
|
|
|
12,905
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,424,234
|
|
|
|
1,447,899
|
|
|
|
897,035
|
|
|
(b)
|
Revenue
expected to be recognised in the future arising from contracts with customers in existence
at the reporting date
|
As
of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the aggregated amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations
under the Group’s existing contracts is RMB 951,086 and RMB 767,228 respectively. This amount principally represents revenue
expected to be recognized in the future from contracts for general adult English training, overseas training services, online
English training and junior English training entered into by the customers with the Group. The Group will recognize the expected
revenue in future as the service is rendered, which is expected to occur over the next 1 to 51 months.
The
Group’s chief operating decision makers has been identified as the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer who
review financial information of operating segments when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance
of the Group.
The
Group identified the following four operating segments, including general adult English training, overseas training services,
online English training and junior English training as reportable segments.
|
—
|
General
adult English training: this segment delivers English course to customers based on customers’
particular needs and in a convenient classroom setting at learning centres located across
the PRC.
|
|
—
|
Overseas
training services: this segment provides English test preparation courses training services,
consulting services related to overseas study and short-term study abroad programs services.
|
|
—
|
Online
English training: this segment provides tutorial courses through online platform of “Likeshuo”.
|
|
—
|
Junior
English training: this segment provides English courses to students aged between six
to 18 in a convenient classroom setting at learning centres located across the PRC.
|
Revenue
and expenses are allocated to the reportable segments with reference to revenue generated by those segments and the expenses incurred
by those segments.
The
measure used for reporting segment profit is gross profit (revenue less cost of sales).
Other
information together with the segment information, provided to the Group’s chief operating decision makers, is measured
in a manner consistent with that applied in these financial statements. There were no separate segment assets and segment liabilities
information provided to the Group’s chief operating decision makers, as they do not use this information to allocate resources
to or evaluate the performance of the operating segments.
|
(i)
|
Segment
revenue and results
|
Disaggregation
of revenue from contracts with customers by the timing of revenue recognition, as well as information regarding the Group’s
reportable segments as provided to the Group’s chief operating decision makers for the purposes of resource allocation and
assessment of segment performance for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 is set out below.
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2018
|
|
|
|
General adult
English training
|
|
|
Overseas training services
|
|
|
Online English training
|
|
|
Junior English
training
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Disaggregated by timing of revenue recognition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Point in time
|
|
|
93,538
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
93,538
|
|
Overtime
|
|
|
810,218
|
|
|
|
223,601
|
|
|
|
212,302
|
|
|
|
65,490
|
|
|
|
1,311,611
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue from external customers
|
|
|
903,756
|
|
|
|
223,601
|
|
|
|
212,302
|
|
|
|
65,490
|
|
|
|
1,405,149
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reportable segment revenue
|
|
|
903,756
|
|
|
|
223,601
|
|
|
|
212,302
|
|
|
|
65,490
|
|
|
|
1,405,149
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reportable segment gross profit
|
|
|
566,994
|
|
|
|
103,703
|
|
|
|
97,144
|
|
|
|
23,717
|
|
|
|
791,558
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2019
|
|
|
|
General adult
English training
|
|
|
Overseas training services
|
|
|
Online English training
|
|
|
Junior English
training
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Disaggregated by timing of revenue recognition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Point in time
|
|
|
93,454
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
93,454
|
|
Overtime
|
|
|
690,534
|
|
|
|
203,677
|
|
|
|
260,263
|
|
|
|
167,924
|
|
|
|
1,322,398
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue from external customers
|
|
|
783,988
|
|
|
|
203,677
|
|
|
|
260,263
|
|
|
|
167,924
|
|
|
|
1,415,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reportable segment revenue
|
|
|
783,988
|
|
|
|
203,677
|
|
|
|
260,263
|
|
|
|
167,924
|
|
|
|
1,415,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reportable segment gross profit
|
|
|
422,517
|
|
|
|
86,358
|
|
|
|
104,620
|
|
|
|
61,070
|
|
|
|
674,565
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
General adult
English training
|
|
|
Overseas training services
|
|
|
Online English training
|
|
|
Junior English
training
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Disaggregated by timing of revenue recognition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Point in time
|
|
|
93,397
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93,397
|
|
Overtime
|
|
|
240,103
|
|
|
|
130,567
|
|
|
|
289,715
|
|
|
|
130,348
|
|
|
|
790,733
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue from external customers
|
|
|
333,500
|
|
|
|
130,567
|
|
|
|
289,715
|
|
|
|
130,348
|
|
|
|
884,130
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reportable segment revenue
|
|
|
333,500
|
|
|
|
130,567
|
|
|
|
289,715
|
|
|
|
130,348
|
|
|
|
884,130
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reportable segment gross profit
|
|
|
104,875
|
|
|
|
34,318
|
|
|
|
119,438
|
|
|
|
27,933
|
|
|
|
286,564
|
|
|
(ii)
|
Reconciliations
of reportable segment revenues and profit or loss
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reportable segment revenue
|
|
|
1,405,149
|
|
|
|
1,415,852
|
|
|
|
884,130
|
|
Other revenue
|
|
|
19,085
|
|
|
|
32,047
|
|
|
|
12,905
|
|
Consolidated revenue (note 17(a))
|
|
|
1,424,234
|
|
|
|
1,447,899
|
|
|
|
897,035
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reportable segment profit
|
|
|
791,558
|
|
|
|
674,565
|
|
|
|
286,564
|
|
Other profit
|
|
|
17,113
|
|
|
|
31,040
|
|
|
|
12,592
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reportable segment profit derived from Group’s external customers
|
|
|
808,671
|
|
|
|
705,605
|
|
|
|
299,156
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and marketing expenses
|
|
|
(425,217
|
)
|
|
|
(437,986
|
)
|
|
|
(310,433
|
)
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
(253,939
|
)
|
|
|
(329,828
|
)
|
|
|
(238,592
|
)
|
Research and development expenses
|
|
|
(26,178
|
)
|
|
|
(32,333
|
)
|
|
|
(31,878
|
)
|
Interest income
|
|
|
1,150
|
|
|
|
1,633
|
|
|
|
448
|
|
Interest expenses
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
|
(2,453
|
)
|
|
|
(6,101
|
)
|
Foreign currency exchange gain/(loss), net
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
(19
|
)
|
|
|
(382
|
)
|
Gains/(losses) on disposal and closure of subsidiaries and branches
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
583
|
|
|
|
(31,884
|
)
|
Gains on available-for-sale investments
|
|
|
3,916
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Gains on Short-term investments
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
495
|
|
Government grants
|
|
|
7,817
|
|
|
|
5,773
|
|
|
|
28,124
|
|
Equity in income on equity method investments
|
|
|
1,668
|
|
|
|
2,658
|
|
|
|
(1,532
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(31,570
|
)
|
|
|
(23,414
|
)
|
|
|
(16,469
|
)
|
Share-based compensation expenses
|
|
|
(7,648
|
)
|
|
|
(96,661
|
)
|
|
|
(52,256
|
)
|
Warrant financing
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(41,118
|
)
|
Others, net
|
|
|
1,649
|
|
|
|
4,044
|
|
|
|
4,640
|
|
Unallocated head office and corporate expenses
|
|
|
(12,433
|
)
|
|
|
(13,062
|
)
|
|
|
(9,198
|
)
|
Consolidated (loss)/income before income tax
|
|
|
67,899
|
|
|
|
(215,460
|
)
|
|
|
(406,980
|
)
|
|
(iii)
|
Geographical
information
|
No
geographical information is presented as the operations, major customers and assets of the Group are substantially located in
the PRC.
19.
|
Net
income/(loss) per share
|
Basic
and diluted net income/(loss) per share for each of the years presented are calculated as follow:
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
(in
thousands of RMB, except share data and per share data)
|
|
Numerator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) available to shareholders of the Company - basic and diluted
|
|
|
47,440
|
|
|
|
(219,404
|
)
|
|
|
(410,985
|
)
|
Denominator
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares - basic
|
|
|
45,626,027
|
|
|
|
48,391,607
|
|
|
|
55,661,445
|
|
Effect of dilutive securities
|
|
|
1,371,748
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10,180,575
|
|
Dilutive effect of non-vested shares
|
|
|
46,997,775
|
|
|
|
48,391,607
|
|
|
|
65,842,020
|
|
Denominator for diluted net (loss)/income per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income/(loss) - basic
|
|
|
1.04
|
|
|
|
(4.53
|
)
|
|
|
(7.38
|
)
|
Net income/(loss) - diluted
|
|
|
1.01
|
|
|
|
(4.53
|
)
|
|
|
(6.24
|
)
|
20.
|
Share
based compensation
|
Shenzhen
Meten adopted the 2013 employee equity incentive plan (“2013 Plan”) for the granting of share-based awards to executive
management, key employees and directors of the Group in exchange for their services. Shenzhen Meten may, at its sole discretion,
grant any employee awarded share units of Shenzhen Meten, which are held by the participating employees through special purpose
vehicles.
According
to the term of the 2013 Plan, the awarded share units would be contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of certain events.
The repurchase price is determined based on a number of factors, including but not limited to the original subscription price
of the share units and the business performance of the Group. The Company has made an assessment of the cash settlement feature
in the award and the probability of the contingent event’s occurrence. Based on the assessment, the Company concluded that
the cash settlement feature could be exercised only on the occurrence of a contingent event that is outside the employee’s
control, and is not probable of occurring. Accordingly, the Company classified the award as equity.
In
conjunction with the Reorganization in 2018, the Group adopted the 2018 Share Incentive Plan (“2018 Plan”), which
was approved by the board of directors of the Company, to replace the 2013 Plan adopted by Shenzhen Meten. Under the 2018 Plan,
the maximum aggregate number of options that may be issued shall not exceed 20,085,242. The awards granted and outstanding under
2013 Plan adopted by Shenzhen Meten will survive and remain effective and binding under the 2018 Plan.
All
stock options granted under the 2018 Plan are not exercisable prior to the relevant shares becoming a listed security and certain
of the option granted to employees are required to render service to the Group in accordance with a service schedule stipulated
in the relevant award agreement.
In
the year ended December 31, 2017, 2,178,528 share units were granted to employees which carried a vesting period of 5 years and
a subscription price of RMB 1 per unit. On December 14, 2019 (“Vesting Commencement Date”), the Company further granted
8,357,311 share units to employees which vested one week after the Vesting Commencement Date at weighted average subscription
price of USD0.0055 per unit.
The
Company accounts for the compensation cost based on the fair value of the awarded share units on the grant-date, on which all
criteria for establishing the grant dates are satisfied. The grant-date fair value of the awarded share units is recognized as
compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in
exchange for the award, which is generally the vesting period.
The
following table sets forth the summary of the awarded shares unit activities. The number of awarded share units were retrospectively
adjusted to reflect the share capital structure of the Company as of December 31, 2020.
|
|
Number of
share units
|
|
|
Weighted
average grant-date fair value per share unit
|
|
As of January 1, 2018
|
|
|
1,854,193
|
|
|
|
24.16
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(72,865
|
)
|
|
|
38.52
|
|
As of December 31, 2018
|
|
|
1,781,328
|
|
|
|
23.47
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
1,269,373
|
|
|
|
70.32
|
|
As of December 31, 2019
|
|
|
3,050,701
|
|
|
|
43.52
|
|
In
connection with the Mergers, the Company adopted a new incentive plan to replace the 2018 Plan. The Company rolled over awards
granted under the 2013 Plan and 2018 Plan with the same amount and terms. As a result, options to purchase 3,050,701 of our ordinary
shares were issued and outstanding on March 30, 2020. Additionally, the Company reserved for issuance pursuant to the plan one
percent (1%) of the total issued and outstanding ordinary shares on the closing date (being 531,005 ordinary shares), and will
reserve an additional 1% of then-outstanding shares each year for a period of four years following the first anniversary of the
closing date of the Mergers.
The
share-based compensation expenses excluding Likeshuo HK of RMB 7,648, RMB 96,661 and RMB 27,664 were charged to general and administrative
expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020. As of December 31, 2020, there was approximately RMB6,351 excluding
Likeshuo HK of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awarded share units. The unrecognized compensation costs
are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.5 years.
The
estimated fair value of the awards on each date of grant was determined by management based on discounted cash flow method conducted
by Jones Lang LaSalle. The Grantor first determined its equity value by using income approach, which required the estimation of
future cash flows, and the application of an appropriate discount rate with reference to comparable listed companies engaged in
the similar industry to convert such future cash flows to a single present value, and then allocated the equity value into the
awarded shares. No income tax benefit was recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income(loss) as the share-based
compensation expense was not tax deductible. Service and non-market performance conditions attached to the arrangements were not
taken into account in measuring fair value. There were no market conditions associated with the arrangements.
Subsidiary-Likeshuo
HK
In
December 2020, Likeshuo HK adopted its 2020 Management Investment Plan (the “Likeshuo HK 2020 Plan”), which permits
the grant of restricted shares, options and share appreciation rights to the managements to purchase Likeshuo HK ‘s newly
issued shares. The acquisition (the “Likeshuo Management Investment”) of 15% of newly issued shares of Likeshuo HK
by certain senior members of the management of the Likeshuo online business and the reservation (the “Likeshuo ESOP Reservation”)
of 5% of shares of Likeshuo HK for future share incentive awards. The consideration in respect of the Likeshuo Management Investment
and Likeshuo ESOP Reservation consists of (i) RMB20,000 cash consideration payable from the relevant Likeshuo management’s
personal funds; and (ii) satisfaction of certain performance targets for the Likeshuo online business. The cash consideration
was determined based on the valuation of the Likeshuo online business, at approximately RMB301,200, as conducted by an independent
third-party valuer.Restricted shares are granted from post incentives and performance incentives, which are unlocked in three
years.
As
of December 31, 2020,the share option pool under the Likeshuo HK 2020 Plan approved by the Board of Directors of Likeshuo HK was
1,875 Likeshuo HK’s ordinary shares. The Likeshuo ESOP has reserved 625 Likeshuo HK’s ordinary shares. As of
December 31, 2020, the unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to its Restricted Shares is RMB15,650.The share-based
compensation expense of RMB 24,592 for Likeshuo ESOP was charged to general and administrative expenses for the year ended December
31,2020.
Ordinary
shares
On
September 27, 2019, the Company is authorized to issue 500,000,000 ordinary shares with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holder
of the Company’s ordinary shares are entitled to one vote for each share.
On
July 10,2018, Meten International was incorporated as limited liability company with authorized share capital of 380,000 Hong
Kong dollar (“HK$”) divided into 38,000,000 shares with par value HK $0.01 each. After the incorporation of Meten
International, the Founders and Pre-listing investors subscribed 47,035 ordinary shares of Meten International at par value of
HK $0.01.
In
December 2018, Meten International increased authorized share capital by creation of 500,000,000 shares with par value of US$0.0001
and issued 318,601,222 ordinary shares of US$0.0001 each, and repurchased the 47,035 existing issued ordinary shares of HK $0.01
par value each and decreased the authorized share capital by cancellation of all unissued shares of HK$0.01 each.
On
March 30, 2020, the Company consummated its acquisition of Meten International and EdtechX, pursuant to the merger agreement dated
December 12, 2019 (“Merger Agreement”). Total 318,601,222 ordinary shares in Meten International were converted to
48,391,607 ordinary shares of the Company. Total 1,971,505 ordinary share of EdtechX were converted to the equal shares of the
Company.
Immediately
prior to the merger transaction, Azimut Enterprises Holdings S.r.l. invested $20,000 in EdtechX to purchase 2,000,000 units of
EdtechX, which were converted into same number of units of the Holdco upon closing of the merger transaction.
In
connection with merger transaction, on February 28, 2020, March 19, 2020 and March 26, 2020, three unrelated investors agreed
to invest USD6,000, USD4,000 and USD6,000 to purchase shares of Holdco. The financing of the USD12,000 was completed on March
30, 2020, and the USD4,000 financing was terminated on April 14, 2020 as the investor failed to pay the purchase price by the
agreed deadline.
In
connection with the Mergers, the Company adopted a new incentive plan to replace the 2018 Plan. The Company rolled over awards
granted under the 2013 Plan and 2018 Plan with the same amount and terms. As a result, options to purchase 3,050,701 of our ordinary
shares were issued and outstanding on March 30, 2020. Additionally, the Company reserved for issuance pursuant to the plan one
percent (1%) of the total issued and outstanding ordinary shares on the closing date (being 531,005 ordinary shares), and will
reserve an additional 1% of then-outstanding shares each year for a period of four years following the first anniversary of the
closing date of the Mergers.
As
of December 31, 2019 and 2020, there were 48,391,607 and 56,874,548 ordinary shares issued and outstanding, respectively.
Warrants
As
of December 31,2020, there were 12,705,000 Warrants outstanding, the warrants have been trading on the Nasdaq Market under the
symbol “METXW” since May 27, 2020.
On
January 8, 2021, the company successfully completed a tender offer for its Warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares at a reduced exercise
price of $1.40. The offer expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on January 5, 2021.
The
Company raised $6,192,286.80 in gross proceeds from the cash exercise of 4,423,062 Warrants as part of the tender offer. In addition,
2,629,812 Warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares were validly tendered for cashless exercise, resulting in the issuance of 1,364,512
Ordinary Shares.
The
Company offered its existing loyal Warrant holders the opportunity to exercise their Warrants at $1.40 from the initial Warrant
exercise price at $11.50. Approximately 55.5% of the Company’s outstanding Warrants were exercised in the tender offer.
Net
proceeds are anticipated to be approximately $5,730,000 after deducting information agent fees, placement agent fees and other
offering expenses and are expected to primarily be used for potential acquisitions and working capital and for general corporate
purposes.
22.
|
Related
party transactions
|
In
addition to the related party information disclosed elsewhere in the consolidated financial statements, the Group entered into
the following material related party transactions.
Name
of party
|
|
Relationship
|
Mr. Zhao Jishuang
|
|
A major shareholder of the Company
|
Mr. Guo Yupeng
|
|
A major shareholder of the Company
|
Mr. Peng Siguang
|
|
A major shareholder of the Company
|
Zhongshi Qile (Beijing) Culture Media Co., Ltd. (“Zhongshi Culture”)
|
|
Fellow subsidiary
|
Shenzhen Meifu English Information Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Meifu English”)
|
|
Fellow subsidiary
|
Boston Global Education,INC (“Boston Global”)
|
|
Fellow subsidiary
|
Meten (U.S.A) Investment Holding Corporation (“Meten USA”)
|
|
Fellow subsidiary
|
Oxford International College Chengdu School (“Chengdu School”)
|
|
Fellow subsidiary
|
Meten International Educational Talent Management Service (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd (Meten Talent Service)
|
|
Fellow subsidiary
|
Shenzhen Sikete Education Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Sikete”)
|
|
Associate of the Group
|
Xiamen Siming District Meten English Training School (“Xiamen Siming Meten School”)
|
|
Associate of the Group
|
Shenzhen Mengdian Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Mengdian”)
|
|
Associate of the Group
|
Liketou (HK)
Co., Ltd.
|
|
Entity under significant influence of a key management
|
Shenzhen Shuangge Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Shuangge”)
|
|
Fellow subsidiary
|
Shenzhen Meten
Oversea Education Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Meten Oversea”)
|
|
Fellow subsidiary
|
Shenzhen Yilian Education Investment Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen Yilian Education”)
|
|
Fellow subsidiary
|
Xiamen Hanen Education Consulting
Co., Ltd (“Xiamen Hanen”)
|
|
Entity under significant influence of a key management
|
(a)
|
Major
transactions with related parties
|
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Advances from related parties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Meifu English
|
|
|
7,354
|
|
|
|
912
|
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
- Chengdu School
|
|
|
20,155
|
|
|
|
195
|
|
|
|
23,300
|
|
- Shenzhen Meten Oversea
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
17,113
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Liketou (HK) Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
9,629
|
|
|
|
201
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Xiamen Siming Meten School
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Shenzhen Shuangge
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
11,958
|
|
|
|
480
|
|
- Zhongshi Culture
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
318
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Meten Talent Service
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
118
|
|
|
|
4,991
|
|
- Xiamen Hanen
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
250
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Mr. Zhao Jishuang
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
30,893
|
|
Total
|
|
|
37,138
|
|
|
|
31,084
|
|
|
|
63,664
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment
of advances from related parties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Meifu English
|
|
|
2,161
|
|
|
|
6,503
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Chengdu School
|
|
|
16,173
|
|
|
|
12,476
|
|
|
|
14,000
|
|
- Liketou (HK) Co., Ltd.
|
|
|
7,494
|
|
|
|
2,336
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Shenzhen Meten Oversea
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
17,113
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Zhongshi Culture
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
318
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Xiamen Hanen
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
250
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Meten Talent Service
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
118
|
|
|
|
128
|
|
- Xiamen Siming Meten School
|
|
|
509
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Shenzhen Shuangge
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
11,192
|
|
|
|
176
|
|
- Xiamen Siming Meten School
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
Total
|
|
|
26,337
|
|
|
|
50,306
|
|
|
|
14,323
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances to related parties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Meifu English
|
|
|
43,705
|
|
|
|
9,989
|
|
|
|
2,681
|
|
- Zhongshi Culture
|
|
|
1,693
|
|
|
|
640
|
|
|
|
104
|
|
- Xiamen Siming Meten School
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
156
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Chengdu School
|
|
|
142
|
|
|
|
146
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
- Shenzhen Shuangge
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
5,307
|
|
|
|
261
|
|
- Shenzhen Meten Oversea
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
24,309
|
|
|
|
4,253
|
|
- Meten Talent Service
|
|
|
451
|
|
|
|
4,476
|
|
|
|
2,502
|
|
- Mr. Zhao Jishuang, Mr. Peng Siguang and Mr. Guo Yupeng
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Shenzhen Yilian Education
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
401
|
|
Total
|
|
|
49,023
|
|
|
|
45,033
|
|
|
|
10,219
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment of advances to related parties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Meifu English
|
|
|
87,462
|
|
|
|
19,887
|
|
|
|
4,549
|
|
- Zhongshi Culture
|
|
|
1,050
|
|
|
|
989
|
|
|
|
126
|
|
- Meten USA
|
|
|
4,869
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Mr. Zhao Jishuang, Mr. Peng Siguang and Mr. Guo Yupeng
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
13,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Xiamen Siming Meten School
|
|
|
3,563
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Chengdu School
|
|
|
88
|
|
|
|
151
|
|
|
|
49
|
|
- Shenzhen Shuangge
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
5,278
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Shenzhen Meten Oversea
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
24,253
|
|
|
|
1,045
|
|
- Boston Global
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Shenzhen Yilian Education
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Meten Talent Service
|
|
|
439
|
|
|
|
509
|
|
|
|
6,022
|
|
- Shenzhen Sikete
|
|
|
187
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Xiamen Siming Meten School
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
156
|
|
Total
|
|
|
97,680
|
|
|
|
64,077
|
|
|
|
11,947
|
|
|
(b)
|
Balances
with related parties
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
|
RMB’000
|
|
Amounts due from related parties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Zhongshi Culture
|
|
|
530
|
|
|
|
508
|
|
- Meifu English
|
|
|
4,618
|
|
|
|
2,751
|
|
- Xiamen Siming Meten School
|
|
|
401
|
|
|
|
246
|
|
- Chengdu School
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
|
17
|
|
- Meten Talent Service
|
|
|
3,979
|
|
|
|
458
|
|
- Shenzhen Meten Oversea
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
3,264
|
|
- Shenzhen Shuangge
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
289
|
|
- Shenzhen Yilian Education
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
401
|
|
Total
|
|
|
9,662
|
|
|
|
7,934
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Meifu English
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
4,012
|
|
- Xiamen Siming Meten School
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
- Chengdu School
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
9,354
|
|
- Shenzhen Meten Oversea
|
|
|
766
|
|
|
|
1,070
|
|
- Meten Talent Service
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
4,863
|
|
- Mr. Zhao Jishuang
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,893
|
|
Total
|
|
|
851
|
|
|
|
50,192
|
|
|
(i)
|
Advances
from/to these related parties are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.
|
23.
|
Commitment
and Contingencies
|
As
of December 31, 2020, capital commitments of the Group in respect of leasehold improvements and fixtures, fittings and other fixed
assets are RMB 4,104 due within a year.
(b)
|
Guarantees
given to installment institutions for loans granted to buyers of the Group’s training
services
|
The
Group, in cooperation with several third-party financing institutions (“Loan Institution(s)”), offers installment
payment option to its customers. The Loan Institutions remit the tuition fee to the Group for the borrowing customers to complete
their purchase of the course. The interest expenses of the installment are born by the borrowing customers. The borrowing customers
bear the interest expense and are obligated to repay the loan in pre-agreed installments over the periods ranging from 6 months
to 24 months to the Loan Institutions. According to the arrangement with one of these Loan Institutions, the Group is obligated
to repay 50 percent of the overdue amounts to this Loan Institution for any default in repayment by the borrowing customers.
The
management does not consider that the Group will sustain a loss under these guarantees during the year under guarantee based on
the good historical data and the Group can stop providing training services as soon as the overdue happens. The maximum amount
of undiscounted payments the Group would have to make in the event of default is RMB 13,463, RMB 199 and nil as of December 31,
2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The management considers the fair value of the guarantee is not significant to the consolidated
financial statements and does not recognized a liability based on the estimated fair value of the guarantee.
24.
|
Restricted
net assets
|
Relevant
PRC laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Group’s subsidiary and the VIE incorporated in the PRC only
out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition,
the Group’s subsidiary and the VIE in the PRC are required to annually appropriate 10% of their net after-tax income to
the statutory general reserve fund prior to payment of any dividends, unless such reserve funds have reached 50% of their respective
registered capital. As a result of these and other restrictions under PRC laws and regulations, the Group’s subsidiaries
and the VIEs incorporated in the PRC are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company
either in the form of dividends, loans or advances. There are no significant differences between US GAAP and PRC accounting standards
in connection with the reported net assets of the legally owned subsidiary in the PRC and the VIE. Even though the Company currently
does not require any such dividends, loans or advances from the PRC entities for working capital and other funding purposes, the
Company may in the future require additional cash resources from them due to changes in business conditions, to fund future acquisitions
and development, or merely to declare and pay dividends or distributions to the Company’s shareholders. Except for the above,
there is no other restriction on use of proceeds generated by the Group’s subsidiaries and the VIEs to satisfy any obligations
of the Company.
As
of December 31, 2020, the total restricted net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries and VIEs incorporated in PRC and subjected
to restriction amounted to RMB 129,057.
Offer
to Exercise Warrants at a Reduced Price
On
January 8, 2021, the company successfully completed a tender offer for its Warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares at a reduced exercise
price of $1.40. The offer expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on January 5, 2021.
Company
raised $6,192,286.80 in gross proceeds from the cash exercise of 4,423,062 Warrants as part of the tender offer. In addition,
2,629,812 Warrants to purchase Ordinary Shares were validly tendered for cashless exercise, resulting in the issuance of 1,364,512
Ordinary Shares.
The
company offered its existing loyal Warrant holders the opportunity to exercise their Warrants at $1.40 from the initial Warrant
exercise price at $11.50. Approximately 55.5% of the Company’s outstanding Warrants were exercised in the tender offer.
Net
proceeds are anticipated to be approximately $5,730,000 after deducting information agent fees, placement agent fees and other
offering expenses and are expected to primarily be used for potential acquisitions and working capital and for general corporate
purposes.