UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
☐ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OR 12(G) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2022.
FORM 20-F
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
OR
☐ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report
Commission file number: 001-38264
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Room 1301, Zi'an Building
309 Yuyuan Road, Jing'an District
Shanghai 200040
People’s Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices)
Yi Zuo, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +86 21 6205-0619
E-mail: ir@fsesa.com
At the address of the Company set forth above
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
American Depositary Shares, each two representing
one ordinary share, par value US$0.0001 per share*
Trading Symbol(s)
FEDU
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
*Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on the New York Stock Exchange of American depositary shares
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the Issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
21,238,806 ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share, as of February 28, 2022
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large accelerated filer
☐
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
Emerging growth company
☒
☒
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with
any new or revised financial accounting standards † provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ☒ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ☐ Other ☐
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 ☐ Item 18 ☐
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities
under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes ☐ No ☐
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
PART I
ITEM 1.
ITEM 2
ITEM 3
ITEM 4.
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
KEY INFORMATION
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
ITEM 4A.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 5.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 10.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 12.
PART II
ITEM 13.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 15.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
THE OFFER AND LISTING
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 16A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
ITEM 16B.
ITEM 16C.
CODE OF ETHICS
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 16D.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
ITEM 16E.
ITEM 16F.
ITEM 16G.
ITEM 16H.
ITEM 16I.
PART III
ITEM 17
ITEM 18
ITEM 19.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
EXHIBITS
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Unless otherwise indicated and except where the context otherwise requires:
INTRODUCTION
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“Four Seasons,” “we,” “us,” “our company” and “our” refer to Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted
company, and its subsidiaries, its VIEs and its VIEs’ affiliated entities;
“shares” or “ordinary shares” refer to our ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share;
“variable interest entities” or “VIEs” refers to Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Four Seasons
Education Investment Management Co., Ltd, which are PRC companies in which we do not have equity interests but whose financial results
have been consolidated into our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP as we have effective control over, and are
the primary beneficiary of this company; and “affiliated entities” refer to our VIEs, the VIEs’ branches and direct and indirect subsidiaries,
and the VIEs’ affiliated entities that registered as private non-enterprise institutions under the PRC laws;
“gross billings” refer to the total amount of cash received for the sale of courses in a specific period, net of the total amount of refunds in
such period but inclusive of sales tax and value-added tax, or VAT;
“K-12” refers to the three years before the first grade through the last year of high school;
“K9 Academic AST Services” refers to the offering of academic subjects to students from kindergarten through grade nine;
“learning center” refers to the physical establishment of a learning facility at a specific geographic location, directly owned and operated by
one of our VIEs or their affiliated entities;
“study camp” refers to our planned physical establishment of a facility catering for certain immersive enrichment activities at a specific
geographic location open to group or individual learners at all age;
“the 2020 fiscal year” refers to the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, “the 2021 fiscal year” refers to the fiscal year ended February 28,
2021 and “the 2022 fiscal year” refers to the fiscal year ended February 28, 2022;
“ADSs” refer to our American depositary shares, each two of which represents one ordinary share;
“China” or “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China, excluding, for the purpose of this annual report only, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and
Macau;
“RMB” and “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of China; and
“US$,” “U.S. dollars,” “$” and “dollars” refer to the legal currency of the United States.
All discrepancies in any table between the amounts identified as total amounts and the sum of the amounts listed therein are due to rounding.
This annual report on Form 20-F includes our audited consolidated balance sheets as of February 28, 2021 and 2022 and our audited consolidated
statements of operations, statements of comprehensive loss, statements of cash flows and statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years ended
February 28 or 29, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Our reporting currency is the Renminbi (“RMB”). The functional currency of our Company and subsidiaries incorporated outside the mainland
China is the United States dollar (“U.S. Dollar” or “US$”). The functional currency of all the other subsidiaries and our VIEs is RMB. This annual report
contains translations of certain Renminbi amounts into U.S. Dollars for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations of Renminbi
into U.S. Dollars have been made at the rate of RMB6.3084 to US$1.00, being the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in
Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in effect as of February 28, 2022 set forth in the H.10 statistical
release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board for translation into U.S. Dollars. We make no representation that the Renminbi or U.S. Dollar amounts referred
to in this annual report could have been or could be converted into U.S. Dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.
We listed our ADSs on the NYSE under the symbol “FEDU” on November 8, 2017.
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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of current or
historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made under the “safe harbor” provision under Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those listed under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors,” that may cause our actual results,
performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,”
“estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current
expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business
strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include statements about:
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government policies and regulations relating to our industry;
our goals and strategies;
our ability to maintain and increase our learner enrollment;
our ability to continue to offer new and attractive courses and increase our course fees;
our ability to retain our teachers, as well as our ability to engage and train new teachers;
our future business development, financial condition and results of operations;
expected changes in our revenues, costs or expenditures;
growth of and trends of competition in our industry;
our expectation regarding the use of proceeds from our initial public offering; and
general economic and business conditions in the PRC.
You should read this annual report and the documents that we refer to in this annual report with the understanding that our actual future results may
be materially different from and worse than what we expect. Other sections of this annual report include additional factors which could adversely impact
our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time
and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the
extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements made in this annual report
relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this annual report. Except as required by law, we undertake no
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This annual report also contains statistical data and estimates that we obtained from industry publications and reports generated by government or
third-party providers of market intelligence. Statistical data in these publications also include projections based on a number of assumptions. If one or more
of the assumptions underlying the market data are later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions.
You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
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ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
PART I
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
Our Holding Company Structure and Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated Affiliated Entities
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. is not a Chinese operating company but a Cayman Islands holding company with no equity ownership in the
VIEs. PRC laws and regulations place certain restrictions on foreign investment in and ownership of private education businesses. Accordingly, we conduct
our operations in the PRC principally through our VIEs, namely Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Four Seasons
Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., and their affiliated entities. We effectively control each VIE through contractual arrangements among such
VIE, its shareholder and Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Fuxi. Net revenues contributed by the VIEs accounted for
100% of our net revenues in the fiscal years ended February 28/29, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. As used in this annual report, “we,” “us,” “our
company,” and “our” refers to Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc., a Cayman Islands company, its subsidiaries, and, in the context of describing our
operations and consolidated financial information, the VIEs, including the VIEs’ affiliate entities. Investors of our ADSs are not purchasing equity interest
in the VIEs in China but instead are purchasing equity interest in a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and may never hold equity
interests in the VIEs.
The contractual arrangements, as described in more detail below, collectively allow us to:
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exercise effective control over each of our VIE and its affiliated entities;
receive substantially all of the economic benefits of each VIE; and
have an exclusive call option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in and/or assets of each VIEs when and to the extent permitted by
PRC laws.
As a result of the contractual arrangements, we are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs and its affiliated entities, and, therefore, have consolidated
the financial results of our VIEs and their affiliate entities in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
In the opinion of Fangda Partners, our PRC counsel:
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the ownership structure of Shanghai Fuxi and the VIEs does not violate applicable PRC laws and regulations currently in effect; and
the contractual arrangements between Shanghai Fuxi, the VIEs and their respective shareholders governed by PRC law currently are valid
and binding. However, we have been advised by our PRC legal counsel that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation
and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules, and there can be no assurance that the PRC regulatory authorities will
take a view that is consistent with the opinion of our PRC legal counsel. Especially, on July 24, 2021, the General Office of the CPC Central
Committee and the General Office of the State Council issued the Double Alleviating Opinions, which prohibits foreign investors from
investing into after-school tutoring institutions providing tutoring service related to academic subjects in compulsory education stage,
including through variable interest entity structure. Despite that rules and regulations have been promulgated in connection with the scope of
academic subjects in compulsory education stage, it remains unclear, and subject to relevant governmental authorities’ discretion, as to
whether the products and services we offer fall into the scope of academic subjects of compulsory
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education stage. Based on our consultation with relevant governmental authorities, we ceased offering the K9 Academic AST Services in
mainland China at the end of 2021, and believe that the remaining products and services we currently offer do not constitute “tutoring service
related to academic subjects of compulsory education stage” and thus not subject to the above restrictions. However, there can be no
assurance that we will not be subject to penalties for historical violation, or the interpretation and implementation of relevant governmental
authorities will not change in the future. Additionally, on April 7, 2021, the State Council promulgated the Amended Implementation Rules
for Private Education Law, which took effective on September 1, 2021. The Amended Implementation Rules for Private Education Law
stipulates that related party transactions to which a private school is a party would be required to be concluded on a fair and just basis without
impediment to the interests of the state, the school, the teachers and the students, which could potentially impact our contractual
arrangements with the VIEs. Please see “—Risks Relating to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system
could have a material adverse effect on us.”
A series of contractual agreements, including exclusive business service agreements, exclusive call option agreement, equity pledge agreement,
shareholder voting rights proxy agreement and irrevocable power of attorney, and spousal consent letter by and among our PRC subsidiary, VIEs and their
respective shareholders. These contractual agreements include:
Exclusive Service Agreement
Pursuant to the exclusive service agreement, Shanghai Fuxi has the exclusive right to provide or designate any third party to provide technical
services and management and consulting services to the VIE and its affiliated entities. In exchange, the VIE and its affiliated entities pay annual service
fees to Shanghai Fuxi in an amount at Shanghai Fuxi’s discretion. Without the prior written consent of Shanghai Fuxi, the VIE and its affiliated entities
cannot accept services provided by or establishing similar corporation relationship with any third party. Shanghai Fuxi owns the exclusive intellectual
property rights created as a result of the performance of this agreement unless otherwise provided by PRC laws or regulations. The agreement will remain
effective unless terminated upon the full exercise of call option in accordance with the exclusive call option agreement or unilaterally terminated by
Shanghai Fuxi with a notice 30 days in advance. Unless otherwise required by applicable PRC laws, the VIE and its affiliated entities do not have any right
to terminate the exclusive service agreement.
Exclusive Call Option Agreement
Pursuant to the call option agreement, the shareholder of our VIEs unconditionally and irrevocably granted Shanghai Fuxi or its designated third
party exclusive call options to purchase from the shareholder part or all of its equity interests in the VIEs, as the case may be, at the nominal price or for the
minimum amount of consideration permitted by the applicable PRC laws and regulations. Such shareholder will not grant a similar right or transfer any of
the equity interests in the VIE to any party other than Shanghai Fuxi or its designee, nor will it pledge, create or permit any security interest or similar
encumbrance to be created on any of the equity interests. Shanghai Fuxi has sole discretion to decide when to exercise the option, and whether to exercise
the option in part or in full. The agreement will remain effective unless terminated upon the full exercise of call option or unilaterally terminated by
Shanghai Fuxi with a notice 30 days in advance.
Equity Pledge Agreement
Pursuant to the equity pledge agreement, the shareholders of the VIEs unconditionally and irrevocably pledged all of its equity interests in the VIEs
to Shanghai Fuxi, to respectively guarantee the performance of the VIEs of its obligations under the relevant contractual agreements. Should the VIEs or its
shareholder breach or default under any of the contractual arrangements, Shanghai Fuxi has the right to require the transfer of the pledged equity interests
to itself or its designee, to the extent permitted by PRC law, or require an auction or sale of the pledged equity interests and has priority in any proceeds
from the auction or sale of such pledged interests. Moreover, Shanghai Fuxi has the right to collect any and all dividends in respect of the pledged equity
interests during the term of the pledge. Without the prior written consent of Shanghai Fuxi, the shareholder of the VIEs shall not transfer or dispose the
pledged equity interests or create or allow any encumbrance on the pledged equity interests that would prejudice Shanghai Fuxi’s interest. Unless the VIEs
has fully performed all of its obligations in accordance with the contractual agreements, or the pledged equity interests have been fully transferred to
Shanghai
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Fuxi or its respective designee in accordance with the exclusive call option agreement, or unilaterally terminated by Shanghai Fuxi with a 30-day prior
notice, the equity interest pledge agreement will continue to remain in effect.
The shareholder of the Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. has registered the equity pledge in favor of Shanghai Fuxi with the
local counterpart of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce in accordance with PRC laws and regulations.
Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement and Irrevocable Power of Attorney
The shareholder of the VIEs have each executed a shareholder voting rights proxy agreement appointing Shanghai Fuxi, or any person designated by
Shanghai Fuxi, as their proxy to act for all matters pertaining to such shareholding and to exercise all of their rights as shareholders, including but not
limited to attending shareholders’ meetings and designating and appointing directors, supervisors, the chief executive officer and other senior management
members, and selling, transferring, pledging or disposing the equity interests of the VIEs. Shanghai Fuxi may authorize or assign its rights to any other
person or entity at its sole discretion without prior notice to or prior consent from the shareholder of the VIEs. The agreement will remain effective unless
Shanghai Fuxi terminates the agreement by written notice or terminated upon the full exercise of call option in accordance with the exclusive call option
agreement.
Spousal Consent Letter
Pursuant to the spousal consent letter executed by the spouse of certain shareholders of our VIEs, each of such spouse unconditionally and
irrevocably agreed to the execution of exclusive service agreement, exclusive call option agreement, shareholder voting rights proxy agreement and
irrevocable power of attorney and equity pledge agreement described above by the applicable shareholder. They further undertakes not to make any
assertions in connection with the equity interests of the VIEs held by the applicable shareholder, and confirm that the shareholder can perform the relevant
transaction documents described above and further amend or terminate such transaction documents without the authorization or consent from such spouse.
The spouse of each applicable shareholder agrees and undertakes that if he/she obtains any equity interests of the VIEs held by the applicable shareholder
for any reasons, he/she would be bound by the transaction documents described above and the amended and restated exclusive service agreement between
Shanghai Fuxi and our VIEs. The valid term of spousal consent letter is same as the term of the exclusive call option agreement.
Terms contained in each set of contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their respective shareholders are substantially similar. As a result of the
contractual arrangements, we have effective control over and are considered the primary beneficiary of the VIEs for accounting purposes, and we have
consolidated the financial results of the VIEs in our consolidated financial statements.
The following diagram sets out details of our significant subsidiaries and VIEs as of this annual report:
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(1) Mr. Peiqing Tian holds 100% equity interest in Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd.
(2) Mr. Peiqing Tian and Ms. Suhua Zhu, hold 70% and 30% equity interests in Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd.,
respectively.
However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws and regulations, and there
can be no assurance that the PRC government will take a view that is not contrary to or otherwise different from the opinion of our PRC counsel. If the
PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our business do not comply with PRC government restrictions on
foreign investment in the business we engage in, we could be subject to severe penalties, including being prohibited from continuing operations. See “Item
3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure — Our business is subject to extensive regulation in the PRC. If the
PRC government finds that the contractual arrangement that establishes our corporate structure for operating our business does not comply with applicable
PRC laws and regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties.” and “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business
in the PRC — Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a material adverse effect on us.”
Furthermore, if our VIEs, their affiliated entities and the shareholders of the VIEs fail to perform their obligations under the contractual
arrangements, we may be limited in our ability to enforce such contractual arrangements that give us effective control. If we are unable to maintain
effective control over our VIEs and their affiliated entities, we would not be able to continue to consolidate their financial results in our consolidated
financial statements. In the 2020, 2021 and 2022 fiscal years, all of our revenue was derived from the operations of our VIEs and their affiliated entities.
We rely on dividends and other distributions paid to us by our PRC subsidiary, Shanghai Fuxi, which in turn depends on the service fees paid to Shanghai
Fuxi by our VIEs. There are significant PRC legal restrictions on the payment of dividends by PRC companies and restrictions on foreign exchange control
and foreign investments, all of which may adversely affect our ability to access the revenue of Shanghai Fuxi, our VIEs and VIEs’ consolidated entities. In
the 2022 fiscal year, Shanghai Fuxi received service fees of RMB20.8 million (US$3.3 million) from our VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries and did not distribute
any dividends. Notwithstanding our
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business decisions to continue to invest and expand our PRC operations and launching new programs, our PRC subsidiary may receive service fees from
our VIEs or make distributions to us in the future.
We face various risks and uncertainties related to doing business in China. Our business operations are primarily conducted in China, and we are
subject to complex and evolving PRC laws and regulations. For example, we face risks associated with regulatory approvals on offshore offerings, anti-
monopoly regulatory actions, regulations on the use of variable interest entities, and oversight on cybersecurity and data privacy, as well as the lack of
inspection on our auditors by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, which may impact our ability to conduct certain
businesses, accept foreign investments, or list and conduct offerings on a United States or other foreign exchange. These risks could result in a material
adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer securities to investors,
or cause the value of such securities to significantly decline. For a detailed description of risks related to doing business in China, “Item 3. Key Information
— D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC.”
The PRC government’s significant authority in regulating our operations and its oversight and control over offerings conducted overseas by, and
foreign investment in, China-based issuers could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors.
Implementation of industry-wide regulations in this nature may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline. For more details, see “Item 3.
Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC — The PRC government’s oversight and discretion over our business
operations could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs. ”
Risks and uncertainties arising from the legal system in China, including risks and uncertainties regarding the enforcement of laws and quickly
evolving rules and regulations in China, could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs. For more details, see “Item
3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC — Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a
material adverse effect on us.”
Permissions Required from the PRC Authorities for Our Operations
We conduct our business primarily through our subsidiaries and VIEs in China. Our operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations.
As of the date of this annual report, other than disclosed in “Item 3. Key Information-D. Risk Factors-Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC-We are
required to obtain various operating licenses and permits and to make registrations and filings for our current business in China; failure to comply with
these requirements may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations” and “If we fail to obtain and maintain the licenses and
approvals as well as registrations and filings required under the uncertain regulatory environment for online education in China, our business, financial
condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected,” based on the advice of our PRC counsel, we believe our PRC subsidiaries
and VIEs have obtained the most of the requisite licenses and permits from the PRC government authorities that are necessary for the business operations
of our PRC subsidiaries and the VIEs in China, including, among others, the Permit for Operating a Private School, license for internet information
services, or ICP license, the License for the Production and Operation of Radio and Television Program, and the Permit for Operating Publications
Business. Given the uncertainties of interpretation and implementation of relevant laws and regulations and the enforcement practice by relevant
government authorities, we may be required to obtain additional licenses, permits, filings, or approvals for our business operations.
Furthermore, in connection with our issuance of securities to foreign investors in the past, under current PRC laws, regulations, and rules, as of the
date of this annual report, we, our PRC subsidiaries, and the VIEs (i) have not been required to obtain permissions from or complete filings with the China
Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, (ii) have not been required to go through cybersecurity review by the Cyberspace Administration of
China, or the CAC, and (iii) have not received or have not been denied such requisite permissions by the CSRC or the CAC. Our PRC counsel has
consulted the relevant government authorities, which acknowledged that, under the currently effective PRC laws and regulations, a company already listed
in a foreign stock exchange before promulgation of the latest Cybersecurity Review Measures is not required to go through a cybersecurity review by the
CAC to conduct a securities offering or maintain its listing status on the foreign stock exchange on which its securities have been listed. Therefore, we
believe that under the currently effective PRC laws and regulations, we
9
are not required to go through a cybersecurity review by the CAC for conducting a securities offering or maintain our listing status on the NYSE.
However, the PRC government has recently indicated an intent to exert more oversight over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign
investment in China-based issuers like us and published a series of proposed rules for public comments in this regard, the enaction timetable, final content,
interpretation and implementation of most of which remains uncertain. Therefore, there are substantial uncertainties as to how PRC governmental
authorities will regulate overseas listing in general and whether we are required to complete filing or obtain any specific regulatory approvals from the
CSRC, CAC or any other PRC governmental authorities for our future offshore offerings. If we had inadvertently concluded that such approvals were not
required, or if applicable laws, regulations or interpretations change in a way that requires us to obtain such approval in the future, we may be unable to
obtain such necessary approvals in a timely manner, or at all, and such approvals may be rescinded even if obtained. Any such circumstance could subject
us to penalties, including fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to
offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. For more detailed information, see “Item 3. Key
Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC — The PRC government’s oversight and discretion over our business
operations could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs. ”
Cash and Asset Flows through Our Organization
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. is a holding company with no operations of its own. We conduct our operations in China primarily through
our subsidiaries and the VIEs and their subsidiaries in China. As a result, although other means are available for us to obtain financing at the holding
company level, Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.’s ability to pay dividends to the shareholders and to service any debt it may incur depends upon
dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries and license and service fees paid by the VIEs. If any of our subsidiaries incurs debt on its own behalf in the future,
the instruments governing such debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends to Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. In addition, to the extent cash or
assets in our business is in the PRC or Hong Kong or a PRC or Hong Kong entity, such cash or assets may not be available to fund operations or for other
use outside of the PRC or Hong Kong due to interventions in, or the imposition of restrictions and limitations on, the ability of our holding company, our
PRC subsidiaries, or the VIEs by the PRC government to transfer cash or assets. Cash may be transferred within our organization in the following manners:
Under PRC laws, Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. may, through its intermediary holding companies, provide funding to our PRC subsidiaries
only through capital contributions or loans, and to the VIEs only through loans, subject to satisfaction of applicable government registration and approval
requirements.
For the details of the financial position, cash flows and results of operation of the VIEs, please refer to the “Item 3. Key information-Financial
Information Related to the VIEs. ”
Our PRC subsidiaries and the VIEs are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds or may make appropriations to certain
discretionary funds, which are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of a solvent liquidation of the companies. For more details, see “Item
5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Holding Company Structure”, “Item 3. Key Information — D.
Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC — We may rely on dividends paid by our subsidiaries for our cash needs, and any limitation
on the ability of our subsidiaries to make payments to us could limit our ability to pay dividends to holders of our ADSs and common shares, and “Item 3.
Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC — Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive
and use our revenues effectively.”
We currently do not have cash management policies in place that dictate how funds are transferred between Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.,
our subsidiaries, the VIEs and the investors. Rather, the funds can be transferred in accordance with the applicable PRC laws and regulations. For purposes
of illustration, the following discussion reflects the hypothetical taxes that might be required to be paid within mainland China, assuming that: (i) we have
taxable earnings, and (ii) we determine to pay a dividend in the future:
10
(2)
Hypothetical pre-tax earnings
Tax on earnings at statutory rate of 25%
Net earnings available for distribution
Withholding tax at standard rate of 10%
Net distribution to Parent/Shareholders
(3)
(4)
Calculation
(1)
100.0 %
-25.0 %
75.0 %
7.5 %
67.5 %
Note:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
For purposes of this example, the tax calculation has been simplified. The hypothetical book pre-tax earnings amount, not considering timing
differences, is assumed to equal taxable income in China.
Under the terms of the VIE agreements, our PRC subsidiaries may charge the VIEs for services provided to VIEs. These service fees shall be
recognized as cost and expenses of the VIEs, with a corresponding amount as service income by our PRC subsidiaries and eliminate in
consolidation. For income tax purposes, our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs file income tax returns on a separate company basis. The service fees
paid are recognized as a tax deduction by our VIEs and as income by our PRC subsidiaries and are tax neutral.
Certain of our subsidiaries and VIEs qualify for a preferential income tax rate which is lower than the statutory rate of 25% in China. However,
such rate is subject to qualification, is temporary in nature, and may not be available in a future period when distributions are paid. For
purposes of this hypothetical example, the table above reflects a maximum tax scenario under which the full statutory rate would be effective.
The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law imposes a withholding income tax of 10% on dividends distributed by a foreign invested enterprise, or
FIE, to its immediate holding company outside of China. A lower withholding income tax rate of 5% is applied if the FIE’s immediate holding
company is registered in Hong Kong or other jurisdictions that have a tax treaty arrangement with China, subject to a qualification review at
the time of the distribution. For purposes of this hypothetical example, the table above assumes a maximum tax scenario under which the full
withholding tax would be applied.
Condensed Consolidating Schedule
The following table presents the condensed consolidating schedule of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the consolidated
affiliated entities and other entities as of the dates presented.
In these tables, “Four Seasons” refers to Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. (“Four Seasons”), the New York Stock Exchange listed company
which is a Cayman exempted company. “VIEs” refers to Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Four Seasons”) and
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. (“Four Seasons Investment”) and their subsidiaries. “WFOEs” refers to Four Seasons’
wholly-owned Chinese subsidiaries, Shanghai Fuxi.
11
(1)
(1)
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Operating expenses
Operating (loss) income
Subsidy income
Interest income, net
Other (expenses) income, net
(Loss) Income before income taxes and loss
from equity method investments
Income tax expense
Loss from investments in subsidiaries, VIEs
(2)
and VIEs’ subsidiaries
Loss from equity method investment
Net (loss) income
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net (loss) income attributable to Four
Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
(1)
(1)
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Operating expenses
Operating (loss) income
Subsidy income
Interest income, net
Other (expenses) income, net
(Loss) Income before income taxes and loss
from equity method investments
Income tax (expense) benefit
Loss from investments in subsidiaries, VIEs
(2)
and VIEs’ subsidiaries
Loss from equity method investment
Net (loss) income
Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interest
Net (loss) income attributable to Four
Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
Four Seasons
WFOEs
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs
Eliminations
Consolidated
For the Year Ended February 29, 2020
(RMB in thousands)
—
—
(5,193 )
(5,193 )
—
2,172
11,540
8,519
(232 )
(117,780 )
—
(109,493 )
—
(109,493 )
42,336
—
(22,501 )
19,835
29
1,532
1,407
22,803
(580 )
—
—
22,223
—
22,223
—
—
(2,217 )
(2,217 )
—
1,464
(12 )
(765 )
—
—
—
(765 )
—
(765 )
389,049
(200,933 )
(331,578 )
(143,462 )
9,543
61
(1,855 )
(135,713 )
(3,377 )
—
(224 )
(139,314 )
(76 )
(42,336 )
—
42,336
—
—
—
—
—
—
117,780
—
117,780
—
389,049
(200,933 )
(319,153 )
(131,037 )
9,572
5,229
11,080
(105,156 )
(4,189 )
—
(224 )
(109,569 )
(76 )
(139,238 )
117,780
(109,493 )
Four Seasons
WFOEs
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs
Eliminations
Consolidated
For the Year Ended February 28, 2021
(RMB in thousands)
—
—
(2,441 )
(2,441 )
95
456
3
(1,887 )
—
—
—
(1,887 )
—
280,282
(168,832 )
(143,455 )
(32,005 )
11,725
1,439
1,588
(17,253 )
(5,633 )
—
(996 )
(23,882 )
310
(18,353 )
—
18,353
—
—
—
—
—
—
22,319
—
22,319
—
280,282
(168,832 )
(147,925 )
(36,475 )
11,898
3,403
1,900
(19,274 )
(4,760 )
—
(3,852 )
(27,886 )
310
(1,887 )
(24,192 )
22,319
(28,196 )
—
—
(5,676 )
(5,676 )
—
109
2,546
(3,021 )
—
(22,319 )
(2,856 )
(28,196 )
—
(28,196 )
18,353
—
(14,706 )
3,647
78
1,399
(2,237 )
2,887
873
—
—
3,760
—
3,760
12
(1)
(1)
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Operating expenses
Operating (loss) income
Subsidy income
Interest income, net
Other (expenses) income, net
Gain from disposal of liabilities and a
subsidiary
(Loss) Income before income taxes and loss
from equity method investments
Income tax (expense) benefit
Loss from investments in subsidiaries, VIEs
(2)
and VIEs’ subsidiaries
Loss from equity method investment
Net (loss) income
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net (loss) income attributable to Four
Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
Four Seasons
WFOEs
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs
Eliminations
Consolidated
For the Year Ended February 28, 2022
—
—
(4,373 )
(4,373 )
—
—
(730 )
—
(5,103 )
—
(73,487 )
(34,872 )
(113,462 )
—
(113,462 )
17,171
—
(13,289 )
3,882
63
1,743
(1,138 )
—
4,550
(422 )
—
—
4,128
—
4,128
(RMB in thousands)
—
—
(2,104 )
(2,104 )
—
191
4
250,223
(149,615 )
(164,227 )
(63,619 )
2,235
1,296
(1,637 )
—
4,048
(1,909 )
—
—
—
(1,909 )
—
(1,909 )
(57,677 )
(21,421 )
—
(1,878 )
(80,976 )
(5,270 )
(75,706 )
(17,171 )
—
17,171
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
73,487
—
73,487
—
73,487
250,223
(149,615 )
(166,822 )
(66,214 )
2,298
3,230
(3,501 )
4,048
(60,139 )
(21,843 )
—
(36,750 )
(118,732 )
(5,270 )
(113,462 )
(1)
(2)
The eliminations are mainly related to the service fees charged by WFOEs to VIEs.
The eliminations are mainly related to the investment loss picked up from subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs' subsidiaries.
The following tables present the summary balance sheet data for the VIEs and other entities as of the dates presented.
13
(2)
(1)
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short-term investments
Long-term investments under fair value -
current
Amounts due from Four Seasons group
companies
Investments in subsidiaries and consolidated
VIEs
Long-term investments, net
Other assets
Total assets
Accrued expenses and other current
liabilities
Amounts due to Four Seasons group
companies
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity (deficit)
(1)
(1)
(2)
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short-term investments
Long-term investments under fair value -
current
Amounts due from Four Seasons group
companies
Investments in subsidiaries and consolidated
VIEs
Long-term investments, net
Other assets
Total assets
Accrued expenses and other current
liabilities
Amounts due to Four Seasons group
companies
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity (deficit)
(1)
Four Seasons
WFOEs
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs
Eliminations
Consolidated
For the Year Ended February 29, 2020
(RMB in thousands)
166,606
—
—
181,821
—
179,202
104,414
1,047
633,090
2,340
—
—
2,340
630,750
88,015
—
—
—
19,325
—
—
16,175
123,515
2,502
—
16,709
19,211
104,304
60,085
—
—
—
—
39,700
—
8,996
108,781
89,946
37,703
10,000
—
3,996
—
1,295
271,513
414,453
—
—
—
—
(23,321 )
(218,902 )
—
—
(242,223 )
232
70,044
—
3,996
276
4,504
104,277
19,325
270,561
359,930
54,523
(23,321 )
—
(23,321 )
(218,902 )
404,652
37,703
10,000
181,821
—
—
105,709
297,731
1,037,616
75,118
—
287,546
362,664
674,952
Four Seasons
WFOEs
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs
Eliminations
Consolidated
For the Year Ended February 28, 2021
(RMB in thousands)
116,503
—
—
96,558
—
177,368
198,195
1,587
590,211
1,524
—
—
1,524
588,687
100,086
—
—
—
12,203
300
—
14,698
127,287
2,063
124
15,853
18,040
109,247
14
55,573
—
—
—
5,652
39,700
—
4,224
105,149
106,196
10,855
31,000
—
6,804
—
1,892
229,826
386,573
—
—
—
—
(24,659 )
(217,368 )
—
—
(242,027 )
623
82,737
—
6,680
161
7,464
97,685
17,855
217,844
318,436
68,137
(24,659 )
—
(24,659 )
(217,368 )
378,358
10,855
31,000
96,558
—
—
200,087
250,335
967,193
86,947
—
233,858
320,805
646,388
(1)
(2)
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Short-term investments
Long-term investments under fair value -
current
Amounts due from Four Seasons group
companies
Investments in subsidiaries and consolidated
VIEs
Long-term investments, net
Other assets
Total assets
Accrued expenses and other current
liabilities
Amounts due to Four Seasons group
companies
Other liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity (deficit)
(1)
Four Seasons
WFOEs
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs
Eliminations
Consolidated
For the Year Ended February 28, 2022
(RMB in thousands)
179,086
—
—
156,459
—
110,569
—
907
447,021
1,080
—
—
1,080
445,941
19,466
—
45,289
—
41,184
2,300
13,500
4,521
126,260
2,400
7,925
2,767
13,092
113,168
8,441
—
44,255
—
16,381
39,700
—
4,714
113,491
55,436
10,273
—
—
—
—
500
59,686
125,895
—
—
—
—
(57,565 )
(152,569 )
—
—
(210,134 )
360
64,449
—
15,888
766
17,014
96,477
33,752
28,217
126,418
(523 )
(57,565 )
—
(57,565 )
(152,569 )
262,429
10,273
89,544
156,459
—
—
14,000
69,828
602,533
68,289
—
31,750
100,039
502,494
(1)
(2)
The eliminations are mainly related to the unpaid balance of service fees between WFOEs and VIEs and other interest-free advances from/to
the VIEs.
The eliminations are mainly related to the investments in subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs' subsidiaries.
(1)
(1)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities
Effect of exchange rate changes
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash
equivalents
and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
at
end of the year
Four Seasons
WFOEs
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs
Eliminations
Consolidated
For the Year Ended February 29, 2020
(4,084 )
3,313
(27,141 )
7,630
(20,282 )
186,888
(RMB in thousands)
33,890
(2,389 )
54,778
(384 )
—
1,418
34,924
53,091
—
—
4,240
(29,206 )
(71,745 )
800
1,851
(45,373 )
58,234
173,022
166,606
88,015
60,085
127,649
—
(72,469 )
72,469
—
—
—
—
82,195
(98,746 )
(26,417 )
14,088
(28,880 )
471,235
442,355
15
(1)
(1)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities
Effect of exchange rate changes
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash
equivalents
and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
at
end of the year
Four Seasons
WFOEs
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs
Eliminations
Consolidated
For the Year Ended February 28, 2021
(RMB in thousands)
(6,417 )
(33,891 )
—
(9,795 )
(50,103 )
166,606
(6,185 )
19,645
—
(1,389 )
12,071
88,015
(27 )
—
—
(4,485 )
(4,512 )
60,085
43,753
(33,758 )
(19,802 )
(791 )
(10,598 )
127,649
116,503
100,086
55,573
117,051
—
(20,000 )
20,000
—
—
—
—
31,124
(68,004 )
198
(16,460 )
(53,142 )
442,355
389,213
Four Seasons
WFOEs
Other
Subsidiaries
VIEs
Eliminations
Consolidated
For the Year Ended February 28, 2022
(RMB in thousands)
(214 )
(70,397 )
—
(91,321 )
(1)
(1)
Net cash used in by operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities
Effect of exchange rate changes
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash
equivalents
and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
at
end of the year
(2,826 )
97,136
(27,795 )
(3,932 )
(17,884 )
(62,736 )
—
—
(46,918 )
—
—
(2,294 )
21,349
—
62,583
(80,620 )
(47,132 )
(51,342 )
116,503
100,086
55,573
117,051
179,086
19,466
8,441
65,709
19,109
(19,109 )
—
—
—
—
4,297
(25,555 )
(3,932 )
(116,511 )
389,213
272,702
(1)
The eliminations are mainly related to working capital from Four Seasons to its subsidiaries and the VIEs.
A. [Reserved]
A. Selected Financial Data
The following selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended February 28 or 29, 2020, 2021 and 2022 and selected
consolidated balance sheet data as of February 28, 2021 and 2022 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere
in this annual report. Our selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended February 28, 2018 and 2019 and our consolidated balance
sheet data as of February 28 or 29, 2018, 2019 and 2020 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are not included in
this annual report. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. 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
16
and the related notes and the “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included elsewhere in this annual report. Our historical results are
not necessarily indicative of results expected for future periods.
17
Selected Consolidated Statements of
Operations and Comprehensive
Income (Loss) Data:
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Gross profit
Operating expenses
General and administrative expenses
Sales and marketing expenses
Lease termination loss
Impairment loss on intangible assets
and goodwill
Impairment loss on other long-lived
assets
Operating income (loss)
Subsidy income
Gain from disposal of liabilities and a subsidiary
Interest income, net
Other income (expenses), net
Income(loss) before income taxes
and loss from equity method
investments
Income tax expense
Loss from equity method investments
Net income (loss)
Net (loss) attributable to non-controlling
interests
Net income (loss) attributable to
Four Seasons Education (Cayman)
Inc.
Net income (loss) per ordinary share:
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average shares used in
calculating net income (loss) per
ordinary share:
Basic
Diluted
Net income (loss)
Foreign currency translation
adjustments
Comprehensive income (loss)
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable
to non-controlling interests
Comprehensive income (loss)
attributable to Four Seasons
Education (Cayman) Inc.
For the Year Ended February 28 or 29
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)
300,533
(109,444 )
191,089
(92,932 )
(36,565 )
—
—
—
61,592
2,432
5,546
(1,302 )
68,268
(26,424 )
—
41,844
(2,529 )
335,643
(171,822 )
163,821
(128,349 )
(33,783 )
—
(557 )
—
1,132
4,150
6,756
(3,311 )
8,727
(10,116 )
(81 )
(1,470 )
(869 )
389,049
(200,933 )
188,116
(139,370 )
(34,367 )
—
(145,416 )
—
(131,037 )
9,572
5,229
11,080
(105,156 )
(4,189 )
(224 )
(109,569 )
280,282
(168,832 )
111,450
(116,972 )
(30,953 )
—
—
—
(36,475 )
11,898
3,403
1,900
250,223
(149,615 )
100,608
(85,298 )
(22,045 )
(7,046 )
(44,562 )
(7,871 )
(66,214 )
2,298
4,048
3,230
(3,501 )
(19,274 )
(4,760 )
(3,852 )
(27,886 )
(60,139 )
(21,843 )
(36,750 )
(118,732 )
(76 )
310
(5,270 )
39,665
(23,717 )
15,948
(13,521 )
(3,495 )
(1,116 )
(7,064 )
(1,248 )
(10,496 )
364
642
512
(555 )
(9,533 )
(3,463 )
(5,826 )
(18,822 )
(835 )
44,373
(601 )
(109,493 )
(28,196 )
(113,462 )
(17,987 )
2.15
1.98
(0.02 )
(0.02 )
(4.63 )
(4.63 )
(1.22 )
(1.22 )
(5.04 )
(5.04 )
(0.80 )
(0.80 )
17,057,056
18,524,644
41,844
(34,771 )
7,073
(2,529 )
24,053,492
24,053,492
(1,470 )
23,668,916
23,668,916
(109,569 )
29,916
28,446
(869 )
24,484
(85,085 )
(76 )
23,131,195
23,131,195
(27,886 )
(39,380 )
(67,266 )
22,491,122
22,491,122
(118,732 )
(9,479 )
(128,211 )
310
(5,270 )
22,491,122
22,491,122
(18,822 )
(1,503 )
(20,325 )
(835 )
9,602
29,315
(85,009 )
(67,576 )
(122,941 )
(19,490 )
18
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet
(1)
Data :
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Total assets
Total current liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity
2018
RMB
2019
RMB
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
583,424
595,025
792,282
134,334
134,334
657,948
439,580
495,742
932,054
164,220
175,123
756,931
404,652
616,218
1,037,616
213,018
362,664
674,952
378,358
516,842
967,193
226,988
320,805
646,388
262,429
525,982
602,533
93,571
100,039
502,494
41,600
83,378
95,513
14,833
15,858
79,655
(1)
On March 1, 2019, we adopted Topic 842 on accounting for leases using the modified retrospective transition approach. The adoption has a
material impact on the consolidated balance sheet for the year ended February 28 or 29, 2020, 2021 and 2022, without adjusting the
comparative periods presented.
Non-GAAP Measures
We use adjusted net income (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, in the evaluation of our operating results and in our financial and operational
decision-making.
Adjusted net income (loss) represents net income (loss) before the impact of (i) share-based compensation expenses; (ii) fair value change of
investments, excluding foreign currency translation adjustment; (iii) impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill (net of tax effect) and (vi)
impairment loss on long-lived assets. We believe that adjusted net income (loss) helps us identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be
distorted by the effect of certain expenses that we include in net income (loss).
For the year ended February 28, 2022, we incurred impairment loss on long-lived assets related to the business restructuring. We began to apply
impairment loss on long-lived assets (net of tax effect) as adjustment item for non-GAAP financial measures, and retrospectively adjusted comparative
periods to conform current policy.
Adjusted net income (loss) should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other measure of
performance or as an indicator 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) 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.
19
The table below sets forth a reconciliation of our net loss to adjusted net income (loss) for the periods indicated:
For the Year Ended February 28 or 29
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
(in thousands)
(109,569 )
(27,886 )
(118,732 )
(18,822 )
30,859
27,513
9,002
(11,134 )
(2,148 )
(1,106 )
137,715
—
44,562
764
48,635
—
(2,521 )
7,871
(58,403 )
1,427
(175 )
7,064
1,248
(9,258 )
Net loss
Add: share-based compensation expenses (net of tax
effect of nil)
Add: fair value change of investments, excluding foreign
currency translation adjustment (net of tax effect of nil)
Add: impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill
(net of tax effect 7,701, nil and nil for the years ended
February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and February 28,
2022, respectively)
Add: impairment loss on long-lived assets (net of tax
effect of nil)
Adjusted net income (loss) (non-GAAP)
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
Summary of Risk Factors
Set forth below is only a summary of the principal risks associated with an investment in our shares. See below under this “Item 3. Key Information
—D. Risk Factors” for a detailed discussion of the numerous risks and uncertainties to which the Company is subject.
Risks Related to Our Business
•
•
•
•
•
If we are not able to develop new types of learning products or services under the recent regulatory policies in China to successfully attract
prospective learners and customers in a timely or cost-effective manner or to continue to attract learners and customers to purchase our
existing products or services, our business, results of operations and prospects will continue to be materially and adversely affected.
Failure to successfully design and execute our growth strategies may materially and adversely affect our business and prospects.
The global COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on our business, which may materially and adversely affect our operating results
and financial condition.
We may not be able to improve our current business to meet the demand of learners, customers and educational institutions on a timely basis
and in a cost-effective manner. If the level of satisfaction of our learners, customers and educational institutions with our services declines,
they may decide to withdraw from our programs and request refunds and our business, financial condition, results of operations and
reputation would be adversely affected.
Any damage to our brand or the reputation of any of our learning centers or study camps may adversely affect our overall business,
prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
20
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Significant uncertainties exist in relation to the interpretation and implementation of, or proposed changes to, the PRC laws, regulations and
policies regarding the after-school tutoring industry. In particular, our compliance with the Double Alleviating Opinions and the
implementation measures issued by the relevant PRC government authorities has had, and could have further, material adverse effect on us.
Our business could be disrupted if we lose the services of members of our senior management team.
We face significant competition, and if we fail to compete effectively, we may lose our market share and our profitability may be adversely
affected.
We may not be able to continue to recruit, train and retain qualified faculty members, who are critical to the success of our business and
effective delivery of our enrichment services and products.
Our historical financial and operating results, growth rates and profitability may not be indicative of future performance.
If we fail to integrate or negotiate successfully any future acquisitions, our business and operating results could be materially and adversely
affected.
If we fail to obtain and maintain the licenses and permits required under uncertain regulatory environment for private education in China, our
business operations may be materially and affect.
21
•
Some of our schools are restricted in their ability to distribute profits to their sponsors. The service arrangements between Shanghai Fuxi and
our private schools may be regarded as circumventing this restriction.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
•
•
•
•
•
Our business is subject to extensive regulation in the PRC. If the PRC government finds that the contractual arrangement that establishes our
corporate structure for operating our business does not comply with applicable PRC laws and regulations, we could be subject to severe
penalties.
Substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may
impact the viability of our current corporate structure and business operations.
We rely on contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their respective shareholders and relevant affiliated entities in the form of private
non-enterprise institutions for our operations in the PRC, which may not be as effective in providing control as direct ownership.
Contractual arrangements between our VIEs and us may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and a finding that we or our
affiliated entities owe additional taxes could materially reduce our net income and the value of your investment.
If any of our affiliated entities becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or liquidation proceeding, we may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets
held by such entity, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Changes in PRC economy, or economic and political conditions or government policies in China, could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial conditions and results of operations.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a material adverse effect on us.
The PRC government’s oversight and discretion over our business operations could result in a material adverse change in our operations and
the value of our ADSs.
Our business is subject to various evolving PRC laws and regulations regarding data privacy and cybersecurity. Failure of cybersecurity and
data privacy concerns could subject us to penalties, damage our reputation and brand, and harm our business and results of operations.
If we fail to obtain and maintain the licenses and permits required under uncertain regulatory environment for private education in China, our
business operations may be materially and affect.
The PCAOB may be unable to inspect or fully investigate our auditors as required under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act,
or the HFCA Act. If the PCAOB is unable to conduct such inspections for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, or for two consecutive
years if proposed changes to the law are enacted, the SEC will prohibit the trading of our ADSs. The delisting of our ADSs, or the threat of
their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct
inspections of our auditors would deprive our investors of the benefits of such inspections.
The PCAOB may be unable to inspect or fully investigate our auditors as required under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act,
or the HFCA Act. If the PCAOB is unable to conduct such inspections for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, or for two consecutive
years if proposed changes to the law are enacted, the SEC will prohibit the trading of our ADSs. The delisting of our ADSs, or the threat of
their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct
inspections of our auditors would deprive our investors of the benefits of such
22
inspections.
Risks Related to our Ordinary Shares and ADSs
•
•
•
We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act and may take advantage of certain reduced reporting
requirements.
The trading price of our ADSs is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.
Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of our ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline
Risks Related to Our Business
If we are not able to develop new types of learning products or services under the recent regulatory policies in China to successfully attract prospective
learners and customers in a timely or cost-effective manner or to continue to attract learners and customers to purchase our existing products or
services, our business, results of operations and prospects will continue to be materially and adversely affected.
The success of our business in the future depends primarily on our ability to develop new types of learning products or services to meet market
needs while in compliance with the then effective regulatory policies in China. This will depend on several factors, including our ability to respond to
changes in regulatory policies, market trends and demands, effectively market our services or solutions to a broader base of prospective learners and
customers, develop additional high-quality learning content and technology solutions, maintain consistent and high teaching quality and respond effectively
to competitive pressures. If we are unable to successfully attract prospective learners and customers with new types of learning products or services in a
timely or cost-effective manner or if we are not able to continue to attract learners and customers to purchase our existing products or services and to
increase the spending, there is no guarantee that our revenues may resume or maintain growth in the future, which may have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We also engage in new initiatives from time to time to expand our offerings or market reach. We may devote significant resources to our new
initiatives, but fail to achieve expected results from such new initiatives. However, some of those new initiatives may be easily replicable by our
competitors in a short timeframe, which may render our efforts less valuable. In addition, if such new initiatives are not well accepted by market, the
reputation of our other offerings and our overall brand and reputation may be harmed. As a result, our overall business and results of operations may be
materially and adversely affected. In addition, some of these new initiatives have not generated significant or any profit to date. 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 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
23
If we fail to obtain and maintain the licenses and permits required under uncertain regulatory environment for private education in China, our
business operations may be materially and affect.
Under current PRC laws and regulations, schools are subject to a number of licensing requirements from different governmental authorities, and
each learning center shall obtain a fire safety permit before applying for an educational permit.
If the government authorities determine that our K9 Academic AST Services, research and academic study travel, learning technology and content
solutions related business fall within the scope of business operations that require additional licenses or other licenses or permits, including without
limitation the licenses and permits mentioned above, we may not be able to obtain such licenses or permits on reasonable terms or in a timely manner or at
all. Moreover, we may fail to maintain, renew or update any of our existing licenses, permits, approvals, registrations or filings in a timely manner and on
commercially reasonable terms, or at all, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Besides,
we may develop new business lines or make changes to the operations of certain of the current business of our PRC subsidiaries or the VIEs, which may
require us to obtain additional licenses, approvals, permits, registrations and filings. However, there can be no assurance that we are, or will be, able to
successfully obtain such licenses, approvals, permits, registrations and filings in a timely manner, or at all. Government authorities may also from time to
time issue new laws, rules and regulations or enhance enforcement of existing laws, rules and regulations, which could also require us to obtain new and
additional licenses, permits, approvals, registrations or filings. If we fail to obtain and maintain such required licenses and permit, as well as required
registrations and filings, we may be subject to fines, legal sanctions or an order to suspend our online education services and our business, financial
condition and operational results may be materially and adversely affected.
The global COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on our business, which may materially and adversely affect our operating results and
financial condition.
Since late 2019, there has been an outbreak of COVID-19 in China and other countries. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared
the outbreak a global pandemic. Many businesses and social activities in China and other countries and regions have been severely disrupted, including
those of our business partners, customers and employees. This global outbreak has also caused volatilities in and damage to the global financial markets.
Such disruption and the potential slowdown of the world’s economy in 2021 and beyond could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations
and financial condition.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique industry-wide challenges. In particular, the Chinese government took a number of actions in order to
contain the spread of COVID-19, including mandatory quarantine requirements, shutdown of schools, travel restrictions, prohibition of public gatherings
and postponed resumption of business operations. Since early 2022, there has been a recurrence of COVID-19 outbreaks in certain provinces of China,
including Shanghai, due to the Delta and Omicron variants. As a result, similar emergency measures have been implemented to contain further spread of
COVID-19. In such unusual circumstances, our offline business has been significantly affected due to the temporary closure of our schools and learning
centers from time to time as mandatorily required by the government. Although we have made great efforts to swiftly switch our offline operating model to
online covering courses of all academic subjects during the temporary closure, and are currently using online courses as a supplement to our offline
programs, we cannot guarantee that our online courses can satisfy all our learners and customers or attract new learners and customers, nor be as effective
as our offline courses.
In addition, we have taken a series of measures in response to the outbreak to protect our employees, learners and customers and teachers in
reopened learning centers, including, among others, temporary closure of our offices, remote working arrangements and procurement of masks, hand
sanitizers and other protective equipment for our employees, which reduced the capacity and efficiency of our operations and increased our operating
expenses. Our business operation could also be disrupted if any of our employees are suspected of having contracted COVID-19, since it could require our
employees to be quarantined or our offices to be closed down and disinfected. All of these would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations
and financial condition in the near terms. Additionally, if the outbreak persists or escalates, we may be subject to further negative impact on our business
operations or financial condition. We cannot assure you that the COVID-19 pandemic can be eliminated completely. Moreover, more waves or a similar
outbreak may occur, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
24
Some of our schools are restricted in their ability to distribute profits to their sponsors. The service arrangements between Shanghai Fuxi and our
private schools may be regarded as circumventing this restriction.
According to the Private Education Law, prior to its amendment on November 7, 2016, the sponsor of a private school may elect to require
reasonable returns. A sponsor that requires reasonable returns can receive dividends after deducting relevant payments to statutory reserves, and a sponsor
that does not require reasonable returns cannot receive dividends from the private school. The amended law abolished such distinction. According to the
amended Private Education Law, private schools can be established as non-profit or for-profit entities. Sponsors of for-profit schools may obtain operating
profits, while sponsors of non-profit schools may not. Existing private schools must re-register as either non-profit school or for-profit schools. However,
the amended Private Education Law remains silent on the specific measures for the re-registration process, which, according to the amended law, will be
regulated by the corresponding laws and regulations promulgated by local authorities. As of the date of this annual report, no such local regulations have
been promulgated.
Currently we have one school that has entered into service agreements with Shanghai Fuxi. The sponsor of this school has not elected to require
reasonable returns. According to the relevant service agreements between this schools and Shanghai Fuxi, a significant portion of any profits earned by this
school will be paid to Shanghai Fuxi as service fees. As advised by Fangda Partners, our PRC counsel, our right to receive the service fees from our
schools under our contractual arrangements should not be regarded as the distribution of returns, dividends or profits to the sponsors of our schools under
the PRC laws and regulations, and therefore does not contravene any PRC laws and regulations. However, if the relevant PRC government authorities take
a different view, for example, if the local authorities view some of these schools as non-profit schools and such service fees as “operating profits” taken by
the sponsors, the authorities may find these private schools and their respective sponsors in violation of PRC laws and regulations. The authorities may
seek to confiscate any or all of the service fees that have been paid by these schools to Shanghai Fuxi, or even revoke the educational permits of these
schools, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial results.
Failure to successfully design and execute our growth strategies may materially and adversely affect our business and prospects.
It is paramount that we properly design our growth strategies amidst the current regulatory policies and competitive environment. Our current
growth strategies include continuing to enhance services with better experience and wider offerings, enhancing technology and content solution business,
and further investment to strengthen our fundamental capabilities. We may not succeed in executing our growth strategies due to a number of factors,
including, without limitation, the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
we may fail to promote our current business in existing markets or identify, or market our current business in new markets with sufficient
growth potential;
we may fail to obtain the requisite licenses and permits necessary to operate our business at our desired locations from local authorities or
face risks in opening without the requisite licenses and permits;
we may not be able to further expand our existing content library or learning technology and content solutions;
we may not be able to retain core talents that are critical to our business;
we may fail to maintain our competitive advantages in the market;
we may not be able to expand the scale of our current business in a cost-effective and timely manner;
we may not be able to replicate our successful growth model in Shanghai in other geographic markets; and
we may not be able to successfully identify new business opportunities, if any, or successfully cooperate with our local business partners or
integrate acquired businesses with our current service offerings and achieve anticipated synergies.
If we fail to successfully execute our growth strategies, we may not be able to maintain our growth rate and our business and prospects may be
materially and adversely affected as a result.
25
Significant uncertainties exist in relation to the interpretation and implementation of, or proposed changes to, the PRC laws, regulations and policies
regarding the after-school tutoring industry. In particular, our compliance with the Double Alleviating Opinions and the implementation measures
issued by the relevant PRC government authorities has had, and could have further, material adverse effect on us.
The regulatory environment with respect to the industry that we have been operating in China is changing rapidly for the past years and therefore is
subject to substantial uncertainties. Prior to the end of December 2021, we primarily operate the K-12 Academic AST Services in China. In July 24, 2021,
the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council promulgated the Opinions on Further Alleviating the Burden
of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory Education, or the Double Alleviating Opinions, which contains high-level policy
directives in terms of the requirements and restrictions on after-school tutoring institutions, including, among other things, (i) no new approvals shall be
granted to AST Institutions providing tutoring service related to academic subjects in compulsory education stage, or Academic AST Institutions; (ii)
existing Academic AST Institutions are required to convert themselves into non-profit institutions and foreign ownership in Academic AST Institutions is
prohibited, including through contractual arrangements, and companies with existing foreign ownership need to rectify the situation; (iii) listing or raising
capital from capital markets to invest in or acquiring Academic AST Institutions is prohibited; (iv) listed companies are prohibited from investing in
Academic AST institution or purchase Academic AST Institutions’ assets by means of issuance of shares or by cash; (v) for non-academic tutoring, local
authorities shall identify corresponding competent authorities for different tutoring categories, set forth standards and approve relevant non-academic
tutoring institutions; and (vi) other compliance requirements for the operation of after-school tutoring institutions, including without limitation that after-
school tutoring institutions shall not provide tutoring services during national holidays, weekends and school breaks, and requirements on risk management
and control over the pre-collection of fees by after-school tutoring institutions. On August 24, 2021, Shanghai Municipal Education Commission
promulgated the Implementation Opinions on Further Alleviating the Burden of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory
Education Stage, which reiterates the requirements and restrictions under the Double Alleviating Opinions and provides several implementation rules
applicable to AST Institutions in Shanghai.
The after-school training institutions also provides that administration over academic tutoring services for high school students, which do not fall
within China’s compulsory education system, shall be implemented by reference to the relevant provisions of the after-school training institutions, however,
it remains uncertain as to how and to what extent such implementation by reference will be. Therefore, we cannot assure you that we would not be required
to take further actions regarding our high school academic tutoring services to comply with the after-school training institutions and its implementation
measures. Further, the Ministry of Education of the PRC, or the MOE, together with other government authorities, issued several implementation
regulations and rules, including without limitation, a circular requiring all Academic AST Institutions providing K9 Academic AST Services to complete
registration as non-profit by the end of 2021 and a circular requiring all online Academic AST Institutions that have filed with the local education
administration authorities providing tutoring services on academic subjects to obtain the private school operating permit by the end of 2021.
We have been closely monitoring the evolving regulatory environment and are making efforts to seek guidance from and cooperate with the
government authorities to comply with the after-school training institutions and its implementation measures. In compliance with the Double Alleviating
Opinions and applicable rules, regulations and measures, we ceased offering K9 Academic AST Services in mainland China by the end of December 2021.
Such cessation has had a significant negative impact on our financial performance for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2022 since revenues from offering
K9 Academic AST Services accounted for a substantial majority of our total revenues prior to our cessation of such business, and is expected to have a
significant negative impact on our financial performance for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2023 and subsequent periods, compared with that of
previous years. Due to the complexity and substantial uncertainty of the regulatory environment, we cannot assure you that our operations would be in full
compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies, including the Alleviating Burden Opinion and its implementation measures, in a timely manner,
or at all. We may become subject to fines or other penalties or be required to terminate certain operations or incur material costs and expenses to comply
with such applicable laws, regulations and policies, in which case our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and
adversely affected further. We also cannot assure you that there will not be any new rules or regulations in China on the business we currently operate, or
such new rules and regulations will not subject our business operations to further adjustments and in the event of such changes, our business operations
may be adversely impacted.
26
We may not be able to continue to recruit, train and retain qualified faculty members, who are critical to the success of our business and effective
delivery of our enrichment services and products.
Our faculty is critical to maintaining the quality of our enrichment services and products and our brand and reputation. Our ability to continue to
attract teachers with the necessary experience and qualifications is therefore a significant contributing factor to the success of our operations. There are a
limited number of teachers with the experience, expertise and qualifications to meet our requirements. Further, the Measures for Punishment for Violation
of Professional Ethics of Elementary and Secondary School Teachers, promulgated by the PRC Ministry of Education in 2014, prohibits teachers at
elementary and secondary schools from providing paid tutoring in schools or in out-of-school learning centers. Some provinces and cities have also
adopted rules which prohibit public school teachers from teaching on a part-time basis at private schools or learning centers. As a result, we currently
employ all of our teachers on a full-time basis. Therefore, to recruit qualified and experienced teachers, including those with public school experience, we
must provide candidates with competitive compensation packages and particularly, offer attractive career development opportunities to compete with the
perceived security of a public school teaching job. In addition, we must also provide continued training to our teachers to ensure that they stay abreast of
changes in learner demands and other key trends necessary to teach effectively. Although we have not experienced major difficulties in recruiting, training
or retaining qualified teachers in the past, we may not always be able to recruit, train and retain enough qualified teachers in the future to keep pace with
our business development while maintaining consistently high teaching quality in the different markets we serve. In addition, PRC laws and regulations
require teachers to have requisite licenses and qualifications if they teach academic or non-academic subjects. However, we cannot assure you that our
teachers can all apply for and obtain the teaching licenses and relevant qualifications in a timely manner or at all due to various reasons, such as the time
gap between the recruitment and the newly-recruited teachers taking the exam and ultimately obtaining the teacher license or relevant qualifications, and
the cancellation and delay of teacher license examinations and other qualifications examinations in recent years due to COVID-19. If some of our teachers,
due to various reasons, are unable to apply for and obtain the requisite teaching licenses or relevant qualifications on a timely basis, or at all, we may be
required to rectify such non-compliance and may not be able to continue to retain such teachers. A shortage of qualified teachers or a decline in the quality
of our teachers’ performance, whether actual or perceived, or a significant increase in compensation we must pay to retain qualified teachers, would have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may not be able to improve our current business to meet the demand of learners, customers and educational institutions on a timely basis and in a
cost-effective manner. If the level of satisfaction of our learners, customers and educational institutions with our services declines, they may decide to
withdraw from our programs and request refunds and our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation would be adversely
affected.
We constantly update and improve our learning services as well as learning technology and content solutions to meet market demand for learners,
customers and educational institutions. Since we launched certain of our current business relatively recently, such as enrichment learning, we cannot assure
you that such business will turn out to be successful in the long term.
We have been improving and will continue to improve our service quality and content quality of our current business to better serve the interests of
our existing learners, customers and educational institutions. However, improvements of service and content quality and upgrades of our services and
solutions may involve significant costs and we cannot guarantee that the improved services or solutions will meet the demand of learners, customers and
educational institutions more precisely, or at all. Launching new business may also require us to invest in learning content and technology development,
train new teachers or re-train existing ones, increase marketing efforts and re-allocate resources away from other uses. We may have limited experience
with the new business we launched, and may need to modify our systems and strategies. If we are not able to continue to improve our current business or
not able to do so in a cost-effective manner to meet their demand, our results of operations and financial performance may suffer as a result.
The success of our business largely depends on our ability to deliver a satisfactory learning experience. For instance, our enrichment learning
services may fail to arouse or maintain a learner’s interests in the subject, fail to improve a learner’s capacity and a learner may perform below expectations
even after using our services, or fail to
27
continually update and enhance our learning materials and teaching methods to accommodate the ever-changing admission and assessment processes. A
learner’s learning experience may also suffer if his or her interaction with our teachers does not meet expectations. If a significant number of learners fail to
become interested in the subject or fail to improve their capabilities after using our services or if they are not satisfied with our service or their learning
experiences, they may decide not to purchase our services or solutions again, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation
would be adversely affected.
If we are not able to continue to innovate our technology, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects could be harmed.
We rely on innovative technology to fuel our growth. For instance, our Intellectual Math Lab is empowered by our self-developed intelligent class
content development system as well as AI-driven teaching methodologies such as speech recognition of mathematical formula, complicated integrated
math questions and automatic tracking and assessment report. We also provide learning technology and content solutions premised on our core technology
capabilities empowering private learning institutions in China. Therefore, if we cannot continue to innovate our technology, we may not be able to continue
to develop our business or empower other industry players, which may harm our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
Any damage to our brand or the reputation of any of our learning centers or study camps may adversely affect our overall business, prospects, results
of operations and financial condition.
We believe that market awareness of our “Four Seasons Education” brand and our solid reputation in the industry have contributed significantly to
the success of our business, and that maintaining and enhancing our brand are critical to maintaining our competitive advantage. Our brand and reputation
could be adversely affected under many circumstances, including the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
our learners and customers are not satisfied with our programs and related services;
we fail to properly manage accidents or other events that injure our learners and customers;
our faculty or staff behave or are perceived to behave inappropriately or illegally;
our faculty or staff fail to appropriately supervise learners and customers under their care;
we fail to conduct proper background checks on our faculty or staff;
we lose a license, permit or other authorization to operate a learning center or study camp;
we do not maintain consistent learning service and product quality;
our facilities do not meet the standards expected by learners and customers; and
learning center or study camp operators with lower quality abuse our brand name or those with brand names similar to ours by conducting
fraudulent activities and creating confusion among learners and customers.
The likelihood that any of the foregoing may occur increases as we continue our business development. These events could influence the perception
of our offerings not only by our learners and customers, but also by other constituencies in the industry and the general public. Moreover, an event that
directly damages the reputation of one of our learning centers or study camps could adversely affect the reputation and operations of our other facilities. As
we mainly rely on word-of-mouth referrals to attract prospective learners and customers, if our brand name or reputation deteriorates, our overall business,
prospects, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Our historical financial and operating results, growth rates and profitability may not be indicative of future performance.
Our revenue was RMB389.0 million in the 2020 fiscal year, RMB280.3 million in the 2021 fiscal year and RMB250.2 million (US$39.7 million) in
the 2022 fiscal year. We recorded net loss of RMB109.6 million in the 2020 fiscal year, RMB27.9 million in the 2021 fiscal year, and RMB118.7 million
(US$18.8 million) in fiscal year 2022. Any evaluation of our business and our prospects must be considered in light of the risks and uncertainties
encountered by companies at our stage of development, especially considering the recent change of regulatory
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policies on after-school tutoring services market. In addition, our past results may not be indicative of future performance because of the cessation of K9
Academic AST Services in the mainland of China by the end of December 2021 as well as any new businesses developed or acquired by us. Substantial
uncertainties exist with respect to the profitability and cash generating capability of such new businesses. Furthermore, our results of operations 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 industry in the PRC, changes in spending on private education, our ability to control cost of revenue and
operating expenses, and non-recurring charges incurred in connection with acquisitions or other extraordinary transactions or under unexpected
circumstances. Due to the above factors, we believe that our historical financial and operating results, growth rates and profitability may not be indicative
of our future performance and you should not rely on our past results or our historic growth rates as indications of our future performance. Furthermore, our
net income margins may decline or we may incur additional net losses in the future and may not be able to maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual
basis.
We face significant competition, and if we fail to compete effectively, we may lose our market share and our profitability may be adversely affected.
The learning solutions and enrichment activities market in the PRC, including in Shanghai, where we currently operate most of our business, is
rapidly evolving, highly fragmented and competitive, and we expect competition to persist and potentially intensify. We face competition in each type of
service or products we offer and in each geographic market in which we operate. Our competitors include providers of learning and travel services, learning
technology and content solutions.
Our learner enrollment and sales of products or solutions may decrease due to this competition. Some of our competitors may have more resources
than we do, and may be able to devote greater resources than we can to the development, promotion and sale of their solutions, programs, services and
products and respond more quickly than we can to changes in learner needs, market trends or new technologies. We will also face increased competition as
we expand our operations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors. If we are unable to
maintain our competitive position or otherwise respond to competitive pressure effectively, we may lose our market share and our profitability may be
adversely affected.
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Our business could be disrupted if we lose the services of members of our senior management team.
Our success depends in part on the continued application of skills, efforts and motivation of our officers and senior management team. We may
experience changes in our senior management in the future for reasons beyond our control. In addition, key management personnel could leave us to join
our competitors. Losing the services of key members of senior management or experienced personnel may be disruptive to and cause uncertainty for our
business. We depend upon the services of our senior management team, who collectively have significant experience with our company and within the
whole industry. If one or more members of our senior management team are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions for health, family or
other reasons, we may not be able to replace them easily, or at all. Our inability to attract and retain qualified senior management members and teaching
staff in a timely manner could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
If we fail to integrate or negotiate successfully any future acquisitions, our business and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
We have acquired additional other businesses and may continue to do so in the future. If we are unable to successfully integrate the acquired
businesses, our business and operating results may be harmed. We may be unable to identify appropriate acquisition targets. If we do identify an
appropriate acquisition target, we may not be able to negotiate the terms of the acquisition successfully, finance the acquisition or integrate the acquired
businesses into our existing business and operations. Furthermore, completing a potential acquisition and integrating an acquired business may strain our
resources and require significant management time. In addition, the businesses we acquire may be loss making or have existing liabilities or other risks that
we may not be able to effectively manage or may not be aware of at the time we acquire them, which may impact our ability to realize the expected benefits
from the acquisition or our financial performance. If we fail to integrate the acquired businesses in a timely manner or at all, we may not be able to achieve
the anticipated benefits or synergy from the acquired businesses, which may adversely affect our business growth.
Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, which may cause our results of operations to fluctuate from term to term, and in turn result in
volatility in and adversely affect the price of our ADSs.
Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations as our costs and expenses vary significantly during the fiscal year and do not necessarily correspond
with the timing of recognition of our revenue. Our learners and customers typically pay prior to the commencement of a term, and we recognize revenue
from the delivery of services on a straight-line basis over the term. Overall, although the historical seasonality of our business has been relatively mild, we
expect to continue to experience seasonal fluctuations in our results of operations. These fluctuations may result in volatility in and adversely affect the
price of our ADSs.
Accidents, injuries or other harm suffered by our learners and customers or other people on our premises may adversely affect our reputation, subject
us to liability and cause us to incur substantial expenses.
In the event of accidents or injuries or other harm to learners and customers or other people on our premises, including those caused by or otherwise
arising from the actions or negligence of our employees or contractors on our premises, our facilities may be perceived to be unsafe, which may result in
decreased learners enrollment. We could also face claims alleging that we are negligent and provide inadequate supervision to our employees or
contractors, and therefore be liable for harm caused by them or are otherwise liable for injuries suffered by our learners and customers or other people on
our premises. Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to fully protect us from claims of all kinds and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to
obtain sufficient liability insurance in the future on commercially reasonable terms or at all. A liability claim against us or any of our employees or
independent contractors could adversely affect our reputation and ability to attract and retain learners and customers. Even if unsuccessful, such a claim
could create unfavorable publicity, cause us to incur substantial expenses and divert the time and attention of our management.
If we fail to protect our intellectual property rights, our brand and business may suffer.
We consider our copyrights, trademarks, trade names and Internet domain names invaluable to our ability to continue to develop and enhance our
brand recognition. Unauthorized use of our copyrights, trademarks, trade names and domain names may damage our reputation and brand. We have
registered 15 of our brand names and
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logos as registered trademarks in the PRC. Our proprietary curricula and course materials satisfying requirements specified by PRC copyright law are
protected by copyrights. Unauthorized use of any of our intellectual property may adversely affect our business and reputation. We rely on a combination of
copyright, trademark and trade secrets laws to protect our intellectual property rights. Nevertheless, third parties may obtain and use our intellectual
property without due authorization. It would not be difficult for third parties to obtain and copy our course materials, since they are physically provided to
our learners and customers. The practice of intellectual property rights enforcement by the PRC regulatory authorities is at an early stage of development
and is subject to significant uncertainty. 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. In addition, we cannot assure you 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
business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may encounter disputes from time to time relating to our use of the intellectual property of third parties or allegations of infringement of the
intellectual properties of third parties and we may be unable to be authorized to use third-party copyrighted materials.
We cannot assure you that our learning materials, marketing materials, products, programs 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. In addition, we are unable to register the trademarks of
some of our major brand names and logos such as “Four Seasons Education” in Chinese characters. Therefore, there is no assurance that we can continue to
use such trademarks in the PRC. We may be required to explore the possibility of acquiring trademarks or entering into an exclusive licensing agreement
with the third party, which will cause us to incur additional costs. Third parties may bring claims against us alleging our infringement of their intellectual
property rights. Third parties bringing such claims may be able to obtain an injunction to prevent us from delivering our services or using trademarks
containing the alleged infringing intellectual property. Any such intellectual property infringement claim could result in costly litigation and divert our
management attention and resources and could damage our reputation. If a PRC court or tribunal holds that we have infringed any trademark belonging to
others, we may be forced to change our brand names or logos. Our teachers may, against our policies, use third-party copyrighted materials without proper
authorization in our classes. We may incur liability for unauthorized duplication or distribution of materials posted on our websites or used in our classes.
We have limited insurance coverage with respect to our business and operations.
We are exposed to various risks associated with our business and operations, and we have limited insurance coverage. See “Item 4. Information on
the company — B. Business Overview — Insurance” for more information. We are exposed to risks including, among other things, accidents or injuries in
our schools, loss of key management and personnel, business interruption, natural disasters, terrorist attacks and social instability or any other events
beyond our control. The insurance industry in the PRC is still at an early stage of development, and as a result insurance companies in the PRC offer
limited business related insurance products. We do not have any business disruption insurance, product liability insurance or key-man life insurance. Any
business disruption, legal proceeding or natural disaster or other events beyond our control could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources,
which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
System disruptions to our websites or computer systems could damage our reputation and limit our ability to retain learners and customers and
increase learner enrollment.
The performance and reliability of our websites and computer systems are critical to our reputation and ability to retain learners and customers and
increase enrollment. Any system error or failure, sudden and significant increases in online traffic or hacking of our systems, could disrupt or slow access
to our websites. We cannot assure you that we will be able to expand our online infrastructure in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet the increasing
demands of our learners and customers. In addition, our computer systems store and process important information including class schedules, registration
information and learner data and could be vulnerable to interruptions or malfunctions due to events beyond our control, such as natural disasters and
technology failures. We may suffer disruption to our operations if there is a failure of the database system or the backup system. Any
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disruption to our computer systems could therefore have a material adverse effect on our operations and ability to retain learners and customers and
increase enrollment.
We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics or public safety concerns in the PRC.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected by natural disasters, other health epidemics or other public safety concerns such as
terrorism, war or social instability affecting the PRC, and particularly Shanghai. If any of these occurs, our learning facilities may be required to
temporarily or permanently close and our business operations may be suspended or terminated. Our learners, customers, teachers and staff may also be
negatively affected by such events. In addition, any of these could adversely affect the economy and demographics of the affected region, which could
cause significant declines in the number of our learners and customers in that region and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations. For example, the outbreak of COVID-19 starting from late 2019 has had a significant impact on our business
operations. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — The global COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant
impact on our business, which may materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.”
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If we grant employees share options or other equity incentives in the future, our net income could be adversely affected.
We granted share options to our independent directors, executive officers and employees in the past under our 2015 Share Incentive Plan and 2017
Share Incentive Plan. We are required to account for share-based compensation in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting
Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which generally requires a company to recognize, as an expense, the fair value of
share options and other equity incentives to employees based on the fair value of equity awards on the date of the grant, with the compensation expense
recognized over the period in which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the equity award. As of the date of this annual report,
holders of our outstanding options were entitled to purchase a total of 3,836,459 ordinary shares. As a result, we incurred share-based compensation
expense of RMB9.0 million (US$1.4 million) in the 2022 fiscal year. If we grant more options or other equity incentives in the future, we could incur
significant compensation charges and our results of operations could be adversely affected.
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 ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has not conducted an audit of our internal control over financial reporting. During the course of
auditing our consolidated financial statements as of February 28, 2022, we identified one material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.
See “Item 15. Controls and Procedures — Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting — Internal Control over Financial
Reporting.” Following the identification of the material weakness, we have taken measures and plan to continue to take measures to improve our internal
control over financial reporting. We cannot assure you, however, that these measures may fully address the material weakness in our internal control over
financial reporting or that we may conclude that it has been fully remedied. Our failure to correct this material weakness or our failure to discover and
address any other control deficiencies could result in inaccuracies in our financial statements and could also impair our ability to comply with applicable
financial reporting requirements and related regulatory filings on a timely basis. As a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs, may be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, ineffective internal control over financial
reporting significantly hinders our ability to prevent fraud.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
Our business is subject to extensive regulation in the PRC. If the PRC government finds that the contractual arrangement that establishes our
corporate structure for operating our business does not comply with applicable PRC laws and regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties.
Our business is subject to extensive regulations in the PRC. The PRC government regulates various aspects of our business and operations, such as
standards of school establishment and operations, student recruitment activities and tuition levels. The laws and regulations applicable to the after-school
education sector are subject to frequent change, and new laws and regulations may be adopted, some of which may have a negative effect on our business,
either retroactively or prospectively.
Foreign ownership in education services is subject to significant regulations in the PRC. The PRC government regulates the provision of education
services through strict licensing requirements. PRC laws and regulations currently require a foreign entity that invests in the education business in China to
be an educational institution with certain qualifications and experience in providing high quality education outside China. Our Cayman Islands holding
company is not an educational institution and does not provide education services. Due to these restrictions, we conduct our business in the PRC primarily
through contractual arrangements among (i) Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd., (ii) Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment
Management Co., Ltd., (iii) our relevant affiliated entities, and (iv) our VIEs’ shareholders, including Mr. Peiqing Tian and Ms. Suhua Zhu. We operate our
business in the PRC through Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and through the learning centers controlled and held by Shanghai
Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd., and operate our learning trip business in the PRC through Shanghai Four Seasons Education and
Investment Management Co., Ltd.
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We have been and expect to continue to be dependent on our affiliated entities to operate our business. See “Item 4. Information on the company — C.
Organizational Structure” for more information.
However, as we are a Cayman Islands holding company with no equity ownership in the variable interest entities, investors in our ADSs or the
ordinary shares thus are not purchasing equity interest in the variable interest entities in China but instead are purchasing equity interest in a Cayman
Islands holding company. If the PRC government deems that our contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities do not comply with PRC
regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change or are
interpreted differently in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations. We may not be able
to repay the notes and other indebtedness, and our shares may decline in value or become worthless, if we are unable to assert our contractual control rights
over the assets of the variable interest entities, which contribute to 20.9% of our total assets as of February 28, 2022. Our holding company in the Cayman
Islands, the variable interest entities, and investors of our company face uncertainty about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect
the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the variable interest entities and, consequently, significantly affect the financial performance of the
variable interest entities and our company as a group.
If our ownership structure and contractual arrangements are found to violate any PRC laws or regulations, or if we are found to be required but
failed to obtain any of the permits or approvals for our private education business, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities, including the Ministry of
Education, which regulates the education industry in the PRC, the Ministry of Commerce, which regulates foreign investments in the PRC, the Ministry of
Civil Affairs, which regulates the registration of schools in the PRC, and the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, which regulates the
registration and operation of education training companies in the PRC, would have broad discretion in imposing fines or punishments upon us for such
violations, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
revoking the business and operating licenses of ours and/or our affiliated entities’;
discontinuing or restricting any related-party transactions between us and our affiliated entities;
imposing fines and penalties, or additional requirements for our operations which we, or our affiliated entities may not be able to comply
with;
requiring us to restructure the ownership and control structure or our current schools;
restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds of our initial public offering to finance our business and operations in the PRC, particularly
the expansion of our business through strategic acquisitions; or
restricting the use of financing sources by us or our affiliated entities or otherwise restricting our or their ability to conduct business.
As of the date of this annual report, similar ownership structure and contractual arrangements have been used by many PRC-based companies listed
overseas, including a number of education companies listed in the United States. To our knowledge, none of the fines or punishments listed above has been
imposed on any of these public companies, including companies in the education industry, in relation to these types of contractual arrangements. However,
we cannot assure you that such fines or punishments will not be imposed on us or any other companies 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 Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and its after-school training institutions
and subsidiaries that most significantly impact their economic performance, and/or our failure to receive the economic benefits from Shanghai Four
Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and its after-school training institutions and subsidiaries, we may not be able to consolidate Shanghai Four
Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd., and its learning centers and subsidiaries 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 or Shanghai Four
Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and its learning centers or subsidiaries.
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Substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the
viability of our current corporate structure and business operations.
The “variable interest entity” structure has been adopted by many PRC-based companies, including us, to obtain necessary licenses and permits in
the industries that are currently subject to foreign investment restrictions in China. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors —Risks Related to
Our Corporate Structure” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure.”
On March 15, 2019, the PRC National People’s Congress promulgated the Foreign Investment Law, or the 2019 FIL, which became effective from
January 1, 2020 and replaced the trio of existing laws regulating foreign investments in China, namely, the PRC Equity Joint Venture Law, the PRC
Cooperative Joint Venture Law and the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations.
Pursuant to the 2019 FIL, “foreign investments” refer to investment activities conducted by foreign investors directly or “indirectly” in the PRC,
which include any of the following circumstances: (i) foreign investors setting up foreign-invested enterprises in the PRC solely or jointly with other
investors, (ii) foreign investors obtaining shares, equity interests, property portions or other similar rights and interests of enterprises within the PRC, (iii)
foreign investors investing in new projects in the PRC solely or jointly with other investors, and (iv) investment in other methods as specified in laws,
administrative regulations, or as stipulated by the State Council. Although the 2019 FIL does not introduce the concept of “control” in determining whether
a company should be considered as a foreign-invested enterprise, nor does it provide the “variable interest entity” structure as a method of foreign
investment, as the 2019 FIL is newly adopted and relevant government authorities may promulgate more laws, regulations or rules on the interpretation and
implementation of the 2019 FIL, the possibility can’t be ruled out that the concept of “control” as stated in the 2015 Draft FIL may be embodied in, or the
“variable interest entity” structure adopted by us may be deemed as a method of foreign investment by, any of such future laws, regulations and rules. If our
consolidated “variable interest entity” were deemed as a foreign-invested enterprise under any of such future laws, regulations and rules, and any of the
businesses that we operate would be in any “negative list” for foreign investment and therefore be subject to any foreign investment restrictions or
prohibitions, further actions required to be taken by us under such laws, regulations and rules may materially and adversely affect our business and
financial condition.
We rely on contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their respective shareholders and relevant affiliated entities in the form of private non-
enterprise institutions for our operations in the PRC, which may not be as effective in providing control as direct ownership.
We have relied and expect to continue to rely on the contractual arrangements with our VIE, their shareholders and relevant affiliated entities in the
form of private non-enterprise institutions, including Mr. Peiqing Tian, our largest shareholder, to operate our business. For a description of these
contractual arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the company — C. Organizational Structure.”
The revenue contribution of our affiliated entities has historically accounted for 100.0% of our total revenue. However, contractual arrangements
may not be as effective as direct equity ownership in providing us with control over our VIE and our learning centers. Any failure by our affiliated entities,
including our VIE and our learning centers controlled and held by our VIE and the shareholders of our VIE, 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 PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in the PRC. Accordingly, these contracts would be
interpreted in accordance with 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 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 the imposition of government actions causes us to lose our right to direct the activities of our affiliated entities or our right to receive substantially
all the economic benefits and residual returns from our affiliated entities
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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 largest shareholder, Mr. Peiqing Tian, may have potential conflicts of interest with us and not act in the best interests of our company.
Mr. Peiqing Tian is the controlling shareholder of Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Four Seasons Education
Investment Management Co., Ltd. He is also the largest shareholder of our company. We cannot assure you that Mr. Peiqing Tian will act in the best
interests of our company. We rely on Mr. Peiqing Tian to comply with the terms and conditions of the contractual arrangements. Although Mr. Peiqing Tian
is obligated to honor his contractual obligations with respect to our affiliated entities, he may nonetheless breach or cause our affiliated entities to breach or
refuse to renew the existing contractual arrangements that allow us to effectively exercise control over our affiliated entities and to receive economic
benefits from them. If Mr. Peiqing Tian does not honor his contractual obligations with respect to our affiliated entities, we may exercise our exclusive
option to purchase, or cause our designee to purchase, all or part of the equity interest in Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. to the extent permitted by PRC law. If we cannot resolve any disputes between us and
the shareholders of Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., we
would have to rely on arbitration or legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of our business and substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any
such legal proceedings.
Contractual arrangements between our VIEs and us may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and a finding that we or our affiliated
entities owe additional taxes could materially reduce our net income and the value of your investment.
Under PRC laws and regulations, transactions between related parties should be conducted on an arm’s-length basis and may be subject to audit or
challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We could face material adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the contractual
arrangements among our subsidiary in the PRC, our VIEs, the shareholder of our VIEs’ and relevant affiliated entities are not conducted on an arm’s-length
basis and adjust the income of our affiliated entities through the transfer pricing adjustment.
A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in, for PRC tax purposes, increased tax liabilities of our affiliated entities. In
addition, the PRC tax authorities may require us to disgorge our prior tax benefits, and require us to pay additional taxes for prior tax years and impose late
payment fees and other penalties on our affiliated entities for underpayment of prior taxes. To date, similar contractual arrangements have been used by
many public companies, including companies listed in the United States, and, to our knowledge, the PRC tax authorities have not imposed any material
penalties on those companies. However, we cannot assure you that such penalties will not be imposed on any other companies or us in the future. Our net
income may be reduced if the tax liabilities of our affiliated entities materially increase or if they are found to be subject to additional tax obligations, late
payment fees or other penalties.
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If any of our affiliated entities becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or liquidation proceeding, we may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by
such entity, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We currently conduct our operations in the PRC through contractual arrangements with our affiliated entities and the shareholders of Shanghai Four
Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. As part of these arrangements,
substantially all of our education-related assets that are critical to the operation of our business are held by our affiliated entities. If any of these entities
goes bankrupt 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 could 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, our ability to generate revenue
and the market price of our ADSs.
If the custodians or authorized users of our controlling non-tangible assets, including chops and seals, fail to fulfill their responsibilities, or
misappropriate or misuse these assets, our business and operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Under PRC law, legal documents for corporate transactions, including agreements and contracts that our business relies on, are executed using the
chop or seal of the signing entity or with the signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with the relevant 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 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 seeking to gain control of one of our subsidiaries
or affiliated entities. 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.
PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of our
initial public offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated entities, which could harm our liquidity
and our ability to fund and expand our business.
To utilize the proceeds of the initial public offering in the manner described in “Use of Proceeds” in the registration statement, we currently have
plans for using 25% of the proceeds in China. As an offshore holding company of our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated entities, we are permitted under PRC
laws and regulations to provide funding to Shanghai Fuxi, our wholly-owned PRC subsidiary, through loans or capital contributions, and to our VIEs and
the subsidiaries of the VIEs through loans. However, such uses are subject to PRC regulations and approvals. For example:
•
•
•
loans by us to Shanghai Fuxi, which is a foreign-invested enterprise, cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered or filed with the
State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC, or SAFE, or its local counterparts;
loans by us to our affiliated entities, which are domestic PRC entities, must be filed with the relevant government authorities and must also
be filed with SAFE or its local counterparts; and
capital contributions to Shanghai Fuxi must be filed with the Ministry of Commerce or its local counterparts and must also be registered with
the local bank authorized by SAFE.
37
There is currently no statutory limit to the amount of funding that we can provide to Shanghai Fuxi through capital contribution, and we can provide
funding to Shanghai Fuxi, our VIE and the subsidiaries of the VIE through loans as long as the loan amount does not exceed twice the amount of their net
assets calculated in accordance with PRC GAAP. The maximum aggregate amount that we can loan to Shanghai Fuxi, our VIE and the subsidiaries of our
VIE may vary with changes in the relevant entities’ net assets at the time of calculation. As of the date of this annual report, subject to completion of
statutory procedures with relevant government authorities and banks, we can loan an estimated maximum of approximately RMB262.3 million (US$41.6
million) to Shanghai Fuxi and an estimated maximum of approximately RMB511.1 million (US$81.0 million) to our VIE and the subsidiaries of our VIE.
In addition, on March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated SAFE Circular 19, a notice regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested company of its
capital contribution in foreign currency into Renminbi. The notice requires that the capital of a foreign-invested company settled in Renminbi converted
from foreign currencies shall be used only for purposes within the business scope as approved by the applicable government authorities and may not be
used for equity investments in the PRC unless such activity is set forth in the business scope or is otherwise permissible under PRC laws or regulations.
SAFE further strengthened its supervision of the flow and use of such capital of a foreign-invested company settled in Renminbi converted from foreign
currencies. The use of such Renminbi capital may not be changed without SAFE’s approval. Violations of SAFE Circular 19 will result in severe penalties
including hefty fines. As we expect to use the proceeds of our initial public offering in China in the form of RMB, Shanghai Fuxi, our VIE and the
subsidiaries of our VIE will need to convert any capital contributions or loans from U.S. dollars to RMB before using such capital contribution or loans. As
a result, SAFE Circular 19 may significantly limit our ability to transfer the net proceeds from our initial public offering to our operations in the PRC
through our PRC subsidiaries, which may adversely affect our ability to expand our business.
We expect that PRC laws and regulations may continue to limit our use of proceeds from our initial public offering or from other financing sources.
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 use the proceeds of our initial public
offering and to capitalize our PRC operations may be hindered, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC
Changes in PRC economy, or economic and political conditions or government policies in China, could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial conditions and results of operations.
Substantially all of our business operations are conducted in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and
prospects are influenced by economic, political and legal developments in China. The economy in China differs from the economies of most developed
countries in many respects, including the degree of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and currency
conversion, access to financing and allocation of resources. The Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development
by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocating resources,
controlling payment obligations denominated in foreign currencies, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or
companies. While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among
various sectors of the economy. Any adverse changes in economic conditions or policies in China may have a material adverse effect on the overall
economic growth of China. The PRC government has implemented various measures to encourage economic development and guide the allocation of
resources. While some of these measures benefit the overall PRC economy, they may also have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial
condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments, conversion of foreign exchange into
Renminbi or changes in tax regulations and practices that are applicable to us. Continued policies regarding strengthening the management and supervision
of the control of foreign currency could adversely affect our business development.
The global macroeconomic environment is facing challenges, especially the challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. See also “Item 3. Key
Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — The global COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on our business, which
may materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.” The PRC economy has shown slower growth compared to the previous
decade since 2012 and whether this slowdown will continue is still unknown. In addition, there is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the
expansionary monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s leading economies, including the
United States and China. Unrest, terrorist threats and potential for war in the Middle East and elsewhere may increase market volatility across the globe.
Recently, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused, and continues to intensify, significant geopolitical tensions
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in Europe and across the global. The resulting sanctions are expected to have significant impacts on the economic conditions of the targeted countries and
markets. There is significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and China with respect to trade policies, treaties,
government regulations and tariffs. There have also been concerns on the relationship between China and other countries, including the surrounding Asian
countries, which may potentially have economic effects. Economic conditions in China are sensitive to global economic conditions, as well as changes in
domestic economic and political policies and the expected or perceived overall economic growth rate in China. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the
global or PRC economy may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, continued turbulence in
the international markets may adversely affect our ability to access capital markets to meet liquidity needs.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a material adverse effect on us.
The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike the common law system, prior court decisions in a civil law system
may be cited as reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, newly introduced PRC laws and regulations have significantly enhanced the
protections of interest relating to foreign investments in the PRC. However, since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system
continues to evolve rapidly, the interpretations of such laws and regulations may not always be consistent, and enforcement of these laws and regulations
involves significant uncertainties, any of which could limit the available legal protections.
In addition, the PRC administrative and judicial authorities have significant discretion in interpreting, implementing or enforcing statutory rules and
contractual terms, and it may be more difficult to predict the outcome of administrative and judicial proceedings and the level of legal protection we may
enjoy in the PRC than under some more developed legal systems. These uncertainties may affect our decisions on the policies and actions to be taken to
comply with PRC laws and regulations, and may affect our ability to enforce our contractual or tort rights. In addition, the regulatory uncertainties may be
exploited through unmerited legal actions or threats in an attempt to extract payments or benefits from us. Such uncertainties may therefore increase our
operating expenses and costs, and materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The PRC government’s oversight and discretion over our business operations could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value
of our ADSs.
We conduct our business primarily in China. Our operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government has
significant oversight and discretion over the operation of our business, and it may influence our operations, which could result in a material adverse change
in our operation and the value of our ADSs.
The PRC government has recently indicated an intent to exert more oversight over overseas offerings by and foreign investment in China-based
issuers like us. For example, on July 6, 2021, relevant PRC government authorities promulgated the Opinions on Lawfully and Strictly Cracking Down
Illegal Securities Activities, which stated that the administration and supervision of overseas-listed China-based companies will be strengthened, and the
special provisions of the State Council on overseas issuance and listing of shares by such companies will be revised, clarifying the responsibilities of the
relevant domestic industry regulatory authorities and other regulatory authorities. On December 24, 2021, the State Council issued a draft Regulations of
the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Issuance and Listing of Securities by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments), or the Draft
Provisions, and the CSRC issued a draft Measures for the Record-Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for
Comments), for public comments. Pursuant to these drafts, PRC domestic companies that directly or indirectly seek to offer or list their securities on an
overseas stock exchange, including a PRC company limited by shares and an offshore company whose main business operations are in China and who
intends to offer securities or be listed on an overseas stock exchange based on its onshore equities, assets, or similar interests, are required to file with the
CSRC within three business days after submitting their application documents. The Draft Filing Measures also provides that a PRC domestic company
must file with the CSRC within three business days for its follow-on offering of securities or issue of securities to purchase assets after it is listed in an
overseas market. The period for which the CSRC solicits comments on these drafts ended on January 23, 2022, and there is no timetable as to when these
drafts will be enacted. As of the date of this annual report, there is no schedule to adopt these drafts, and it remains unclear whether the versions adopted
will have any further material changes. There remain substantial uncertainties about how these drafts will be enacted, interpreted, or implemented
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and how they will affect our operations and future overseas offerings. We cannot assure you that any new rules or regulations promulgated in the future will
not impose additional requirements on us.
In addition, on December 28, 2021, the CAC, the NDRC, the MIIT, and several other PRC government authorities jointly issued the Cybersecurity
Review Measures, which took effect on February 15, 2022. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, in addition to “critical information
infrastructure operators,” network platform operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security are subject to
cybersecurity review. The relevant government authorities may initiate the cybersecurity review against the relevant operators if the authorities believe that
the network products or services or data processing activities of such operators affect or may affect national security. In addition, the Cybersecurity Review
Measures provides that network platform operators holding personal information of over one million users must apply with the Cybersecurity Review
Office for a cybersecurity review before public offering at a foreign stock exchange. The cybersecurity review will evaluate, among others, the risk of
critical information infrastructure, core data, important data, or a large amount of personal information being affected, controlled, or maliciously used by
foreign government and the network information security risk in connection with the listing. There are substantial uncertainties as to the interpretation,
application, and enforcement of the Cybersecurity Review Measures.
Furthermore, in November 2021, the CAC released the Administrative Regulations on Internet Data Security (Draft for Comments), or the Draft
Data Security Regulations, which provides that data processors refer to individuals or organizations that, during their data processing activities such as data
collection, storage, utilization, transmission, publication and deletion, have autonomy over the purpose and the manner of data processing. In accordance
with the Draft Data Security Regulations, data processors shall apply for a cybersecurity review for certain activities, including, among other things, (i) the
listing abroad of data processors that process the personal information of more than one million individuals and (ii) any data processing activity that affects
or may affect national security. However, there have been no clarifications from the relevant authorities as of the date of this annual report as to the
standards for determining whether an activity is one that “affects or may affect national security.” In addition, the Draft Data Security Regulations requires
that data processors that process “important data” or are listed overseas must conduct an annual data security assessment by itself or engage a data security
service provider to do so, and submit the assessment report of the preceding year to the municipal cybersecurity department by the end of January each
year. As of the date of this annual report, the Draft Data Security Regulations was released for public comment only, and their respective provisions and
anticipated adoption or effective date may be subject to change with substantial uncertainty. As such, it remains unclear whether the formal version adopted
in the future will have any further material changes, it is uncertain how the measures will be enacted, interpreted or implemented and how they will affect
us.
It remains uncertain how PRC government authorities will regulate overseas listing in general and whether we are required to complete filing or
obtain any specific regulatory approvals from the CSRC, CAC or any other PRC government authorities for our overseas offerings. If the CSRC, CAC or
other government authorities later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals for our future overseas offerings, we may
be unable to obtain such approvals in a timely manner, or at all, and such approvals may be rescinded even if obtained. Any such circumstance could
significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline
or be worthless. In addition, implementation of industry-wide regulations directly targeting our operations could cause the value of our securities to
significantly decline. Therefore, investors of our company and our business face potential uncertainty from actions taken by the PRC government affecting
our business.
Our business is subject to various evolving PRC laws and regulations regarding data privacy and cybersecurity. Failure of cybersecurity and data
privacy concerns could subject us to penalties, damage our reputation and brand, and harm our business and results of operations.
We routinely collect, store and use personal information and other data during the ordinary course of our business. If we are unable to protect the
personal information and other data we collect, store and use from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction, such
problems or security breaches could cause a loss, give rise to our liabilities to the owners or subject of the information, or subject us to fines and other
penalties. In addition, complying with various laws and regulations could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices,
including our data practices, in a manner adverse to our business.
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In general, we expect that data security and data protection compliance will receive greater attention and focus from regulators, both domestically
and globally, as well as attract continued or greater public scrutiny and attention going forward, which could increase our compliance costs and subject us
to heightened risks and challenges associated with data security and protection. If we are unable to manage these risks, we could become subject to
penalties, including fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, and our reputation and results of operations could be materially and
adversely affected.
The PRC regulatory and enforcement regime with regard to data security and data protection is evolving and may be subject to different
interpretations or significant changes. Moreover, different PRC regulatory bodies, including the Standing Committee of the NPC, the Ministry of Industry
and Information Technology, or the MIIT, the CAC, the MPS and the SAMR, have enforced data privacy and protections laws and regulations with varying
standards and applications. We are subject to PRC laws and regulations governing the collection, storing, sharing, using, processing, disclosure and
protection of personal information and other data on the internet and mobile platforms including, without limitation, the PRC Civil Code, the PRC
Cybersecurity Law, the PRC Data Security Law and the PRC Personal Information Protection Law. The following are examples of certain recent PRC
regulatory activities in this area:
Data Security
•
•
In June 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The PRC
Data Security Law, among other things, provides for security review procedure for data-related activities that may affect national security. In
January 2022, the CAC, together with other authorities, jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on
February 15, 2022 and replaces its predecessor regulation. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, critical information infrastructure
operators that procure internet products and services and network platform operators engaging in data processing activities must be subject to
the cybersecurity review if their activities affect or may affect national security. The Cybersecurity Review Measures further stipulates that
network platform operators that hold personal information of over one million users shall apply with the Cybersecurity Review Office for a
cybersecurity review before any public offering at a foreign stock exchange. In August 2021, the state council promulgated the Regulations
on Critical Information Infrastructure Security Protection, which became effective on September 1, 2021. Pursuant to this regulation, critical
information infrastructure means key network facilities or information systems of critical industries or sectors, such as public communication
and information service, energy, transportation, water conservation, finance, public services, e-government affairs and national defense
science, the damage, malfunction or data leakage of which may endanger national security, people’s livelihoods and the public interest.
Relevant governmental authorities of each critical industry and sector shall be responsible for formulating eligibility criteria and determining
the scope of critical information infrastructure operator in the respective industry or sector and operators will be informed about the final
determination as to whether they are categorized as critical information infrastructure operators. As of the date of this annual report, no
detailed rules or implementation rules have been issued by any authority and we have not been informed that we are a critical information
infrastructure operator by any government authorities. Furthermore, the exact scope of “critical information infrastructure operators” under
the current regulatory regime remains unclear, and the PRC government authorities may have wide discretion in the interpretation and
enforcement of the applicable laws. Therefore, it is uncertain whether we would be deemed to be a critical information infrastructure operator
under PRC law. If we are deemed to be a critical information infrastructure operator under the PRC cybersecurity laws and regulations, we
may be subject to obligations in addition to what we have fulfilled under the PRC cybersecurity laws and regulations
In November 2021, the CAC released the Administrative Regulations on Internet Data Security (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Data
Security Regulations, which provides that data processors refer to individuals or organizations that, during their data processing activities
such as data collection, storage, utilization, transmission, publication and deletion, have autonomy over the purpose and the manner of data
processing. In accordance with the Draft Data Security Regulations, data processors shall apply for a cybersecurity review for certain
activities, including, among other things, (i) the listing abroad of data processors that process the personal information of more than one
million individuals and (ii) any data
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processing activity that affects or may affect national security. However, there have been no clarifications from the relevant authorities as of
the date of this annual report as to the standards for determining whether an activity is one that “affects or may affect national security.” In
addition, the Draft Data Security Regulations requires that data processors that process “important data” or are listed overseas must conduct
an annual data security assessment by itself or commission a data security service provider to do so, and submit the assessment report of the
preceding year to the municipal cybersecurity department by the end of January each year. As of the date of this annual report, the Draft Data
Security Regulations was released for public comment only, and their respective provisions and anticipated adoption or effective date may be
subject to change with substantial uncertainty.
The Anti-monopoly Guidelines for the Platform Economy Sector
•
•
The Anti-monopoly Guidelines for the Platform Economy Sector published by the Anti-monopoly Committee of the State Council, effective
on February 7, 2021, prohibits collection of user information through coercive means by online platforms operators.
In August 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Personal Information Protection Law, which integrates the
scattered rules with respect to personal information rights and privacy protection and took effect on November 1, 2021. We update our
privacy policies from time to time to meet the latest regulatory requirements of PRC government authorities and adopt technical measures to
protect data and ensure cybersecurity in a systematic way. Nonetheless, the Personal Information Protection Law elevates the protection
requirements for personal information processing, and many specific requirements of this law remain to be clarified by the CAC, other
regulatory authorities, and courts in practice. We may be required to make further adjustments to our business practices to comply with the
personal information protection laws and regulations.
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Many of the data-related legislations are relatively new and certain concepts thereunder remain subject to interpretation by the regulators. If any data
that we possess belongs to data categories that are subject to heightened scrutiny, we may be required to adopt stricter measures for protection and
management of such data. The Cybersecurity Review Measures and the Draft Data Security Regulations remain unclear on whether the relevant
requirements will be applicable to companies that are already listed in the United States, such as us. We cannot predict the impact of the Cybersecurity
Review Measures and the Draft Data Security Regulations, if any, at this stage, and we will closely monitor and assess any development in the rule-making
process. If the Cybersecurity Review Measures and the enacted version of the Draft Data Security Regulations mandate clearance of cybersecurity review
and other specific actions to be taken by issuers like us, we face uncertainties as to whether these additional procedures can be completed by us timely, or at
all, which may subject us to government enforcement actions and investigations, fines, penalties, suspension of our non-compliant operations, or removal
of our app from the relevant application stores, and materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. As of the date of this annual
report, we have not been involved in any formal investigations on cybersecurity review made by the CAC on such basis.
In general, compliance with the existing PRC laws and regulations, as well as additional laws and regulations that PRC regulatory bodies may enact
in the future, related to data security and personal information protection, may be costly and result in additional expenses to us, and subject us to negative
publicity, which could harm our reputation and business operations. As advised by our PRC counsel, there are also uncertainties with respect to how such
laws and regulations will be implemented and interpreted in practice as they are relatively new. We may need to adjust our business to comply with the data
security and cybersecurity requirements from time to time and we have taken measures to comply with applicable data-related laws and regulations.
In addition, regulatory authorities around the world have adopted or are considering a number of legislative and regulatory proposals concerning
data protection. These legislative and regulatory proposals, if adopted, and the uncertain interpretations and application thereof could, in addition to the
possibility of fines, result in an order requiring that we change our data practices and policies, which could have an adverse effect on our business and
results of operations. The European Union General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which came into effect on May 25, 2018, includes operational
requirements for companies that receive or process personal data of residents of the European Economic Area. The GDPR establishes new requirements
applicable to the processing of personal data, affords new data protection rights to individuals and imposes penalties for serious data breaches. Individuals
also have a right to compensation under the GDPR for financial or non-financial losses. In the event that residents of the European Economic Area access
our website or our mobile apps and input protected information, we may become subject to provisions of the GDPR.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a PRC “resident enterprise,” which could result in unfavorable tax consequences
to us and our non-PRC shareholders.
The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementing rules provide that enterprises established outside of the PRC whose “de facto
management bodies” are located in the PRC are considered “resident enterprises” under PRC tax laws. The implementing rules define the term “de facto
management bodies” as a management body which substantially manages, or has control over the business, personnel, finance and assets of an enterprise.
On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation issued SAT Circular 82, which provides that a foreign enterprise controlled by a PRC company or
a group of PRC companies will be classified as a “resident enterprise” with its “de facto management body” located within the PRC if all of the following
requirements are satisfied: (1) the senior management and core management departments in charge of its daily operations function are mainly in the PRC;
(2) its financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies in the PRC; (3) its major assets, accounting
books, company seals, and minutes and files of its board and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in the PRC; and (4) at least half of the enterprise’s
directors with voting right or senior management reside in the PRC. The State Administration of Taxation issued a bulletin SAT Circular 45 on July 27,
2011 to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82. The bulletin clarifies certain matters relating to resident status determination,
post-determination administration and competent tax authorities. Although both the circular and the bulletin only apply to offshore enterprises controlled by
PRC enterprises and not those by PRC individuals, the determination criteria set forth in the circular and administration clarification made in the bulletin
may reflect the general position of the State Administration of Taxation on how the “de facto management
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body” test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises and the administration measures should be implemented,
regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC individuals.
In addition, the State Administration of Taxation issued a bulletin SAT Circular 9 on January 29, 2014 to provide more guidance on the
implementation of SAT Circular 82. This bulletin further provides that, among other things, an entity that is classified as a “resident enterprise” in
accordance with the circular shall file the application for classifying its status of residential enterprise with the local tax authorities where its main domestic
investors are registered.
From the year in which the entity is determined as a “resident enterprise,” any dividend, profit and other equity investment gain shall be taxed in
accordance with the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementing rules.
As the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to the determination by the PRC tax authorities, if we are deemed as a PRC “resident enterprise,”
we will be subject to PRC Enterprise Income Tax on our worldwide income at a uniform tax rate of 25%, although dividends distributed to us from our
existing PRC subsidiaries and any other PRC subsidiaries which we may establish from time to time could be exempt from the PRC dividend withholding
tax due to our PRC “resident recipient” status. This could have a material adverse effect on our overall effective tax rate, our income tax expenses and our
net income. Furthermore, dividends, if any, paid to our shareholders and ADS holders may be decreased as a result of the decrease in distributable profits.
In addition, if we were to be considered a PRC “resident enterprise,” dividends we pay with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares and the gains realized
from the transfer of our ADSs or ordinary shares may be considered income derived from sources within the PRC and be subject to PRC withholding tax,
which could have a material adverse effect on the value of your investment in us and the price of our ADSs.
There are significant uncertainties under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law relating to the withholding tax liabilities of our PRC subsidiaries, and
dividends payable by our PRC subsidiaries to our offshore subsidiaries may not qualify to enjoy certain treaty benefits.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, the profits of a foreign-invested enterprise generated through operations,
which are distributed to its immediate holding company outside the PRC, will be subject to a withholding tax rate of 10%. Pursuant to a special
arrangement between Hong Kong and the PRC, such rate may be reduced to 5% if a Hong Kong resident enterprise owns more than 25% of the equity
interest in the PRC company. Our PRC subsidiary is wholly owned by our Hong Kong subsidiary.
Moreover, under the Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues regarding the Administration of the Dividend Provision in Tax
Treaties promulgated on February 20, 2009, the taxpayer needs to satisfy certain conditions to enjoy the benefits under a tax treaty. These conditions
include: (1) the taxpayer must be the beneficial owner of the relevant dividends, and (2) the corporate shareholder to receive dividends from the PRC
subsidiaries must have continuously met the direct ownership thresholds during the 12 consecutive months preceding the receipt of the dividends. Further,
the State Administration of Taxation promulgated the Notice on How to Understand and Recognize the “Beneficial Owner” in Tax Treaties on October 27,
2009, which limits the “beneficial owner” to individuals, enterprises or other organizations normally engaged in substantive operations, and sets forth
certain detailed factors in determining the “beneficial owner” status. Further, the SAT promulgated the Notice on Issues Related to the “Beneficial Owner”
in Tax Treaties on February 3, 2018, which sets forth certain detailed factors in determining the “beneficial owner” status.
Entitlement to a lower tax rate on dividends according to tax treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of
other countries or regions is subject to inspection or approval of the relevant tax authorities. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be entitled to
any preferential withholding tax rate under tax treaties for dividends received from our PRC subsidiaries.
We face uncertainties with respect to indirect transfers of the equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
Pursuant to the Notice on Strengthening Administration of Enterprise Income Tax for Share Transfers by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, or SAT
Circular 698, issued by the State Administration of Taxation on December 10, 2009, where a foreign investor transfers the equity interests in a PRC
resident enterprise indirectly via
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disposition of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, and such overseas holding company is located in a tax jurisdiction that (1) has an
effective tax rate less than 12.5% or (2) does not tax foreign income of its residents, the foreign investor shall report the indirect transfer to the competent
PRC tax authority. The PRC tax authority will examine the nature of such indirect transfer, and if the tax authority considers that the foreign investor has
adopted an “abusive arrangement” in order to reduce, avoid or defer PRC taxes, it may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company and re-
characterize the indirect transfer such that gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of up to 10%. SAT
Circular 698 also provides that, where a non-PRC resident enterprise transfers its equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise to its related parties at a price
lower than the fair market value, the competent tax authority has the power to make a reasonable adjustment to the taxable income of the transaction. SAT
Circular 698 is retroactively effective from January 1, 2008.
There is uncertainty as to the application of SAT Circular 698. For example, while the term “indirect transfer” is not clearly defined, it is understood
that the relevant PRC tax authorities have jurisdiction regarding requests for information over a wide range of foreign entities having no direct contact with
the PRC. Moreover, the relevant authority has not yet promulgated any formal provisions or formally declared or stated how to calculate the effective tax
rates in foreign tax jurisdictions, and the process and format of the reporting of an Indirect Transfer to the competent tax authority of the relevant PRC
resident enterprise remain unclear. In addition, there are no formal declarations with regard to how to determine whether a foreign investor has adopted an
abusive arrangement in order to reduce, avoid or defer PRC tax.
The State Administration of Taxation issued Bulletin on Several Issues concerning the Enterprise Income Tax on the Indirect Transfers of Properties
by Non-Resident Enterprises, or SAT Bulletin 7, on February 3, 2015, which replaced or supplemented certain rules under SAT Circular 698. Under SAT
Bulletin 7, an “indirect transfer” of assets, including equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise, by non-PRC resident enterprises may be re-characterized
and treated as a direct transfer of PRC taxable assets, if such arrangement does not have a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the
purpose of avoiding payment of PRC enterprise income tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income
tax.
According to SAT Bulletin 7, “PRC taxable assets” include assets attributed to an establishment in the PRC, immoveable properties in the PRC, and
equity investments in PRC resident enterprises. In respect of an indirect offshore transfer of assets of a PRC establishment, the relevant gain is to be
regarded as effectively connected with the PRC establishment and therefore included in its enterprise income tax filing, and would consequently be subject
to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Where the underlying transfer relates to the immoveable properties in the PRC or to equity investments in a
PRC resident enterprise, which is not effectively connected to a PRC establishment of a non-resident enterprise, a PRC enterprise income tax at 10% would
apply, subject to available preferential tax treatment under applicable tax treaties or similar arrangements, and the party who is obligated to make the
transfer payments has the withholding obligation. There is uncertainty as to the implementation details of SAT Bulletin 7. If SAT Bulletin 7 was determined
by the tax authorities to be applicable to some of our transactions involving PRC taxable assets, our offshore subsidiaries conducting the relevant
transactions might be required to spend valuable resources to comply with SAT Bulletin 7 or to establish that the relevant transactions should not be taxed
under SAT Bulletin 7.
As a result, we and our non-PRC shareholders may have the risk of being taxed for the disposition of our ordinary shares or ADS and may be
required to spend valuable resources to comply with SAT Circular 698 and SAT Bulletin 7 or to establish that we or our non-PRC shareholders should not
be taxed as an indirect transfer, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or the investment by non-PRC
investors in us.
Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our revenues effectively.
Substantially all of our revenue is denominated in Renminbi. As a result, restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to use revenue
generated in Renminbi to fund any business activities we may have outside the PRC in the future or to make dividend payments to our shareholders and
ADS holders in U.S. dollars. Under current PRC laws and regulations, Renminbi is freely convertible for current account items, such as trade and service-
related foreign exchange transactions and dividend distributions. However, Renminbi is not freely convertible for direct investment or loans or investments
in securities outside the PRC, unless such use is approved by SAFE. For example, foreign exchange transactions under our subsidiary’s capital account,
including principal payments in respect of foreign currency-denominated obligations, remain subject to significant foreign exchange controls and the
approval requirement of SAFE. These limitations could affect our ability to obtain foreign exchange for capital expenditures.
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Our PRC subsidiaries are permitted to declare dividends to our offshore subsidiary holding their equity interest, convert the dividends into a foreign
currency and remit to its shareholder outside the PRC. In addition, in the event that our PRC subsidiaries liquidate, proceeds from the liquidation may be
converted into foreign currency and distributed outside the PRC to our overseas subsidiary holding its equity interest. Furthermore, in the event that
Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. or Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. liquidates, our PRC
subsidiaries may, pursuant to a power of attorney it has entered into with Mr. Peiqing Tian or Ms. Suhua Zhu, require Mr. Peiqing Tian or Ms. Suhua Zhu to
transfer all assets they might receive in connection with the liquidation of Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. or Shanghai Four
Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., Ltd. to our PRC subsidiaries at no consideration or the minimum consideration as permitted under
PRC laws. Our PRC subsidiaries then may distribute such proceeds to us after converting them into foreign currency and remit them outside the PRC in the
form of dividends or other distributions. Once remitted outside the PRC, dividends, distributions or other proceeds from liquidation paid to us will not be
subject to restrictions under PRC regulations on its further transfer or use.
Other than the above distributions by and through our PRC subsidiaries which are permitted to be made without the necessity to obtain further
approvals, any conversion of the Renminbi-denominated revenue generated by our affiliated entities for direct investment, loan or investment in securities
outside the PRC will be subject to the limitations discussed above. To the extent we need to convert and use any Renminbi-denominated revenue generated
by our affiliated entities not paid to our PRC subsidiaries and revenue generated by our PRC subsidiaries not declared and paid as dividends, the limitations
discussed above will restrict the convertibility of, and our ability to directly receive and use such revenue. As a result, our business and financial condition
may be adversely affected. In addition, we cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities will not impose more stringent restrictions on the
convertibility of Renminbi in the future, especially with respect to foreign exchange transactions.
Our subsidiary and affiliated entities in the PRC are subject to restrictions on making dividends and other payments to us.
We are a holding company and rely principally on dividends paid by our subsidiary in the PRC for our cash needs, including paying dividends and
other cash distributions to our shareholders to the extent we choose to do so, servicing any debt we may incur and paying our operating expenses. Our PRC
subsidiaries’ income in turn depends on the service fees paid by our affiliated entities. Current PRC regulations permit our subsidiary in the PRC to pay
dividends to us only out of its accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Under the
applicable requirements of PRC law, our PRC subsidiaries may only distribute dividends after they have made allowances to fund certain statutory
reserves. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. In addition, at the end of each fiscal year, each of our learning centers that are private
schools in the PRC is required to allocate a certain amount to its development fund for the construction or maintenance of the school properties or purchase
or upgrade of school facilities. In particular, our learning centers that require reasonable returns must allocate no less than 25% of their annual net income,
and our learning centers that do not require reasonable returns must allocate no less than 25% of their annual increase in the net assets of the school for
such purposes. Furthermore, if our subsidiaries or our affiliated entities in the PRC incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing
the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Any such restrictions may materially affect such entities’ ability to make
dividends or make payments, in service fees or otherwise, to us, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Fluctuations in the value of the Renminbi may have a material 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 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
ADSs 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
46
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 ADSs in U.S. dollars without giving effect to any underlying change in our business or results of operations.
The approval of or filing with the CSRC or other PRC government authorities may be required in connection with our offshore offerings under PRC
law, and, if required, we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to obtain such approval or complete such filing.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory
agencies in 2006 and amended in 2009, requires an overseas special purpose vehicle formed for listing purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic
companies and controlled by PRC persons or entities to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle’s
securities on an overseas stock exchange. The interpretation and application of the regulations remain unclear, and our offshore offerings may ultimately
require approval of the CSRC. If the CSRC approval is required, it is uncertain whether we can or how long it will take us to obtain the approval and, even
if we obtain such CSRC approval, the approval could be rescinded. Any failure to obtain or delay in obtaining the CSRC approval for any of our offshore
offerings, or a rescission of such approval if obtained by us, would subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities, which
could include fines and penalties on our operations in China, restrictions or limitations on our ability to pay dividends outside of China, and other forms of
sanctions that may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
On July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC government authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance
with the Law, or the Opinions on Security Activities. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities
and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant
regulatory systems to deal with the risks and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies. As a follow-up, on December 24, 2021, the State
Council issued a draft Regulations of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Issuance and Listing of Securities by Domestic Companies
(Draft for Comments), or the Draft Provisions, and the CSRC issued a draft Measures for the Record-Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by
Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Administration Measures, for public comments.
The Draft Provisions and the Draft Administration Measures propose to establish a new filing-based regime to regulate overseas offerings of stocks,
depository receipts, convertible corporate bond, or other equity securities, and overseas listing of these securities for trading, by domestic companies.
According to the Draft Provisions and the Draft Administration Measures, an overseas offering and listing by a domestic company, whether directly or
indirectly, shall be filed with the CSRC. Specifically, the examination and determination of an indirect offering and listing will be conducted on a
substance-over-form basis, and an offering and listing shall be considered as an indirect overseas offering and listing by a domestic company if the issuer
meets the following conditions: (i) the operating income, gross profit, total assets, or net assets of the domestic enterprise in the most recent fiscal year was
more than 50% of the relevant line item in the issuer’s audited consolidated financial statement for that year; and (ii) senior management personnel
responsible for business operations and management are mostly PRC citizens or are ordinarily resident in the PRC, and the main place of business is in the
PRC or carried out in the PRC. According to the Draft Administration Measures, the issuer or its affiliated domestic company, as the case may be, shall file
with the CSRC for its initial public offering, follow-on offering and other equivalent offering activities. Particularly, the issuer shall submit the filing with
respect to its initial public offering and listing within three business days after its initial filing of the listing application, and submit the filing with respect to
its follow-on offering within three business days after completion of the follow-on offering. Failure to comply with the filing requirements may result in
fines to the relevant domestic companies, suspension of their businesses, revocation of their business licenses and operation permits and fines on the
controlling shareholder and other responsible persons. The Draft Administration Measures also sets forth certain regulatory red lines for overseas offerings
and listings by domestic enterprises.
As of the date of this annual report, the Draft Provisions and the Draft Administration Measures have been released for public comment only. There
are uncertainties as to whether the Draft Provisions and the Draft Administration Measures would be further amended, revised or updated. Substantial
uncertainties exist with respect to the enactment timetable and final content of the Draft Provisions and the Draft Administration Measures. As the CSRC
may formulate and publish guidelines for filings in the future, the Draft Administration Measures does not provide for detailed requirements of the
substance and form of the filing documents. In a Q&A released on its official website, the respondent CSRC official indicated that the CSRS will start
applying the filing requirements to new offerings and listings, including new initial public offerings and refinancing by existing overseas listed Chinese
companies. As for the filings for the existing companies, the regulator will grant adequate transition period to complete their filing procedures. The Q&A
also addressed the contractual arrangements and pointed out that if complying with domestic laws and regulations, companies with VIE structure are
eligible to list overseas after filing with the CSRC. Nevertheless, it does not specify what relevant domestic laws and regulations are required to be
47
complied with. Given the substantial uncertainties surrounding the latest CSRC filing requirements at this stage, we cannot assure you that we will be able
to complete the filings and fully comply with the relevant new rules on a timely basis, if at all.
In addition, we cannot assure you that any new rules or regulations promulgated in the future will not impose additional requirements on us. If it is
determined in the future that approval and filing from the CSRC or other regulatory authorities or other procedures, including the cybersecurity review
under the Cybersecurity Review Measures and the Draft Data Security Regulations, are required for our offshore offerings, it is uncertain whether we can
or how long it will take us to obtain such approval or complete such filing procedures and any such approval or filing could be rescinded or rejected. Any
failure to obtain or delay in obtaining such approval or completing such filing procedures for our offshore offerings, or a rescission of any such approval or
filing if obtained by us, would subject us to sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities for failure to seek CSRC approval or filing or other
government authorization for our offshore offerings. These regulatory authorities may impose fines and penalties on our operations in China, limit our
ability to pay dividends outside of China, limit our operating privileges in China, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from our offshore
offerings into China or take other actions that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, as
well as the trading price of our ADSs. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities also may take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for us, to
halt our offshore offerings before settlement and delivery of the shares offered. Consequently, if investors engage in market trading or other activities in
anticipation of and prior to settlement and delivery, they do so at the risk that settlement and delivery may not occur. In addition, if the CSRC or other
regulatory authorities later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals or accomplish the required filing or other
regulatory procedures for our prior offshore offerings, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such approval requirements, if and when procedures are
established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties or negative publicity regarding such approval requirement could materially and adversely affect our
business, prospects, financial condition, reputation, and the trading price of our ADSs.
Certain PRC regulations, including the M&A Rules and national security regulations, may require a complicated review and approval process which
could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in the PRC.
The M&A Rules established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities in the PRC by foreign
investors more time-consuming and complex. For example, the Ministry of Commerce must be notified in the event a foreign investor takes control of a
PRC domestic enterprise. In addition, certain acquisitions of domestic companies by offshore companies that are related to or affiliated with the same
entities or individuals of the domestic companies, are subject to approval by the Ministry of Commerce. In addition, the Implementing Rules Concerning
Security Review on Mergers and Acquisitions by Foreign Investors of Domestic Enterprises, issued by the Ministry of Commerce in August 2011, require
that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors in “any industry with national security concerns” be subject to national security review by the Ministry
of Commerce. In addition, any activities attempting to circumvent such review process, including structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual
control arrangement, are strictly prohibited.
There is significant uncertainty regarding the interpretation and implementation of these regulations relating to merger and acquisition activities in
the PRC. In addition, complying with these requirements could be time-consuming, and the required notification, review or approval process may
materially delay or affect our ability to complete merger and acquisition transactions in the PRC. As a result, our ability to seek growth through acquisitions
may be materially and adversely affected.
In addition, if the Ministry of Commerce determines that we should have obtained its approval for our entry into contractual arrangements with our
affiliated entities and the shareholders of Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd., we may be required to file for remedial approvals. We
cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain such approval from the Ministry of Commerce. We may also be subject to administrative fines or
penalties by the Ministry of Commerce that may require us to limit our business operations in the PRC, delay or restrict the conversion and remittance of
our funds in foreign currencies into the PRC or take other actions that could have material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
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A failure by the beneficial owners of our shares who are PRC residents to comply with certain PRC foreign exchange regulations could restrict our
ability to distribute profits, restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activities and subject us to liability under PRC law.
SAFE has promulgated 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 SAFE 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 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 SAFE Circular 37 as a “special purpose vehicle.” The term “control”
under SAFE 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. SAFE
Circular 37 further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with respect to the special purpose vehicle, such as
increase or 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 SAFE registration, 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, and
the special purpose vehicle may be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiaries. Further, failure to comply with the
various SAFE registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for foreign exchange evasion.
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 SAFE Circular 37 was recently issued, there remains uncertainty with respect to its implementation.
As of the date of this annual report, all PRC residents known to us that currently hold direct or indirect interests in our company have completed the
necessary registrations with SAFE as required by SAFE Circular 37. However, we cannot assure you that these individuals or any other direct or indirect
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 they fail to make or update the registration, our PRC subsidiaries could be subject to
fines and legal penalties, and 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.
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Employee participants in our share incentive plan who are PRC citizens may be required to register with 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 SAFE on February 15, 2012, or SAFE Circular 7, a qualified PRC agent (which could be the PRC
subsidiary of the overseas-listed company) is required to file, on behalf of “domestic individuals” (both PRC residents and non-PRC residents who reside in
the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year, excluding the foreign diplomatic personnel and representatives of international organizations)
who are granted shares or share options by the overseas-listed company according to its share incentive plan, an application with SAFE to conduct SAFE
registration with respect to such share incentive plan, and obtain approval for an annual allowance with respect to the purchase of foreign exchange in
connection with the share purchase or share option exercise. 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 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 need to apply for or update our registration with SAFE or its local branches on behalf of our employees who receive options
or other equity-based incentive grants under our share incentive plan or material changes in our share incentive plan. However, we may not always be able
to make applications or update our registration on behalf of our employees who hold any type of share incentive awards in compliance with SAFE Circular
7, nor can we ensure you that such applications or update of registration will be successful. If we or the participants of our share incentive plan who are
PRC citizens fail to comply with SAFE Circular 7, we and/or such participants of our share incentive plan 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 our share incentive plan to our employees who are PRC citizens.
Our leased property interests may be defective and our right to lease the properties may be challenged.
According to the PRC Land Administration Law, land in urban districts is owned by the state. The owner of a property built on state-owned land
must possess the proper land and property title certificate to demonstrate that it is the owner of the premises and that it has the right to enter into lease
contracts with the tenants or to authorize a third party to sublease the premises. Certain landlords of our learning center locations have failed to provide the
title certificates to us. Our right to lease the premises may be interrupted or adversely affected if our landlords are not the property owners and the actual
property owners should appear.
In addition, the title certificate usually records the approved use of the state-owned land by the government and the property owner is obligated to
follow the approved use requirement when making use of the property. In the case of failure to utilize the property in accordance with the approved use, the
land administration authorities may order the tenant to cease utilizing the premises or even invalidate the contract between the landlord and the tenant. If
our use of the leased premises is not in full compliance with the approved use of the land, we may be unable to continue to use the property, which may
cause disruption to our business.
Our failure to comply with certain requirements under labor contract laws in the PRC may adversely affect our results of operations.
The current PRC labor contract law imposes greater liabilities on employers and significantly affects the cost of an employer’s decision to reduce its
workforce. Furthermore, the PRC government has promulgated new laws and regulations to enhance labor protections in recent years, such as the Labor
Contract Law and the Social Insurance Law. If we are subject to penalties or incur significant liabilities in connection with labor disputes or investigations,
our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
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The PCAOB may be unable to inspect or fully investigate our auditors as required under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the
HFCA Act. If the PCAOB is unable to conduct such inspections for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, or for two consecutive years if proposed
changes to the law are enacted, the SEC will prohibit the trading of our ADSs. The delisting of our ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may
materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditors would
deprive our investors of the benefits of such inspections.
The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCA Act, was signed into law on December 18, 2020. The HFCA Act states if the SEC
determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspection for the PCAOB for three
consecutive years beginning in 2021, the SEC shall prohibit our shares or ADSs from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-
counter trading market in the United States.
On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed a bill which would reduce the number of consecutive non-inspection years required for triggering the
prohibitions under the HFCA Act from three years to two. On February 4, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill which contained, among
other things, an identical provision. If this provision is enacted into law and the number of consecutive non-inspection years required for triggering the
prohibitions under the HFCA Act is reduced from three years to two, then our shares and ADSs could be prohibited from trading in the United States in
2023.
On December 2, 2021, the SEC adopted final amendments implementing the disclosure and submission requirements under the HFCA Act, pursuant
to which the SEC will identify a “Commission-Identified Issuer” if an issuer has filed an annual report containing an audit report issued by a registered
public accounting firm that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in the
foreign jurisdiction, and will then impose a trading prohibition on an issuer after it is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for three consecutive
years.
On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report to notify the SEC of its determination that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate
completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong.
Our former auditor, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP (“Deloitte”), is an independent public accounting firm registered
with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or the PCAOB. Deloitte issued the audit report for the fiscal years ended February
29, 2020 and February 28, 2021, which is included elsewhere in this annual report. Our former auditor is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to
which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Since our former auditor is located in
China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB has been unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the relevant PRC authorities, our former auditor is
not currently inspected by the PCAOB.
The lack of access to the PCAOB inspection or investigation of auditors, including but not limited to inspection of auditors’ audit working papers
related to their clients, in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of the auditors based in China. As a result,
the investors may be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections or investigations of auditors,
including but not limited to inspection of auditors’ audit working papers related to their clients, in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the
effectiveness of these accounting firms’ audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the
PCAOB inspections and investigations, which could cause existing and potential investors in our stock to lose confidence in our audit procedures and
reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements for the fiscal years ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2021.
Our current auditor, Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP, or MBP, the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report
included elsewhere in this annual report, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts
regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. MBP, whose audit report is included in this annual report on Form
20-F, is headquartered in New York, New York, and, as of the date of this
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annual report, was not included in the list of PCAOB Identified Firms in the PCAOB Determination Report issued in December 2021.
Our ability to retain an auditor subject to PCAOB inspection and investigation, including but not limited to inspection of the audit working papers
related to us, may depend on the relevant positions of U.S. and Chinese regulators. MBP’s audit working papers related to us are located in China. With
respect to audits of companies with operations in China, such as the Company, there are uncertainties about the ability of our auditor to fully cooperate with
a request by the PCAOB for audit working papers in China without the approval of Chinese authorities.
Whether the PCAOB will be able to conduct inspections of our auditor, including but not limited to inspection of the audit working papers related to
us, in the future is subject to substantial uncertainty and depends on a number of factors out of our, and our auditor’s, control. If our shares and ADSs are
prohibited from trading in the United States, there is no certainty that we will be able to list on a non-U.S. exchange or that a market for our shares will
develop outside of the United States. Such a prohibition would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our ADSs when you wish to do so, and
the risk and uncertainty associated with delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our ADSs. Also, such a prohibition would significantly
affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and
prospects.
Risks Related to our Ordinary Shares and ADSs
We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act and may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements.
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from requirements
applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, most significantly, not being required to comply with the auditor
attestation requirements of Section 404 for so long as we are an emerging growth company until the fifth anniversary from the date of our initial listing. As
a result, if we elect not to comply with such auditor attestation requirements, our investors may not have access to certain information they may deem
important.
The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards
until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. However, we have elected to “opt
out” of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted for public companies.
This decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable.
The trading price of our ADSs is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.
The trading price of our ADSs is likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of
broad market and industry factors, akin to the performance and fluctuation of the market prices of other companies with business operations located mainly
in the PRC that have listed their securities in the United States. A number of Chinese companies have listed or are in the process of listing their securities
on U.S. stock markets. The securities of some of these companies have experienced significant volatility, including price declines in connection with their
initial public offerings. The trading performances of these Chinese companies’ securities after their offerings may affect the perception and attitudes of
investors toward Chinese companies listed in the United States in general and consequently may impact the trading performance of our ADSs, regardless of
our actual operating performance.
In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for our ADSs may be highly volatile due to a number of factors, including
the following:
•
•
regulatory developments affecting us or our industry;
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations and changes or revisions of our expected results;
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
changes in the market condition, market potential and competition in our industry;
announcements by us or our competitors of new education services, expansions, investments, acquisitions, strategic partnerships or joint
ventures;
fluctuations in global and Chinese economies;
changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
adverse publicity about us;
additions or departures of our key personnel and senior management;
release of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding equity securities or sales of additional equity securities;
potential litigation or regulatory investigations; and
proceedings instituted recently by the SEC against five PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting
firm.
Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which our ADSs will trade.
In the past, shareholders of public companies have often brought securities class action suits against those companies following periods of instability
in the market price of their securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and
other resources from our business and operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, which could harm our results of operations.
Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is
successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and
results of operations.
Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of our ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.
Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price
of our ADSs. The total number of ordinary shares outstanding as of February 28, 2022 was 21,238,806. The ADSs sold in our initial public offering will be
freely tradable by persons other than our “affiliates” without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. All of the other ordinary shares
outstanding are available for sale, subject to volume and other restrictions as applicable under Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act. Certain major
holders of our ordinary shares have the right to request us to register under the Securities Act the sale of their shares, subject to the applicable lock-up
periods in connection with our initial public offering. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in ADSs representing these shares
becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration. Sales of these registered shares
in the form of ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline significantly.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our
ADSs and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our ADSs will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business.
If research analysts do not establish and maintain adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our ADSs or
publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease
coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market
price or trading volume for our ADSs to decline.
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Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, you must rely on price appreciation of our ADSs for return on your investment.
We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. As
a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in our ADSs as a source for
any future dividend income.
Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In
addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. In either
case, all dividends are subject to certain restrictions under Cayman Islands law, namely our company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share
premium account, and provided always that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as
they fall due in the ordinary course of business. 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 ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our ADSs. On January
16, 2018, we declared dividends of US$20 million to holders of our company’s ordinary shares of record as of February 1, 2018. Except for the foregoing,
we have not previously declared or paid cash dividends and we have no plan to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future on our shares or
ADSs. We cannot guarantee that our ADSs will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a
return on your investment in our ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in our ADSs.
We believe that we were a passive foreign investment company for United States federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ended February 28,
2022, which could result in adverse United States federal income tax consequences to United States holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares.
Based on the market price of our ADSs, the value of our assets and the composition of our income and assets, we believe that we were a passive
foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ended February 28, 2022. We will be a PFIC for
United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if either (1) at least 75% of our gross income for such year is passive income or (2) at least
50% of the value of our assets (generally based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets that produce
passive income or are held for the production of passive income. Because a separate determination must be made after the close of each taxable year as to
whether we were a PFIC for that year, we cannot assure you that we will not be a PFIC for the current or any future taxable year. Such determination may
depend in part upon the value of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles not reflected on our balance sheet (which may depend upon the market price
of the ADSs or ordinary shares from time to time, which may fluctuate significantly) and also may be affected by how, and how quickly, we spend our
liquid assets and the cash we generate from our operations and raise in any offering.
Because we believe that we were a PFIC for our taxable year ended February 28, 2022, certain adverse United States federal income tax
consequences could apply to United States Holders (as defined in “Item 10. Additional Information — E. Taxation — Certain United States Federal Income
Tax Considerations”) with respect to any “excess distribution” received from us and any gain from a sale or other disposition of the ADSs or ordinary
shares. See “Item 10. Additional Information — E. Taxation — Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — Passive Foreign Investment
Company.”
Our memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could have a material adverse effect on the rights of holders of our
ordinary shares and ADSs.
We have adopted a second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. Our memorandum and articles of association contain
provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company or cause us to engage in change-of-control transactions. These provisions could
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 our company 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 preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their designations, powers, preferences, privileges,
and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting
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rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with our ordinary shares, in the form
of ADS or otherwise. Preferred shares could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make
removal of management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue preferred shares, the price of our ADSs may fall and the voting and other
rights of the holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs 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 are
incorporated under Cayman Islands law and we conduct the majority of our operations in China.
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 (As Revised) 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 precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England and Wales, 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 precedent 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.
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 foreign money judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without reexamination of the merits
of the underlying dispute based on the principle that a judgment of a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the
sum for which judgment has been given provided certain conditions are met. In addition, as a company primarily operating in China, there are significant
legal and other obstacles for U.S. authorities to obtaining information needed for investigations or litigations. Moreover, local authorities often are
constrained in their ability to assist U.S. authorities and overseas investors. For example, according to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law which became
effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of
the PRC. Accordingly, without the consent of the competent PRC securities regulators and relevant authorities, no organization or individual may provide
the documents and material relating to securities business activities to overseas parties.
As a result of all of the above, our public 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 our large shareholders and limited remedies than they would as public shareholders of a company
incorporated in the United States.
Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.
We are an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and all of our assets are located outside of the United States.
All of our current operations are conducted in the PRC. In addition, all of our current directors and officers 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.
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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:
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•
•
•
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.
In addition, we intend to publish our results on a quarterly basis through press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the New
York Stock Exchange. 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 the corporate governance listing standards under the New York Stock Exchange; these practices may afford less
protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the corporate governance listing standards under the New York Stock
Exchange.
As a Cayman Islands company listed on New York Stock Exchange, we are subject to the corporate governance listing standards under the New
York Stock Exchange. However, New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual permits 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 the corporate governance
listing standards under the New York Stock Exchange. Shareholders of exempted companies in the Cayman Islands 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. We currently follow and intent to
continue to follow Cayman Islands corporate governance practices in lieu of the corporate governance requirements of New York Stock Exchange that a
listed company must have (i) a majority of the board be independent; (ii) an audit committee of at least three independent directors; and (iii) hold an annual
meeting of shareholders no later than one year after the end of our fiscal year. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our
home country, differ significantly from requirements for companies incorporated in other jurisdictions such as the United States.
To the extent we choose to follow home country practice with respect to corporate governance matters, our shareholders may be afforded less
protection than they otherwise would under rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
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The voting rights of holders of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement, and you may not be able to exercise your right to vote your
ordinary shares.
Holders of ADSs do not have the same rights as our registered shareholders. As a holder of our ADSs, you will not have any direct right to attend
general meetings of our shareholders or to cast any votes at such meetings. You will only be able to exercise the voting rights which are carried by the
underlying ordinary shares represented by your ADSs indirectly by giving voting instructions to the depositary in accordance with the provisions of the
deposit agreement. Under the deposit agreement, you may vote only by giving voting instructions to the depositary. Upon receipt of your voting
instructions, the depositary will vote the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs in accordance with these instructions. You will not be able to directly
exercise your right to vote with respect to the underlying ordinary shares unless you withdraw the shares and become the registered holder of such shares
prior to the record date for the general meeting. Under our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the minimum notice
period required to be given by our company to our registered shareholders for convening a general meeting is seven days.
When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient advance notice of the meeting to withdraw the underlying ordinary shares
represented by your ADSs and become the registered holder of such ordinary shares to allow you to attend the general meeting and to vote directly with
respect to any specific matter or resolution to be considered and voted upon at the general meeting. In addition, under our second amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association, for the purposes of determining those shareholders who are entitled to attend and vote at any general meeting, our
directors may close our register of members and/or fix in advance a record date for such meeting, and such closure of our register of members or the setting
of such a record date may prevent you from withdrawing the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs and becoming the registered holder of such shares prior
to the record date, so that you would not be able to attend the general meeting or to vote directly. If we ask for your instructions, the depositary will notify
you of the upcoming vote and will arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to
ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote the underlying ordinary shares represented by your ADSs. In addition, the depositary and its agents are
not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for their manner of carrying out your voting instructions. This means that you may not be able
to exercise your right to direct how the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs are voted and you may have no legal remedy if the ordinary shares
underlying your ADSs are not voted as you requested.
The depositary for our ADSs will give us a discretionary proxy to vote the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs if you do not give voting instructions
to the depositary to direct how the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs are voted, except in limited circumstances, which could adversely affect your
interests.
Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, if you do not give voting instructions to the depositary to direct how the ordinary shares underlying your
ADSs are voted, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs at shareholders’ meetings unless:
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we have failed to timely provide the depositary with notice of meeting and related voting materials;
we have instructed the depositary that we do not wish a discretionary proxy to be given;
we have informed the depositary that there is substantial opposition as to a matter to be voted on at the meeting;
a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material adverse impact on shareholders; or
the voting at the meeting is to be made on a show of hands.
The effect of this discretionary proxy is that if you do not give voting instructions to the depositary to direct how the ordinary shares underlying
your ADSs are voted, you cannot prevent the ordinary shares underlying your ADSs from being voted, except under the circumstances described above.
This may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence the management of our company. Holders of our ordinary shares are not subject to this
discretionary proxy.
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You may not receive dividends or other distributions on our ordinary shares and you may not receive any value for them, if it is illegal or impractical to
make them available to you.
The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on ordinary shares or other
deposited securities underlying our ADSs, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of
ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution
available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require
registration under the Securities Act but that are not properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary may
also determine that it is not feasible to distribute certain property through the mail. Additionally, the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost
of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may determine not to distribute such property. We have no obligation to register under U.S. securities laws
any ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the
distribution of ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs. This means that you may not receive distributions we make on our
ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you. These restrictions may cause a material decline in
the value of our ADSs.
You may experience dilution of your holdings due to inability to participate in rights offerings.
We may, from time to time, distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire securities.
Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not distribute rights to holders of ADSs unless the distribution and sale of rights and the securities
to which these rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act with respect to all holders of ADSs, or are registered under the
provisions of the Securities Act.
The depositary may, but is not required to, attempt to sell these undistributed rights to third parties, and may allow the rights to lapse. We may be
unable to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and we are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to
these rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have a registration statement declared effective. Accordingly, holders of ADSs may be unable to
participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution of their holdings as a result.
You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it
deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books from time to time for a number of reasons, including
in connection with corporate events such as rights offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADS holders on its
books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays. The depositary may refuse to
deliver, transfer or register transfers of our ADSs generally when our share register or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the
depositary thinks it is advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the
deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
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ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. History and Development of the Company
We began our operations in March 2007, when our Chairman, Mr. Peiqing Tian, founded Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment
Management Co., Ltd. in Shanghai. In 2010, we established our first learning center providing after-school math education services to elementary school
students. With the growth of our business and in order to facilitate international capital investment in our company, we incorporated Four Seasons
Education (Cayman) Inc., or Four Seasons Education Cayman, to become our offshore holding company under the laws of the Cayman Islands in June
2014. Further, in June 2014, Four Seasons Education Cayman established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong, namely Four Seasons Education
(Hong Kong) Limited, or Four Seasons Education HK. Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd., or Shanghai Fuxi, was then incorporated
in December 2014 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Four Seasons Education HK.
B. Business Overview
We are dedicated to providing diversified smart learning solutions in China. Since our inception in 2007, we have witnessed tremendous
developments in China’s learning industry and continued to upgrade our business strategies to capture the new opportunities brought by technology
advance and evolving learning needs.
We started our business initially focusing on math education for elementary school students in Shanghai, from where we actively seeking to expand
during the past years. As of February 28, 2022 we had three learning centers in three cities in China.
We always keep a keen prospective for the evolving and developing industry. In addition to the course offerings that target improving learners and
customers’ academic performance, we also began to expand our offerings by introducing enrichment learning products and launching enterprise product
suites in the recent years. In compliance with regulatory policies promulgated in 2021, we ceased offering the K9 Academic AST Services in mainland
China at the end of 2021. We have since realigned our business focus towards learning services as well as learning technology and content solutions to
capture evolving customer needs. We have continued to integrate technology with learning, promote industry innovation, and lead industry development
form our inception. We are hosting a series of interest-oriented classes and activities to further promote learners and customers engagement. Based on our
strong math teaching capabilities and resources, we introduced our featured classes for logic-based games such as Bridge, Sudoku and Rubik’s Cube which
gained great popularity. We have delivered Bridge classes at 1 of our learning centers in the 2022 fiscal year and have formed Four Seasons Education
training teams in 2018, 2019 and 2020 for national competitions. Recently, our teams also achieved outstanding performance in bridge and Sudoku
matches. We plan to organize more of these dynamic and enjoyable courses and activities which help learners and customers’ logical thinking, intellectual
and aesthetic development.
We finished the 2022 fiscal year with many achievements despite changes in regulatory requirements in the fast-evolving education industry. Our
revenue was RMB250.2 million (US$39.7 million) in the 2022 fiscal year, compared with RMB280.3 million in the 2021 fiscal year. In the 2022 fiscal
year, we recorded a net loss of RMB118.7 million (US$18.8 million), compared with the net loss of RMB27.9 million in the 2021 fiscal year. Our adjusted
net loss, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, fair value change of investments, impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill (net of
tax effect) and impairment loss on long-lived assets (net of tax effect), was RMB58.4 million (US$9.3 million) in the 2022 fiscal year, compared with
adjusted net loss of RMB2.5million in the 2021 fiscal year. For a detailed description of adjusted net income (loss), please see “Item 5. Operating and
Financial Review and Prospects — Non-GAAP Measures.”
Our Offerings
We are committed to maximizing a learner’s potential by providing access to an engaging learning experience empowered by our technology and
content capabilities. We have crafted a wide variety of learning products and services to address learners and customers’ evolving needs in well-rounded
development. We also offer learning technology and content solutions to educational institutions.
We are currently offering, and evaluating, a broad range of learning programs that are aligned with our mission, core competencies, and learner
demand. Our offerings are divided into enrichment learning programs,
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immersive learning programs and learning technology and content solutions. Historically, we offered K9 Academic AST Services in mainland China,
which was ceased at the end of 2021 in compliance with regulatory policies promulgated in 2021. The revenues from offering K9 Academic AST Services
accounted for a substantial majority of our total revenues in the fiscal year 2021 and 2022.
Enrichment Learning Programs
Spurred by the strong market demand, we built on our experience on non-academic programs and expanded our offerings to enrichment learning
programs. We offer a broad range of expertly designed enrichment learning programs on various fronts to enhance the aesthetic, scientific, and physical
literacy of our learners. The programs we offer include, among others, calligraphy, art, recitation, bridge, go, sudoku, and physical training.
We have also designed and implemented leveled learning programs with cohesive program contents ensuring seamless transitions for learners of
different ages and interests. For instance, we have acquired the Fantasy Art School, which focuses on art enlightenment for children aged 2-15 and
professional art training for learners aged 16-19, providing a full range of painting courses from basics to undergraduate art school, and is committed to
building a first-class art learning brand. Our Art School designs a variety of courses to stimulate learners’ desire for exploration and cultivate the aesthetic
literacy of learners through observation, imitation, association, memorization, application and expression.
Immersive Learning Programs
Immersive learning constitutes a critical part of our learning programs. The National Science Quality Action Outline of the Plan (2021-2035) issued
by the State Counsel in June 2021 promotes the in-depth integration of information technology and science education, and implementation of scenario-
based, experiential and immersive learning. Our immersive programs include short-term workshops, study camps and learning trips. We collaborate with
major cultural venues, historical scenic spots and universities that are prudently selected to coincide with our contents to closely complement a learner’s
comprehensive capabilities. As such, our immersive learning programs are widely trusted through word-of-mouth referrals. We also plan to develop more
study camps with our proprietary learning content, which will be available for sign up by both group and individual learners of all age.
Learning Technology and Content Solutions
We have continued to invest in learning technology and content solutions empowering other industry players including educational institutions, in
particular primary and middle schools. Driven by real-world needs and pain points faced by these schools, we have created, developed and launched a
broad array of learning technology and content solutions customized for various close-loop learning scenarios encompassing teaching, learning and content
development.
111 well-known K-12 schools in Shanghai have invited us to deliver our proprietary courses to their students since our inception. Typically, our
courses are delivered by our own teachers at these schools through after-school math clubs or interest groups. We charge each school a lump sum
cooperation fee and service fees calculated based on fixed hourly rates. We have found our courses incorporating hands-on learning to be the most popular,
including our Wisdom in Mathematics module, which introduces math concepts through games and toys such as Sudoku and Rubik’s Cube, our
Mathematics Magic House module, which consists of math stories and games, and our logic thinking module.
In 2019, we have successfully commercialized our proprietary Intellectual Math Lab, developed in collaboration with East China Normal
University. Our Intellectual Math Lab covers a series of math courses including math culture, math thinking, math activities, logic-based games and
comprehensive math courses to enhance learners’ understanding of core math concepts and enrich their study plans for math. In particular, it integrates AI-
driven speech recognition of mathematical formula, complicated integrated math questions and automatic tracking and assessment report. Our Intellectual
Math lab has received positive feedback from the schools, and was awarded as the top 50 of SERVE Awards at the 2019 China Education Innovation
Achievement Expo. Our Intellectual Math lab has also received numerous attention from schools when we attended the 78th China Education Equipment
Exhibition and the 14th International Mathematics Education Conference in in the same year.
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Our Learning Content
We have established a systematic content development and update process that forms a virtuous cycle in producing quality content offerings.
Our content design is a dynamic process, building on our teachers’ own experiences and our learners’ evolving learning demands. We utilize our
extensive experience to build leaning contents which can best illustrate specific concepts or address areas of learners’ interest.
We have also developed content that focuses on cultivating our learners’ interest. For example, our Wisdom in Mathematics course incorporates a
large number of math games, has been well-received by our customers.
We also dynamically refine and update our learning content based on learners’ receptiveness to the materials and our analysis of learner answers.
We design most of our learning contents through our in-house efforts. Our content development team consists of 62 members experienced in course
design as of February 28, 2022, all of whom are also our teachers.
Our Learning Centers and Study Camps
As of February 28, 2022, we operate three learning centers, one each in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Chongqing. We, with us being the controlling
shareholder, cooperate with local business partners in the operation of the two learning centers outside Shanghai, under which we are responsible for the
program and content design and faculty training, while our business partners are responsible for marketing, learner recruitment and compliance with local
regulations.
Going forward, we strive to establish new study camps across China to offer more enrichment activities to group and individual learners of all age.
We have strengthened and made more stringent our requirements and standards for the selection of new study camps, and strive to achieve compliance with
applicable PRC laws and regulations for all of our existing learning centers.
Our Faculty
We believe that our faculty is critical to maintaining the quality of our services and promoting our brand and reputation. Our total number of
teachers increased from 110 as of February 28, 2016 to 150 as of February 28, 2022. As of February 28, 2022, approximately 95% of our teachers had
bachelor’s degrees and above.
We strive to give our faculty a supportive working environment, providing our faculty members with abundant opportunities for career development
and advancement. We offer competitive salary and benefit packages, and make great efforts to build a congenial academic and workplace culture among
our faculty. We do not encourage or require our teachers to recruit learners or promote our learning contents on their own, which allows them to focus on
teaching and knowing the demand of our learners. We encourage our faculty to learn at the same time that they are teaching, try out innovative teaching
methods and hone their own skills. We believe that our culture promotes self-improvement and a sense of satisfaction from teaching.
Our faculty recruitment process is highly selective. We require our candidates to pass a series of exams, interviews and mock lectures and three
months of training programs before they can become our trainee teachers and start their probation period. During the recruitment process, we mainly focus
on candidates’ academic background, communication skills and classroom demeanor. We generally recruit our teachers through on-campus recruitment of
university graduates and from time to time through referrals or online channels. We encourage teachers to put their own spin on their classes to keep
learners engaged. Therefore, we also target our faculty recruiting toward candidates with energetic and positive personalities who can connect with and
motivate our learners.
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All of our teachers are required to attend our on-the-job training programs to ensure their familiarity with our latest learning content and our
software and facilities. We design and implement in-house training programs for our teachers, which consist of courses on specific subjects and teaching
techniques. Each teacher participates in a two-month orientation training session when first joining us, as well as a 48-hour on-the-job training program in
each subsequent year. In addition, we continuously monitor our teachers’ mastery of their subject matter, teaching skills, and communication abilities. We
have implemented nine tiers of pay grades for our faculty members, and through a stringent internal review process, our faculty members can be promoted
to higher tiers based on a comprehensive evaluation of their teaching effectiveness and their delivery of teaching services, including their patience in
answering learner questions and proactiveness in following up on learners’ needs.
Competition
The learning solution and enrichment activity market in China is rapidly evolving, highly fragmented and competitive. We face competition in each
type of products and services we offer and each geographic market in which we operate. We mainly face competition from other existing major players in
the learning solution and enrichment activity market who also provide enrichment and immersive learning services, learning technology solutions and
learning content products. There may be new entrants emerging, in each of our business lines, and these market players compete to attract, engage and
retain learners and customers. We believe the principal competitive factors in our business include the following:
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reputation and brand;
learning- centric technology and content capabilities;
overall learner and customer experience;
type and quality of products and services offered;
ability to effectively tailor service and product offerings to specific needs of learners; and
ability to attract, train and retain high quality faculty members.
We believe that we compete favorably with our competitors on the basis of the above factors. However, some of our competitors may have greater
access to financing and other resources, and a longer operating history than us. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our
Business — We face significant competition, and if we fail to compete effectively, we may lose our market share and our profitability may be adversely
affected.”
Data Privacy and Security
We are committed to protecting data privacy and security. We have internal rules and policies on data collection, processing and usage, as well as
protocols, systems and technologies in place to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of our data. We are subject to PRC laws and regulations governing
the collection, storing, sharing, using, processing, disclosure and protection of personal information and other data and the relevant risks and uncertainties.
See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC — Our business is subject to various evolving PRC laws
and regulations regarding data privacy and cybersecurity. Failure of cybersecurity and data privacy concerns could subject us to penalties, damage our
reputation and brand, and harm our business and results of operations.”
Intellectual Property
Our business relies substantially on the creation, use and protection of our proprietary learning content materials. We have copyrights for our
original content materials, including practice books, course videos and study software programs. Other forms of intellectual property include our
trademarks and domain names. As of February 28, 2022, we had 15 registered trademarks and eight copyrights. In addition, as of February 28, 2022, we
have registered 29 domain names, including sijiedu.com.
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We believe the protection of our trademarks, copyrights, domain names, trade names, trade secrets and other proprietary rights is critical to our
business, and we protect our intellectual property rights by relying on local laws and contractual restrictions. More specifically, we rely on a combination of
trademark, fair trade practice, copyright and trade secret protection laws in the PRC as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to
protect our intellectual property and our trademarks. We enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, and have confidentiality arrangements
with our business partners. We also actively engage in monitoring and enforcement activities with respect to infringing uses of our intellectual property by
third parties.
While we actively take steps to protect our proprietary rights, these steps may not be adequate to prevent the infringement or misappropriation of the
intellectual property created by or licensed to us. Also, 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 “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—We may
encounter disputes from time to time relating to our use of intellectual property of third parties.”
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 schools. We maintain medical insurance for our employees and management. We also maintain public liability insurance which covers
property damage and casualty damage in accidents. We do not have property, 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 — We have limited insurance coverage with respect to
our business and operations.” We consider our insurance coverage to be in line with that of other learning service providers of similar size in the PRC.
Regulation
This section sets forth a summary of the most significant laws, rules and regulations that affect our business activities in China and our shareholders’
rights to receive dividends and other distributions from us.
Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment in Education
Foreign Investment Law
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress reviewed the submitted draft and approved the Foreign Investment Law, which came into effect
on January 1, 2020. The Foreign Investment Law replaces the three laws on foreign investment (the Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprise Law, the
Cooperative Joint Venture Law of the PRC and the Equity Joint Venture Law of the PRC) and the Foreign Investment Law provides a five-year transition
period for the existing foreign invested enterprises, or the FIEs, to adjust their business structures.
On December 26, 2019, the State Council issued the Implementation Rules of the Foreign Investment Law, which came into effect on January 1,
2020, to clarify and elaborate relevant provisions of the Foreign Investment Law. The Foreign Investment Law and its implementation regulations
emphasize the principle of applying “national treatment” to foreign investors. Industries that are not listed in the negative list issued by, amended or
released upon approval by the State Council from time to time are permitted areas for foreign investments, and are generally open to foreign investment
unless specifically restricted by other PRC regulations.
Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access
Pursuant to the Foreign Investment Industries Guidance Catalog (2015 Revision), which was promulgated by the National Development and Reform
Commission, and the Ministry of Commerce, and became effective on April 10, 2015, industries are classified into three categories: encouraged, restricted
and prohibited. An industry not expressly listed on this catalog, such as operation of a training institution, is generally open to foreign investment unless
specifically restricted or prohibited by other PRC regulations.
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The Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access (2018 Revision), which was promulgated on June 28, 2018 and
took effect on July 28, 2018 replacing the abovementioned Foreign Investment Industries Guidance Catalog (2015 Revision), contains the same types of
industry categories, with operation of training institution also open to foreign investment unless specifically restricted or prohibited by other PRC
regulations.
The current effective negative list is the Special Administrative Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access, or the 2021 Negative List,
which became effective on January 1, 2022. Pursuant to the 2021 Negative List, operation of training institution is outside the scope of the 2021Negative
List, which indicates that this is open to foreign investment, while a preschool, a regular senior secondary school, or a higher education institution shall
only be operated by Chinese-foreign contractual joint ventures, under the control of the Chinese party (the principal or the chief executive shall be a
Chinese citizen, and the council, board of directors, or joint management committee shall consist of members from the Chinese party accounting for no less
than one half of the total number of members).
Regulation on Sino-foreign Cooperation in Operating Schools and its Implementing Rules
Sino-foreign cooperation in operating schools in China is governed by the Regulation on Sino-foreign Cooperative Education (2019 Revision)
promulgated by the State Council and the Implementing Rules for Sino-foreign Cooperative Education (2004) issued by the Ministry of Education. These
rules encourage substantive cooperation between PRC educational organizations and foreign educational organizations with the relevant qualifications and
experience in providing high quality education to jointly operate various types of schools in China. Any Sino-foreign cooperative school and cooperation
education program shall be approved by the relevant PRC authorities and obtain a permit for Sino-foreign cooperation in operating schools.
Additionally, the Implementation Opinions of the Ministry of Education on Encouraging and Guiding the Entry of Private Capital in the Education
Sector and Promoting the Healthy Development of Private Education (2012) encourage private investment and foreign investment in the education sector.
According to these opinions, the proportion of foreign investment in a Sino-foreign cooperative education institution shall be less than 50%.
Regulations Relating to Private Education
PRC Education Law
The PRC Education Law (1995) promulgated by the PRC National People’s Congress stipulates that it is the government that formulates plans for
the development of education, establishes and operates schools and other types of educational institutions, and in principle, enterprises, institution, social
organizations and individuals are encouraged to operate schools and other types of educational organizations. Under the PRC Education Law, no
organization or individual may establish or operate a school or any other educational institution for profit-making purposes. On December 27, 2015, the
Standing Committee of the PRC National People’s Congress, published the Decision on Amendment of the Education Law, which became effective on
June 1, 2016. The PRC Education Law (2015 Revision) limits the prohibition of establishment or operation of schools or other educational institutions for
profit-making purposes to only schools or other educational institutions established with full or partial governmental funding or government donated assets,
which implies that schools or other educational institutions may operate for profit-making purposes if such schools or institutions operate without
governmental funds or donated assets. Thereafter, the PRC Education Law was newly amended by Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress
on 29 April 2021, and came into effect on April 30, 2021.
The PRC Education Law also stipulates the basic conditions to be fulfilled for the establishment of a school or any other educational institution, and
the establishment, modification or termination of a school or any other educational institutions shall, in accordance with the relevant PRC laws and
regulations, go through the procedures of examination, approval, registration or filing.
Private Education Law and Its Implementation Rules
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The Law for Promoting Private Education (2018 Revision), or the PRC Private Education Law, promulgated by the Standing Committee of the PRC
National People’s Congress on December 28, 2002 and last amended on December 29, 2018 and the Implementation Rules for the Private Education Law
(2021) which was newly revised on April 7, 2021 and became effective on September 1, 2021, provide rules for social organizations or individuals to
establish schools or other educational organizations using non-government funds in China. Such schools or educational organizations so established using
non-government funds are referred to as “private schools.”
According to the Private Education Law, establishment of private schools for academic education, pre-school education, self-taught examination
support and other cultural education are subject to approval by the authorities in charge of education at or above the county level, while establishment of
private schools for vocational qualification training and vocational skill training are subject to approval by 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
Ministry of Civil Affairs or its local counterparts as a private non-enterprise institution.
Under the Private Education Law and its Implementation Rules, private education is deemed as a public welfare undertaking, and entities and
individuals who establish private schools are commonly referred to as “sponsors” instead of “owners” or “shareholders.” Nonetheless, sponsors of a private
school may choose to require “reasonable returns” from the annual net balance of the school after deduction of costs, donations received, government
subsidies, if any, the reserved development fund and other expenses as required by the regulations. However, the PRC laws and regulations do not provide
a formula or guidelines for determining “reasonable returns.” In addition, the PRC laws and regulations do not provide for sponsors’ economic rights in
schools that do not distribute reasonable returns, nor do they have different requirements or restrictions on a private school’s ability to operate its education
business based on such school’s status as a school that requires reasonable returns or a school that does not require reasonable returns.
The Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Amending the Private Education Law was promulgated on
November 7, 2016 and became effective on September 1, 2017. Under the amendment, 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 profit-making purposes. Sponsors of private
schools may choose to establish non-profit or for-profit private schools at their own discretion. Nonetheless, school sponsors are not allowed to establish
for-profit private schools that are engaged in compulsory education. In other words, the schools engaged in compulsory education should be non-profit
schools after this amendment comes into force. We currently intend to register all of our schools as for-profit schools when allowed. However, most local
authorities may delay accepting or approving applications of for-profit schools before the local implementing regulations being promulgated.
According to this amendment and relevant rules, the key features of the new classification system for private schools include the following:
•
•
•
•
•
Sponsors of for-profit private schools are entitled to retain the profits and proceeds from the schools and the operational surplus may be
allocated to the sponsors pursuant to the PRC Company Law and other relevant laws and regulations, while sponsors of non-profit private
schools are not entitled to the distribution of profits or proceeds from the non-profit schools and all operational surplus of non-profit schools
shall be used for the operation of the schools.
For-profit private schools are entitled to set their own tuition in accordance with market conditions, while the collection of fees by non-profit
private schools shall be subject to concrete measures to be promulgated by the provincial, autonomous regional or municipal government.
Where there is construction or expansion of a non-profit private school, the school may acquire the required land use rights in the form of
allocation by the government as a preferential treatment. Where there is construction or expansion of a for-profit private school, the school
may acquire the required land use rights in accordance with the PRC laws.
The remaining assets of non-profit private schools after liquidation shall continue to be used for the operation of non-profit schools while the
remaining assets of for-profit private schools shall be distributed to the sponsors in accordance with the PRC Company Law.
Government authorities at or above the county level may support private schools by subscription to their services, provision of student loans
and scholarships, and leases or transfers of unused state assets. The
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government authorities may further take such measures as government subsidies, funds rewards and incentives for donation in support of
non-profit private schools.
According to the amendment and relevant rules of the Implementing Rules for the Private Education Law:
•
•
•
•
A non-profit private school shall use the accounts filed with the competent authorities for charging fees and financial transactions, and a for-
profit private school shall deposit the income into a settlement account of its own.
Private Schools providing compulsory education shall not trade with related parties, and other private schools shall be transparent, just and
fair when carrying out transactions with related parties and shall establish information disclosure mechanism for such related party
transactions, the government authority, shall strengthen the supervision of the agreements between non-profit private schools and their related
parties, and review the related transactions annually.
The organizer has the obligation to make capital contributions on time and in full to set up a private school and shall not withdraw their
capital contributions or misappropriate the funds for running the schools. A private school and its organizers shall not withdraw their capital
contributions or misappropriate the funds for running the schools. The organizers may, in accordance with the law, raise funds for the
establishment of for-profit non-governmental schools, and the funds raised shall mainly be used for running such schools, and shall perform
the obligation of information disclosure. A private school and its organizer shall not collect or in disguise collect sponsorship fees relating to
admission from the students or their parents.
Social organization or individuals are prohibited from controlling any private schools providing compulsory education or any non-profit
private schools providing preschool education by way of mergers, acquisitions, or controlling contracts, among other things.
Several Opinions on Encouraging Private Entities and Individuals to Operate Schools and Promote the Healthy Development of Private Education
On December 29, 2016, the State Council issued Several Opinions of the State Council on Encouraging the Operation of Education by Social Forces
and Promoting the Healthy Development of Private Education, which encourages and promotes the development of private education. The opinions include
differential administrative systems and supportive policies based on the new classification system, more relaxed market access to the operation of private
schools, broader funding channels, diversified cooperative education and comprehensive exit mechanisms for termination of private schools. The State
Council opinions also provides that each level of the government authorities shall increase their support to private schools in terms of financial investment,
financial support, subsidy policies, preferential treatments on tax, land policies and fee policies, autonomous operation, and protecting the rights of teachers
and students, among other things. Further, the State Council opinions require each level of the government to improve its local policies on private
education.
Implementing Measures on Classification Registration of Private Schools
According to the Implementing Measures on Classification Registration of Private Schools jointly promulgated by the Ministry of Education, the
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the State Commission Office of Public Sectors Reform and the State
Administration for Industry and Commerce on December 30, 2016, the establishment of a private school is subject to approval. Private schools that are
approved to be established shall apply for a registration certificate or business license in accordance with the classification registration regulations after
they are granted a private school operating permit by the competent governmental authorities. No definite effective date has been set for these measures.
These classification registration rules apply to private schools. Non-profit private schools which meet the requirements under the Interim
Administrative Regulations on the Registration of Private Non-enterprise Entities and other relevant regulations shall apply to the Ministry of Civil Affairs,
or its local counterparts for registration as private non-enterprise entities. Non-profit private schools which meet the requirements under the Interim
Regulations on the Administration of the Registration of Public Institutions and other relevant regulations shall apply to the relevant administrative
authority for registration as public institutions. For-profit private schools shall apply to the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or its local
counterparts for registration in accordance with the jurisdiction provisions set out by relevant laws and regulations.
These classification registration rules also apply to private schools which were established before the promulgation of the amendment to the Private
Education Law. If one of these schools chooses to register as a non-profit private school, it shall amend its articles of association in accordance with the
law, continue its operation, and
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complete the new registration formalities. If it chooses to register as a for-profit private school instead, it shall make financial clearing, clarify the
ownership of the schools’ land, buildings and accumulations of previous operation with the consent of the relevant government authorities at or below the
provincial level, pay the relevant taxes and fees, obtain a new operating permit, carry out its re-registration and continue its operation. Seven of our learning
centers that registered as schools will go through the re-registration procedures in the event that we proceed to register such learning centers as for-profit
schools. The provincial government is responsible for formulating detailed measures on the alteration of registration of private schools in accordance with
national laws and the local situation.
Implementing Measures for the Supervision and Administration of For-profit Private Schools
According to the Implementing Measures for the Supervision and Administration of For-profit Private Schools jointly promulgated by the Ministry
of Education, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce on December 30, 2016,
social organizations or individuals are permitted to run for-profit private colleges and universities and other higher education institutions, high schools and
kindergartens, but are prohibited from running for-profit private schools implementing compulsory education. No definite effective date has been set for
these measures.
According to these implementing measures, a social organization or individual running a for-profit private school shall have the financial strength
appropriate to the level, type and scale of the school, and their net assets or monetary funds shall be sufficient for the costs of the school construction and
development. Furthermore, the social organization running the for-profit private school shall be a legal person who is in good credit standing, and shall not
be in the list of enterprises operating abnormally or the list of enterprises with serious breaches of law and discredited enterprises. Individuals running for-
profit private schools shall be PRC citizens who reside in China, be in good credit standing without any criminal record and enjoy political rights and
complete civil capacity.
New Opinions and Notices for After-school Tutoring
In August 2018, the State Council issued its New Opinion on the Regulation of the Development of After-school Training Institutions, or the New
Opinion, which primarily regulates extracurricular training institutions targeting K-12 students. The New Opinion provides certain detailed requirements
for extracurricular training institution, including, among others, requirements for licenses and permits, training premises, safety conditions, fee collection,
teaching staff and curriculum content.
In October 2018, the Ministry of Education launched a special supervision campaign on extracurricular training institutions and required the local
competent authorities to investigate the training institutions within their jurisdictions and requested such institutions to rectify any non-compliant activities.
In December 2018, nine PRC governmental authorities, including the Ministry of Education, jointly promulgated the Notice on Measures for Alleviating
the Burdens on K-12 Students, which reiterates the above requirements.
In addition, in November 2018, the Ministry of Education, the SAIC and the Ministry of Emergency Management of China jointly promulgated the
Notice of Several Work Mechanisms for Strengthening Special Administration and Rectification of Extracurricular Training Institutions, or the New
Notice. According to the New Notice, training institutions without certificates and institutions violating other requirements of laws and regulations shall be
banned, the business licenses shall be revoked, and legal representatives of these institutions shall be restricted from providing training for elementary and
secondary school students. Besides, if the existing fire safety conditions of training institutions do not meet requirements, training qualifications of these
institutions shall be revoked.
In May 2020, the General Office of Ministry of Education issued the Notice on Negative List of Excessive and Advanced Training in Six Subjects
of Compulsory Education (Trial). According to the Notice, extracurricular training institutions are prohibited from providing excessive and advanced
training relating to six subjects, including Chinese, Math, English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, for students in primary school and middle school. For
example, the difficulties of education contents provided by extracurricular training institutions shall not exceed the difficulties of contents in textbooks used
in corresponding compulsory education classes, the extracurricular education targeting students in primary schools shall not include contents to be taught in
middle schools, and the extracurricular education targeting students in middle schools shall not include contents to be taught in high schools.
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On July 24, 2021, the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council issued the Opinions on Further
Alleviating the Burden of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory Education, or the Double Alleviating Opinions, which
provides high-level polices related to requirements and restrictions on After-School Institutions, or the AST Institutions, especially that: (i) no new
approvals shall be granted to AST Institutions providing tutoring service related to academic subjects in compulsory education stage, or Academic AST
Institutions; (ii) existing Academic AST Institutions are required to convert themselves into non-profit institutions; (iii) an approval mechanism will be
adopted with regard to the existing online Academic AST Institutions which previously filed with competent authorities; (iv) Academic AST Institutions
are prohibited from raising funds through publicly listing or other capitalization operations; (v) listed companies are prohibited from investing in Academic
AST institution or purchase Academic AST Institutions’ assets by means of issuance of shares or by cash; (vi) foreign investors are prohibited from
investing in Academic AST Institutions through mergers and acquisitions, entrustment, franchise and variable interest entities; (vii) for non-academic
tutoring, local authorities shall identify corresponding competent authorities for different tutoring categories, set forth standards and approve relevant non-
academic tutoring institutions. Furthermore, any existing behaviors in violation of the above restrictions are required to be rectified. In addition, The
Double Alleviating Opinions further provides that no approvals will be granted to AST Institutions providing academic subjects tutoring service to pre-
school children (i.e. children from three to six years old) and ordinary senior high school students, that any online and offline tutoring service provided to
pre-school children is strictly prohibited and that the administration in connection with Academic AST Institution targeting ordinary senior high school
students shall be carried out by reference to the requirements and restrictions under the Double Alleviating Opinions.
In addition, the Double Alleviating Opinions also provide a series of restrictions in connection with the operation of Academic AST Institutions,
especially that: (i) a filing and inspection system and administration rules shall be adopted in connection with the training content provided and tutoring
materials used by Academic AST Institutions and providing foreign training courses is prohibited; (ii) Academic AST Institutions shall not provide tutoring
service during public holidays, weekends and school breaks; (iii) Academic AST Institutions shall not solicit teachers who works in the schools by making
high salary commitment and staffs engaging in academic AST service must obtain teacher qualification certificates, and copies of such qualifications must
be prominently displayed on Academic AST Institutions’ premises and website; (iv) Academic AST Institutions shall not disclose the parents’ and
students’ personal information; (v) Academic AST Institutions shall adopt tuition standard based on market demands, costs and other factors and disclose
such tuition standards for the public’s supervision; (vi) Academic AST Institutions shall adopt the form of service contract for after-school tutoring services
provided to primary and secondary school students as formulated by governmental authorities; (vii) online after-school tutoring service shall not be
provided after 21:00 each day with each lesson’s length of no more than thirty minutes and each lesson break’s length of no less than ten minutes; and (viii)
the employment of foreign teachers shall be in compliance with relevant rules and regulations and employment of foreign teachers outside the PRC is
prohibited. On August 24, 2021, Shanghai Municipal Education Commission promulgated the Implementation Opinions on Further Alleviating the Burden
of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory Education Stage, which reiterates the requirements and restrictions under the Double
Alleviating Opinions and provides several implementation rules applicable to AST Institutions in Shanghai.
On February 8, 2022, the MOE issued the Key Points of Workstreams of the Year 2022 on its public website, indicating that the requirements for
academic subjects tutoring for students on grade ten to twelve shall strictly refer to the requirements implemented to academic subjects tutoring for students
in compulsory education.
Following the promulgation of the Double Alleviating Opinions, government authorities including the MOE and their corresponding local counterparts
issued a series rules and regulations to implement the Double Alleviating Opinions:
•
Regulations related to classification of academic subjects and non-academic subjects in compulsory education stage
On July 28, 2021, the General Office of the MOE promulgated the Notice on Further Clarifying the Scope of Academic Subjects and Non-
academic Subjects with respect to After-School Tutoring Services in Compulsory Education Stage, which categorizes English tutoring
services involving contents of courses contained in national curriculum standards as tutoring services on academic subjects.
On September 3, 2021, the General office of MOE promulgated the Notice on Investigating and Handling of Disguised Academic After-
School Tutoring Service which reiterates the requirements and restrictions under the Double Alleviating Opinions and further provides that
the local government
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authorities shall identify disguised academic after-school tutoring services and impose penalties on illegal academic after-school tutoring
services under the guise of summer camp, crowd funded private teacher and etc.
On November 8, 2021, the General Office of MOE promulgated the Guide for Classification of After-School Tutoring Programs in
Compulsory Education Stage or the AST Classification Guide. The AST Classification Guide requires provincial counterparts of the MOE to
establish classification guidance system and expert identification system with regard to the scope of academic subject and non-academic
subjects and proposes to adopt tutoring objectives, tutoring content, tutoring methods and tutoring evaluation methods as the factors in
identification.
•
Regulations related to the registration and conversion of existing Academic AST Institutions
On August 24, 2021, the General Office of the MCA issued the Notice on Further Strengthening the Registration Administration of After-
School Tutoring Institutions, which requires local counterparts of the MCA to promote the registration and administration of Academic AST
Institutions in accordance with the Double Alleviating Opinions and the local counterparts of the MCA shall no longer grant approvals to any
new AST Institutions providing service to pre-school children, and primary school and secondary school students.
On August 30, 2021, the General Office of MOE, together with the General Office of MCA and the General Office of SAMR issued the
Notice on the Unified Registration of Academic After-School Tutoring Institutions in Compulsory Education Stage as Non-profit Institutions,
which requires that: (i) existing for-profit Academic AST Institutions shall conduct de-registration procedure as for-profit entities and either
stop providing academic AST service or covert themselves into a non-profit institutions through registration process with local counterparts
of the MCA; and (ii) the ICP license held by existing online for-profit Academic AST Institutions who fail to rectify or to obtain approval as
a non-profit institution shall be cancelled and such institutions shall be prohibited from online tutoring activities.
On September 10, 2021, the General office of MOE, together with five other governmental authorities promulgated the Notice on the
Conversion of Filing Mechanism to Approval Mechanism regarding Existing Online Academic AST Institutions, which reiterates that an
approval mechanism will be adopted with regard to the existing online Academic AST Institutions which previously filed with competent
authorities and requires all existing online Academic AST Institutions shall convert themselves into non-profit institutions by registration
with local counterparts of the MCA by the end of 2021.
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Regulation related to tuitions and costs
On September 2, 2021, the NDRC, the MOE and the SAMR jointly promulgated the Notice on Strengthening the Supervision of Tuitions
regarding Academic After-School in Compulsory Education Stage, or the Notice on AST Tuitions. The Notice on AST Tuitions requires that
the tutoring tuitions charged by Academic AST Institutions shall be subject to government guidance price standard and local government
authorities shall formulate applicable base tuition standard and permitted fluctuation rate range, which shall be no more than ten percent in
case of an upward fluctuation. Furthermore, the Notice on AST Tuitions requires strict control with regard to the costs incurred by Academic
AST Institutions, especially that the average salary of any Academic AST institution’s staffs may not be higher than the average salary of the
staffs hired by urban non-private entities in the local education sector as released by the statistics authorities and that the promotion costs
shall be no more than three percent of the tutoring service revenues generated by the Academic AST institution. Nonetheless, as of the date
of this annual report, no implementation rules have been promulgated to identify the scope of
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promotion costs. Besides, the Notice on AST Tuitions also requires the Academic AST Institutions to disclose the tuition standards to the
public and file information such as tuition standard, and revenue and profits generated and costs incurred in previous year to the local
education authorities by the end of the June every year.
On October 21, 2021, the General office of MOE, together with five other governmental authorities, jointly promulgated the Notice on
Strengthening the Supervision on Tuitions Pre-Charged by After-School Tutoring Institutions, which reiterates the tuitions charged by AST
Institutions shall be subject to government guidance price standard and Academic AST Institutions shall prominently display the tuition
standard on the Academic AST Institutions’ premises and website. Besides, the tuitions pre-charged by AST Institutions shall be deposited in
an escrow account under the supervision of the bank and AST Institutions shall not pre-charge tuitions which cover training terms more than
six months or more than sixty classes.
On December 31, 2021 the local counterpart of NDRC and MOE in Shanghai promulgated the Notice on Matters Concerning the Tuitions
regarding Academic After-School Tutoring in Compulsory Education in Shanghai, or the Notice on AST Tutoring Tuitions in Shanghai,
which became effective on February 17, 2022. The Notice on AST Tuitions in Shanghai further requires that the base tuition standard
applicable to Academic AST Institutions in Shanghai shall be RMB twenty yuan per student for each lesson lasting for thirty minutes and
Academic AST Institutions shall have discretion to apply for an upward fluctuation rate no more than ten percent with regard to the base
tuition standard.
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Regulation related to adoption of form contract
On June 10, 2020, the General Office of MOE and the General Office of SAMR promulgated the Notice on Issuing the Form of Service
Contract for After-School Tutoring Service Provided to Primary and Secondary School Students or the Notice on Form Contract, which
requires the local competent regulatory authorities to guide the relevant parties to use the form service contract for after-school tutoring
activities provided to primary and secondary school students (or the Form Service Contract). The Form Service Contract covers the
obligations and rights of parties involved in the after-school tutoring services, including detailed provisions on tutoring tuitions, refund
arrangement and default liabilities. For the purpose of implementing the Double Alleviating Opinions, on September 27, 2021, the General
Office of MOE and the General Office of SAMR amended the content of the Form Service Contract. On October 21, 2021, the General office
of MOE, together five other governmental authorities, jointly promulgated the Notice on Strengthening the Supervision on Tutoring Tuitions
Pre-Charged by After-School Tutoring Institutions, which requires that AST Institutions shall use the Form Service Contract in business
operation.
•
Regulation related to tutoring materials and personnel
On August 25, 2021, the General office of MOE published the Measures for the Administration of After-School Tutoring Materials for
Primary and Secondary School Students (For Trial Implementation), which provides that Academic Tutoring institutions shall conduct
internal reviews regarding the tutoring materials used and file such materials to the competent education authorities for external review, and
that Academic Tutoring institutions shall keep all tutoring materials for further review with a retention period for no less than three years
after the tutoring materials been used.
On September 9, 2021, the General office of MOE, together with the General office of Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security,
issued the Measures for the Administration of Employees of After-School Tutoring Institutions (for Trial Implementation), which provides
that the teachers and curricular design staff hired by Academic AST Institutions must obtain teacher qualification certificate and the in-
service teachers in primary and secondary schools and kindergartens are not permitted to be
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employed as Academic AST Institutions’ teachers or curricular development staff. Furthermore, Academic AST Institutions shall
prominently display the basic information, teacher qualification certificates, teaching experience and other information of the hired teachers
and curricular development staffs on the Academic AST Institutions’ premises and website, and file such information with competent
authorities in a timely manner.
•
Regulations related to Non-academic after-school tutoring institutions
On March 3, 2022, the MOE jointly with SAMR and NDRC promulgated the Notice on Regulating Non-Academic After-school Training
Institutions, which provide that, among others, (i) non-academic after-school tutoring institutions shall have the corresponding qualifications
and their staffs shall have the corresponding proofs for their profession; (ii) non-academic after-school tutoring institutions shall ensure that
training contents and training methods are suitable for the age, mental and physical characteristics and cognitive level of students; (iii) the
training contents, training hours, charging items, charging standards and other information of non-academic after school tutoring institutions
shall be made public and subject to public supervision; (iv) non-academic after-school tutoring institutions shall use the form of service
contract for after-school training activities provided to primary and secondary school students, strictly performing contractual obligations and
regulating its charging behaviors; (v) non-academic after school tutoring institutions’ unfair competition by fictitious original prices, false
discounts, false publicity, monopolistic behaviors and any form of price fraud are prohibited; (vi) the pre-collection of fees by non-academic
after-school tutoring institutions shall be deposited to the special account for fee collection and tuition fees shall not be collected in a lump
sum, or in disguised form of recharging or measured cards for more than 60 classes or for a course length of more than three months; and
(vii) non-academic after-school tutoring institutions shall comply with requirements relating to premise, facilities and fire safety.
We are closely monitoring the evolving regulatory environment and are making efforts to seek guidance from and cooperate with the government
authorities to comply with these regulations and implementation measures and we have been taking necessary measures to comply with the above
requirements. As part of its efforts to fully comply with the Opinion and applicable rules, regulations and measures, we ceased offering the K9 Academic
AST Services in mainland China at the end of 2021. We will continue to seek guidance from and work constructively with the government authorities in
connection with other compliance efforts. However, as many of these regulations for AST are relatively new and the enforcement practices are evolving,
our current practice may be deemed to be not in full compliance with these requirements. For detailed discussion, please see “Item 3. Key Information —
D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business and Industry — Significant uncertainties exist in relation to the interpretation and implementation of, or
proposed changes to, the PRC laws, regulations and policies regarding the private education industry. In particular, our compliance with the Opinions on
Double Alleviating Opinions and the implementation measures issued thereunder by the relevant PRC government authorities has materially and adversely
affected and will materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospect.”
Opinions on Deepening the Reform of Education and Teaching and Comprehensively Improving the Quality of Compulsory Education
On June 23, 2019, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council issued Opinions on Deepening the Reform of
Education and Teaching and Comprehensively Improving the Quality of Compulsory Education. According to the Opinions, the enrollment of private
schools providing compulsory education shall be processed with that of public schools at the same time, and students shall be educated and trained
comprehensively, including moral development, academic development, physical and mental health, interests and talents, and labor practices, etc.
Regulations on Filing of After-school Online Training
On July 12, 2019, the Ministry of Education, together with other five PRC authorities, jointly promulgated the Implementation Opinions on the
Regulation of Extracurricular Online Training, which reinstates the filing requirement of extracurricular online training institutions and provides that the
education authorities at provincial level should review the application documents submitted by extracurricular online training institutions, approve the
filing applications submitted by qualified training institutions, and disclose qualified training institutions to the public. The filing information include ICP
filings, approvals and licenses, personal information protection system,
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network security protection measures, introduction of courses, education plans, basic information of teachers, teacher qualification certificates, etc. In case
of any change of the filing information, the extracurricular online training institution shall make filing for such updated information.
On February 24, 2020, Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, together with six other Shanghai authorities, jointly promulgated the Rules for
Filings of Extracurricular Online Training in Shanghai, which came into effect on April 1, 2020. According to the Rules, extracurricular online training
institutions shall submit filing documents through Shanghai Training Institutions Online Management Platform, and institutions shall be added into
“Whitelist”, “Greylist” or “Blacklist” depends on the accuracy and completeness of filing materials and whether institutions comply with relevant laws and
regulations according to filing materials.
On July 24, 2021, the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council issued the Double Alleviating
Opinions, which among other things requires that: (i) no new approvals shall be granted to Academic AST Institutions, including online Academic AST
Institutions ; (ii) all existing Academic AST Institutions, including online Academic AST Institutions are required to convert themselves into non-profit
institutions; (iii) an approval mechanism will be adopted to replace the filing mechanism applicable to online Academic AST Institutions, and all existing
online Academic AST Institutions are subject to examination before being granted with private school operating permits. On August 24, 2021, the General
Office of the MCA issued the Notice on Further Strengthening the Registration Management of After-School Tutoring Institutions, which reiterates that
existing online Academic AST Institutions are required to convert themselves into non-profit institutions under the Double Alleviating Opinions. On
September 10, 2021, the General Office of MOE, together with other five governmental authorities promulgated the Notice on the Conversion of Filing
Mechanism to Approval Mechanism regarding Existing Online Academic AST Institutions, which reiterates the requirements to adopt approval mechanism
with regard to the existing online Academic AST Institutions previously filed with competent authorities under the Double Alleviating Opinions and
further requires that the online AST Institution shall:(i) establish physical offices and tutoring premise within the location where it is registered; (ii) own or
lease performance-reliable server within mainland China; (iii) be in compliance with Cyber Security Law and Data Security Law and adopt grade three or
higher cyber security protection standard. Moreover, the service provider of education app shall establish data protection mechanism with regard to
collection, storage, transmission, and use of personal information and education apps operated by online Academic AST Institutions which store personal
information of more than one million people shall pass the impact assessment, certification, or compliance audit on personal information protection.
Local Regulations Relating to Commercial Private School
In late December, 2017, the People’s Government of Shanghai published the Implementation Opinions of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government
on Promoting the Healthy Development of Private Education and the Administrative Measures of Shanghai Municipality on Classification License and
Registration of Private Schools, pursuant to which the existing private schools should choose to be registered as either for-profit or non-profit before
December 31, 2018. Those who choose to be registered as non-profit private schools shall amend their article of association before December 31, 2019, and
those who choose to be registered as for-profit private schools shall make finance clearance, clarify the title of their properties, pay the tax related and re-
make registration before (i) December 31, 2020 for private colleges or universities; or (ii) December 31, 2020 for other private schools.
On December 29, 2017, the People’s Government of Shanghai promulgated three regulations to further implement the Private Education Law and its
Implementing Rules, including the Standard for Establishment of Private Educational Institution in Shanghai, the Management Measures of Shanghai
Municipality on For-profit Private Educational Institutions and the Management Measures of Shanghai Municipality on Non-profit Educational
Institutions. These regulations provide that, among others, requirements and conditions to be satisfied to establish a private educational institution. In
addition, these regulations provide that for-profit private educational institutions can be divided into two categories: for cultural education and for
professional training. Cultural education institutions like us shall obtain approval from the local education authority as pre-condition for establishment, and
professional training institutions shall obtain approval from the local human resource and social security authority. After obtaining the educational permit,
the private educational institution shall then make filing and registration at the local Bureau for Industry and Commerce. The for-profit private educational
institution cannot enroll students and commence teaching activities until it has obtained the educational permit and completed the required registration.
Private educational institutions setting up extended learning centers shall also obtain the required educational permit.
On April 2, 2022, the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, together with five other government authorities promulgated the Implementation
Measures for the Establishment and Management of After-school Training Institutions in Shanghai, or the Shanghai Implementation Measures, effective
from April 15, 2022, which
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raise certain requirements on establishment and management of after-school tutoring institutions in Shanghai, including, among other things, (i) after-
school tutoring institutions providing online or offline academic subject tutoring for students in compulsory education and high schools, and the tutoring in
culture and art, sports, technology, and non-academic cultural knowledge for students in compulsory education and preschool-age children are required to
obtain the relevant private school operating permit; (ii) academic and non-academic cultural knowledge after-school tutoring institutions shall be approved
by the education administration authorities at the district level; after-school tutoring institutions that provide tutoring services in culture and art, sports,
science and technology and other tutoring activities shall be approved by the education administration authorities together with the tourism, sports, science
and technology and other administrative authorities at the district level; (iii) after school tutoring institutions shall use the form of service contract for after-
school training activities provided to primary and secondary school students, implement the training fee management policy formulated by the government,
and cooperate with professional institutions such as commercial banks to open a special account for pre-collection of fees; and (iv) after-school training
institutions established before the Shanghai Implementation Measures, intending to continue to provide tutoring in culture and art, sports, science and
technology, and non-academic cultural knowledge for compulsory education and preschool-age children, shall, before December 31, 2023 or before
changing the relevant registration items, follow the relevant laws, regulations, policies and the procedures to obtain the private school operating permit. On
the same day, the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, together with three other government authorities promulgated the Guidelines for Basic
Service Requirements of After-school Training Institutions in Shanghai, effective from April 15, 2022, which details the basic service requirements for
after-school tutoring institutions in Shanghai, including, among other things, the requirements on the sponsors, premises, facilities, internal management,
practitioners, training content and plans, fee management etc. and provides that institutions providing online tutoring should follow the PRC Cybersecurity
Law and the Data Security Law, obtain the ICP License or complete the ICP filing and complete the grade-based cybersecurity protection system filing at
or above Grade III.
In Jiangsu province, the education authority issued the Implementing Rules for the Supervision and Administration of For-profit Private Schools in
Jiangsu Province on May 8, 2018, provides that, the establishment of for-profit private educational training institutions facing primary and secondary
school students, including institutions that carry out supplementary tutoring, cultural and educational activities related to the school’s cultural and
educational curriculum or to further studies and examinations, shall be examined and approved by the administrative department of education of
government at or above the county level.
On March 3. 2019, the General Office of Anhui Provincial People's Government issued the implementation opinion of the development of
standardized after-school training institutions, provides that, for after-school training institutions there are irregularities, around the establishment of a
ledger and rectification program, a clear time frame for rectification, strengthen the rectification measures, accelerate the progress of rectification, one by
one to account for the number. The deadline for the failure to complete the rectification of after-school training institutions, led by the education department
in conjunction with the relevant departments in accordance with the law to deal with. For those after-school training institutions that have not obtained a
license to operate and a business license, all of them will be closed down and rectified by the education department in conjunction with the relevant units
and issued with a notice of rectification. For those who have the conditions for a license, the education department will guide them to do so; for those who
do not meet the conditions for a license, the education department, in conjunction with market supervision, civil affairs, human resources and social
security departments, will order them to stop operating schools and dispose of them properly. For those who meet the setting standards and have obtained a
school license and business license, but there are safety hazards of after-school training institutions, all implement rectification; there are major safety
hazards, must be closed for rectification, by the education department in conjunction with the public security, emergency management, health, civil affairs,
market supervision departments to put forward rectification views, issued a notice of rectification, rectification is not in place shall not resume business.
Regulations Relating to Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs
The Measures for the Administration of Publication of Audio-Visual Programs through Internet or Other Information Network, or the Audio-Visual
Measures, promulgated by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or the SAPPRFT (currently known as the State
Administration of Radio and Television), on July 6, 2004 and came into effect on October 11, 2004, apply to the activities relating to the opening,
broadcasting, integration, transmission or download of audio-visual programs using internet or other information network. Under the Audio-Visual
Measures, to engage in the business of transmitting audio-visual programs, a license issued by the SAPPRFT is required, and “audio-visual programs
(including audio-visual products of films and televisions)” is defined under the Audio-Visual Measures as the audio-visual programs consisting of movable
pictures or sounds that can be listened to continuously, which are shot and recorded using video cameras, vidicons,
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recorders and other audiovisual equipment for producing programs. Foreign invested enterprises are not allowed to carry out such business.
On April 13, 2005, the State Council promulgated the Certain Decisions on the Entry of the 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 and foreign investors are not allowed to engage in the business of transmitting
audio-visual programs through information networks. However, the Audio-Visual Measures was repealed according to the Administrative Provisions on
Audio-Visual Program Service through Special Network and Directed Transmission that was promulgated by the SAPPRFT on April 25, 2016, effective on
June 1, 2016, which was further amended on March 23, 2021.
To further regulate the provision of audio-visual program services to the public via the internet, including through mobile networks, within the
territory of China, 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 and was last amended on August 28, 2015. Under the
Audio-Visual Program Provisions, “internet audio-visual program services” is defined as activities of producing, redacting and integrating audio-visual
programs, providing them to the general public via internet, and providing service for other people to upload and transmit audio-visual programs, and
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 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.
On April 8, 2008, SAPPRFT issued a Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Application and Approval of License for the Online Transmission of
Audio-Visual Programs, as amended on August 28, 2015, which sets out detailed provisions concerning the application and approval process regarding the
License for Online Transmission of Audio-Visual Programs. According to the above regulations, providers of internet audio-visual program services that
engaged in such services prior to the promulgation of the Audio-Visual Program Provisions are eligible to apply for the license so long as those providers
did not violate the relevant laws and regulations in the past or 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 31, 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 March 17, 2010, the SAPPRFT promulgated Tentative Categories of Internet Audio-Visual Program Services, or the Categories, which clarified
the scope of internet audio-visual programs services, which was amended on March 10, 2017. 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 to 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 “internet audio-visual programs.”
On March 16, 2018, the SAPPRFT promulgated the Notice on Further Regulating the Transmission Order of Internet Audio-Visual Program
Services, providing that the classic literary works, radio, film and television programs, internet original audio-visual programs shall not be re-edited, re-
dubbed, re-subtitled or partly captured and consolidated as a new program without authorizations and providers of internet audio-visual program services
shall strictly manage and supervise such re-edited programs uploaded by the internet users and shall not provide any transmission channel for those internet
audio-visual programs which have political orientation issues, copyright issues or content issues.
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Regulations Relating to Internet Culture Activities
On February 17, 2011, the Ministry of Culture, or MOC (currently known as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism), promulgated the Interim
Administrative Provisions on Internet Culture, or the Internet Culture Provisions, which became effective on April 1, 2011 and was amended on December
15, 2017. The Internet Culture Provisions require ICP services providers engaging in commercial “internet culture activities” to obtain an Internet Culture
Business Operating License from the MOC. “Internet cultural activity” is defined in the Internet Culture Provisions as an act of provision of internet
cultural products and related services, which includes (i) the production, duplication, importation, and broadcasting of the 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
the internet cultural products. In addition, “internet cultural products” is defined in the Internet Culture Provisions as cultural products produced, broadcast
and disseminated via the internet, which mainly include internet cultural products specially produced for the internet, such as online music entertainment,
online games, online shows and plays (programs), 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 (programs), performances, works of art, and cartoons through certain
techniques and duplicating those to internet for dissemination.
Regulations on Research and Academic Study Travel
On August 4, 2015, the General Office of the State Council promulgated the Opinions on Further Promotion of Tourism Investment and
Consumption, which became effective on the same date. According to the Opinions, research and academic study travel shall be included into the category
of comprehensive competence-oriented education of students. Construction of a number of bases for research and academic study travel shall be supported,
and all regions shall be supported in launching activities of research and academic study travel on the basis of natural and cultural heritage resources,
tourist scenic spots and scenic regions associated with the Chinese Communist revolution, large-sized public utilities, famous universities and schools,
scientific and technological research institutions, industrial or mining enterprises and large-sized farms. Research and academic study travel safety
protection mechanisms shall be established and perfected. Travel agencies and places for research and academic study travel shall, in accordance with the
characteristics of young students, combine education with tourism in terms of content designing, furnishing of tourist guides, safety facilities and
protection. On December 19, 2016, the National Tourism Administration issued the Standards of Research and Academic Study Travel, according the
standard, the undertaker of the research and academic study travel should be a qualified travel agency. The organizers, undertakers and suppliers of the
research and academic study travel shall follow the principle of safety first and carry out safety prevention and control work throughout to ensure activities
are carried out safely, focusing on the development of students' comprehensive quality capabilities.
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On April 25, 2013, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress issued the PRC Tourism Law, which took effect on October 1, 2013
and was amended in 2016 and 2018. The PRC Tourism Law aims to protect tourists and tour operators’ legal rights, regulate travel market and promote the
development of travel industry, and sets forth specific requirements for the operation of travel agencies. Travel agencies are prohibited from (i) leasing,
lending or illegally transferring travel agency operation licenses or otherwise disseminating untrue or inaccurate information when soliciting customers and
organizing tours, (ii) conducting any false publicity to mislead customers, (iii) arranging visits to or participation in any project or activity in violation of
PRC laws and regulations or social morality, (iv) organizing tours at unreasonably low price to induce or cheat tourists, or obtaining unlawful profits such
as kickbacks, and (v) changing or ceasing scheduled itineraries without reasons and forcing the tourists to participate in other activities against the will of
tourists. In addition, travel agencies must enter into contracts with customers for travel services; and before a tour starts, a customer may assign his
personal rights and obligations in a packaged-tour contract to any third person, whom the travel agency cannot refuse without cause, as long as any fee
increase will be borne by the customer and the relevant third person. Accordingly, travel agencies may be subject to civil liabilities for failing to fulfill the
obligations discussed above, which include rectification, confiscation of any illegal income, imposition of a fine, an order to cease business operation, or
revocation of its travel agency permit. The travel industry is subject to the supervision of the PRC Ministry of Culture and Tourism and local tourism
administrations. The principal regulations governing travel agencies in China include the Travel Agency Regulations, issued by the State Council in
February 2009, which became effective on May 1, 2009 and most recently amended on November 29, 2020, and the Implementing Rules of Travel Agency
Regulations promulgated by the PRC National Tourism Administration in April 2009, which became effective as of May 3, 2009 and most recently
amended on December 12, 2016. Under these regulations, a travel agency must obtain a license from the national tourism administration or the provincial-
level tourism administration it authorizes to conduct outbound travel business, and a license from the provincial-level tourism administration or the
municipal tourism administration it authorizes to conduct domestic and inbound travel agency business.
Regulations on Anti-Monopoly and Unfair Competition
The Anti-Monopoly Law of PRC promulgated by the SCNPC on August 30, 2007, which became effective on August 1, 2008, and the Interim
Provisions on the Review of Concentrations of Undertakings promulgated by the SAMR on October 23, 2020, which became effective on December 1,
2020, require that transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds must be cleared by the SAMR
before they can be completed. On October 23, 2021, the SCNPC published the draft amended Anti-Monopoly Law of PRC for public comment, or the
Draft Amended Anti-Monopoly Law, which provides that, among others, business operators should not exclude or limit competition by abusing data,
algorithms, technology, capital advantages and platform rules. The Draft Revised Anti-Monopoly Law also requires relevant government authorities to
strengthen the examination of concentration of undertakings in areas such as finance, media, science and technology. On February 7, 2021, the Anti-
Monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms was promulgated by the Antimonopoly Commission of the PRC State Council which specifies certain
activities of internet platforms should be identified as monopolistic and concentrations of undertakings involving contractual control structure are subject to
anti-monopoly scrutiny as well.
Regulations on Fire Safety
The Fire Safety Law, promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on April 29, 1998, which was latest amended by
the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on April 29, 2021, and became effective on the same date, which stipulate that with respect to
the fire safety inspection before a public gathering place is put into use or opens for business, the notification and undertaking administration shall apply.
Before a public gathering place is put into use or opens for business, the owner or using entity shall apply for fire safety inspection, give an undertaking
that the said place complies with fire protection technical standards and management provisions, submit the required materials, and be responsible for its
undertaking and the veracity of materials. The fire and rescue department shall examine the materials submitted by the applicant, and if the application
materials are complete and of the statutory form, it shall grant a permit. On June 4, 2021, Shanghai Fire and Rescue Headquarters issued a notice which
stipulate that, public gathering places in Shanghai put into use before business adopt the notification and undertaking method since July 1 except (1) Dance
and entertainment screening amusement venues, (2) hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, marketplaces, theaters, auditoriums, halls, playgrounds, business
fitness, leisure venues, passenger station waiting rooms, passenger terminal waiting rooms, civilian airport terminals, stadiums, which floor area is over 300
meters. As well as other relevant detailed fire prevention regulations, require that schools must pass a fire safety control assessment or complete a fire
safety
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filing. Pursuant to these regulations, failure to pass the required fire control assessment shall be subject to: (i) orders to suspend the construction of projects,
use of such projects or operation of relevant business; and (ii) a fine between RMB30,000 and RMB300,000. Failure to complete a fire safety filing shall be
subject 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 — D.
Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — We cannot assure all of our learning centers are in compliance with fire safety regulations.” for further
details on the compliance of Regulations on Fire Safety.
In addition, fire departments conduct spot inspections irregularly. Learning centers that fail to pass such inspections are also subject to monetary
penalties and suspension of business operations.
On May 17, 2022, MOE and the General Office of the Ministry of Emergency Management promulgated the Notice of the Nine Provisions on Fire
Safety Management of After-School Training Institutions which became effective on the same date. According to the Notice, (i) after school training
institutions should be registered in accordance with the law and set up in a fixed place that meets the safety conditions, and after-school training institutions
for children should be set up in places that meet current national standards, (ii) training places within the same training period per student training room
floor space of not less than 3 square meters to ensure that not crowded, easy to evacuate.
Regulations Relating to Internet Information Security and Privacy Protection
PRC government authorities have enacted laws and regulations with respect to internet information security and protection of personal information
from any abuse or unauthorized disclosure. Internet information in China is regulated and restricted from a national security standpoint. The Decisions on
Maintaining Internet Security which was enacted by the Standing Committee of the PRC National People’s Congress, or the SCNPC in December 2000 and
amended in August 2009, may subject violators to criminal punishment in China for any effort to: (i) gain improper entry into a computer or system of
strategic importance; (ii) disseminate politically disruptive information; (iii) leak state secrets; (iv) spread false commercial information; or (v) infringe
intellectual property rights. The Ministry of Public Security has promulgated measures that prohibit use of the internet in ways which, among other things,
result in a leakage of state secrets or a spread of socially destabilizing content. If an information service provider violates these measures, the Ministry of
Public Security and the local security bureaus may revoke its operating license and shut down its websites.
Pursuant to the Decision on Strengthening the Protection of Online Information issued by the SCNPC in December 2012, any collection and use of
user personal information must be subject to the consent of the user, abide by the principles of legality, rationality and necessity and in accordance with the
specified purposes, methods and scopes. Any entity collecting personal information must also keep such information strictly confidential, and is further
prohibited from divulging, tampering or destroying any such information, or selling or providing such information to other parties, and is required to take
technical and other measures to prevent the collected personal information from any unauthorized disclosure, damage or loss. Any violation of these laws
and regulations may subject the entity collecting personal information to warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses, cancellation
of filings, closedown of websites or even criminal liabilities.
Pursuant to the Notice of the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate and the Ministry of Public Security on Legally Punishing
Criminal Activities Infringing upon the Personal Information of Citizens, issued in 2013, and the Interpretation of the Supreme People’s Court and the
Supreme People’s Procuratorate on Several Issues regarding Legal Application in Criminal Cases Infringing upon the Personal Information of Citizens,
which was issued on May 8, 2017 and took effect on June 1, 2017, the following activities may constitute the crime of infringing upon a citizen’s personal
information: (i) providing a citizen’s personal information to specified persons or releasing a citizen’s personal information online or through other methods
in violation of relevant national provisions; (ii) providing legitimately collected information relating to a citizen to others without such citizen’s consent
(unless the information is processed, not traceable to a specific person and not recoverable); (iii) collecting a citizen’s personal information in violation of
applicable rules and regulations when performing a duty or providing services; or (iv) collecting a citizen’s personal information by purchasing, accepting
or exchanging such information in violation of applicable rules and regulations.
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Pursuant to the Order for the Protection of Telecommunication and Internet User Personal Information issued by the MIIT on July 16, 2013, which
became effective from September 1, 2013, any collection and use of user personal information must be subject to the consent of the user, abide by the
principles of legality, rationality and necessity and be within the specified purposes, methods and scopes. “Personal information” is defined as information
that identifies a citizen, the time or location for his/her use of telecommunication and internet services, or involves privacy of any citizen such as his/her
birth date, ID card number, and address. An internet information service provider must also keep information collected strictly confidential, and is further
prohibited from divulging, tampering or destroying of any such information, or selling or providing such information to other parties. Any violation of the
above decision or order may subject the internet information service provider to warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses,
cancellation of filings, closedown of websites or even criminal liabilities.
Pursuant to the Ninth Amendment to the Criminal Law issued by the SCNPC in August 2015, which became effective in November 2015, any
person or entity that fails to fulfill the obligations related to internet information security administration as required by applicable laws and refuses to
rectify upon orders is subject to criminal penalty for the result of (i) any dissemination of illegal information in large scale; (ii) any severe effect due to the
leakage of the client’s information; (iii) any serious loss of criminal evidence; or (iv) other severe situation, and any individual or entity that (i) sells or
provides personal information to others in a way violating the applicable law, or (ii) steals or illegally obtain any personal information is subject to criminal
penalty in severe situation.
Pursuant to the PRC Cyber Security Law issued by the SCNPC in November 2016, effective June 2017, personal information refers to all kinds of
information recorded by electronic or otherwise that can be used to independently identify or be combined with other information to identify natural
persons’ personal information including but not limited to: natural persons’ names, dates of birth, ID numbers, biologically identified personal information,
addresses and telephone numbers, etc. The Cyber Security Law also provides that: (i) to collect and use personal information, network operators shall
follow the principles of legitimacy, rightfulness and necessity, disclose their rules of data collection and use, clearly express the purposes, means and scope
of collecting and using the information, and obtain the consent of the persons whose data is gathered; (ii) network operators shall neither gather personal
information unrelated to the services they provide, nor gather or use personal information in violation of the provisions of laws and administrative
regulations or the scopes of consent given by the persons whose data is gathered; and shall dispose of personal information they have saved in accordance
with the provisions of laws and administrative regulations and agreements reached with users; (iii) network operators shall not divulge, tamper with or
damage the personal information they have collected, and shall not provide the personal information to others without the consent of the persons whose
data is collected. However, if the information has been processed and cannot be recovered and thus it is impossible to match such information with specific
persons, such circumstance is an exception.
Pursuant to the Provisions on Online Protection of Children’s Personal Information issued by the CAC on August 22, 2019, effective from October
1, 2019, network operators, who collect, store, use, transfer and disclose personal information of children under the age of 14, or the Children, via the
internet shall establish special rules and user agreements, designate specific personnel to take charge of the protection of Children’s personal information,
inform the Children’s guardians in a noticeable and clear manner, and obtain the consent of the Children’s guardians. When obtaining the consent of the
Children’s guardians, network operators shall explicitly inform several matters, including but not limited to the purposes, methods and scope of collection,
storage, use, transfer and disclosure of the personal information of Children, and methods for correcting and deleting Children’s personal information. The
Provisions on Online Protection of Children’s Personal Information also requires that the network operators shall comply with certain regulatory
requirements, including without limitation, that network operators shall collect Children’s personal information that is only related to the services they
provide, and shall adopt and strictly implement minimal authorization principal with respect to their staff’s access authority to the Children’s personal
information.
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In addition, the Identification Method of Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information Through Apps jointly promulgated by the Secretary
Bureau of the CAC, the General Office of the MIIT, the General Office of the Ministry of Public Security and the General Office of the SAMR in
November 2019 provides guidance for the regulatory authorities to identify the illegal collection and use of personal information through mobile apps, and
for the app operators to conduct self-examination and self-correction and for other participants to voluntarily monitor compliance.
On May 28, 2020, the National People’s Congress promulgated the PRC Civil Code, which regulates the legal relationships between private parties.
The Civil Code took effect on January 1, 2021. Among other provisions, the Civil Code provides that personal information of individuals is protected under
the laws, and the collection, storage, use, processing, transmission, provision and disclosure of personal information shall observe the principles of
legitimacy, rightfulness and necessity.
On June 10, 2021, the SCNPC promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, or the Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The Data
Security Law imposes data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals carrying out data activities, including but not limited to the
collection, storage, use, processing, transmission, provision, and public disclosure of data. The Data Security Law, among other things, provides for a
security review procedure for the data activities that may affect national security and imposes export restrictions on certain data and information.
Furthermore, the Data Security Law provides that no entity or individual within the territory of the PRC may provide foreign judicial or law enforcement
authorities with the data stored within the territory of the PRC without the approval of the competent PRC authorities.
On July 30, 2021, the State Council of the PRC promulgated the Provisions on Protection of the Security of Critical Information Infrastructure,
which took effect on September 1, 2021. Pursuant to the Provisions on Protection of the Security of Critical Information Infrastructure, critical information
infrastructure or the CII shall mean any important network facilities or information systems of the important industry or field such as public communication
and information service, energy, communications, water conservation, finance, public services, e-government affairs and national defense science, which
may endanger national security, people’s livelihood and public interest in case of damage, function loss or data leakage. In addition, relevant administration
departments of each critical industry and sector, which are referred to as the “Protection Departments,” shall be responsible for formulating eligibility
criteria and identifying the critical information infrastructure operator, or the CIIO, in the respective industry or sector. The CIIOs shall take the
responsibility to protect the CII’s security by performing certain prescribed obligations, including conducting network security test and risk assessment,
reporting the assessment results to relevant regulatory authorities.
On August 20, 2021, the SCPNC adopted the Personal Information Protection Law, which became effective on November 1, 2021. The Personal
Information Protection Law reiterates the circumstances under which a personal information processor could process personal information and the
requirements for such circumstances. The Personal Information Protection Law clarifies the scope of application, the definition of personal information and
sensitive personal information, the legal basis of personal information processing and the basic requirements of notice and consent. According to the
Personal Information Protection Law, where personal information is processed based on an individual’s consent, such consent shall be voluntarily and
explicitly given by the individual on a fully informed basis, and the individual shall have the right to withdraw his or her consent without affecting the
effectiveness of personal information processing activities that have been conducted based on his or her consent before. Furthermore, the Personal
Information Protection Law clarifies that personal information of minors under the age of fourteen is sensitive information, and such sensitive information
may not be processed unless there are specific purposes and sufficient necessity and strict protection measures are taken.
Regulations Relating to Intellectual Property Rights
Copyrights
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress adopted the Copyright Law in 1990 and last amended it on November 11, 2020 and
became effective on June 1, 2021. The amended Copyright Law extends copyright protection to Internet activities, products disseminated over the Internet
and software products. In
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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.
Domain Names
Management of domain names was prescribed by Measures for the Administration of Internet Domain Names of China which was promulgated by
the PRC Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in 2002 and amended in 2004. It was superseded by Measures for the Administration of Internet
Domain Names of China published in 2017. Pursuant to the 2017 Measures, “domain names” shall refer to the character mark of hierarchical structure,
which identifies and locates a computer on the Internet and corresponds to the Internet protocol (IP) address of that computer. The principle of “first come,
first serve” is followed for the domain name registration service. After completing the domain name registration, the registrant becomes the holder of the
domain name registered by him/it. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Intellectual Property” for more details on the
current situation of our domain names.
Trademark
Trademarks are protected by the PRC Trademark Law which was adopted in 1982 and subsequently amended in 1993, 2001, 2013 and 2020 as well
as the Implementation Regulation of the PRC Trademark Law adopted by the State Council in 2002 and amended in 2014. The Trademark Office under the
State Administration for Industry and Commerce handles trademark registrations and grants a term of ten years to registered trademarks which may be
renewed for consecutive ten-year periods upon request by the trademark owner. Trademark license agreements shall be filed with the Trademark Office for
record. The PRC Trademark Law has adopted a “first-to-file” principle with respect to trademark registration. In addition, if a registered trademark is
recognized as a well-known trademark, the protection of the proprietary right of the trademark holder may reach beyond the specific sector of the relevant
products or services. See “Item 4. Information on the company — B. Business Overview — Intellectual Property” and “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk
Factors — We may encounter disputes from time to time relating to our use of the intellectual property of third parties.” for further details on our
trademarks.
Regulations on 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 SAFE in
1997, the Interim Provisions on the Management of Foreign Debts, promulgated by SAFE, the National Development and Reform Commission and the
Ministry of Finance in 2003, and Measures for the Administration of the Registration of Foreign Debts, effective on May 13, 2013 and revised on May 4,
2015, loans by foreign companies to their subsidiaries in China, which are foreign-invested enterprises, are considered foreign debt, and such loans must be
registered with the local branches of SAFE. Under the provisions, these foreign-invested enterprises must submit registration applications to the local
branches of SAFE within 15 days following execution of foreign loan agreements, and the registration should be completed within 20 business days from
the date of receipt of the application. In addition, the total amount of accumulated medium-term and long-term foreign debt and the balance of short-term
debt borrowed by a foreign-invested enterprise is limited to the difference between the total investment and the registered capital of the foreign-invested
enterprise. Total investment of a foreign-invested enterprise is the total amount of capital that can be used for the operation of the foreign-invested
enterprise, as approved by the Ministry of Commerce or its local branch, and may be increased or decreased upon approval by the Ministry of Commerce
or its local branch. Registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise is the total amount of capital contributions to the foreign-invested enterprise by its
foreign holding company or owners, as approved by the Ministry of Commerce or its local branch and registered at the SAIC or its local branch.
According to applicable PRC regulations on foreign-invested enterprises, including but not limited to the Interim Measures for the Administration of
the Establishment and Alteration of Archival Filing of Foreign Funded Enterprises, effective on October 8, 2016 and revised on July 30, 2017 and June 29,
2018, capital contributions from a foreign holding company to its PRC subsidiaries, which are considered foreign-invested enterprises, may only be made
when approval or filing by the Ministry of Commerce or its local branch has been obtained. In such approval
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and filing process of capital contributions, the Ministry of Commerce or its local branch examines the business scope of each foreign invested enterprise
under review to ensure it complies with the Foreign Investment Industries Guidance Catalog. See “Item 4. Information on the company — B. Business
Overview— Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment in Education—Foreign Investment industries Guidance Catalog (2018 Revision)”. The capital
contribution of the foreign-invested enterprises falling in the scope of “restricted foreign investment industries” and “prohibited foreign investment
industries” shall obtain approval from the Ministry of Commerce or its local branch, while the capital contribution of the foreign-invested enterprises
falling outside such scopes may file with the Ministry of Commerce or its local branch. On December 30, 2019, Measures for the Reporting of Foreign
Investment Information was promulgated by the Ministry of Commerce and SAIC and replaced the Interim Measures for the Administration of the
Establishment and Alteration of Archival Filing of Foreign Funded Enterprises. According to the Measures, foreign investors or foreign-funded enterprises
shall report investment information to commerce departments through the enterprise registration system and the National Enterprise Credit Information
Publicity System, and SAIC and its local branches shall forward the aforesaid investment information reported by foreign investors or foreign-funded
enterprises to commerce departments in a timely manner.
On January 11, 2017, People’s Bank of China promulgated Notice of the People’s Bank of China on Issues Concerning Macro Prudential
Management of Full Scale Cross-border Financing, or PBOC Circular 9. According to PBOC Circular 9, People’s Bank of China establishes a cross-border
financing regulation system and the legal entities and financial institutions established in PRC excluding government financing vehicles and real estate
enterprise, may carry out cross-border financing of foreign currency in accordance with relevant regulations. PBOC Circular 9 provides that, among other
things, the outstanding amount of the foreign currency for the entities in cross-border financing, shall be limited to the upper limit of the risk-weighted
balance of such entity.
The enterprise shall, after signing the cross-border financing contract, but not later than three business days before the withdrawal of the borrowing
funds, file with the local branches of SAFE for the cross-border financing through SAFE’s capital project information system. PBOC Circular 9 also
provides that during the one-year period starting from January 11, 2017, or the Transitional Period, foreign-invested enterprises may choose one method to
carry out cross-border financing in foreign currency either according to PBOC Circular 9 or according to the Interim Provisions on the Management of
Foreign Debts. After the end of such one-year period, the method of foreign-invested enterprises to carry out cross-border financing in foreign currency
will be determined by People’s Bank of China and SAFE.
However, although the Transitional Period ended on January 10, 2018, as of the date of this annual report, neither PBOC nor SAFE has issued any
new regulations regarding the appropriate means of calculating the maximum amount of foreign debt for foreign-invested enterprises. Foreign invested
enterprises have only been subject to the net assets limit in calculating the maximum amount of foreign debt they may hold from the date of promulgation
of PBOC Circular 9. Further, the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Facilitating Cross-border Trade and Investment,
promulgated by SAFE on October 23, 2019, or Circular 28, effective from January 2020, establishes a pilot program that a non-financial enterprise in pilot
regions may register foreign debts up to two times of its net assets with local branch of SAFE, and it then may borrow several tranches of foreign debts
within the registered amount, without registration of each foreign debt. Besides, according to the Notice on Adjustment of Macro-prudent Regulation
Parameter of Full-coverage Cross-border Financing promulgated by PBOC and SAFE on March 11, 2020, the macro-prudent regulation parameter is
increased from one (1) to one and one-fourth (1.25). On April 10, 2020 the SAFE issued the Notice of the SAFE on Optimizing Foreign Exchange
Administration to Support the Development of Foreign-related Business, or the SAFE Circular 8. The SAFE Circular 8 provides that under the condition
that the use of the funds is genuine and compliant with current administrative provisions on use of capital relating to capital account, enterprises are
allowed to use capital under capital account such as capital funds, foreign debts and overseas listings for domestic payment, without submission to the bank
prior to each transaction of materials evidencing the veracity of such payment.
On September 14, 2015, the National Development and Reform Commission promulgated Notice on Promoting the Administrative Reform of the
Filing and Registration System for Enterprises’ Issuance of Foreign Debts, or NDRC Circular 2044. According to NDRC Circular 2044, an enterprise that
plans to issue foreign debts shall apply to the National Development and Reform Commission in advance for filing, registration, and report issuance
information to the National Development and Reform Commission within 10 business days after the completion of such issuance. The National
Development and Reform Commission shall determine whether to accept the application within five business days from the date of receipt of the
application, and issue the Certificate on the Filing and Registration of Foreign Debts Issued by Enterprises within seven business days from the date of
accepting the application.
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See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities
may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of our initial public offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries and
affiliated entities, which could harm our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business” for further details.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Pursuant to the Foreign Exchange Administration Rules, as amended, 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 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
SAFE.
Under the Foreign Exchange Administration Rules, foreign-invested enterprises in China may, without the approval of SAFE, make a payment from
their foreign exchange accounts at designated foreign exchange banks for paying dividends with certain evidencing documents (such as board resolutions,
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 approval by SAFE) to satisfy foreign exchange liabilities. In addition, foreign exchange
transactions involving overseas direct investment or investment and trading in securities, derivative products abroad are subject to registration with SAFE
or its local counterparts and approval form or filling with the relevant PRC government authorities (if necessary).
In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign
Direct Investment, as amended on May 4, 2015, which substantially amends and simplifies the current foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this
circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts, such as pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts
and guarantee accounts, the reinvestment of Renminbi proceeds derived by foreign investors in China, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and
dividends by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts
for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible previously. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Provisions on Foreign
Exchange Administration over Direct Investment Made by Foreign Investors in China in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its
local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in China must be conducted by way of registration and banks must process foreign exchange
business relating to the direct investment in China based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches. On February 28, 2015, SAFE
promulgated the Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving the Administration of the Foreign Exchange Concerning Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice
13. After SAFE Notice 13 became effective on June 1, 2015, instead of applying for approvals regarding foreign exchange registrations of foreign direct
investment and overseas direct investment from SAFE, entities and individuals may apply for such foreign exchange registrations from qualified banks.
The qualified banks, under the supervision of SAFE, may directly review the applications and conduct the registration.
On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular of the SAFE on Reforming the Management Approach regarding the Settlement of Foreign
Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprise, or Circular 19, which expands a pilot reform of the administration of the settlement of the foreign exchange capitals
of foreign-invested enterprises nationwide. Circular 19 came into force and replaced both the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on
Issues Relating to the Improvement of Business Operations with Respect to the Administration of Foreign Exchange Capital Payment and Settlement of
Foreign-invested Enterprises, or Circular 142 and the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Issues concerning the Pilot Reform of
the Administrative Approach Regarding the Settlement of the Foreign Exchange Capitals of Foreign-invested Enterprises in Certain Areas, or Circular 36
on June 1, 2015. Circular 19 allows foreign-invested enterprises established in China whose main business is investment to use their foreign exchange
capitals to make equity investment and removes certain other restrictions under Circular 142. However, Circular 19 continues to prohibit foreign-invested
enterprises from, among other things, using Renminbi fund converted from its foreign exchange capitals for expenditure beyond its business scope and
providing entrusted loans or repaying loans between non-financial enterprises.
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SAFE promulgated the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming and Standardizing the Foreign Exchange Settlement
Management Policy of Capital Account, or Circular 16, effective in June 2016, which reiterates some of the rules set forth in Circular 19, but compared to
Circular 19, Circular 16 provides that discretionary foreign exchange settlement applies to foreign exchange capital, foreign debt offering proceeds and
remitted foreign listing proceeds, and the corresponding Renminbi capital converted from foreign exchange are not restricted from extending loans to
related parties or repaying the intercompany loans (including advances by third parties).
SAFE further promulgated Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Facilitating Cross-border Trade and Investment, or
Circular 28, effective from January 2020, which allows all foreign-invested enterprises to make domestic equity investments using their foreign exchange
capitals or Renminbi fund converted from its foreign exchange capitals with limited preconditions. However, there exist substantial uncertainties with
respect to the interpretation and implementation in practice with respect to the Circular 28, Circular 16 and other laws and regulations related to foreign
currency exchange. Circular 19, Circular 16, Circular 28 and other related regulations may delay or limit us from using the proceeds of offshore offerings to
make additional capital contributions or loans to our PRC subsidiaries and any violations of these circulars could result in severe monetary or other
penalties.
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 SAFE and 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 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 change of basic information such as the individual shareholder, name, operation
term, etc., or if there is a capital increase, decrease, equity transfer or swap, merge, spin-off or other amendment of the material items, the PRC residents or
entities shall complete foreign exchange alteration registration formality for offshore investment. The 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, 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.
As of the date of this annual report, all PRC residents known to us that currently hold direct or indirect interests in our company have completed the
necessary registrations with SAFE as required by SAFE Circular 37.
Regulations on Stock Incentive Plans
Pursuant to the Notice on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of
an Overseas Publicly Listed Company, or SAFE Circular 7, issued by SAFE in February 2012, employees, directors, supervisors and other senior
management participating in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company who are PRC citizens or who are non-PRC citizens residing in
China for a continuous period of not less than one year, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent,
which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company or another qualified institution selected by the PRC subsidiary, and complete certain
other procedures. In addition, the domestic qualified agent is required to amend the SAFE registration with respect to the stock incentive plan if there is any
material change to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agent or other material changes. The domestic qualified agent must, on behalf of the PRC residents
who have the right to exercise the employee share options, apply to
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SAFE or its local branches for an annual quota for the payment of foreign currencies in connection with the PRC residents’ exercise of the employee share
options. The foreign exchange proceeds received by the PRC residents from the sale of shares under the stock incentive plans granted and dividends
distributed by the overseas listed companies must be remitted into the bank accounts in China opened by the domestic qualified agents before distribution
to such PRC residents. Failure to complete the SAFE registrations may subject to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit the ability to contribute
additional capital into wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in China and limit such subsidiary’s ability 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 who exercise share options or are granted restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. The
PRC subsidiaries of such overseas listed company have obligations to file documents related to employee share options or restricted shares with relevant
tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those employees who exercise 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.
Regulations on Tax
PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law
The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law (2008), as amended in 2017, 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. Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law
and its implementation regulations, dividends generated from the business of a PRC subsidiary 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 non-resident enterprise, unless there is a tax treaty with China
that provides for a preferential withholding tax rate.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, an enterprise established outside China with “de facto management bodies” 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 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 PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, a “de facto management body” is defined as a body that
has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances 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 resided in the PRC: (i) senior
management personnel and departments that are 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 the voting rights.
Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation
and Tax Evasion on Income, which became effective on December 8, 2006 and applies to income derived in any year of assessment commencing on or
after April 1, 2007 in Hong Kong and in any year commencing on or after January 1, 2007 in China, the withholding tax rate in 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 is deemed the
beneficial owner of any dividend paid by a PRC subsidiary by PRC tax authorities and holds at least 25% of the equity interests in that particular PRC
enterprise at all times within the 12-month period immediately before distribution of the dividends. The SAT issued the Announcement of the State
Administration of Taxation on Issues concerning “Beneficial Owners” in Tax Treaties, or SAT Announcement 9, which became effective from April 1
2018, replacing Notice on the Interpretation and Recognition of Beneficial Owners in Tax Treaties, or SAT Notice 601, SAT Announcement 9 stipulates
that in determining whether a non-resident enterprise has the status as a beneficial owner, comprehensive analysis shall be conducted based on the factors
listed therein and the actual circumstances of the specific case shall be taken into consideration. Specifically, it expressly excludes an agent or a designated
payee from being considered as a “beneficial owner.”
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 shall meet the following
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conditions, among others, in order to apply the reduced withholding tax rate: (i) it shall be a company; (ii) it shall directly own the required percentage of
equity interests and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (iii) it shall 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 Non-Resident 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 necessary forms and supporting documents when performing
tax filings, which will be subject to post-tax filing examinations by the relevant tax authorities. The State Administration of Taxation promulgated the
Administrative Measures for Non-resident Taxpayers to Enjoy Treatment under Treaties, or SAT Circular 35, which became effective on January 1, 2020
and replaced the Circular 60. SAT Circular 35 reiterates that that non-resident enterprises are not required to obtain pre-approval from the relevant tax
authority in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax and may apply the reduced withholding tax rate upon self-assessment. Comparing to the SAT
Circular 60, the SAT Circular 35 does not require the non-resident enterprises to file the supporting documents when performing tax filing. Instead, the
non-resident enterprises are required to retain the supporting documents for the post-tax filing examinations by the relevant tax authorities.
In January 2009, the State Administration of Taxation promulgated the Provisional Measures for the Administration of Withholding of Enterprise
Income Tax for Non-resident Enterprises, or the Non-resident Enterprises Measures, pursuant to which entities that have direct obligation to make certain
payments to a non-resident enterprise shall be the relevant tax withholders for such non-resident enterprise. Further, the Non-resident Enterprises Measures
provides that, in case of an equity transfer between two non-resident enterprises which occurs outside the PRC, the non-resident enterprise which receives
the equity transfer payment shall, by itself or engage an agent to, file tax declaration with the PRC tax authority located at 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
non-resident enterprise. On April 30, 2009, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation jointly issued the Notice on Issues Concerning
Process of Enterprise Income Tax in Enterprise Restructuring Business, or SAT Circular 59. On December 10, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation
issued the Notice on Strengthening the Administration of the Enterprise Income Tax concerning Proceeds from Equity Transfers by Non-resident
Enterprises, or SAT Circular 698. Both SAT Circular 59 and SAT 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 non-resident enterprise.
On February 3, 2015, the State Administration of Taxation issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Several Issues
Concerning the Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Property Transfer by Non-Resident Enterprises, or SAT Bulletin 7, to supersede existing provisions in
relation to the Indirect Transfer as set forth in SAT Circular 698. SAT Bulletin 7 introduces a new tax regime that is significantly different from that under
SAT Circular 698. Public Notice extends its tax jurisdiction to capture not only Indirect Transfer as set forth under SAT Circular 698 but also transactions
involving transfer of immovable property in China and assets held under the establishment and place, in the PRC 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 widely. In addition, SAT Bulletin 7 provides clearer criteria than SAT 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.
PRC Value-added Tax
In November 2011, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation promulgated the Pilot Plan for Imposition of Value-Added Tax
to Replace Business Tax. On January 1, 2012, the State Council officially launched a pilot VAT, reform program, applicable to businesses in selected
industries. Businesses in the VAT reform program would pay VAT instead of business tax. The pilot industries in Shanghai included 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
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launched it 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 VAT reform program was implemented throughout the PRC. On December 12, 2013, the Ministry of Finance
and the State Administration of Taxation 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 VAT reform program. On April 29, 2014, the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of
Taxation 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 State Administration of Taxation issued the Circular on Comprehensively Promoting 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 the PRC, and in industries such as construction industries, real estate industries, financial industries, and living service
industries. Pursuant to Circular on Further Clarifying Policies on Reinsurance, Real Estate Leasing and Non-diploma Education in Comprehensively
Promoting the Pilot Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax which came into effect on May 1, 2016, general taxpayers providing non-
diploma education services may opt to adopt the simplified method for calculation of tax payable at a rate of 3%. In addition, pursuant to the
Announcement on Policies for Deepening the VAT Reform that was issued on March 20, 2019 and came into effect on April 1, 2019, the deduction rates of
16% and 10% applicable to the taxpayers who have VAT taxable sales activities or imported goods are adjusted to 13% and 9%, respectively.
Regulations Relating to Employment, Social Insurance and Housing Fund
Pursuant to the PRC Labor Law (2018 Revision) and the PRC Labor Contract Law (2012 Revision), a written labor contract shall be executed by
employer and an employee when the employment relationship is established. 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. The employer shall also pay severance to an employee where a labor contract, including a contract with an un-fixed term, is terminated or
expires except that the termination is required by the employee or the statutory conditions are fulfilled. All employers shall compensate their employees
equal to at least the local minimum wage standards. All employers are required to establish a system for labor safety and sanitation, strictly abide by state
rules and standards and provide employees with appropriate workplace safety training. In addition, the government has continued to introduce various new
labor-related regulations. Among other things, new annual leave requirements mandate that annual leave ranging from 5 to 15 days is available to nearly all
employees and further require that the employer compensate an employee for any annual leave days the employee is unable to take in the amount of three
times his daily salary, subject to certain exceptions. Moreover, all PRC enterprises are generally required to implement a standard working time system of
eight hours a day and forty hours a week, and if the implementation of such standard working time system is not appropriate due to the nature of the job or
the characteristics of business operation, the enterprise may implement a flexible working time system or comprehensive working time system after
obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities. In addition, employers in China are obliged to pay contributions to the social insurance plan and the
housing fund plan for their employees, and such contribution amount payable shall be calculated based on the employee actual salary in accordance with
the relevant regulations.
M&A Rules and Overseas Listing
The M&A Rules, were jointly adopted by six PRC regulatory authorities, including the CSRC, on August 8, 2006 and became effective as of
September 8, 2006, and were later amended on June 22, 2009. The M&A Rules require, among other things, offshore SPVs, formed for listing purposes
through acquisition of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC companies or individuals, to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to publicly
listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange.
On July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC government authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance
with the Law, or the Opinions on Security Activities, which calls for the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the
supervision on overseas listings by
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China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to deal with the risks
and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies. On December 24, 2021, the State Council issued a draft Regulations of the State Council on
the Administration of Overseas Issuance and Listing of Securities by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Provisions, and the CSRC
issued a draft Measures for the Record-Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments), or the Draft
Administration Measures, for public comments. Pursuant to these drafts, PRC domestic companies that seek to directly or indirectly offer and list their
securities, including overseas, should file with the CSRC certain required documents. Among the other things, “directly overseas offering and listing by
PRC domestic companies” are defined as overseas offering and listing of the securities of PRC companies limited by shares, and “indirectly overseas
offering and listing by PRC domestic companies” are defined as overseas offering and listing of the securities of offshore-incorporated companies whose
main business operations are in mainland China, based on their onshore equity, assets or similar interests. Specifically, the examination and determination
of an indirect offering and listing will be conducted on a substance-over-form basis, and an offering and listing shall be considered as an indirect overseas
offering and listing by a domestic company if the issuer meets the following conditions: (i) the operating income, gross profit, total assets, or net assets of
the domestic enterprise in the most recent fiscal year was more than 50% of the relevant line item in the issuer’s audited consolidated financial statement
for that year; and (ii) senior management personnel responsible for business operations and management are mostly PRC citizens or are ordinarily resident
in the PRC, and the main place of business is in the PRC or carried out in the PRC. According to the Draft Administration Measures, the issuer or its
affiliated domestic company, as the case may be, should file with the CSRC for its initial public offering, follow-on offering, listing of securities in another
overseas market, and other equivalent offing activities. Particularly, the issuer should submit the filing with respect to its initial public offering and listing
or listing of securities in another overseas market within three business days after submitting the application documents for the foregoing transactions and
the issuer should submit the filing with respect to its follow-on offering within three business days after completion of the follow-on offering. Besides,
direct or indirect overseas listing of assets of PRC domestic companies by merger and acquisition, share swap, allocation, or other arrangements through
one of a series of transactions are also subject to filing with the CSRC. Failure to comply with the filing requirements may result in fines to the relevant
domestic companies, suspension of their businesses, revocation of their business licenses and operation permits and fines on the controlling shareholder
and other responsible persons. The Draft Administration Measures also sets forth certain regulatory red lines for overseas offerings and listings by domestic
enterprises. As of the date of this annual report, the Draft Provisions and the Draft Administration Measures were released for public comment only. There
are uncertainties as to whether the Draft Provisions and the Draft Administration Measures would be further amended, revised or updated. Substantial
uncertainties exist with respect to the enactment timetable and final content of the Draft Provisions and the Draft Administration Measures. As the CSRC
may formulate and publish guidelines for filings in the future, the Draft Administration Measures does not provide for detailed requirements of the
substance and form of the filing documents. In a Q&A released on its official website, the respondent CSRC official indicated that the proposed new filing
requirement will start with new companies and the existing companies seeking to carry out activities like follow-on financing or listing of securities in
another overseas market. As for the filings for the existing companies, the regulator will grant adequate transition period and apply separate arrangements.
The Q&A also addressed the contractual arrangements and pointed out that if relevant domestic laws and regulations have been observed, companies with
compliant variable interest entity structure may seek overseas listing after completion of the CSRC filings. Nevertheless, it does not specify what qualify as
compliant variable interest entity structures and what relevant domestic laws and regulations are required to be complied with.
On December 27, 2021, the NDRC and the Ministry of Commerce, jointly issued the 2021 Negative List, which became effective on January 1,
2022. Pursuant to the 2021 Negative List, if a domestic company engaging in the prohibited business stipulated in the 2021 Negative List seeks an overseas
offering and listing, it shall obtain the approval from the competent governmental authorities. Besides, the foreign investors of the company shall not be
involved in the company’s operation and management, and their shareholding percentages shall be subject, mutatis mutandis, to the relevant regulations on
the domestic securities investments by foreign investors. As the 2021 Negative List is relatively new, there remain substantial uncertainties as to the
interpretation and implementation of these new requirements, and it is unclear as to whether and to what extent listed companies like us will be subject to
these new requirements.
On April 2, 2022, the CSRC published the amended version of the Provisions on Strengthening the Confidentiality and Archives Administration
Related to Overseas Issuance and Listing of Securities (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Amended Provisions on Confidentiality. According to the Draft
Amended Provisions on Confidentiality, (i) domestic companies directly or indirectly listed overseas should obtain the approvals from the competent
governmental authorities and file with secret administration authorities in advance, if such domestic companies intend to provide or disclose documents or
files involving state secrets or government authorities’ secrets
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to securities companies, securities service providers or offshore regulators, and (ii) such domestic companies must comply with relevant rules and
regulations and follow the applicable procedures in case of providing or disclosing documents or files, which may cause negative impacts to national
interests or public interests in case of leakage, to securities companies, securities service providers or offshore regulators. Furthermore, the Draft Amended
Provisions on Confidentiality provides that the oversea securities regulatory authorities and relevant competent authorities that intend to conduct
investigations or inspections on domestic companies in relation to their overseas securities issuance and listing-related activities, will be subject to the
cross-border regulatory cooperation mechanism, and the domestic companies involved should file reports to CSRC or competent authorities in advance
before cooperating with such investigations or inspections. As of the date of this annual report, the Draft Amended Provisions on Confidentiality was
released for public comment only. There are substantial uncertainties as to whether the Draft Amended Provisions on Confidentiality would be further
amended, revised or updated.
C. Organizational Structure
The chart below summarizes our corporate structure and identifies our subsidiaries, our VIEs and their shareholders as of the date of this annual
report:
(1) Mr. Peiqing Tian holds 100% equity interest in Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd.
(2) Mr. Peiqing Tian and Ms. Suhua Zhu, hold 70% and 30% equity interests in Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd.,
respectively.
Contractual Arrangements with Our VIE, Its Shareholder and Us
PRC laws and regulations place certain restrictions on foreign investment in and ownership of private education businesses. Accordingly, we
conduct our operations in the PRC principally through our VIEs, namely Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Four
Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., and their affiliated entities. We effectively control each VIE through contractual arrangements
among such VIE, its shareholder and Shanghai Fuxi.
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The contractual arrangements, as described in more detail below, collectively allow us to:
•
•
•
exercise effective control over each of our VIEs and their affiliated entities;
receive substantially all of the economic benefits of each VIE; and
have an exclusive call option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in and/or assets of each VIEs when and to the extent permitted by
PRC laws.
As a result of the contractual arrangements, we are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs and its affiliated entities, and, therefore, have consolidated
the financial results of our VIEs and their affiliate entities in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
In the opinion of Fangda Partners, our PRC counsel:
•
•
the ownership structure of Shanghai Fuxi and the VIEs does not violate applicable PRC laws and regulations currently in effect; and
the contractual arrangements between Shanghai Fuxi, the VIEs and their respective shareholders governed by PRC law currently are valid
and binding. However, we have been advised by our PRC legal counsel that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation
and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules, and there can be no assurance that the PRC regulatory authorities will
take a view that is consistent with the opinion of our PRC legal counsel. Especially, on July 24, 2021, the General Office of the CPC Central
Committee and the General Office of the State Council issued the Double Alleviating Opinions, which prohibits foreign investors from
investing into after-school tutoring institutions providing tutoring service related to academic subjects in compulsory education stage,
including through variable interest entity structure. Despite that rules and regulations have been promulgated in connection with the scope of
academic subjects in compulsory education stage, it remains unclear, and subject to relevant governmental authorities’ discretion, as to
whether the products and services we offer fall into the scope of academic subjects of compulsory education stage. Based on our consultation
with relevant governmental authorities, we ceased offering the K9 Academic AST Services in mainland China at the end of 2021, and believe
that the remaining products and services we currently offer do not constitute “tutoring service related to academic subjects of compulsory
education stage” and thus not subject to the above restrictions. However, there can be no assurance that we will not be subject to penalties for
historical violation, or the interpretation and implementation of relevant governmental authorities will not change in the future. Additionally,
on April 7, 2021, the State Council promulgated the Amended Implementation Rules for Private Education Law, which took effective on
September 1, 2021. The Amended Implementation Rules for Private Education Law stipulates that related party transactions to which a
private school is a party would be required to be concluded on a fair and just basis without impediment to the interests of the state, the school,
the teachers and the students, which could potentially impact our contractual arrangements with the VIEs. Please see “—Risks Relating to
Doing Business in China—Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a material adverse effect on us.”
However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws and regulations, and there
can be no assurance that the PRC government will take a view that is not contrary to or otherwise different from the opinion of our PRC counsel. If the
PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our business do not comply with PRC government restrictions on
foreign investment in the business we engage in, we could be subject to severe penalties, including being prohibited from continuing operations. See “Item
3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure — Our business is subject to extensive regulation in the PRC. If the
PRC government finds that the contractual arrangement that establishes our corporate structure for operating our business does not comply with applicable
PRC laws and regulations, we could be subject to severe penalties.” and “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business
in the PRC — Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could have a material adverse effect on us.”
Furthermore, if our VIEs, their affiliated entities and the shareholders of the VIEs fail to perform their obligations under the contractual
arrangements, we may be limited in our ability to enforce such contractual
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arrangements that give us effective control. If we are unable to maintain effective control over our VIEs and their affiliated entities, we would not be able to
continue to consolidate their financial results in our consolidated financial statements. In the 2020,2021 and 2022 fiscal years, all of our revenue was
derived from the operations of our VIEs and their affiliated entities. We rely on dividends and other distributions paid to us by our PRC subsidiary,
Shanghai Fuxi, which in turn depends on the service fees paid to Shanghai Fuxi by our VIEs. There are significant PRC legal restrictions on the payment of
dividends by PRC companies and restrictions on foreign exchange control and foreign investments, all of which may adversely affect our ability to access
the revenue of Shanghai Fuxi, our VIEs and VIEs’ consolidated entities. In the 2022 fiscal year, Shanghai Fuxi received service fees of RMB20.8 million
(US$3.3 million) from our VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries and did not distribute any dividends. Notwithstanding our business decisions to continue to invest
and expand our PRC operations and launching new programs, our PRC subsidiary may receive service fees from our VIEs or make distributions to us in
the future.
Below is a summary of the contractual arrangements by and among our wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Fuxi, each of our VIEs, their
shareholders and relevant affiliated entities.
Exclusive Service Agreement
Pursuant to the exclusive service agreement, Shanghai Fuxi has the exclusive right to provide or designate any third party to provide technical
services and management and consulting services to the VIE and its affiliated entities in the form of private non-enterprise institutions. In exchange, the
VIE and its affiliated entities pay annual service fees to Shanghai Fuxi in an amount at Shanghai Fuxi’s discretion. Without the prior written consent of
Shanghai Fuxi, the VIE and its affiliated entities cannot accept services provided by or establishing similar corporation relationship with any third party.
Shanghai Fuxi owns the exclusive intellectual property rights created as a result of the performance of this agreement unless otherwise provided by PRC
laws or regulations. The agreement will remain effective unless terminated upon the full exercise of call option in accordance with the exclusive call option
agreement or unilaterally terminated by Shanghai Fuxi with a notice 30 days in advance. Unless otherwise required by applicable PRC laws, the VIE and
its affiliated entities do not have any right to terminate the exclusive service agreement.
Exclusive Call Option Agreement
Pursuant to the call option agreement, the shareholder of our VIEs unconditionally and irrevocably granted Shanghai Fuxi or its designated third
party exclusive call options to purchase from the shareholder part or all of its equity interests in the VIEs, as the case may be, at the nominal price or for the
minimum amount of consideration permitted by the applicable PRC laws and regulations. Such shareholder will not grant a similar right or transfer any of
the equity interests in the VIE to any party other than Shanghai Fuxi or its designee, nor will it pledge, create or permit any security interest or similar
encumbrance to be created on any of the equity interests. Shanghai Fuxi has sole discretion to decide when to exercise the option, and whether to exercise
the option in part or in full. The agreement will remain effective unless terminated upon the full exercise of call option or unilaterally terminated by
Shanghai Fuxi with a notice 30 days in advance.
Equity Pledge Agreement
Pursuant to the equity pledge agreement, the shareholders of the VIEs unconditionally and irrevocably pledged all of its equity interests in the VIEs
to Shanghai Fuxi, to respectively guarantee the performance of the VIEs of its obligations under the relevant contractual agreements. Should the VIEs or its
shareholder breach or default under any of the contractual arrangements, Shanghai Fuxi has the right to require the transfer of the pledged equity interests
to itself or its designee, to the extent permitted by PRC law, or require an auction or sale of the pledged equity interests and has priority in any proceeds
from the auction or sale of such pledged interests. Moreover, Shanghai Fuxi has the right to collect any and all dividends in respect of the pledged equity
interests during the term of the pledge. Without the prior written consent of Shanghai Fuxi, the shareholder of the VIEs shall not transfer or dispose the
pledged equity interests or create or allow any encumbrance on the pledged equity interests that would prejudice Shanghai Fuxi’s interest. Unless the VIEs
has fully performed all of its obligations in accordance with the contractual agreements, or the pledged equity interests have been fully transferred to
Shanghai Fuxi or its respective designee in accordance with the exclusive call option agreement, or unilaterally terminated by Shanghai Fuxi with a 30-day
prior notice, the equity interest pledge agreement will continue to remain in effect.
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The shareholder of the Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. has registered the equity pledge in favor of Shanghai Fuxi with the
local counterpart of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce in accordance with PRC laws and regulations.
Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement and Irrevocable Power of Attorney
The shareholder of the VIEs have each executed a shareholder voting rights proxy agreement appointing Shanghai Fuxi, or any person designated by
Shanghai Fuxi, as their proxy to act for all matters pertaining to such shareholding and to exercise all of their rights as shareholders, including but not
limited to attending shareholders’ meetings and designating and appointing directors, supervisors, the chief executive officer and other senior management
members, and selling, transferring, pledging or disposing the equity interests of the VIEs. Shanghai Fuxi may authorize or assign its rights to any other
person or entity at its sole discretion without prior notice to or prior consent from the shareholder of the VIEs. The agreement will remain effective unless
Shanghai Fuxi terminates the agreement by written notice or terminated upon the full exercise of call option in accordance with the exclusive call option
agreement.
Spousal Consent Letter
Pursuant to the spousal consent letter executed by the spouse of certain shareholders of our VIEs, each of such spouse unconditionally and
irrevocably agreed to the execution of exclusive service agreement, exclusive call option agreement, shareholder voting rights proxy agreement and
irrevocable power of attorney and equity pledge agreement described above by the applicable shareholder. They further undertakes not to make any
assertions in connection with the equity interests of the VIEs held by the applicable shareholder, and confirm that the shareholder can perform the relevant
transaction documents described above and further amend or terminate such transaction documents without the authorization or consent from such spouse.
The spouse of each applicable shareholder agrees and undertakes that if he/she obtains any equity interests of the VIEs held by the applicable shareholder
for any reasons, he/she would be bound by the transaction documents described above and the amended and restated exclusive service agreement between
Shanghai Fuxi and our VIEs. The valid term of spousal consent letter is same as the term of the exclusive call option agreement.
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D. Property, Plants and Equipment
Our headquarters are located in Shanghai, China. We have one learning center in Shanghai and two in other cities in China. We lease our
headquarters, which occupies approximately 855 square meters. We also lease all of our learning centers, which occupy an aggregate of approximately
1,486 square meters as of the date of this annual report. The majority of lease agreements for our learning centers have durations of one to two years. For
most of our learning centers, we pay annual rental charges. The rental payments for our learning centers are either set at a fixed rate during the entire rental
period or increased every other year based on a preset rate. We plan to obtain additional facilities for learning centers to carry out our future expansion
generally through leases rather than purchases. For more details, see “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Our Learning
Centers.”
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
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ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties. Our actual results and the timing of selected events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as
a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report.
A. Operating Results
Overview
We are dedicated to providing diversified smart learning solutions in China. Since our inception in 2007, we have witnessed tremendous
developments in China’s learning industry and continued to upgrade our business strategies to capture the new opportunities brought by technology
advance and evolving learning needs.
We started our business initially focusing on math education for elementary school students in Shanghai, from where we actively seeking to expand
during the past years. As of February 28, 2022 we had three learning centers in three cities in China.
We always keep a keen prospective for the evolving and developing industry. In addition to the course offerings that target improving learners and
customers’ academic performance, we also began to expand our offerings by introducing enrichment learning products and launching enterprise product
suites in the recent years. In compliance with regulatory policies promulgated in 2021, we ceased offering the K9 Academic AST Services in mainland
China at the end of 2021. We have since realigned our business focus towards learning services as well as learning technology and content solutions to
capture evolving customer needs. We have continued to integrate technology with learning, promote industry innovation, and lead industry development
form our inception. We are hosting a series of interest-oriented classes and activities to further promote learner engagement. Based on our strong math
teaching capabilities and resources, we introduced our featured classes for logic-based games such as Bridge, Sudoku and Rubik’s Cube which gained great
popularity. We have delivered Bridge classes at 1 of our learning centers in the 2022 fiscal year and have formed Four Seasons Education training teams in
2018, 2019 and 2020 for national competitions. Recently, our teams also achieved outstanding performance in bridge and Sudoku matches. We plan to
organize more of these dynamic and enjoyable courses and activities which help learners and customers’ logical thinking, intellectual and aesthetic
development.
We finished the 2022 fiscal year with achievements despite changes in regulatory requirements in the fast-evolving education industry and relatively
weak performance of new learning centers during the ramp-up period. Our revenue was RMB389.0 million in the 2020 fiscal year, RMB280.3 million in
the 2021 fiscal year and RMB250.2 million (US$39.7 million) in the 2022 fiscal year, respectively. We recorded net loss of RMB109.6million in the 2020
fiscal year, RMB27.9 million in the 2021 fiscal year and RMB118.7 million (US$18.8 million) in the 2022 fiscal year. Our adjusted net income, which
exclude share-based compensation expenses, fair value change of investments, impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill (net of tax effect) and
impairment loss on long-lived assets (net of tax effect), was RMB47.9 million in the 2020 fiscal year, adjusted net loss of RMB2.5 million in the 2021
fiscal year, adjusted net loss of RMB58.4 million (US$9.3 million) in the 2022 fiscal year.
Major Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Our results of operations are affected by various general factors affecting the learning solution and enrichment activity market in China, which
include changes in population growth, disposable income per capita and level of urbanization, changes in demand from individual learners or educational
institutions for learning solutions, changes in regulatory, legal and public policy landscape, changes in technology development, and general economic and
business conditions in China and globally. Adverse changes in any of these factors could materially and negatively affect demand for our products and
services and our results of operations.
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We believe that our results of operations are more directly affected by specific factors relating to our business, which are primarily as follows:
Our ability to deliver high-quality products and services in our existing businesses
Historically, our success largely depends on our deep understanding of, and close relationship with, our learners and customers. We seek to continue
to maintain our competitive advantages in our existing businesses.
Enrichment and immersive learning services. The results of operations of our enrichment learning services business depend on our abilities to retain
existing learners and attract new learners by maintaining the consistency and quality of our services, successfully executing our pricing strategies,
enhancing our operational efficiency, and to meet the evolving needs of our learners and customers through introduction of new offerings.
Learning technology and content solutions. The success of our learning technology and content solutions primarily depend on our abilities to
continue to provide quality services to our existing customers leveraging our technology and content developing capabilities, in particular, to tailor our
learning technology products and services to the needs of customers and to further develop our accumulated immense content library.
We believe our ability to deliver high-quality products and services well positions us to keep competitive in our existing businesses. However, any
compromise in such ability may materially and adversely affect the success and growth of our existing businesses, thus negatively impacting our results of
operations.
Our ability to broaden offerings of our learning solutions and enrichment activities
Our results of operations are also affected by our ability to invest in and develop new service offerings and further penetrate our potential customer
base.
We have accumulated deep understanding of China’s learning industry through years of operation and are well-positioned in delivering
comprehensive learning services beyond traditional courses and textbooks. Going forward, we intend to further broaden our footprint and launch new
products and services accommodating broader audience.
Our ability to attract, train and retain talents
To manage and support our growth, it is critical for us to recruit, train and retain qualified talents, including teachers, research and development
talents and management personnel, as well as other personnel in administrative and selling and marketing functions, in particular during the time as we are
going through the transition of our business model.
Our ability to attract, train and retain these qualified talents primarily depends on our ability to offer competitive compensation, effective and
continued training opportunities and rotation opportunities within our organization as well as the development path to management opportunities.
Our ability to manage costs and expenses
Our ability to maintain and increase our operational efficiency also depends on our ability to effectively control our costs and expenses. We offer
competitive compensation to our faculty in order to attract and retain the best teaching talent. The number of our full-time teachers decreased from 463 to
359, and further to 150 as of February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and February 28, 2022, respectively, mainly due to our cessation of K9 Academic AST
Services offering in mainland China by the end of 2021. Nevertheless, we expect that our total costs and expenses will increase in line with the
development and growth of our new business lines, which is likely to be partially offset by our increasing economies of scale and improved operating
efficiency.
Impact of COVID-19
Our results of operations for the fourth fiscal quarter ended February 29, 2020 was impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 and the resulting
precautionary measures with respect to our business. In response to the outbreak of the COVID-19, we temporarily closed our offline learning centers from
January 2020 to May 2020 as mandatorily required by the PRC government and transitioned our academic educational delivery method to online courses.
We also took actions to help mitigate the adverse impact of COVID-19 to our operations and profitability, including
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proactively applying for government subsidies and lease concessions. As many of the quarantine measures within China have since been relaxed as of the
date of this annual report, we have switched our business operating model back to offline and reopened our learning centers. Beginning in the first fiscal
quarter of fiscal year 2021, we experienced continued recovery and growth. After the initial outbreak of COVID-19, from time to time, some instances of
COVID-19 infections have emerged in various regions of China, including the infections caused by the Omicron variants in early 2022, and varying levels
of temporary restrictions and other measures are reinstated to contain the infections, such as those in Shanghai from March 2022. The COVID-19 outbreak
may continue affect our business operations and its financial condition and operating results in the future, including but not limited to negative impact to
our total revenues, fair value adjustments or impairment to our long-term investments and other long-lived assets. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk
Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — The global COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on our business, which may materially and
adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.”
Key Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
Before December 31, 2021, we derive substantially all of our revenue from tuition for after-school education services. Revenue from our programs
includes those generated from programs for elementary school students as well as our middle school and other programs. Revenue from other programs
includes tuition we collect from our other program courses and income we generate from staff outsourcing. Our revenue is presented net of VAT and related
surcharges. The table below sets forth a breakdown of our revenue for the periods indicated:
Elementary school
Middle school
Special programs and others
Less: sales tax
Total
2020
RMB
%
300,278
52,107
38,298
1,634
389,049
77.2
13.4
9.8
0.4
100.0
For the Year Ended February 28 or 29
2021
RMB
RMB
%
(in thousands, except for percentage)
207,720
50,902
21,714
54
280,282
74.1
18.2
7.7
0.0
100.0
165,436
59,865
25,706
784
250,223
2022
US$
26,225
9,490
4,074
124
39,665
%
66.1
23.9
10.3
0.3
100.0
We typically collect learning fee from learners and customers in advance for the programs that they purchase and record this learning fee initially as
deferred revenue. We recognize revenue proportionately over time as the learning sessions are delivered. We offer refunds for undelivered programs to
students who decide to withdraw at any time and for learning fees received in advance for offline programs that were cancelled due to COVID-19 and no
subsequent online programs enrolled, which are subject to refund at the option of the learners or customers. We estimate and record refund liabilities based
on the historical refund ratio on a portfolio basis using the expected value method. We had deferred revenue of RMB71.9 million, RMB75.2 million, and
RMB7.2 million (US$1.1 million) as of February 28 or 29, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
In compliance with the Alleviating Burden Opinion Regarding Compulsory Education and applicable rules, regulations and measures, we ceased
offering K9 Academic AST Services in mainland China by the end of December 2021. Such cessation has had a significantly negative impact on our
financial performance for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2022 since revenues from offering K9 Academic AST Services accounted for a substantial
majority of our total revenues prior to our cessation of such business, and is expected to have a significantly negative impact on our financial performance
for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2023 and subsequent periods, compared with that of previous years.
Cost of Revenue
Our cost of revenue primarily consists of (i) staff costs, including salaries and other compensation for our faculty, (ii) education expenses including
teaching material expenses, learner activity expenses and platform and service charges for online course and (iii) rental, utilities and maintenance costs for
our learning centers and study camps. We expect our total cost of revenue to decrease as a result of the cessation of our K9 Academic AST Services
offering, partially offset by the increase in line with the development of our new business lines as we open
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more study camps and expand the size of our existing faculty. The table below sets forth a breakdown of our cost of revenue for the periods indicated:
Staff costs
Rental, utilities and maintenance costs
Depreciation of leasehold improvement
Other expenses related to learning centers
Total
Operating Expenses
2020
RMB
%
115,317
61,621
11,706
12,289
200,933
57.4
30.7
5.8
6.1
100.0
For the Year Ended February 28 or 29
2021
RMB
RMB
%
(in thousands, except for percentage)
92,712
49,920
11,244
14,956
168,832
54.9
29.6
6.7
8.8
100.0
85,134
38,473
6,706
19,302
149,615
2022
US$
13,495
6,099
1,063
3,060
23,717
%
56.9
25.7
4.5
12.9
100.0
Our operating expenses primarily consist of general and administrative expenses and sales and marketing expenses. The table below sets forth a
breakdown of our operating expenses for the periods indicated:
For the Year Ended February 28 or 29
2020
2021
RMB
%
RMB
%
RMB
(in thousands, except for percentage)
2022
US$
%
General and administrative expenses
Sales and marketing expenses
Lease termination loss
Impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill
Impairment loss on other long-lived assets
Total
138,606
34,367
-
145,416
764
43.4
10.8
—
45.6
0.2
116,972
30,953
-
-
-
147,92
79.1
20.9
-
-
-
85,298
22,045
7,046
44,562
7,871
13,521
3,495
1,116
7,064
1,248
51.1
13.2
4.2
26.8
4.7
319,153
100.0
5
100.0
166,822
26,444
100.0
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses primarily consist of (i) staff costs and employee benefits for our executive, finance, legal, information
technology, human resources and other administrative personnel, (ii) office rent, utility and other expenses, (iii) cost of third-party professional services,
and (iv) share-based compensation expenses for our administrative personnel. We expect our general and administrative expenses to decrease as we ceased
offering K9 Academic AST Services, which may be partially offset by the development of our new business lines going forward.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of promotional and advertising expenses and salaries and benefits for our sales and marketing
personnel. Historically, we have relied on word-of-mouth referrals for our student recruitment. As such, we have incurred relatively low sales and
marketing expenses. In the 2017 fiscal year, we entered into a funding commitment agreement with ECNU, pursuant to which we would provide funding of
a total amount of RMB100 million to ECNU, payable over a five-year period starting from 2017. We expect this funding commitment and our
collaboration with ECNU to positively impact our branding efforts and aid in our expansion to cities outside of Shanghai. Consequently, our sales and
marketing expenses primarily consisted of a RMB20 million, RMB20 million and RMB10 million funding commitment accrual to ECNU in the 2020 fiscal
year, the 2021 fiscal year and the 2022 fiscal year, respectively. We expect our sales and marking expenses to decrease as we as we ceased offering K9
Academic AST Services, which may be partially offset by our effort to ramp up the promotional efforts in line with the development of our new business
lines going forward.
96
Taxation
Cayman Islands
We are an exempted company 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 wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong, Four Seasons Education HK, is subject a two-tiered profits tax rate regime which is applicable to any
year of assessment commencing on or after April 1, 2018. The profits tax rate for the first HK dollar 2,000,000 of profits of corporations will be lowered to
8.25%, while profits above that amount will continue to be subject to the tax rate of 16.5%. No provision for Hong Kong profits tax has been made in our
consolidated financial statements as Four Seasons Education HK has no assessable income for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 fiscal years.
PRC
Our subsidiary and VIE in China are companies incorporated under PRC law 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, 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 affiliated entities involved 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 subsidiary through Four Seasons Education HK. 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
Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, the withholding tax
rate in 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 Non-Resident 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. The State Administration of Taxation promulgated the Administrative
Measures for Non-resident Taxpayers to Enjoy Treatment under Treaties, or SAT Circular 35, which became effective on January 1, 2020 and replaced the
Circular 60. SAT Circular 35 reiterates that that non-resident enterprises are not required to obtain pre-approval from the relevant tax authority in order to
enjoy the reduced withholding tax and may apply the reduced withholding tax rate upon self-assessment. Comparing to the SAT Circular 60, the SAT
Circular 35 does not require the non-resident enterprises to file the supporting documents when performing tax filing. Instead, the non-resident enterprises
are required to retain the supporting documents for the post-tax filing examinations by the relevant tax authorities. Accordingly, Four Seasons Education
HK may be able to benefit from the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends it receives from Shanghai Fuxi, if it satisfies the conditions prescribed under
SAT Circular 81 and other relevant tax rules and regulations. However, according to
97
SAT Circular 81 and SAT Circular 35, 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%. See “Item 3. Key Information — D.
Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC — Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a PRC “resident
enterprise,” which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.”
Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S.
GAAP requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We continually evaluate these judgments and estimates
based on our own experience, knowledge and assessment of current business and other conditions, and our expectations regarding the future based on
available information and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. 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.
When reading our consolidated financial statements, you should consider our selection of critical accounting policies, the judgment and other
uncertainties affecting the application of such policies and the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions. Our critical
accounting policies and practices include the following: (i) revenue recognition; (ii) fair value of investments; (iii) income taxes; and (iv) leases. See Note 2
—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements for the disclosure of these accounting policies. We believe the
following accounting estimates involve the most significant judgments used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Income Taxes
We are required to make estimates and apply our judgements in determining the provision for income tax expenses for financial reporting purpose
based on tax laws. In calculating the effective income tax rate, we make estimates and judgements, including the calculation of tax credits and the timing
differences of recognition of revenues and expenses between financial reporting and tax reporting. These estimates and judgements may result in
adjustments of pre-tax income amount filed with local tax authorities in accordance with relevant local tax rules and regulations in various tax jurisdictions.
Although we believe that our estimates and judgments are reasonable, actual results may be materially different from the estimated amounts. Changes in
these estimates and judgements may result in material increase or decrease in our provision for income tax expenses.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and
tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when,
based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. When we
determine and quantify the valuation allowances, we consider such factors as projected future taxable income, the availability of tax planning strategies, the
historical taxable income and losses in prior years, and future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. The assumptions used in determining
projected future taxable income require significant judgment. Actual operating results in future years could differ from our current assumptions, judgments
and estimates. Changes in these estimates and assumptions may materially affect the tax position measurement and financial statement recognition. If, in
the future, we determine that we would not be able to realize our recorded deferred tax assets, an increase in the valuation allowance would decrease our
earnings in the period in which such determination is made. The Company recorded deferred tax assets of RMB16.3 million and RMB0.9 million (US$ 0.1
million), net of valuation allowance of RMB6.3 million and RMB27.4 million (US$4.3 million), as of February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
98
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Several factors give rise to
goodwill in our acquisitions, such as the expected benefit from synergies of the combinations and the existing workforce of the acquired businesses.
Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment (February 28 or 29 for the Group), or if indicator noted for goodwill impairment. We evaluate our
goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment in accordance with ASC
Topic 350. We used to have two reporting units and goodwill generated from acquisitions in fiscal year 2017 and 2019 was allocated to two reporting units:
Fantasy reporting unit and Four Seasons Education reporting unit, respectively as of February 29, 2020. During the year ended February 28, 2021, we
conducted an organizational restructure which resulted in only one reporting unit. All goodwill generated from acquisitions was allocated to the one
reporting unit: Four Seasons Education reporting unit as of February 28, 2021 and 2022.
In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, we may perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of
a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is not, no further analysis is required. If it is, the quantitative impairment test is performed.
Starting from March 1, 2019, we adopted ASU No. 2017-04, simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the accounting for
goodwill impairment by eliminating Step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, if the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its
carrying amount, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an
impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should
not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. When determining the fair value of each reporting unit, we use discounted cash
flow model that includes a number of significant unobservable inputs. Key assumptions used to determine the estimated fair value include: (a) internal cash
flows forecasts including expected revenue growth, operating margins and estimated capital needs, (b) an estimated terminal value using a terminal year
long-term future growth rate determined based on the growth prospects of the reporting units; and (c) a discount rate that reflects the weighted-average cost
of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with each reporting unit’s operation and the uncertainty inherent in our internally developed forecast.
Based on the results of goodwill impairment tests, we recognized RMB114.6 million, nil and RMB42.3 million (US$6.7 million) impairment loss on
goodwill during the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022.
Impairment of long-lived assets
We evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets with determinable useful lives, including property and equipment and intangible assets, whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. We measure the carrying amount of long-lived asset
against the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with it. An impairment charge is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows
expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from the disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset
net of other liabilities. The evaluation of asset impairment requires us to make assumptions about future cash flows over the life of the asset being
evaluated. These assumptions require judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts. We recognized RMB0.8 million, nil
and RMB7.9 million (US$ 1.2 million) impairment loss of property and equipment during the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and,
2022. We recognized RMB30.8 million, nil and RMB2.3 million (US$ 0.4 million) impairment loss on intangible assets during the years ended February
29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and, 2022.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
A list of recent accounting announcements that are relevant to us is included in note 2(ac) to our consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this annual report.
99
Results of Operations
The table below sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods 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.
2020
2021
RMB
%
RMB
%
RMB
(in thousands, except for percentages)
For the Year Ended February 28 or 29
2022
US$
%
Summary Consolidated
Statements of
Operations:
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Gross profit
Operating expenses
General and administrative
expenses
Sales and marketing expenses
Lease termination loss
Impairment loss on intangible
assets and goodwill
Impairment loss on other long-
lived assets
Operating income (loss)
Subsidy income
Gain from disposal of liabilities
and a subsidiary
Interest income, net
Other income (expenses), net
Income loss before income
taxes and
loss from equity method
investments
Income tax expense
Loss from equity method
investments
Net loss
389,049
(200,933 )
188,116
100.0
(51.6 )
48.4
280,282
(168,832 )
111,450
100.0
(60.2 )
39.8
250,223
(149,615 )
100,608
39,665
(23,717 )
15,948
(138,606 )
(34,367 )
—
(35.6 )
(8.8 )
—
(116,972 )
(30,953 )
—
(41.7 )
(11.0 )
—
(85,298 )
(22,045 )
(7,046 )
(13,521 )
(3,495 )
(1,116 )
(145,416 )
(37.3 )
—
—
(44,562 )
(7,064 )
(764 )
(131,037 )
9,572
(0.2 )
(33.7 )
2.5
—
(36,475 )
11,898
—
(12.9 )
4.2
—
5,229
11,080
—
1.3
2.9
—
3,403
1,900
—
1.2
0.7
(7,871 )
(66,214 )
2,298
4,048
3,230
(3,501 )
(1,248 )
(10,496 )
364
642
512
(555 )
(105,156 )
(4,189 )
(224 )
(109,569 )
(27.0 )
(1.1 )
(0.1 )
(28.2 )
(19,274 )
(4,760 )
(3,852 )
(27,886 )
(6.8 )
(1.7 )
(1.4 )
(9.9 )
(60,139 )
(21,843 )
(9,533 )
(3,463 )
(36,750 )
(118,732 )
(5,826 )
(18,822 )
100.0
(59.8 )
40.2
(34.1 )
(8.8 )
(4.1 )
(17.8 )
(3.1 )
(26.5 )
0.9
1.6
1.3
(1.4 )
(24.0 )
(8.7 )
(14.7 )
(47.5 )
Year Ended February 28, 2022 Compared to Year Ended February 28, 2021
Revenue
Our total revenue was RMB250.2 million (US$39.7 million) for the 2022 fiscal year and RMB280.3 million in the 2021 fiscal year, primarily due to
the impact of ceasing K9 Academic AST Services in mainland China by the end of 2021.
100
Cost of Revenue
Our total cost of revenue decreased by 11.4% to RMB149.6 million (US$23.7 million) for the fiscal year 2022 from RMB168.8 million in the 2021
fiscal year, primarily attributable to the closure of learning centers and the decrease of number of teachers due to ceased K9 Academic AST by the end of
2021.
Gross Profit
As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit was RMB100.6 million (US$15.9 million) for the fiscal year 2022, compared with RMB111.5 million
in the same period of last year. Gross margin was 40.2% for the 2022 fiscal year, compared with 39.8% in the 2021 fiscal year.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Our sales and marketing expenses decreased by 28.8% to RMB22.0 million (US$3.5 million) for the fiscal year 2022 from RMB31.0 million in the
same period of last year, primarily due to decreased funding commitments related expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses decreased by 27.1% to RMB85.3 million (US$13.5 million) for the fiscal year 2022 from RMB117.0
million in the same period of last year primarily because a significant part of the share based compensation was fully vested in the fiscal year 2021.
Impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill
Our impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill was RMB44.6 million (US$7.1 million) for the 2022 fiscal year, compared to nil in the 2021
fiscal year, due to ceasing offering K9 Academic AST by the end of 2021.
Impairment loss on other long-lived assets
Our impairment loss on other long-lived assets was RMB7.9 million (US$1.2 million) for the 2022 fiscal year, compared to nil in the 2021 fiscal
year, due to ceasing offering K9 Academic AST by the end of 2021.
Loss Before Income Taxes and Loss from Equity Method Investments
As a result of the foregoing, our loss before income taxes and loss from equity method investments was RMB60.1 million (US$9.5 million) in the
2022 fiscal year, compared to the RMB19.3 million in the 2021 fiscal year.
Income Tax Expense
Our income tax expense was RMB4.8 million and RMB21.8 million (US$3.5 million) in the 2021 and 2022 fiscal year, mainly due to the
recognition of valuation allowance in deferred tax expenses resulted from ceasing offering K9 Academic AST services.
Net Loss
As a result of the foregoing, we recorded net loss of RMB27.9 million and RMB118.7 million (US$18.8 million) in the 2021 and 2022 fiscal year,
respectively.
Year Ended February 28, 2021 Compared to Year Ended February 29, 2020
Revenue
Our total revenue was RMB280.3 million (US$43.3 million) for the 2021 fiscal year and RMB389.0 million in the 2020 fiscal year, primarily due to
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in an overall decreased
101
student enrollment, partially offset by the positive outcome of our proactive curricular upgrade in response to evolving market needs.
Cost of Revenue
Our total cost of revenue decreased by 16.0% to RMB168.8 million (US$26.1 million) for the fiscal year 2021 from RMB200.9 million in the 2020
fiscal year, primarily attributable to the decrease in faculty staff costs due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gross Profit
As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit was RMB111.5 million (US$17.2 million) for the fiscal year 2021, compared with RMB188.1 million
in the same period of last year. Gross margin was 39.8% for the 2021 fiscal year, compared with 48.4% in the 2020 fiscal year.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Our sales and marketing expenses decreased by 9.9% to RMB31.0 million (US$4.8 million) for the fiscal year 2021 from RMB34.4 million in the
same period of last year, primarily due to continued internal cost controls.
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses decreased by 16.1% to RMB117.0 million (US$18.1 million) for the fiscal year 2021 from RMB138.6
million in the same period of last year primarily attributable to the decreased staff costs due to continued network optimization.
Impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill
Our impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill was nil for the 2021 fiscal year, compared to RMB145.4 million in the 2020 fiscal year, due
to the decline in a reporting unit’s fair value in the 2021 fiscal year.
Income/Loss Before Income Taxes and Loss from Equity Method Investments
As a result of the foregoing, our loss before income taxes and income from equity method investments was RMB19.3 million (US$3.0 million) in
the 2021 fiscal year, compared to the RMB105.2 million in the 2020 fiscal year.
Income Tax Expense
Our income tax expense was RMB4.2 million and RMB4.8 million (US$0.7 million) in the 2020 and 2021 fiscal year.
Net Loss
As a result of the foregoing, we recorded net loss of RMB109.6 million and RMB27.9 million (US$4.3 million) in the 2020 and 2021 fiscal year.
Non-GAAP Measures
We use adjusted net income (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, in the evaluation of our operating results and in our financial and operational
decision-making.
Adjusted net income (loss) represents net income (loss) before the impact of (i) share-based compensation expenses; (ii) fair value change of
investments, excluding foreign currency translation adjustment and (iii) impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill (net of tax effect) and (vi)
impairment loss on long-lived assets.
102
We believe that adjusted net income (loss) helps us identify underlying trends in our business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain
expenses that we include in net income (loss).
For the year ended February 28, 2022, we incurred impairment loss on long-lived assets related to the business restructuring. We began to apply
impairment loss on long-lived assets (net of tax effect) as adjustment item for non-GAAP financial measures, and retrospectively adjusted comparative
periods to conform current policy.
Adjusted net income (loss) should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to net income (loss) or any other measure of
performance or as an indicator 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) 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.
The table below sets forth a reconciliation of our net loss to adjusted net income (loss) for the periods indicated:
Net loss
Add: share-based compensation expenses (net of tax
effect of nil)
Add: fair value change of investments, excluding foreign
currency translation adjustment (net of tax effect of nil)
Add: impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill
(net of tax effect 7,701, nil and nil for the years ended
February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and February 28,
2022, respectively)
Add: impairment loss on long-lived assets (net of tax
effect of nil)
Adjusted net income (loss) (non-GAAP)
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows and Working Capital
For the Year Ended February 28 or 29
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
(in thousands)
(109,569 )
(27,886 )
(118,732 )
(18,822 )
30,859
27,513
9,002
(11,134 )
(2,148 )
(1,106 )
137,715
—
44,562
764
48,635
—
(2,521 )
7,871
(58,403 )
1,427
(175 )
7,064
1,248
(9,258 )
Our principal sources of liquidity have been cash generated from operating activities, net proceeds we received from our initial public offering, and
to a lesser extent, proceeds from the issuance of our convertible redeemable preferred shares.
As of February 28 or 29, 2020, 2021 and 2022, we had RMB404.7 million, RMB378.4 million and RMB262.4 million (US$41.6 million),
respectively, in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, cash in bank, time deposits with original maturities of three
months or less when purchased and floating rate financial instruments which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use. Our cash and cash equivalents are
primarily denominated in Renminbi. Historically, we have financed our operations through cash generated from operating activities and net proceeds we
received from our initial public offering. We intend to finance our future working capital requirements and capital expenditures from cash generated from
operating activities and from the funds raised from financing activities, including the net proceeds we received from our initial public offering. We believe
that our 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.
103
However, we may require additional cash resources due to changing business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or
acquisitions 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, including convertible debt 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 our
VIE’S affiliates and, therefore, must provide for our own liquidity. We conduct our operations in China primarily through our PRC subsidiary and VIE. 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 PRC subsidiary 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 applicable PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries 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. As a
result of the foregoing PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiary and VIE are restricted from transferring a portion of their net assets to us. The
amounts restricted include paid-in capital and the statutory reserves of our VIE and their affiliated entities without considering the effect of elimination
upon consolidation during the relevant period. As of February 28, 2022, total restricted net assets were RMB116.4 million (US$18.4 million). We currently
believe that such limitations will not impact our ability to meet our ongoing short-term cash obligations although we cannot assure you that such limitations
will not affect our ability to meet our short-term cash obligations and to distribute dividends to our shareholders in the future.
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and
restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at
end of the year
Operating Activities
For the Year Ended February 28 or 29
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
US$
82,195
(98,746 )
(26,417 )
14,088
(in thousands)
31,124
(68,004 )
198
(16,460 )
(91,321 )
4,297
(25,555 )
(3,932 )
(14,477 )
682
(4,052 )
(623 )
(28,880 )
(53,142 )
(116,511 )
(18,470 )
471,235
442,355
389,213
442,355
389,213
272,702
61,698
43,228
Net cash used in operating activities amounted to RMB91.3 million (US$14.5 million) in the 2022 fiscal year. It reflected the net loss of RMB118.7
million (US$18.8 million), primarily adjusted by noncash lease expenses of RMB39.5 million (US$6.3 million), loss from equity method investments, net
of taxes of RMB36.8 million (US$5.8 million), loss from goodwill impairment of RMB42.3 million (US$6.7 million), and deferred income taxes of
RMB14.4 million (US$2.3 million). Additional major factors affecting operating cash flows in the 2022 fiscal year primarily included changes in operating
lease liabilities of RMB59.8 million (US$9.5 million), decrease of deferred revenue of RMB66.1 million (US$10.5 million), and increase in other
receivables, deposits and other assets of RMB11.9 million (US$1.9 million).
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Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to RMB31.1 million in the 2021 fiscal year. It reflected the net loss of RMB27.9 million,
primarily adjusted by noncash lease expenses of RMB54.5 million, share-based compensation of RMB27.5 million, depreciation of property and
equipment of RMB13.8 million and accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB11.9 million. Additional major factors affecting operating cash
flows in the 2021 fiscal year primarily included a decrease in changes in operating lease liabilities of RMB57.9 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to RMB82.2 million in the 2020 fiscal year. It reflected the net loss of RMB109.6 million,
primarily adjusted by noncash lease expenses of RMB54.8 million, share-based compensation of RMB30.9 million, loss from intangible assets impairment
of RMB30.8 million and loss from goodwill impairment of RMB114.6 million. Additional major factors affecting operating cash flows in the 2020 fiscal
year primarily included a decrease in changes in operating lease liabilities of RMB47.6 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities amounted to RMB4.3 million (US$0.7 million) in the 2022 fiscal year. This was primarily attributable to
proceeds from maturity of investments under fair value of RMB128.1 million (US$20.3 million), offset by the purchase of short-term investments of
RMB89.5 million (US$14.2 million) and the payment to long-term investments of RMB14.0 million (US$2.2 million).
Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB68.0 million in the 2021 fiscal year. This was primarily attributable to the payment to equity
method investments of RMB44.5 million, and purchase of investments under fair value of RMB175.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from maturity of
investments under fair value of RMB192.9 million.
Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB98.7 million in the 2020 fiscal year. This was primarily attributable to the payment of
acquisition considerations, net of cash acquired of RMB10.1 million in connection with the purchase of new schools and businesses in the 2020 fiscal year,
and purchase of investments under fair value of RMB104.6 million, partially offset by proceeds from maturity of investments under fair value of RMB35.2
million.
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Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities amounted to RMB25.1 million (US$4.0 million) in the 2022 fiscal year. This was primarily attributable to
repurchase of ordinary shares of RMB27.8 million (US$4.4 million).
Net cash provided in financing activities amounted to RMB0.2 million in the 2021 fiscal year. This was primarily attributable to proceeds from
related parties loans of RMB0.1 million.
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB26.4 million in the 2020 fiscal year. This was primarily attributable to the repurchase of
ordinary shares of RMB27.9 million, partially offset by the contribution from non-controlling shareholders of subsidiaries of RMB3.1 million.
Material Cash Requirements
Our material cash requirements as of February 28, 2022 primarily include our working capital needs, capital expenditures, lease obligations, funding
commitments, and long-term investment obligations.
Our capital expenditures amounted to RMB9.2 million, RMB10.4 million and RMB10.0 million (US$1.6 million) in the 2020, 2021, 2022 fiscal
year, respectively. Our capital expenditures were primarily related to leasehold improvements and development of study camps.
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of February 28, 2022.
Lease Obligations
Funding Commitments
Total
Total
RMB
US$
Payment Due by Period
Less Than
1 Year
RMB
1-3 Years
RMB
3-5 years
RMB
5 years
RMB
More than
(in thousands)
11,431
45,000
56,431
1,812
7,133
8,945
3,494
45,000
48,494
5,206
—
5,206
1,644
—
1,644
1,087
—
1,087
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Our long-term investment obligations represent obligations in connection with several investments as of February 28, 2022. As of February 28,
2022, the payment due within one year and thereafter for our long-term investment obligations amounted to RMB31.5 million (US$5.0 million).
We intend to fund our existing and future material cash requirements primarily with anticipated cash flows from our existing cash balance and other
financing alternatives. We will continue to make cash commitments, including capital expenditures, to support the growth of our business.
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We have not
entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to 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. 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 research and development services with us.
Other than as discussed above, we did not have any significant capital and other commitments, long-term obligations or guarantees as of February
28, 2022.
Holding Company Structure
We are a holding company with no material operations of our own. We conduct our operations primarily through our subsidiaries and our
consolidated VIE. As a result, our ability to pay dividends depends upon dividends paid by our subsidiaries, which in turn depends on the service fees paid
to Shanghai Fuxi by our VIE. In the 2022 fiscal year, Shanghai Fuxi received service fees of RMB20.8 million (US$3.3 million) from our VIE and did not
distribute any dividends. Although we plan to continue to invest in and expand our PRC operations indefinitely, our PRC subsidiary may receive service
fees from our VIE and we may rely on dividends from our PRC subsidiary for our cash needs in the future. 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.
Even though 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.
We operate and generate all of our revenue in the PRC. Our VIE and its affiliates in the PRC contributed all of our revenue in the year ended
February 29, 2020, the year ended February 28, 2021 and the year ended February 28, 2022.
Our assets are located in the Cayman Islands, the PRC and Hong Kong. As of February 28, 2022, 34.6% of our total assets were located in the PRC,
55.8% of our total assets were located in the Cayman Islands and 6.0% of our total assets were located in Hong Kong. The table below sets forth the
respective asset contributions of (i) our company and our subsidiaries and (ii) our VIE and its affiliates in the PRC for the periods indicated as a percentage
of total assets:
Our Company and our subsidiaries
Four Seasons Education Cayman
Four Seasons Education HK and other subsidiaries
Shanghai Fuxi
Our variable interest entities
Total assets
Assets
As of February 28 or 29
2020
2021
2022
43.7 %
6.7 %
10.1 %
39.5 %
100.0 %
43.4 %
6.0 %
11.3 %
39.3 %
100.0 %
55.8 %
9.6 %
13.7 %
20.9 %
100.0 %
* The percentages given exclude inter-company transactions among Four Season Education (Cayman) Inc., its subsidiaries and its variable interest entities.
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C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
Research and Development
All costs that are incurred in connection with the planning and implementation phases of the development of software for internal use are expensed.
Costs incurred in the development phase are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life. No costs were capitalized for any of the periods
presented.
Costs incurred internally in researching and developing a software product to be sold, leased or marketed are charged to expense as research and
development costs prior to technological feasibility being established for the product. Once technological feasibility is established, all software costs are
capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. Technological feasibility is established upon completion of all the activities that
are necessary to substantiate that the software product can be produced in accordance with its design specifications, including functions, features, and
technical performance requirements. No costs were capitalized for any of periods presented.
Intellectual Property
See “Item 4. Information on the Company ⸺ B. Business Overview ⸺ Intellectual Property.”
D. Trend Information
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the fiscal
year ended February 28, 2022 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our net revenue, income, profitability, liquidity or capital
resources, or that would cause reported financial information not necessarily to be indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.
E. Critical Accounting Estimates
For our critical accounting estimates, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results — Critical Accounting
Estimates.”
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and Senior Management
The following table provides information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this annual report.
Directors and Executive Officers
Peiqing Tian
Yi Zuo
Shaoqing Jiang
Zongwei Li
Bing Yuan
Position/Title
Chairman
Director and Chief Executive Officer
Director
Independent Director
Independent Director
Age
60
47
48
50
54
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Peiqing Tian has served as our chairman since our inception and our chief executive officer from inception to November 2019. Mr. Tian has been
dedicated to math education and critical to the development and success of our business. Mr. Tian is the editor-in-chief of Elementary School Mathematical
Thinking: Practice Problems and Solutions and various other books on math education. In addition, he has served in various head coach and organizational
committee positions for math competitions, such as director of the Shanghai regional organization committee of the Asia International Mathematical
Olympiad Open Contest in 2015, head coach and secretary-general of the Asia Pacific Elementary School Mathematics Olympiad Invitational Competition
in 2014 and head of the Shanghai testing center of the American Mathematics Competition in 2013. Prior to founding our company, he served as a teacher
at Shanghai Wuning Middle School from 1984 to 1989. Between 1989 and 2004, Mr. Tian worked in management roles in several travel agencies. He
received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from East China Normal University in 1984.
Yi Zuo has served as our director since February 2015 and chief executive officer since November 2019. She also served as our chief financial
officer from March 2017 to November 2019. Prior to joining us, Ms. Zuo served as a partner and the head of the China team of Lihui Private Fund, a
private equity fund, from 2013 to 2016. She also has approximately 10 years of experience in investment banking at UBS Group AG, Morgan Stanley Asia
Limited and Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch. Prior to that, she served as a consulting manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1997 to 2000. She
received her MBA from Stanford Business School in 2004 and her bachelor’s degree in economics from Fudan University in 1997.
Shaoqing Jiang has served as our director since April 2017. Mr. Jiang currently serves as the operational director of Chengwei Capital. He has over
10 years of experience in investments across the TMT, energy, semiconductor and environmental technologies sectors at Renaissance Environment
Investment, Walden International, Cummings-Goldman Capital Partners and Chengwei Ventures. He received his MBA degree from Stern Business School
of New York University in 2005 and his bachelor’s degree in English literature from Fudan University in 1997.
Zongwei Li has served as our independent director since November 2017. Mr. Li has served as a managing director of Sailing Capital, a private
equity fund, from June 2014 to March 2020. He served as an executive director and chief financial officer of Yingli Green Energy Holding Company
Limited, a photovoltaic manufacturer listed on the New York Stock Exchange, from 2006 to 2014. He also has approximately 11 years of experience as a
senior audit manager at Pricewaterhouse Coopers from 1995 to 2006. Prior to that, he served as a securities and futures trader at CITIC Securities from
1993 to 1995. Mr. Li is also currently an independent director and chairman of the audit committee of Yadea Group Holdings Ltd., an electric vehicle brand
listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. He also served as an independent director and chairman of the audit committee of Youku Tudou Inc., an Internet
television company listed on the New York Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2016. Mr. Li received his MBA from Olin School of Business, Washington
University in St. Louis in 2006 and his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Shanghai Institute of Technology in 1993. Mr. Li is a non-
practicing certified member of China institute of Certified Public Accountants. His business address is 36/F, CITIC Plaza, 859 North Sichuan Road,
Shanghai 200085, China.
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Bing Yuan has served as our independent director since July 2020. Mr. Yuan is a co-founder and managing partner of Rockets Capital, a China-based
private equity firm focused on venture and growth stage investments in Smart EV industry value chain, clean energy and frontier technology areas. Prior to
co-founding Rockets Capital, Mr. Yuan was the Chief Operating Officer of Hony Capital and a member of Hony Capital’s Executive Committee,
responsible for its equity investment operations. Prior to joining Hony Capital, Mr. Yuan served as a managing director of the Special Situation Group of
Morgan Stanley Asia Limited from 2008 to 2009. Before that, Mr. Yuan served as a managing director of the Investment Banking Division at Morgan
Stanley Asia Limited from April 2004 to June 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Yuan served as a Vice President with Credit Suisse First Boston in Hong Kong and
New York from August 1998 to March 2004, focused on corporate finance and merger & acquisitions transactions in the technology, media and telecom
industry. During his investment banking time, Mr. Yuan has assisted numerous prominent Chinese State-Owned Enterprises and private sector companies in
completing their IPO, corporate finance and M&A transactions. Mr. Yuan has also worked as a financial analyst in project finance with Fieldstone Private
Equity LLP in New York from 1993 to 1995. Mr. Yuan received his bachelor’s degree in English from Nanjing University in July 1990, and received his
master’s degree in International Relations in June 1993 and his Juris Doctorate’s degree in June 1998 from Yale University. His business address is No. 316
Grand Hills, Beijing, China 100015, China.
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with our executive officers. Each of our executive officers is employed for a specified time period,
which will be automatically extended unless either we or the executive officer gives prior notice to terminate such employment. We may terminate the
employment for cause, at any time, without notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the executive officer, including but not limited to the commitments of
any serious or persistent breach or non-observance of the terms and conditions of the employment, conviction of a criminal offense other than one which in
the opinion of the board does not affect the executive’s position, willful disobedience of a lawful and reasonable order, misconducts being inconsistent with
the due and faithful discharge of the executive officer’s material duties, fraud or dishonesty, or habitual neglect of his or her duties. An executive officer
may terminate his or her employment at any time with a three-month prior written notice.
Each executive officer has agreed to hold, both during and after the employment agreement expires or is earlier terminated, in strict confidence and
not to use or disclose to any person, corporation or other entity without written consent, any confidential information. Each executive officer has also
agreed to assign to our company all his or her all inventions, improvements, designs, original works of authorship, formulas, processes, compositions of
matter, computer software programs, databases, mask works, concepts and trade secrets which the executive officer may solely or jointly conceive or
develop or reduce to practice, or cause to be conceived or developed or reduced to practice, during the period of the executive officer’s employment with us
that are either related to the scope of the employment or make use of the resources of the company. In addition, all executive officers have agreed to be
bound by non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions set forth in their agreements. Specifically, each executive officer has agreed to devote all his or
her working time and attention to our business and use best efforts to develop our business and interests. Moreover, each executive officer has agreed not
to, for a certain period following termination of his or her employment or expiration of the employment agreement: (i) carry on or be engaged, concerned
or interested directly or indirectly whether as shareholder, director, employee, partner, agent or otherwise carry on any business in direct competition with
us, (ii) solicit or entice away any of our customer, client, representative or agent, or (iii) employ, solicit or entice away or attempt to employ, solicit or
entice away any of our officer, manager, consultant or employee.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers, pursuant to which we will agree to indemnify our
directors and executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of their being
such a director or officer.
B. Compensation
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
For the year ended February 28, 2022, we paid an aggregate of RMB2.3 million (US$0.4 million) in cash and benefits to our executive officers, and
we paid US$0.1 million in compensation to our independent directors. We
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have not set aside or accrued any amount to provide pension, retirement or other similar benefits to our executive officers and directors. We have no service
contracts with any of our directors providing for benefits upon termination of employment.
Share Incentive Plan
We maintain share incentive plans in order to attract, motivate, retain and reward talent, provide additional incentives to our officers, employees,
directors and other eligible persons, and promote the success of our business and the interests of our shareholders. The maximum number of ordinary
shares which may be issued pursuant to our share incentive plans is 4,201,330.
2015 Share Incentive Plan
In June 2015, our board of directors approved the 2015 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2015 Plan, to provide additional incentives to our senior
management and key employees. The 2015 Plan permits the grant of options to purchase our ordinary shares. As of the date of this annual report, we have
granted 1,505,000 shares under the 2015 Plan.
On July 1, 2015, we granted options to purchase a total of 1,175,000 ordinary shares to employees at a weighted average exercise price of US$1.63
per share. The options vest on a four-year schedule starting July 1, 2016, and will expire on June 30, 2025.
On July 1, 2016, we granted options to purchase a total of 330,000 ordinary shares to employees at a weighted average exercise price of US$1.63
per share. The options vest on a four-year schedule starting July 1, 2017, and will expire on June 30, 2026.
The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2015 Plan.
Plan Administration. Our board of directors or a proxy appointed by our board of directors acts as the plan administrator. The plan administrator
will determine the participants to receive awards, the type and number of awards to be granted to each participant, and the terms and conditions of each
award grant.
Types of Awards. The 2015 Plan permits the grants of options to purchase ordinary shares.
Award Agreements. Each award under the 2015 Plan shall be evidenced by an award agreement between the award recipient and our company,
which includes the provisions applicable in the event of the grantee’s employment or service terminates, and our company to amend and modify the award.
Eligibility. Only our senior management, start-up employees and key position holders of the company approved by our board of directors are
eligible to receive awards or grants under the 2015 Plan.
Vesting Schedule. The awards granted or to be granted under the 2015 Plan have a four-year vesting schedule, with 25% of the awards vesting
annually.
Amendment, Suspension or Termination. Our board of directors has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the plan. However, no such
action may adversely affect in any material way any award that has been granted or awarded to the recipient. Any amendment, suspension or termination
shall be made by our board of directors in writing.
Transfer Restrictions. Subject also to all the transfer restrictions under the applicable laws and regulations and the restrictions set forth in the
applicable award agreement, all awards are non-transferable and will not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment,
pledge, encumbrance or charge.
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2017 Share Incentive Plan
In March 2017, we adopted our 2017 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2017 Plan, which permits the grant of options to purchase our ordinary shares,
restricted shares and restricted share units. As of the date of this annual report, we have granted awards for 3,270,000 shares under the 2017 Plan.
On March 27, 2017, we granted options to purchase a total of 1,110,000 ordinary shares to employees at a weighted average exercise price of
US$1.63 per share. The options had a four-year vesting schedule starting March 27, 2019, and will expire on March 26, 2027.
On July 3, 2018, we granted options to purchase a total of 860,000 ordinary shares to independent directors, executive officers and employees at a
weighted average exercise price of US$5.89 per share. The options had a three or four-year vesting schedule starting July 3, 2019, and will expire on July
2, 2028.
On January 22, 2019, we modified the exercise price to US$4.6 for a total number of 460,000 share options previously granted to independent
directors, executive officers and employees on July 3, 2018. All other terms of the share options granted remain unchanged.
On June 30, 2019, we granted 360,000 share options to employees at the weighted average grant date fair value of RMB10.46 per share. Options
have a ten-year life and vest ratably at each grant date anniversary over a period of four years.
On Feb 17, 2020, we granted 80,000 share options to one employee at the weighted average grant date fair value of RMB10.03 per share. These
share options vest ratably at each grant date anniversary over a vesting period of four years.
On February 5, 2021, we granted 860,000 share options to employees at the weighted average grant date fair value of RMB13.24 per share. Options
have a ten-year life and vest ratably at each grant date anniversary over a period of four years.
The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2017 Plan.
Plan Administration. Our board of directors or a committee appointed by our board of directors acts as the plan administrator. The board of
directors or the committee may also delegate one or more members of our board of directors to grant or amend awards or take other administrative actions.
Types of Awards. The 2017 Plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase ordinary shares, the award of restricted shares and the award of
restricted share units.
Award Agreements. Each award under the 2017 Plan shall be evidenced by an award agreement between the award recipient and our company,
which may be any written notice, agreement, terms and conditions, contract or other instrument or document evidencing such award.
Eligibility. The plan administrator may select among the following eligible individuals to whom an award may be granted: (i) our employees, (ii)
consultants or advisers contracted directly with us, who render bona fide services to us (except in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-
raising transaction or which directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for our securities), and (iii) directors who are not our employees; provided
however that awards shall not be granted to consultants or non-employee directors who are resident of any country in the European Union and any other
country, which pursuant to the applicable laws, does not allow grants to non-employee.
Term of Awards. Each award under the 2017 Plan shall vest or be exercised not more than 10 years after the date of grant unless extended by the
plan administrator. Each share award is subject to earlier termination as set forth in the 2017 Plan. The award is only exercisable before the eligible
individual’s termination of service with us, except as determined otherwise by the plan administrator or set forth in the award agreement.
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Vesting Schedule and Other Restrictions. The plan administrator has discretion in determining the individual vesting schedules and other
restrictions applicable to the awards granted under the 2017 Plan. The vesting schedule is set forth in the award agreement.
Exercise Price and Purchase Price. The plan administrator has discretion in determining the price of the awards, which can be fixed or variable
related to the fair market value of the underlying ordinary shares and are subject to a number of limitations.
Acceleration of Vesting upon Corporate Transaction. Upon the occurrence of a change in control event, the plan administrator may accelerate the
vesting, make provision for a cash payment in settlement of, or for the assumption, substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding awards (or the cash,
securities or other property deliverable to the holder(s) of any or all outstanding awards) based upon, to the extent relevant in the circumstances, the
distribution or consideration payable to holders of the ordinary shares upon or in respect of such event.
Termination. The 2017 Plan shall expire on the tenth anniversary of the date when our board of directors adopted the 2017 Plan.
Amendment, Suspension or Termination. No amendment, modification or termination of the 2017 Plan shall, without the prior written consent of
the award recipients, adversely affect in any material way any award that has been granted or awarded prior to such amendment, suspension or termination.
Subject to the above, the plan administrator may at any time terminate, amend or modify the 2017 Plan, except where shareholder approval is required to
comply with applicable laws or where the amendment relates to (i) any increases in the number of shares available under the 2017 Plan (other than any
adjustment permitted under the 2017 Plan), or (ii) an extension of the term of the 2017 Plan or the exercise period for an option beyond ten years from the
date of grant. To the extent permissible under the applicable laws, our board of directors may decide to follow home country practice not to seek
shareholder approval for any amendment or modification of the 2017 Plan.
Transfer Restrictions. Subject also to all the transfer restrictions under the applicable laws and regulations and the restrictions set forth in the
applicable award agreement, all awards are non-transferable and will not be subject in any manner to sale, transfer, anticipation, alienation, assignment,
pledge, encumbrance or charge.
C. Board Practice
Our board of directors consists of five directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company to qualify to serve as a director. A
director who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract with our company is required to declare the nature of
his interest at a meeting of our directors. A general notice given to the directors by any director to the effect that he is a member, shareholder, director,
partner, officer or employee of any specified company or firm and is to be regarded as interested in any contract or transaction with that company or firm
shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of interest for the purposes of voting on a resolution in respect to a contract or transaction in which he has an
interest, and after such general notice it shall not be necessary to give special notice relating to any particular transaction. A director may vote in respect of
any contract or proposed contract or arrangement notwithstanding that he may be interested therein and if he does so his vote shall be counted and he may
be counted in the quorum at any meeting of the directors at which any such contract or proposed contract or arrangement is considered. Our board of
directors may exercise all of the powers of our company to borrow money, to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, or any part
thereof, and to issue debentures, debenture stock or other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of our
company or of any third-party. None of our directors has a service contract with us that provides for benefits upon termination of service.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We have established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee under the board of
directors. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.
Audit Committee. Our audit committee consists of Zongwei Li and Bing Yuan, and is chaired by Zongwei Li. Each of Zongwei Li and Bing Yuan
satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 303A of the New York
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Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual and meets the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our audit committee will
consist solely of independent directors that satisfy the New York Stock Exchange and SEC requirements within one year of the completion of our initial
public offering. Our board of directors has also determined that Zongwei Li qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the
SEC rules and possesses financial sophistication within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual. 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:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
selecting our independent registered public accounting firm and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be
performed by our independent registered public accounting firm;
reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response and
approving all proposed related party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K;
discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and our independent registered public accounting firm;
annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter;
meeting separately and periodically with the management and our internal auditor and our independent registered public accounting firm;
reporting regularly to the full board of directors; and
such other matters that are specifically delegated to our audit committee by our board of directors from time to time.
Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee consists of Zongwei Li and Bing Yuan, and is chaired by Bing Yuan. Each of Zongwei Li
and Bing Yuan satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual. Our 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 upon. The
compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:
•
•
•
•
reviewing and approving to the board with respect to the compensation for our chief executive officer;
overseeing and making recommendations with respect to the compensation for our officers and employees other than the chief executive
officer;
selecting compensation and benefits consultants, legal counsel or other advisors that the Committee believes to be desirable or appropriate;
and
reviewing and administrating all long-term incentive compensation, stock option, annual bonuses, employee pension and welfare benefit
plans.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Zongwei Li and Bing Yuan,
and is chaired by Bing Yuan. Each of Zongwei Li and Bing Yuan satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 303A of the New York Stock
Exchange Listed Company Manual. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the board in selecting individuals qualified to become our
directors and in determining the composition of the board of directors and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee is
responsible for, among other things:
•
•
•
•
•
identifying and recommending nominees for election or re-election to our board of directors or for appointment to fill any vacancy;
reviewing the performance of each incumbent director and considering the results of such evaluation when determining whether or not to
recommend the nomination of such director for an additional term on an annual basis;
advising the board policies and procedures with respect to corporate governance matters;
evaluating its own performance on an annual basis; and
reporting to the board on its findings and actions periodically.
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Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law, our directors owe fiduciary duties to our company, including a duty of loyalty, a duty to act honestly, and a duty to act in
what they consider in good faith to be in our best interests. Our directors must also exercise their powers only for a proper purpose. Our directors also owe
to our company a duty to act with skill and care. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his duties a greater
degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved
towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands. In fulfilling
their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time.
Our company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached. In certain limited exceptional circumstances, a shareholder may
have the right to seek damages in our name if a duty owed by our directors is breached.
The functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others:
•
•
•
•
•
convening shareholders’ annual and extraordinary general meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings;
declaring dividends and distributions;
appointing officers and determining the term of office of officers;
exercising the borrowing powers of our company and mortgaging the property of our company; and
approving the transfer of shares of our company, including the registering of such shares in our register of members.
Terms of Directors and Executive Officers
Each of our directors shall hold office until the expiration of his or her term, or until his or her office is otherwise vacated. Each director whose term
of office expires shall be eligible for re-election. All of our executive officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of our board of directors. Our
directors may be removed from office by special resolution. A director will be removed from office automatically if, among other things, the director (i)
becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; (ii) dies or is found to be or becomes of unsound mind; (iii) resigns by
notice in writing to our company; (iv) without special leave of absence from our board of directors, is absent from three consecutive meetings of the board
and the board resolves that his office be vacated; or (v) is removed from office pursuant to any other provision of our memorandum and articles of
association. The compensation of our directors is determined by our board of directors. There is no mandatory retirement age for directors.
D. Employees
The following table sets forth the numbers of our employees, categorized by function, as of February 28, 2022:
Functions
Teachers
Learning center student services
General and administration
Sales, marketing and business development
Total
Number of
Employees
150
65
52
19
286
We had a total of 716 and 910 employees as of February 28, 2021 and February 29, 2020, respectively.
We generally enter into standard employment agreements with our management and our educational content development personnel. 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.
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E. Share Ownership
The following table sets forth information concerning the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of the date of this annual report by:
•
•
•
each of our directors and executive officers;
each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our ordinary shares; and
each selling shareholder.
The calculations in the table below are based on 21,238,806 ordinary shares outstanding as of the date of this annual report, excluding 2,863,177
ordinary shares repurchased by the Company.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned
by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through
the exercise of any option, warrant, or other right or the conversion of any other security. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the
percentage ownership of any other person.
(2)
(1)
Directors and Executive Officers:
Peiqing Tian
Yi Zuo
Shaoqing Jiang
Zongwei Li
Bing Yuan
All directors and executive officers as a group
Principal Shareholders:
(1)
Peiqing Tian
Chengwei Capital HK Limited
Jun Guo
Theodore Walker Cheng-De King
Yi Zuo
(4)
(5)
(2)
(3)
Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned
Number**
Percent**
9,509,907
1,224,016
-
*
-
10,738,923
9,509,907
3,133,333
2,100,000
1,893,900
1,224,016
44.1
5.5
-
*
-
50.6
44.1
14.8
9.9
8.9
5.5
* Beneficially owns less than 1% of our outstanding shares.
** In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person
has the right to acquire within 60 days. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.
(1) Consists of 8,809,451 ordinary shares held by Four Season Education Holdings Limited and 375,456 ordinary shares held in the form of ADSs, and the
shares beneficially held by Mr. Tian also includes 325,000ordinary shares underlying options vested within 60 days after the date of this annual
report held by Mr. Peiqing Tian. Four Season Education Holdings Limited, a British Virgin Islands company, is wholly-owned by Mr. Peiqing Tian.
Mr. Peiqing Tian’s business address is Room 1301, Zi'an Building, 309 Yuyuan Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai 200040, PRC.
(2) Consists of 272,222 ordinary shares held by Harvest Consulting Holding Limited and 35,000 ordinary shares held in the form of ADSs, a British Virgin
Islands company and 916,794 ordinary shares underlying options vested within 60 days after the date of this annual report held by Ms. Yi Zuo. Ms.
Yi Zuo is the sole shareholder of Harvest Consulting Holding Limited. Ms. Yi Zuo’s business address is Room 1301, Zi'an Building, 309 Yuyuan
Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai 200040, PRC.
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(3) Consists of 3,133,333 ordinary shares held in the form of ADSs held by Chengwei Capital HK Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong.
Chengwei Capital HK Limited is wholly-owned by Chengwei Evergreen Capital, LP, whose general partner is Chengwei Evergreen Management,
LLC. Chengwei Evergreen Capital, LP is 99% economically owned by institutional LPs whose beneficial owners are not controlling persons and are
not natural persons. Chengwei Evergreen Management, LLC has 1% economic ownership of Chengwei Evergreen Capital, LP and EXL Holdings,
LLC has 100% controlling voting power of Chengwei Evergreen Management, LLC. Eric Xun Li has 100% controlling voting power of EXL
Holdings, LLC. The address of Chengwei Capital HK Limited is 26/F, Three Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong.
(4) Consists of 2,100,000 ordinary shares held by Banya Holding Limited, a British Virgin Islands company. Ms. Jun Guo is the sole shareholder of Banya
Holding Limited. Ms. Jun Guo’s business address is 14th Floor, Zi’an Building, No. 309 Yuyuan Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai 200040, China.
(5) Consists of 1,893,900 ordinary shares held in the form of ADSs by Theodore Walker Cheng-De King. Information regarding beneficial ownership is
reported as of December 31, 2021, based on the information contained in the Schedule 13G filed by Theodore Walker Cheng-De King with the SEC
on June 23, 2022. Please see the Schedule 13G filed by Theodore Walker Cheng-De King with the SEC on June 23, 2022 for information relating to
Theodore Walker Cheng-De King. The registered address of Theodore Walker Cheng-De King is the Unit 1502, 15th Floor, 99 Hennessy Road,
Wanchai, Hong Kong.
Our ADSs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and brokers or other nominees may hold ADSs in “street name” for customers who are the
beneficial owners of our ADSs. As a result, we may not be aware of each person or group of affiliated persons who beneficially own more than 5.0% of our
ordinary shares.
As of February 28, 2022, the number of our ordinary shares issued and outstanding was 21,238,806, excluding 2,863,177 ordinary shares
repurchased by the Company, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as the depositary of our ADS facility, was the only record holder of our
common shares in the United States. Other than the depositary, we had no record shareholders in the United States as of February 28, 2022.
We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.
For certain information as of February 28, 2022 concerning the outstanding awards we have granted to our directors and executive officers
individually pursuant to our share incentive plan, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — B. Compensation — Share Incentive
Plan.” Other than under the 2015 Share Incentive Plan and the 2017 Share Incentive Plan, there are no arrangements for involving the employees in the
capital of the company, including any arrangement that involves the issue or grant of options or shares or securities of the company.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — E. Share Ownership.”
B. Related Party Transactions
Contractual Arrangements with Our VIEs, Their Shareholders and Us
See “Item 4. Information on the Company — C. Organizational Structure — Contractual Arrangements among Our VIEs, Their Shareholders and
Us.”
Transactions with Other Related Parties
Purchases of Services Provided by Related Parties
We purchase technological services for the online courses, the establishment of our IT system infrastructure and the establishment of our practice
problem set database from Shanghai Fuxi Network Co., Ltd., an equity method investee of us, and entity controlled by Mr. Peiqing Tian, our Chairman. For
the 2020, 2021 and 2022 fiscal years,
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we entered into transactions of an aggregate of approximately RMB1.7 million, RMB3.5 million and nil, respectively, to purchase services from Shanghai
Fuxi Network Co., Ltd.. The amounts of transactions that we entered into with others were approximately nil, RMB0.2 million and nil for the 2020, 2021
and 2022 fiscal years, respectively.
Services Provided to Related Parties
We provide services to Shanghai Fuxi Network Co., Ltd., which is an equity method investee of us and an entity controlled by Mr. Peiqing Tian, our
Chairman. We entered into transactions of an aggregate of approximately RMB3.4 million, RMB2.5 million and RMB0.9 million (US$0.2 million) to
provide staff outsourcing and services related to live course collaboration to Shanghai Fuxi Network Co., Ltd. in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 fiscal year,
respectively.
Related Party leases
As of February 28, 2022, we recognized a lease expenses of RMB0.05 million, RMB0.1 million and RMB0.1million (US$0.02 million) in the 2020,
2021 and 2022 fiscal year, respectively.
Gain from disposal of liabilities and a subsidiary
Due to the change in regulations, we ceased offering K9 Academic AST services at the end of 2021. We disposed the deferred revenue related to K9
Academic AST services that we received in advance from the students for the unconsummated lessons to Jiaxin Travel’s sponsored not-for profit entities
with a consideration at RMB7.5 million (US$1.2 million). After disposal, all the rights and obligations related to the contracts of unconsummated lessons
were transferred to Jiaxin Travel. We recognized gain of RMB0.8 million (US$0.1 million) from the transaction.
In December 2021, we disposed its entire equity interest in Shanghai Jing’an Dangdai Art Training School (“Dangdai”) to Jiaxin Travel. No other
form of consideration was received. The disposal was effected by the change of sponsor of Dangdai on December 31, 2021. Dangdai was in a net liability
position at the time of disposal, and Jiaxin assumed all its liabilities, which led to the group recognizing a gain on disposal of RMB3.2 million(US$0.5
million). The disposal was not a strategic shift of the business and would not have a major impact on the Group’s business, therefore the disposal did not
qualify as discontinued operations.
Share Incentive Plan
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — B. Compensation — Share Incentive Plan.”
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employee — A. Directors and Senior Management — Employment Agreements and
Indemnification Agreements.”
C. Interest of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated Statement and Other Financial Information
We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report.
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Legal and Administrative Proceedings
From time to time, we are subject to legal proceedings, investigations and claims incidental to the conduct of our business. We are not a party to, nor
are we aware of, any legal proceeding, investigation or claim which, in the opinion of our management, is likely to have an adverse material effect on our
business, financial condition 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
In January 2018, we declared dividends of US$20 million to holders of our ordinary shares of record as of February 1, 2018, which was paid in
February and April 2018. Except for the foregoing, we have not previously declared or paid cash dividends and we have no plan to declare or pay any
dividends in the foreseeable future on our shares or ADSs. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to
operate and expand our business.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We rely principally on dividends from our PRC subsidiary for our cash
requirements, including any payment of dividends to our shareholders. PRC regulations may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiary to pay dividends to
us. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Doing Business in the PRC— Our subsidiary and affiliated entities in the PRC are
subject to restrictions on making dividends and other payments to us.”
Our board of directors has discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, our
shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. In either case,
all dividends are subject to certain restrictions under Cayman Islands law, namely that our company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share
premium account, and provided always that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as
they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon
our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the board of
directors may deem relevant. If we pay any dividends on our ordinary shares, we will pay those dividends which are payable in respect of the ordinary
shares underlying our ADSs to the depositary, as the registered holder of such ordinary shares, and the depositary then will pay such amounts to our ADS
holders in proportion to ordinary shares underlying the ADSs held by such ADS holders, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees
and expenses payable thereunder. Cash dividends on our ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
B. Significant Changes
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. Offer and Listing Details
Our ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since November 8, 2017 and traded under the symbol “FEDU.” Each two ADS
represent one ordinary share as of February 28, 2022.
On June 21, 2022, we changed the ratio of our ADS representing our ordinary shares from two ADSs representing one ordinary share to one ADS
representing ten ordinary shares. The change in the ADS ratio had the same effect as one-for-twenty reverse ADS split. There was no change to the our
underlying ordinary shares, and no ordinary shares was issued or cancelled in connection with the change in ADS ratio.
B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
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C. Markets
Our ADSs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since November 8, 2017 under the symbol “FEDU.”
D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
We are an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and our affairs are governed by our second amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association and the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands, or Companies Act, and the common law of the Cayman Islands.
We incorporate by reference into this annual report our Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, the form of which
was filed as Exhibit 3.2 to our registration statement on Form F-1 (File Number 333-220951) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
October 13, 2017. Our shareholders adopted our Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association by a special resolution on
October 13, 2017, and effective upon completion of our initial public offering of ADSs representing our ordinary shares.
The following are summaries of material provisions of our Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association and the
Companies Act as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.
Registered Office and Objects
Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is at the offices of Maples Corporate Services Limited at PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman,
KY1-1104, Cayman Islands.
According to Clause 3 of our Second Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association, the objects for which we are established are unrestricted
and we have full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the Companies Act or any other law of the Cayman Islands.
Board of Directors
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.”
Exempted Company
We are an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the Companies Act. The Companies Act distinguishes between ordinary
resident companies and exempted companies. Any company that is registered in
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the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands may apply to be registered as an exempted company. The requirements for
an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary resident company except for the exemptions and privileges listed below:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
an exempted company does not have to file an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands;
an exempted company is not required to open its register of members for inspection;
an exempted company does not have to hold an annual general meeting;
an exempted company may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20
years in the first instance);
an exempted company may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands;
an exempted company may register as a limited duration company; and
an exempted company may register as a segregated portfolio company.
Ordinary Shares
General
All of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Our ordinary shares are issued in registered form, and are issued
when registered in our register of shareholders. We may not issue shares to bearer. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the Cayman Islands may
freely hold and vote their ordinary shares.
Dividends
The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to our Second
Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Companies Act. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare
a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. In either case, all dividends are subject to certain restrictions under
Cayman Islands law, namely that our company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, and provided always that in no
circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business.
Register of Members
Under Cayman Islands law, we must keep a register of members and there must be entered therein:
•
•
•
the names and addresses of the members, together with a statement of the shares held by each member, and such statement shall confirm (i)
the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each member, (ii) the number and category of shares held by each
member, and (iii) whether each relevant category of shares held by a member carries voting rights under the articles of association of the
company, and if so, whether such voting rights are conditional;
the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and
the date on which any person ceased to be a member.
Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members of our company is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (i.e. the register of
members will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a member registered in the register of members will be
deemed as a matter of Cayman Islands law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members.
If the name of any person is, without sufficient cause, entered in or omitted from the register of members, or if default is made or unnecessary delay
takes place in entering on the register the fact of any person having ceased to be a member, the person or member aggrieved or any member or our
company itself may apply to the Cayman
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Islands Grand Court for an order that the register be rectified, and the Court may either refuse such application or it may, if satisfied of the justice of the
case, make an order for the rectification of the register.
Voting Rights
Holders of our ordinary shares have the right to receive notice of, attend, speak and vote at general meetings of our company. At any general
meeting a resolution put to the vote of the meeting shall be decided on a show of hands, unless a poll is (before or on the declaration of the result of the
show of hands) demanded by the chairman or one or more shareholder present in person or by proxy entitled to vote and who together hold not less than
one-tenth of all votes attaching to all shares in issue and entitled to vote. An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative
vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the ordinary shares cast in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of
no less than two-thirds of the votes attaching to the ordinary shares cast in a general meeting. Both ordinary resolutions and special resolutions may also be
passed by a unanimous written resolution signed by all the shareholders of our company, as permitted by the Companies Act and our memorandum and
articles of association. A special resolution will be required for important matters such as a change of name or making changes to our memorandum and
articles of association.
General Meetings and Shareholder Proposals
As an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are not obliged by the Companies Act to call shareholders’ annual general
meetings. Our Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that we may (but are not obliged to) in each calendar year
hold a general meeting as our annual general meeting in which case we will specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it, and the annual general
meeting will be held at such time and place as may be determined by our directors. We, however, will hold an annual shareholders’ meeting during each
fiscal year, as required by the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.
Shareholders’ general meetings may be convened by a majority of our board of directors. The Companies Act provides shareholders with only
limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put any proposal before a general meeting. However,
these rights may be provided in a company’s articles of association. Our Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association allow
our shareholders holding in aggregate, at the date of such requisition, not less than one-third of all votes attaching to all issued and outstanding shares that
carry the right to vote to requisition an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders, in which case our board is obliged to convene an extraordinary
general meeting and to put the resolutions so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting. However, our Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and
Articles of Association do not provide our shareholders with any right to put any proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general
meetings not called by such shareholders.
A quorum required for any general meeting of shareholders consists of one or more shareholders holding not less than one-third of all votes
attaching to all shares in issue and entitled to vote present in person or by proxy or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized
representative. Advance notice of at least seven calendar days is required for the convening of our annual general meeting and any other general meeting of
our shareholders.
Transfer of Ordinary Shares
Subject to the restrictions in our Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association as set out below, 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.
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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 directors may also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless:
•
•
•
•
•
the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the ordinary shares to which it relates and such other evidence
as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer;
the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares;
the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required;
in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the ordinary share is to be transferred does not exceed four; or
a fee of such maximum sum as the New York Stock Exchange 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.
If our directors refuse to register a transfer they are obligated to, within three calendar 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 of shares or of any class of shares may, after
compliance with any notice requirement of the designated stock exchange, be suspended at such times and for such periods (not exceeding in the whole
thirty (30) days in any year) as our board of directors may determine.
Liquidation
On the winding up of our company, if the assets available for distribution amongst our shareholders shall be more than sufficient to repay the whole
of the share capital at the commencement of the winding up, the surplus shall be distributed amongst our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the
shares held by them at the commencement of the winding up, subject to a deduction from those shares in respect of which there are monies due, of all
monies payable to our company for unpaid calls or otherwise. 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 in proportion to the par value of the shares held by them. We are a “limited
liability” company incorporated under the Companies Act, and under the Companies Act, the liability of our members is limited to the amount, if any,
unpaid on the shares respectively held by them. Our Second Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association contains a declaration that the liability of
our members is so limited.
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 fourteen calendar days prior to the specified time and place of payment. The ordinary shares that have been called upon and
remain unpaid on the specified time are subject to forfeiture.
Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender of Ordinary Shares
We may issue shares on terms that such shares are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders thereof, on such terms and in
such manner as may be determined, before the issue of such shares, by our board of directors or by a special resolution of our shareholders. Our company
may also repurchase any of our shares provided that the manner and terms of such purchase have been approved by our board of directors or by ordinary
resolution of our shareholders, or are otherwise authorized by our Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. Under the
Companies Act, the redemption or repurchase of any share may be paid out of our company’s profits or out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made
for the purpose of such redemption or repurchase, or out of capital (including share premium account and capital redemption reserve) if the company can,
immediately following such payment, pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, under the Companies Act no such share
may be redeemed or repurchased (a) unless it is fully paid up, (b) if such redemption or repurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding, or (c)
if the
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company has commenced liquidation. In addition, our company may accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration.
Variations of Rights of Shares
If at any time our share capital is divided into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class of shares may, subject to any rights or
restrictions for the time being attached to any class, be materially adversely varied either with the written consent of the holders of two-thirds of the issued
shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class. The rights conferred
upon the holders of the shares of any class issued with preferred or other rights shall not, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to
any class, be deemed to be materially adversely varied by the creation, allotment or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with or subsequent to the
shares of that class or the redemption or purchase of any shares of any class by our company. The rights of the holders of shares shall not be deemed to be
materially adversely varied by the creation or issue of shares with preferred or other rights including, without limitation, the creation of shares with
enhanced or weighted voting rights.
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 our
corporate records (other than our memorandum and articles of association, register of mortgages and charges and special resolutions of our shareholders).
However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements. See “Item 10. Additional Information⸺H. Documents on Display.”
Changes in Capital
Our company may from time to time by ordinary resolutions of our shareholders:
•
•
•
•
increase our share capital by new shares of such amount as it thinks expedient;
consolidate and divide all or any of our share capital into shares of a larger amount than our existing shares;
subdivide our existing shares, or any of them into shares of a smaller amount than that fixed by our memorandum of association provided
that in the subdivision the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it
was in case of the share from which the reduced share is derived; or
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 and diminish
the amount of our share capital by the amount of the shares so canceled.
Our company may by special resolution of our shareholders, subject to confirmation by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands on an application by
our company for an order confirming such reduction, reduce our share capital or any capital redemption reserve in any manner permitted by law.
C. Material Contracts
We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in this annual report.
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D. Exchange Controls
The Cayman Islands currently has no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B.
Business Overview — Regulations on Foreign Exchange.”
E. Taxation
The following summary of Cayman Islands, the PRC and U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares 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 summary does not
deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under state, local and other
tax laws, or tax laws of jurisdictions other than the Cayman Islands, the PRC and the United States. To the extent that the discussion relates to matters of
Cayman Islands tax law, it represents the opinion of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands counsel. To the extent that the discussion
relates to matters of the PRC tax law, it represents the opinion of Fangda Partners, our PRC counsel.
Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no
taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands
except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or, after execution, brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The
Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control
regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Payments of dividends and capital in respect of our ordinary shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be
required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of our ordinary shares, nor will gains derived from the disposal of our ordinary shares be
subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax.
PRC Taxation
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, an enterprise established outside the PRC with “de facto management bodies” within the PRC is
considered a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes. Under the implementation rules to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, a “de
facto management body” is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations,
personnel and human resources, finances and properties of an enterprise.
In addition, the SAT Circular 82 issued by the State Administration of Taxation in April 2009 specifies that certain offshore incorporated enterprises
controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups will be classified as PRC resident enterprises if the following are located or resident in the PRC:
senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; financial and personnel decision
making bodies; key properties, accounting books, company seal, minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings; and half or more of the senior
management or directors having voting rights. Further to SAT Circular 82, the State Administration of Taxation issued the SAT Bulletin 45, which took
effect in September 2011, to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82. SAT Bulletin 45 provides for procedures and administration
details of determination on resident status and administration on post-determination matters. We are incorporated outside the PRC. As a holding company,
our key assets are our ownership interests in our subsidiaries, and our key assets are located, and our records (including the resolutions of our board of
directors and the resolutions of our shareholders) are maintained, outside the PRC. As such, we do not believe that we meet all of the conditions above or
are PRC resident enterprises for PRC tax purposes. For the same reasons, we believe our other entities outside of the PRC are not PRC resident enterprises
either. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the
interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” There can be no assurance that the PRC government will ultimately take a view that is consistent
with us.
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If the PRC tax authorities determine that our Cayman Islands holding company is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes,
the holding company is generally subject to a 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. In addition, a 10% withholding tax would be
imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC enterprise shareholders and with respect to gains derived by our non-PRC enterprise shareholders from
transferring our shares or ADSs, and a 20% withholding tax would potentially be imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC individual shareholders
and with respect to gains derived by our non-PRC individual shareholders from transferring our shares or ADSs. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk
Factors — Risk Related to Doing Business in the PRC — Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a PRC “resident enterprise,”
which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.”
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion describes the material United States federal income tax consequences to a United States Holder (as defined below), under
current law, of an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares. This discussion is based on the federal income tax laws of the United States as of the date of
this annual report, including the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, existing and proposed Treasury Regulations
promulgated thereunder, judicial authority, published administrative positions of the IRS, and other applicable authorities, all as of the date of this annual
report. All of the foregoing authorities are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could significantly affect the tax consequences
described below. We have not sought any ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following discussion
and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with our statements and conclusions. This summary does not discuss the so-called Medicare
tax on net investment income, any United States federal non-income tax laws, including the United States federal estate, gift and alternative minimum tax
laws, or the laws of any state, local or non-United States jurisdiction.
This discussion applies only to a United States Holder (as defined below) that holds ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets for United States
federal income tax purposes (generally, property held for investment). The discussion neither addresses the tax consequences to any particular investor nor
describes all of the tax consequences applicable to persons in special tax situations, such as:
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banks and certain other financial institutions;
insurance companies;
regulated investment companies;
real estate investment trusts;
brokers or dealers in stocks and securities, or currencies;
persons who use or are required to use a mark-to-market method of accounting;
certain former citizens or residents of the United States subject to Section 877 of the Code;
entities subject to the United States anti-inversion rules;
tax-exempt organizations and entities;
persons subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code;
persons whose functional currency is other than the United States dollar;
persons holding ADSs or ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedging, conversion or integrated transaction;
persons holding ADSs or ordinary shares through a bank, financial institution or other entity, or a branch thereof, located, organized or
resident outside the United States;
persons that actually or constructively own ADSs or ordinary shares representing 10% or more of our voting power or value;
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persons who acquired ADSs or ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of an employee stock option or otherwise as compensation;
partnerships or other pass-through entities, or persons holding ADSs or ordinary shares through such entities;
persons required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares as a result of such
income being recognized on an applicable financial statement; or
persons that held, directly, indirectly or by attribution, ADSs or ordinary shares or other ownership interests in us prior to our initial public
offering.
If a partnership (including an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) holds our ADSs or
ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A
partnership or partner in a partnership holding our ADSs or ordinary shares should consult its tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of investing in
and holding our ADSs or ordinary shares.
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR CAREFUL TAX
PLANNING AND ADVICE. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE UNITED
STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING
UNDER THE FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-UNITED STATES TAXING
JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.
For purposes of the discussion below, a “United States Holder” is a beneficial owner of the ADSs or ordinary shares that is, for United States federal
income tax purposes:
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an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws
of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
a trust, if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over its administration and one or more United States
persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or (ii) in the case of a trust that was treated as a domestic trust under the
law in effect before 1997, a valid election is in place under applicable Treasury Regulations to treat such trust as a domestic trust.
The discussion below assumes that the representations contained in the deposit agreement and any related agreement are true and that the
obligations in such agreements will be complied with in accordance with their terms.
ADSs
If you own ADSs, then you should be treated as the owner of the underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs for United States federal
income tax purposes. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of ordinary shares for ADSs should not be subject to United States federal income tax.
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Dividends and Other Distributions on the ADSs or Our Ordinary Shares
Subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” below, the gross amount of any distribution that we make to you with
respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares (including the amount of any PRC or other withholding taxes withheld therefrom) will be taxable as a dividend, to
the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Such income
(including any withheld taxes) will be includable in your gross income on the day actually or constructively received by you, if you own the ordinary
shares, or by the depositary, if you own ADSs. We currently do not, and we do not intend to, determine our earnings and profits on the basis of United
States federal income tax principles. Therefore, a United States Holder should expect that any distribution paid generally will be reported as a “dividend”
for United States federal income tax purposes. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to qualifying corporations
under the Code.
Dividends received by a non-corporate United States Holder may qualify for the lower rates of tax applicable to “qualified dividend income,”
provided certain conditions are met, including (1) we are neither a passive foreign investment company nor treated as such with respect to you in the
taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year, (2) our ADSs or ordinary shares are readily tradable on an established securities
market in the United States or we are eligible for the benefits of a qualifying income tax treaty with the United States that includes an exchange of
information program, and (3) certain holding period and other requirements are met. As discussed below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company,”
we believe that we were a PFIC for our taxable year ended February 28, 2022.
Under a published IRS Notice, common or ordinary shares, or American depositary shares representing such shares, are considered to be readily
tradable on an established securities market in the United States if they are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as our ADSs (but not our ordinary
shares) are. Based on existing guidance, it is unclear whether the ordinary shares will be considered to be readily tradable on an established securities
market in the United States, because only the ADSs, and not the underlying ordinary shares, are listed on a securities market in the United States. We
believe, but we cannot assure you, that dividends we pay, if any, on the ordinary shares that are represented by ADSs, but not the ordinary shares that are
not so represented, will be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation, subject to applicable limitations (including ineligibility for reduced rates as a result of
our being a PFIC). In addition, if we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC tax law (see Item 10. Additional Information — E. Taxation—
PRC Taxation”), then we may be eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC. If we are eligible for such
benefits, then dividends that we pay on our ordinary shares, regardless of whether such shares are represented by ADSs, would be eligible for the reduced
rates of taxation, subject to applicable limitations (including ineligibility for reduced rates as a result of our being a PFIC).
Even if dividends would be treated as paid by a qualified foreign corporation, a non-corporate United States Holder will not be eligible for reduced
rates of taxation if it does not hold our ADSs or our ordinary shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-
dividend date or if the United States Holder elects to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the Code. In
addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends of a qualified foreign corporation if the non-corporate United States Holder receiving the dividend is
obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property.
You should consult your tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income for any dividends that
we pay with respect to our ADSs or our ordinary shares, as well as the effect of any change in applicable law after the date of this annual report.
Any PRC withholding taxes imposed on dividends paid to you with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares generally will be treated as foreign taxes
eligible for credit against your United States federal income tax liability, subject to the various limitations and disallowance rules that apply to foreign tax
credits generally. For purposes of calculating the foreign tax credit, dividends paid to you with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares will be treated as
income from sources outside the United States and generally will constitute passive category income. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign
tax credit are complex, and you should consult your tax advisors regarding the availability of a foreign tax credit in your particular circumstances.
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Disposition of the ADSs or Our Ordinary Shares
You will recognize gain or loss on any sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares in an amount equal to the
difference between the amount realized on the sale or exchange and your tax basis in the ADSs or ordinary shares. Subject to the discussion under “—
Passive Foreign Investment Company” below, such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss. Capital gains of a non-corporate United States
Holder, including an individual, which has held the ADSs or ordinary shares for more than one year, are currently eligible for reduced tax rates. The
deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Any gain or loss that you recognize on a disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares generally will be treated as United States-source income or loss
for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. However, if we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes and PRC tax is imposed on gain
from the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares (see Item 10. Additional Information — E. Taxation—PRC Taxation”), then a United States Holder
that is eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC may elect to treat the gain as PRC-source income for foreign
tax credit purposes. If such an election is made, the gain so treated will be treated as a separate class or “basket” of income for foreign tax credit purposes.
You should consult your tax advisors regarding the proper treatment of gain or loss, as well as the availability of a foreign tax credit, in your particular
circumstances.
Passive Foreign Investment Company
Based on the market price of our ADSs, the value of our assets and the composition of our income and assets, we believe that we were a passive
foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ended February 28, 2022.
We will be treated as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if, applying applicable look-through rules, either:
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at least 75% of our gross income for such year is passive income; or
at least 50% of the value of our assets (generally determined based on a quarterly average) during such year is attributable to assets that
produce or are held for the production of passive income.
For this purpose, cash and assets readily convertible into cash are categorized as passive assets, and our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles
associated with active business activities may generally be classified as active assets. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties and
rents (other than certain royalties and rents derived in the active conduct of a trade or business and not derived from a related person), and gains from the
disposition of passive assets. We will be treated as owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any other
corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% by value of the stock. Although the law in this regard is unclear, we treat our VIE as
being owned by us for United States federal income tax purposes because we exercise effective control over the operation of such entities and because we
are entitled to substantially all of their economic benefits, and, as a result, we consolidate their results of operations in our consolidated United States
GAAP financial statements.
We must make a separate determination after the close of each taxable year as to whether we were a PFIC for that year. Accordingly, we cannot
assure you that we will not be a PFIC for our current or any future taxable year. The determination of whether we will be a PFIC for any taxable year may
depend in part upon the value of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles not reflected on our balance sheet (which may depend upon the market price
of the ADSs or ordinary shares from time to time, which may fluctuate significantly) and also may be affected by how, and how quickly, we spend our
liquid assets and the cash we generate from our operations and raise in any offering. In estimating the value of our goodwill and other unbooked
intangibles, we have taken into account our market capitalization. While we believe our classification methodology and valuation approach are reasonable,
it is possible that the IRS may challenge our classification or valuation of our goodwill and other unbooked intangibles.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold the ADSs or ordinary shares, we will generally continue to be treated as a PFIC with
respect to you for all succeeding years during which you hold the ADSs or ordinary shares, unless we cease to be a PFIC and you make a “deemed sale”
election with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares, as applicable. If we cease to be a PFIC and you make a deemed sale election, you will be deemed to
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have sold the ADSs or ordinary shares you hold at their fair market value and any gain from such deemed sale would be subject to the rules described in the
following two paragraphs. After the deemed sale election, so long as we do not become a PFIC in a subsequent taxable year, your ADSs or ordinary shares
with respect to which such election was made will not be treated as shares in a PFIC and, as a result, you will not be subject to the rules described below
with respect to any “excess distribution” you receive from us or any gain from an actual sale or other disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares. You are
strongly urged to consult your tax advisors as to the possibility and consequences of making a deemed sale election if we cease to be a PFIC and
such an election becomes available to you.
For each taxable year that we are treated as a PFIC with respect to you, unless you make a “mark-to-market” election (as discussed below), you
generally will be subject to special adverse tax rules with respect to any “excess distribution” that you receive from us and any gain that you recognize from
a sale or other disposition, including a pledge, of ADSs or ordinary shares. For this purpose, distributions that you receive in a taxable year that are greater
than 125% of the average annual distributions that you received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the ADSs
or ordinary shares will be treated as an excess distribution. Under these rules:
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the excess distribution or recognized gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares;
the amount of the excess distribution or recognized gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution or disposition, and to any taxable
years in your holding period prior to the first taxable year in which we were treated as a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income; and
the amount of the excess distribution or recognized gain allocated to each other taxable year will be subject to the highest tax rate in effect for
individuals or corporations, as applicable, for each such year and the resulting tax for each such year will be subject to the interest charge
generally applicable to underpayments of tax.
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) from a sale or other disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares cannot be treated as capital, even if you hold the
ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets.
For each taxable year that we are treated as a PFIC with respect to you, if any of our non-United States subsidiaries that are corporations (or other
corporations in which we own equity interests) is also a PFIC (each such entity, a “lower tier PFIC”), you would be treated as owning a proportionate
amount (by value) of the shares of each lower tier PFIC for purposes of the application of these PFIC rules. You should consult your tax advisors regarding
the application of the PFIC rules to any of our lower tier PFICs.
A United States Holder of “marketable stock” (as defined below) of a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election for such stock to elect out of the
PFIC rules described above regarding excess distributions and recognized gains. If you make a mark-to-market election for our ADSs or ordinary shares,
you will include in income for each year that we are a PFIC an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the ADSs or ordinary shares
you hold as of the close of your taxable year over your adjusted basis in such ADSs or ordinary shares. You will be allowed a deduction for the excess, if
any, of the adjusted basis of the ADSs or ordinary shares over their fair market value as of the close of the taxable year. However, deductions will be
allowable only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains on the ADSs or ordinary shares included in your income for prior taxable years. Amounts
included in your income under a mark-to-market election, as well as any gain from the actual sale or other disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares, will
be treated as ordinary income. Ordinary loss treatment will apply to the deductible portion of any mark-to-market loss on the ADSs or ordinary shares, as
well as to any loss from the actual sale or other disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares, to the extent that the amount of such loss does not exceed the
net mark-to-market gains previously included for such ADSs or ordinary shares. Your basis in the ADSs or ordinary shares will be adjusted to reflect any
such income or loss amounts. If you make a valid mark-to-market election, any distributions we make would generally be subject to the tax rules discussed
above under “—Dividends and Other Distributions on the ADSs or Our Ordinary Shares,” except that the lower capital gains rate applicable to qualified
dividend income would not apply.
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The mark-to-market election is available only for “marketable stock,” which is stock that is regularly traded on a qualified exchange or other market,
as defined in applicable Treasury Regulations. Our ADSs, but not our ordinary shares, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which is a qualified
exchange or other market for these purposes. Consequently, if the ADSs remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are regularly traded, and you
are a holder of ADSs, we expect that the mark-to-market election should be available to you, but no assurances are given in this regard.
Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for equity interests in any lower tier PFICs that we may own, if we were a PFIC for any taxable
year, a United States Holder that makes the mark-to-market election may continue to be subject to the tax and interest charges under the general PFIC rules
with respect to such United States Holder’s indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for United States
federal income tax purposes.
In certain circumstances, a shareholder in a PFIC may avoid the adverse tax and interest-charge regime described above by making a “qualified
electing fund” election to include in income its share of the corporation’s income on a current basis. However, you may make a qualified electing fund
election with respect to your ADSs or ordinary shares only if we agree to furnish you annually with a PFIC annual information statement as specified in the
applicable Treasury Regulations. We currently do not intend to prepare or provide the information that would enable you to make a qualified electing fund
election.
A United States Holder that holds the ADSs or ordinary shares in any year in which we are a PFIC will be required to file an annual report
containing such information as the United States Treasury Department may require. As previously noted, we believe that we were a PFIC for our taxable
year ended February 28, 2022. YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE IMPACT OF OUR
BEING A PFIC ON YOUR INVESTMENT IN OUR ADSs OR ORDINARY SHARES, AS WELL AS THE APPLICATION OF THE PFIC
RULES TO YOUR INVESTMENT IN OUR ADSs OR ORDINARY SHARES AND THE AVAILABILITY, APPLICATION AND
CONSEQUENCES OF THE ELECTIONS DISCUSSED ABOVE.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Information reporting to the IRS and backup withholding generally will apply to dividends in respect of our ADSs or our ordinary shares, and the
proceeds from the sale or exchange of our ADSs or our ordinary shares, that are paid to you within the United States (and in certain cases, outside the
United States), unless you furnish a correct taxpayer identification number and make any other required certification, generally on IRS Form W-9 or you
otherwise establish an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as
backup withholding generally are allowed as a credit against your United States federal income tax liability, and you may be entitled to obtain a refund of
any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules if you file an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS and furnish any required
information in a timely manner.
United States Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules.
Information with Respect to Foreign Financial Assets
United States Holders who are individuals (and certain entities closely held by individuals) generally will be required to report their names,
addresses and such information relating to an interest in our ADSs or ordinary shares as is necessary to identify the class or issue of which the ADSs or
ordinary shares are a part. These requirements are subject to exceptions, including an exception for ADSs or ordinary shares held in accounts maintained by
certain financial institutions and an exception applicable if the aggregate value of all “specified foreign financial assets” (as defined in the Code) does not
exceed US$50,000.
United States Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these information reporting rules.
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F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
We previously filed with the SEC registration statement on Form F-1 (File Number 333-220951), as amended, including prospectus contained
therein, to register additional securities that become effective immediately upon filing, to register our Class A ordinary shares in relation to our initial
public offering. We also filed with the SEC related registration statement on Form F-6 (File Number 333-221179) to register the ADSs and registration
statement on Form S-8 (File Number 333-224308) to register our securities to be issued under our 2015 Share Incentive Plan and 2017 Share Incentive
Plan.
We are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers. Under the
Exchange Act, we are required to file reports and other information with the SEC. Specifically, we are required to file annually a Form 20-F within four
months after the end of each fiscal year. 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 SEC 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 SEC. The public may obtain information regarding the Washington, D.C. Public Reference Room by calling
the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other
information regarding registrants that make electronic filings with the SEC using its EDGAR system. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the
rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and our executive officers, directors and
principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition,
we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies
whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.
We will furnish Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, the depositary of our ADSs, with our annual reports, which will include a review of
operations and annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and all notices of shareholders’ meetings and
other reports and communications that are made generally available to our shareholders. The depositary will make such notices, reports and
communications available to holders of ADSs and, upon our request, will mail to all record holders of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a
shareholders’ meeting received by the depositary from us.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Exchange Risk
Foreign currency risk arises from future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities. A significant portion of our revenue-
generating transactions and expense-related transactions are denominated in Renminbi, which is the functional currency of our subsidiaries, VIE and their
subsidiaries in China. We do not hedge against currency risk.
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 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
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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.
To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would reduce
the Renminbi amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments
for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs, servicing our outstanding debt, or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the
Renminbi would reduce the U.S. dollar amounts available to us.
As of February 28, 2022, we had Renminbi-denominated cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of RMB86.0 million (US$13.6 million). A 10%
depreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar based on the foreign exchange rate on February 28, 2022, would result in a decrease of US$1.2 million
in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
Interest Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated by our excess cash, which is mostly held in interest-bearing bank
deposits. Interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. We have not been exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates, and
we have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest risk exposure. However, our future interest income may fall short of
expectations due to changes in market interest rates.
Inflation Risk
To date, inflation in China has not materially impacted our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the year-
over-year percent changes in the consumer price index for December 2020, 2021 and 2022 were increases of 4.5%, 0.2% and 1.5%, respectively. Although
we have not been materially affected by inflation in the past, we may be affected if China experiences higher rates of inflation in the future.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
A. Debt Securities
Not applicable.
B. Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
C. Other Securities
Not applicable.
D. American Depositary Shares
Fees and Charges Our ADS Holders May Have to Pay
Our American depositary shares, each of which represents one Class A ordinary shares, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Deutsche
Bank Trust Company Americas is the depositary of our ADS program. The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from
investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for
making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The
depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-
entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution payable (or by
selling a portion of securities or other property distributable) to ADS holders that are obligated to pay those fees. The depositary may generally refuse to
provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
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From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse us for costs and expenses generally arising out of establishment and
maintenance of the ADS program, waive fees and expenses for services provided to us by the depositary or share revenue from the fees collected from
ADS holders. In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers or other service providers that are owned by or
affiliated with the depositary and that may earn or share fees, spreads or commissions.
Service
• To any person to which ADSs are issued or to any person to which a distribution is made in respect of
ADS distributions pursuant to stock dividends or other free distributions of stock, bonus distributions, stock
splits or other distributions (except where converted to cash)
Fees
Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued
• Cancelation of ADSs, including the case of termination of the deposit agreement
• Distribution of cash dividends
Up to US$0.05 per ADS canceled
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held
• Distribution of cash entitlements (other than cash dividends) and/or cash proceeds from the sale of
rights, securities and other entitlements
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held
• Distribution of ADSs pursuant to exercise of rights.
• Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs
• Depositary services
134
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held on the
applicable record date(s) established by the
depositary bank
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
PART II
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
A.—D. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders
See “Item 10. Additional Information” for a description of the rights of shareholders, which remain unchanged.
E. Use of Proceeds
The following “Use of Proceeds” information relates to the registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951), as amended, in relation to our
initial public offering, which was declared effective by the SEC on November 7, 2017. In November 2017, we completed our initial public offering in
which we issued and sold an aggregate of 9,608,738 ADSs, representing 4,804,369 ordinary shares, resulting in net proceeds to us of approximately
US$89.5 million.
For the period from the effective date of the registration statement on Form F-1 to February 28, 2022, we have used US$37.3 million of our proceed
from the offering, of which US$20.0 million was paid in connection with our dividend paid in 2019, US$8.3 million was paid in connection with our share
repurchase, US$5.8 million was paid in connection with investments and US$3.1 million was used for working capital and other general corporate
purposes.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, has performed an evaluation of
the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by
this annual report, as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act.
Based upon that evaluation, our management has concluded that, as of February 28, 2022, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in
ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed,
summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that the information required to be disclosed by us in the
reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and
chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules
13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, for our company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of a company’s assets, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that a company’s receipts and expenditures are being
made only in accordance with authorizations of a company’s management and directors, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or
timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of a company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial
statements. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
135
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree
of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules as promulgated by
the SEC, our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 28, 2022, using criteria established in
“Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this
assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective due to the presence of a material weakness as of
February 28, 2022.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
This annual report on Form 20-F does not include an attestation report of the company’s registered public accounting firm because we qualified as
an “emerging growth company” as defined under the JOBS Act as of February 28, 2022.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management has evaluated, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, whether any changes in our internal
control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal year have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting.
In the course of auditing our consolidated financial statements for the years ended February 28, 2021 and 2022, we and our independent registered
public accounting firms identified a material weakness in the design or operation of internal controls, that we lack sufficient and appropriate review over
the financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This could adversely affect our ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data.
We are in the process of implementing remediation measures to remediate the identified material weakness. To remediate the material weakness
identified in internal control over financial reporting of us, we plan to: (a) further refine the relevant controls caliber and incorporate enhanced
communication and documentation procedures between our auditors' operations team and the individuals responsible for preparation of financial statements
and (b) implement additional supervision and review activities by qualified personnel and the development and use of checklists to assist in our financial
reporting processes.
However, we cannot assure you that we will remediate our material weakness or significant deficiencies in a timely manner or will not identify
additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the future. In addition, the process of designing and implementing an effective financial
reporting system is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes in our business and the economic and regulatory environments and
to employ significant resources to maintain a financial reporting system that satisfies our reporting obligations.
See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — 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 ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.”
136
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our board of directors has also determined that Mr. Zongwei Li, an independent director and a member of our audit committee, qualifies as an
“audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the SEC rules and possesses financial sophistication within the meaning of the New York Stock
Exchange Listed Company Manual. Mr. Zongwei Li satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange Listed
Company Manual and meets the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
Our board of directors has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers, employees, including certain
provisions that specifically apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and any other
persons who perform similar functions for us. We have filed our code of business conduct and ethics as Exhibit 99.1 of our registration statement on Form
F-1 (file No. 333-220951) filed with the SEC on October 13, 2017 and posted a copy of our code of business conduct and ethics on our website at
www.sijiedu.com. We hereby undertake to provide to any person without charge, a copy of our code of business conduct and ethics within ten working
days after we receive such person’s written request.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by our
independent registered public accounting firms, namely Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP and Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk
LLP, for the periods indicated. We did not pay any other fees to our independent registered public accounting firm during the periods indicated below.
(1)
Audit fees
(2)
Tax fees
2020
USD
For the Year Ended February 28 or 29
2021
USD
(in thousands)
2022
USD
775
11
830
—
653
—
(1)
(2)
“Audit fees” means the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC.
“Tax fees” means the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm for tax
compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
The policy of our audit committee is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public
Accountants LLP and Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP, our independent registered public accounting firms, including audit services, audit-related
services, tax services and other services as described above, other than those for de minimus services which are approved by the audit committee prior to
the completion of the audit.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
On September 23, 2021, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase its
own ordinary shares in the form of ADS with an aggregate value of up to US$15 million during the next twelve-month period (the “Program”). Pursuant to
the Program, share purchases will be made by the Company from time to time through the open market and in privately negotiated transactions at
prevailing market prices, depending on the market conditions and other considerations. The share repurchases will
137
be carried out in a manner in compliance with Rule 10b-18 and/or Rule 10b5-1 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, so as to
qualify for the safe harbor provided therein.
The following table summarizes the details of the repurchases made in accordance with the Program as of the date of this annual report.
Period
September 2021
October 2021
November 2021
December 2021
January 2022
Total
Total number of ADSs
Purchased
Average Price Paid
Per ADS
Total Number of ADSs
Purchased as Part of the Publicly
Announced Plan
Approximate Dollar Value of ADSs
that May Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plan
347,935
1,839,026
1,141,337
421,479
35,000
3,784,777
0.84
1.04
1.37
1.26
0.72
347,935
1,839,026
1,141,337
421,479
35,000
3,784,777
14,706,750
12,802,724
11,233,862
10,702,499
10,677,402
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
On December 3, 2021, we engaged Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP (“MBP”) as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our
consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2022. MBP replaced Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP
(“Deloitte”) whose engagement was terminated by us on December 3, 2021. The change of our independent registered public accounting firm was
approved by our Board and the Audit Committee of our Board, and the decision was not made due to any disagreements between us and Deloitte.
Deloitte's report on the consolidated financial statements as of and for each of the two years in the period ended February 28, 2021 contained no
adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principle.
During the fiscal years ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2021, and any subsequent interim period through our dismissal of Deloitte on
December 3, 2021, there were (i) no disagreements (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F and the related instructions thereto) between the
Company and Deloitte on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, and (ii) no
“reportable events” (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F) other than the material weakness reported in Item 15 of the Company’s Form 20-F filed
with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2021.
We provided a copy of this disclosure in Item 16F to Deloitte and requested that Deloitte furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating
whether it agrees with the above statements, and if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of the letter from Deloitte addressed to the
SEC, dated June 30, 2022, is filed herein as Exhibit 15.5.
Prior to MBP’s engagement, neither we nor anyone on our behalf consulted MBP regarding either (a) the application of accounting principles to a
specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements, and neither a written
report nor oral advice was provided to us by MBP that MBP concluded was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to any
accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (b) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement, as that term is defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of
Form 20-F (and the related instructions thereto) or a reportable event.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
As a Cayman Islands company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we are subject to the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance
listing standards. However, New York Stock Exchange 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 the New York Stock
Exchange corporate governance listing standards.
138
We currently follow and intent to continue to follow Cayman Islands corporate governance practices in lieu of the corporate governance
requirements of New York Stock Exchange that a listed company must have (i) a majority of the board be independent; (ii) an audit committee of at least
three independent directors; and (iii) hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later than one year after the end of our fiscal year. Other than the home
country practice described above, we are not aware of any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S.
domestic companies under the New York Stock Exchange listing rules. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to our Ordinary
Shares and ADSs — We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain
provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies” and “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Related to our Ordinary Shares and
ADSs — 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 the corporate governance listing standards under the New York Stock Exchange; these practices may afford less
protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the corporate governance listing standards under the New York Stock
Exchange.”
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 16I. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
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ITEM 17 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
ITEM 18 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PART III
The consolidated financial statements of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. are included at the end of this annual report.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
2.1
2.2
2.3
1.1 Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 from
our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
Form of Registrant’s Specimen American Depositary Receipt (included in Exhibit 2.3)
Registrant’s Specimen Certificate for ordinary shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 from our registration statement on
Amendment No. 2 to Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
Form of Deposit Agreement among the registrant, the depositary and owners and holders of the ADSs (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.3 from our registration statement on Amendment No. 2 to Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on
October 27, 2017)
2.4 Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 from our registration statement on Form 20-F (File No. 333-220951)
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
filed publicly with the SEC on June 24, 2020)
2015 Share Option Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-
220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
2019 Share Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 from our registration statement on Form S-8 (File No.
333-224308) filed publicly with the SEC on April 17, 2019)
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and each of its directors and executive officers (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 from our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and its executive officer of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.4 from our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
4.5 English translation of exclusive service agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (currently named as
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.), Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd., Shanghai Jing’an
Modern Art Culture Education School, Shanghai Shane English Training School, Shanghai Jing’an Saxon English Training School,
Taicang Yinglian Yunlin Foreign Language Training Center (currently named as Taicang Four Seasons Education and Training Center),
Nanchang Honggutan New Area Four Seasons Training School and Mr. Peiqing Tian, dated September 30, 2017 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.6 from our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
4.6 English translation of exclusive call option agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (currently
named as Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.), Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and Mr.
Peiqing Tian, dated September 30, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 from our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No.
333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
4.7 English translation of equity pledge agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (currently named as
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.), Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd. and Mr. Peiqing Tian,
dated September 30, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 from our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951)
filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
140
4.8 English translation of shareholder voting rights proxy agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd.
(currently named as Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.), Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd.
and Mr. Peiqing Tian, dated September 30, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 from our registration statement on Form F-1
(File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
4.9 English translation of exclusive service agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (currently named as
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.), Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., Shanghai
Tongfang Science and Technology Training School, Mr. Peiqing Tian and Mr. Peihua Tian, dated June 12, 2017 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.10 from our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
4.10 English translation of exclusive call option agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (currently
named as Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.), Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd.,
Shanghai Tongfang Science and Technology Training School, Mr. Peiqing Tian and Mr. Peihua Tian, dated June 12, 2017 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.11 from our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13,
2017)
4.11 English translation of equity pledge agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd. (currently named as
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.), Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., Mr.
Peiqing Tian and Mr. Peihua Tian, dated June 12, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 from our registration statement on Form
F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
4.12 English translation of shareholder voting rights proxy agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management Consulting Co., Ltd.
(currently named as Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.), Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management
Co., Ltd., Mr. Peiqing Tian and Mr. Peihua Tian, dated June 12, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 from our registration
statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
4.13 English translation of the donation agreement and donation agreement memorandum with Shanghai East China Normal University
Education Development Fund (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 from our registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-
220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
4.14 English Translation of Supplementary Agreement of Exclusive Service Agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management
Consulting Co., Ltd. (currently named as Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.), Shanghai Four Seasons Education
Investment Management Co., Ltd. and Mr. Peiqing Tian dated February 28, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 from our
registration statement on Form 20-F (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on June 24, 2020)
4.15 English Translation of Termination Agreement of Exclusive Service Agreement, Exclusive Call Option Agreement, Equity Pledge
Agreement and Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd., Shanghai
Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., Shanghai Tongfang Science and Technology Training School, Mr. Peiqing Tian
and Mr. Peihua Tian, dated March 1, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 from our registration statement on Form 20-F (File
No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on July 2, 2021)
4.16 English Translation of Supplementary Agreement of Exclusive Service Agreement (II) among Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management
Consulting Co., Ltd. (currently named as Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.), Shanghai Four Seasons Education
Investment Management Co., Ltd. and Mr. Peiqing Tian, dated March 1, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 from our
registration statement on Form 20-F (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on July 2, 2021)
4.17* English Translation of Exclusive Service Agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd., Shanghai Four
Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., Mr. Peiqing Tian and Ms. Suhua Zhu, dated November 1, 2021
4.18* English Translation of Exclusive Exclusive Call Option Agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.,
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., Mr. Peiqing Tian and Ms. Suhua Zhu, dated November 1, 2021
4.19* English Translation of Exclusive Equity Pledge Agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd., Shanghai
Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., Mr. Peiqing Tian and Ms. Suhua Zhu, dated November 1, 2021
141
4.20* English Translation of Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement among Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.,
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., Mr. Peiqing Tian and Ms. Suhua Zhu, dated November 1, 2021
4.21* English Translation of Consent Letter granted by shareholder of Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd.’s
spouse dated November 1, 2021
4.22* English Translation of Consent Letter granted by shareholder of Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd.’s
spouse dated November 1, 2021
8.1* List of major subsidiaries, variable interest entities and principal affiliated entities held by the variable interest entities of the Registrant
11.1
12.1*
12.2*
13.1**
13.2**
15.1*
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 from our registration statement on Form
F-1 (File No. 333-220951) filed publicly with the SEC on October 13, 2017)
Certification by the Group Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by the Group Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by the Group Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as dopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification by the Group Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Consent of Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
15.2* Consent of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP., Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
15.3*
Consent of Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
15.4*
Consent of Fangda Partners regarding certain PRC law matters
15.5* Letter from Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP., Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
101.INS* Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104* Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
* Filed with this annual report on Form 20-F.
** Furnished with this annual report on Form 20-F.
142
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the
undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
SIGNATURES
Date: June 30, 2022
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
By:
Name:
Title:
/s/ Yi Zuo
Yi Zuo
Chief Executive Director
[Signature Page to 20-F]
143
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP, Beijing, China,
PCAOB#5395)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP,
Shanghai, China, PCAOB#1113)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2021 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021
and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-9
F-11
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. (the “Company”) as of February 28, 2022, the
related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, changes in shareholder’s equity and cash flows for the year ended February 28, 2022,
and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the Company as of February 28, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended February 28, 2022, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial
statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor
were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of
internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and
performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP
Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.
Beijing, China
June 30, 2022
F-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of
February 28, 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows, for
each of the two years in the period ended February 28, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 28, 2021, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended February 28, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial
statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor
were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of
internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and
performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP
Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China
July 2, 2021
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017. In December 2021, we became the predecessor auditor.
F-3
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable and contract assets,
net of allowance for credit losses of RMB215
as of both February 28, 2021 and 2022
Other receivables, deposits and other assets,
net of allowance for credit losses of
RMB5,052 as of both February 28, 2021 and 2022
Amount due from related parties, net of
allowance for credit losses of nil and RMB332
as of February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively
Short-term investment
Long-term investments under fair value - current
Total current assets
Non-current assets
Restricted cash
Property and equipment, net
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Deferred tax assets
Long-term investments, net
Long-term investment under fair value - non-current
Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES (including amounts of the consolidated
VIEs without recourse to Four Seasons Education
(Cayman) Inc. See Note 2)
Current liabilities
Amounts due to related parties
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Operating lease liabilities - current
Income tax payable
Deferred revenue
Total current liabilities
FOUR SEASONS EDUCATION (CAYMAN) INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
As of
February 28,
2021
RMB
Note
As of
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
(Note 2)
378,358
262,429
41,600
360
10,566
—
31,000
96,558
516,842
10,855
15,804
150,696
7,118
36,967
16,253
36,784
163,303
12,571
450,351
967,193
1,495
86,947
52,674
10,630
75,242
226,988
2,037
11,979
3,534
89,544
156,459
525,982
10,273
8,643
35,482
3,265
—
869
14,000
-
4,019
76,551
602,533
883
68,289
3,185
14,722
6,492
93,571
323
1,899
560
14,194
24,802
83,378
1,628
1,370
5,625
518
-
138
2,219
-
637
12,135
95,513
140
10,825
505
2,334
1,029
14,833
13
4
14
5
6
11
7
13
8
14
F-4
FOUR SEASONS EDUCATION (CAYMAN) INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - continued
(Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Operating lease liabilities - non-current
Total non-current liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Commitments and contingencies
EQUITY
Ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value; 500,000,000
shares authorized, 23,131,195 and 21,238,806 shares
issued and outstanding as of February 28, 2021 and
2022, respectively)
Additional paid-in capital
Treasury shares (970,788 and 2,863,117 shares as of
February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively)
Accumulated deficit
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
As of
February 28,
2021
RMB
As of
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
(Note 2)
Note
11
14
15
9
1,673
92,144
93,817
320,805
725
5,743
6,468
100,039
15
768,150
(27,899 )
(138,290 )
(13,289 )
588,687
57,701
646,388
967,193
14
777,023
(55,693 )
(252,634 )
(22,768 )
445,942
56,552
502,494
602,533
115
910
1,025
15,858
2
123,172
(8,828 )
(40,047 )
(3,609 )
70,690
8,965
79,655
95,513
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
FOUR SEASONS EDUCATION (CAYMAN) INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2020, FEBRUARY 28, 2021 AND 2022
(Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
Revenue
Cost of revenue
Gross profit
General and administrative expenses
Sales and marketing expenses
Lease termination loss
Impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill
Impairment loss on other long-lived assets
Operating loss
Subsidy income
Gain from disposal of liabilities and a subsidiary
Interest income, net
Other income (expenses), net
Loss before income taxes and loss from
equity method investments
Income tax expense
Loss from equity method investments
Net loss
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling
interests
Net loss attributable to Four Seasons Education
(Cayman) Inc.
Net loss per ordinary share:
- Basic
- Diluted
Weighted average shares used in calculating net
loss per ordinary share:
- Basic
- Diluted
Note
2(q)
13
11
12
12
12
12
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
USD
(Note 2)
389,049
(200,933 )
280,282
(168,832 )
250,223
(149,615 )
188,116
111,450
100,608
(138,606 )
(34,367 )
—
(145,416 )
(764 )
(131,037 )
9,572
—
5,229
11,080
(116,972 )
(30,953 )
—
—
—
(36,475 )
11,898
—
3,403
1,900
(85,298 )
(22,045 )
(7,046 )
(44,562 )
(7,871 )
(66,214 )
2,298
4,048
3,230
(3,501 )
(105,156 )
(19,274 )
(60,139 )
(4,189 )
(224 )
(4,760 )
(3,852 )
(21,843 )
(36,750 )
39,665
(23,717 )
15,948
(13,521 )
(3,495 )
(1,116 )
(7,064 )
(1,248 )
(10,496 )
364
642
512
(555 )
(9,533 )
(3,463 )
(5,826 )
(109,569 )
(27,886 )
(118,732 )
(18,822 )
(76 )
310
(5,270 )
(109,493 )
(28,196 )
(113,462 )
(4.63 )
(4.63 )
(1.22 )
(1.22 )
(5.04 )
(5.04 )
(835 )
(17,987 )
(0.80 )
(0.80 )
23,668,916
23,668,916
23,131,195
23,131,195
22,491,122
22,491,122
22,491,122
22,491,122
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
FOUR SEASONS EDUCATION (CAYMAN) INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2020, FEBRUARY 28, 2021 AND 2022
(Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
Net loss
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of nil
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Comprehensive loss
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to
non-controlling interests
Comprehensive loss attributable to
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
(109,569 )
(27,886 )
(118,732 )
24,484
(85,085 )
(76 )
(85,009 )
(39,380 )
(67,266 )
310
(67,576 )
(9,479 )
(128,211 )
(5,270 )
(122,941 )
USD
(Note 2)
(18,822 )
(1,503 )
(20,325 )
(835 )
(19,490 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
FOUR SEASONS EDUCATION (CAYMAN) INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
Ordinary
shares
Treasury
shares
Number
24,066,033
(970,788 )
—
RMB
15
—
—
Number
—
970,788
—
RMB
—
(27,899 )
—
Accumulate
d
other
comprehensi
ve
income(loss)
RMB
Accumulate
d
deficit
RMB
—
(109,493 )
(109,493 )
(76 )
Additional
paid-in
capital
RMB
711,668
—
(298 )
—
409
30,858
—
742,637
—
—
27,513
—
—
—
—
—
—
(27,899 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(27,899 )
—
(2,000 )
—
768,150
—
—
—
—
(27,794 )
—
—
—
(480 )
9,002
—
—
—
—
351
—
(601 )
—
—
—
—
—
—
(110,094 )
—
—
—
(28,196 )
—
—
—
(138,290 )
—
—
(113,462 )
—
—
—
—
(882 )
Total Four
Seasons
Education
(Cayman)
Inc.
shareholder
s'
equity
RMB
712,689
(27,899 )
(298 )
—
409
30,858
Non-
controllin
g
interests
RMB
44,242
—
(3,037 )
Total
equity
RMB
756,931
(27,899 )
(3,335 )
3,073
—
—
3,073
409
30,858
(109,56
9 )
24,484
630,750
—
—
44,202
1,374
24,484
674,952
1,374
—
27,513
(28,196 )
11,776
—
310
11,776
27,513
(27,886 )
(39,380 )
(2,000 )
—
588,687
—
—
39
57,701
(39,380 )
(2,000 )
39
646,388
1,607
—
—
—
—
—
—
24,484
26,091
—
—
—
—
(39,380 )
—
—
(13,289 )
—
—
—
(480 )
9,002
4,110
—
(113,462 )
(5,270 )
(9,479 )
(9,479 )
—
—
—
—
(27,795 )
-
351
(882 )
—
—
11
—
—
3,630
9,002
(118,73
2 )
(9,479 )
(27,795 )
11
351
(882 )
Balance at February 28, 2019
Repurchase of ordinary shares (Note 9)
Purchase of non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests capital
injection
Option exercised
Share-based compensation
Net loss for the year
Foreign currency translation
adjustments
Balance at February 29, 2020
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Contribution from non-controlling
interests
Share-based compensation
Net loss for the year
Foreign currency translation
adjustments
VIE deconsolidation
Disposal of a subsidiary
Balance at February 28, 2021 in RMB
Contribution from non-controlling
interests
Share-based compensation
Net loss for the year
Foreign currency translation
adjustments
Repurchase of ordinary shares (Note 9)
Acquisition of a subsidiary
Reconsolidation of previously
deconsolidated VIE
Dividend to NCI
Balance at February 28, 2022 in RMB
—
35,950
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
23,131,195
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
23,131,195
—
15
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
15
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,892,389 )
—
—
—
(1 )
—
—
—
21,238,806
14
—
—
—
—
—
970,788
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
970,788
—
—
—
—
1,892,38
9
—
—
—
2,863,17
7
Balance at February 28, 2022 in USD
(Note 2)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
2,863,17
7
21,238,806
(8,828 )
2
123,172
(40,047 )
(3,609 )
70,690
8,965
79,655
F-8
(55,693 )
777,023
(252,634 )
(22,768 )
445,942
56,552
502,494
FOUR SEASONS EDUCATION (CAYMAN) INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2020, FEBRUARY 28, 2021 AND 2022
(Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss for the year
Adjustments to reconcile net cash flows from operating activities:
Share-based compensation
Allowance for credit losses
Depreciation of property and equipment
Noncash lease expenses
Loss of disposal of property and equipment
Loss from property and equipment impairment
Amortization of intangible assets
Loss from intangible assets impairment
Loss from equity method investments, net of taxes
Loss from goodwill impairment
Fair value change of investments
Gain from disposal of liabilities and a subsidiary
Deferred income taxes
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other, net:
Accounts receivable and contract assets
Amounts due from related parties
Other receivables, deposits and other assets
Other non-current assets
Changes in operating lease liabilities
Amounts due to related parties
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Income tax payable
Deferred revenue
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment
Purchases of intangible assets
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
Payments to long-term investments
Purchase of short-term investments
Purchase of investments under fair value
Proceeds from maturity of investments
Loans to related parties
VIE consolidation
Disposal of liabilities
Disposal of a subsidiary
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
USD
(Note 2)
(109,569 )
(27,886 )
(118,732 )
(18,822 )
30,858
5,267
15,424
54,808
249
764
4,328
30,804
224
114,612
(11,134 )
—
(12,676 )
(665 )
(594 )
(3,517 )
(107 )
(47,550 )
446
22,424
3,724
(15,925 )
82,195
(9,186 )
—
(10,115 )
—
(10,000 )
(104,602 )
35,157
—
—
—
—
(98,746 )
27,513
—
13,754
54,466
416
—
1,949
—
3,852
—
(2,148 )
(2,087 )
(3,271 )
1,008
(515 )
8,091
(91 )
(57,938 )
587
11,912
(2,159 )
3,671
31,124
(10,441 )
—
854
(44,481 )
(31,000 )
(175,820 )
192,884
—
—
—
—
(68,004 )
9,002
6,881
8,458
39,476
954
7,871
1,719
2,255
36,750
42,307
1,106
(4,048 )
14,436
(1,677 )
(332 )
(11,920 )
(1,737 )
(59,801 )
396
(3,148 )
4,577
(66,114 )
(91,321 )
(9,876 )
(120 )
(422 )
(14,000 )
(89,544 )
—
128,136
(588 )
100
(7,500 )
(1,889 )
4,297
1,427
1,091
1,341
6,258
151
1,248
272
357
5,826
6,707
175
(642 )
2,288
(266 )
(53 )
(1,890 )
(275 )
(9,480 )
63
(499 )
726
(10,480 )
(14,477 )
(1,566 )
(19 )
(67 )
(2,219 )
(14,194 )
—
20,312
(93 )
16
(1,189 )
(299 )
682
F-9
FOUR SEASONS EDUCATION (CAYMAN) INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - continue
FOR THE YEARS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2020, FEBRUARY 28, 2021 AND 2022
(Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
Cash flows from financing activities
Payments to acquire non-controlling interests
Contribution from non-controlling interests
Proceeds from related parties loans
Repayment on related parties loans
Net proceeds from options exercised
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Dividends paid to NCI
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year
Reconciliation in amounts on consolidated balance sheets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange
for operating lease liabilities
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment included in payable
Non-cash contribution from non-controlling interests
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-10
2020
RMB
2021
RMB
2022
RMB
USD
(Note 2)
(3,335 )
3,073
986
—
758
(27,899 )
—
(26,417 )
14,088
(28,880 )
471,235
442,355
404,652
37,703
442,355
13,142
60,206
16,412
221
—
—
90
100
—
8
—
—
198
(16,460 )
(53,142 )
442,355
389,213
378,358
10,855
389,213
10,189
59,547
51,434
302
11,686
—
3,630
(508 )
—
(27,795 )
(882 )
(25,555 )
(3,932 )
(116,511 )
389,213
272,702
262,429
10,273
272,702
3,315
39,013
30,259
326
—
—
575
(81 )
—
(4,406 )
(140 )
(4,052 )
(623 )
(18,470 )
61,698
43,228
41,600
1,628
43,228
525
6,184
4,797
52
—
FOUR SEASONS EDUCATION (CAYMAN) INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on June 9, 2014. The Company, its subsidiaries,
its consolidated Variable Interest Entity (the "VIE") and VIE’s subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Group") are principally engaged in
provision of after-school education services for kindergarten, elementary and middle school students in the People’s Republic of China (the "PRC").
On December 29, 2014, the Company established a wholly-owned foreign invested subsidiary, Shanghai Fuxi Enterprise Management Consulting
Co., Ltd. ("Shanghai Fuxi", or "WFOE") in the PRC. PRC laws and regulations currently require any foreign entity that invests in the education
business in China to be an educational institution with relevant experience in providing educational services outside China. As a Cayman Islands
company, the Company is deemed a foreign legal person under the PRC laws but not an educational institution and does not provide education
services. To comply with the PRC laws and regulations, the Group provides substantially all of its education business in the PRC through Shanghai
Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. ("Four Seasons Investment"), Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd.
("Shanghai Four Seasons") (the "VIEs") and its subsidiaries. The Group delivers education services mainly through learning centers, which are
physical establishments of education facilities at a specific geographic location, and are directly held and operated by VIEs and VIE’s subsidiaries.
Shanghai Fuxi entered into a series of contractual arrangements (see Note 2(b)) with its VIEs and their respective shareholders through which the
Company became the primary beneficiary of VIEs.
On July 24, 2021, the General Office of State Council and the General Office of Central Committee of the Communist Party of China jointly
promulgated the Opinions on Further Alleviating the Burden of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory Education
(compulsory education includes elementary school education of six years and middle school education of three years, together as the “Compulsory
Stage Education”) (the “Opinion”), which provides that, among other things, (i) local government authorities shall no longer approve new after-
school tutoring institutions (“Academic AST Institutions”) providing tutoring services on academic subjects for students in compulsory education,
and the existing after-school tutoring institutions providing tutoring services on academic subjects shall be registered as non-profit, and local
government authorities shall no longer approve any new Academic AST Institutions providing tutoring services on academic subjects for pre-
school-age children and students in grade ten to twelve; (ii) online Academic AST Institutions that have filed with the local education administration
authorities providing tutoring services on academic subjects shall be subject to review and re-approval procedures by competent government
authorities, and any failure to obtain such approval will result in the cancellation of its previous filing and internet content provider license (“ICP
license”); (iii) Academic AST Institutions are prohibited from raising funds by listing on stock markets or conducting any capitalization activities
and listed companies are prohibited from investing in Academic AST Institutions through capital markets fund raising activities, or acquiring assets
of Academic AST Institutions by paying cash or issuing securities; and (iv) foreign capital is prohibited from controlling or participating in any
Academic AST Institutions through mergers and acquisitions, entrusted operation, joining franchise or variable interest entities.
On September 7, 2021, to implement the Opinion, the Chinese Ministry of Education (“MOE”) published on its website that the MOE, together with
two other government authorities, issued a circular requiring K9 Academic AST Institutions to complete registration as non-profit by the end of
2021, and K9 Academic AST Institutions shall, before completing such registration, suspend enrollment of students and charging fees (the
“Regulations”).
To comply with the Opinion and the Regulations, the Company performed business restructuring and organizational adjustments, including ceasing
offering tutoring services related to academic subjects to students from kindergarten through grade nine (the “K9 Academic AST Services”) by the
end of 2021 in
F-11
mainland China (“Business Restructuring”), disposing the deferred revenue of unconsummated lessons related to K9 Academic AST services and
disposing its 100% equity interest in Shanghai Jing’an Dangdai Art Training School (“Dangdai”) to Shanghai Jiaxin Travel Agency (“Jiaxin
Travel”) with nil consideration at the end of 2021 (Note 13).
As of February 28, 2022, details of the Company’s major subsidiaries, its VIEs and VIEs' subsidiaries are as follows:
Name
Subsidiaries:
Four Seasons Education (Hong Kong) Limited
("Four Seasons Hong Kong")
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.
("Shanghai Fuxi")
Variable interest entity:
Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd.
("Shanghai Four Seasons")
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. ("Four Seasons
Investment")
VIE's subsidiaries:
(1)
Four Seasons Class Training Co., Ltd. ("Four Seasons Class")
Shanghai Tongfang Technology Further Education School
("Tongfang School")
Later of
date of
incorporation
or acquisition
June 24,
2014
December 29,
2014
March 12,
2014
March 13,
2007
September 1,
2016
May 16,
2013
Place of
incorporation
(or
establishment)
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai
Equity interest
attributed to the
Group as of
February 28,
2022
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Principal
activities
Investment
holding
Consulting
service
Education
service
Investment
holding
Education
service
Education
service
(1)
On March 1, 2020, Shanghai Fuxi terminated the contractual arrangements with Four Seasons Investment and its shareholders, including the
exclusive service agreement, exclusive call option agreement, equity pledge agreement and shareholder voting rights proxy agreement. At the
same time, the ownership of the learning center previously held by Four Seasons Investment namely Shanghai Tongfang Technology Further
Education School ("Tongfang School") was transferred to the other VIE of the Company, namely Shanghai Four Seasons. Other than
Tongfang School, the assets and liabilities held by Four Seasons Investment were immaterial. On November 1, 2021, Shanghai Fuxi entered
into a series of contractual arrangements with Four Seasons Investment and its shareholders through which the Company once again became
the primary beneficiary of Four Seasons Investment.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Basis of presentation and consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America (“US GAAP”).
(b) Principles of consolidation
The Company evaluates the need to consolidate the VIEs of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. In determining whether the Company is
the primary beneficiary, the Company considers if the Company (1) has power to direct the activities that most significantly affects the economic
performance of the VIE, and (2) The 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. If deemed the primary beneficiary, the Company consolidates the VIE.
Determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary in the VIE arrangements between the WFOE and the VIE requires a careful evaluation
of the facts and circumstances, including whether the contractual agreements are substantive under the applicable legal and financial reporting
frameworks, i.e. PRC law and
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US GAAP. The Company continually reviews its corporate governance arrangements to ensure that the contractual agreements are in fact valid and
legally enforceable and therefore are indeed substantive.
The Company has also considered conflicts of interest arisen from the contractual arrangements. Mr. Tian is the nominal shareholder of the VIEs,
and Mr. Tian is also the controlling shareholder and the largest shareholder of the Company. The interests of Mr. Tian as the nominal shareholder of
the VIEs may differ from the interests of the Company as a whole, since Mr. Tian is only one of the beneficial shareholders of the Company. The
Company relies on Mr. Tian, as a director of the Company, to fulfill his fiduciary duties and abide by laws of the PRC and Cayman Islands and act
in the best interest of the Company. The Company believes Mr. Tian will not act contrary to any of the contractual arrangements and the call option
agreement provides the Company with a mechanism to remove Mr. Tian as a nominal shareholder of the VIEs should he act to the detriment of the
Company. If the Company cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or disputes between the Company and Mr. Tian, the Company would have to rely
on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of its business, and there is substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal
proceedings.
The VIE Arrangements
The Company consolidates Shanghai Four Seasons, Four Seasons Investment and their subsidiaries as variable interest entities and referred to them
as "the VIEs" in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. PRC laws and regulations currently require foreign entity that invests in the
education business in China to be an educational institution with certain qualifications and experience in providing high-quality education outside
China. The Company is not an educational institution and does not provide education services. Therefore, the Company conduct the operation
through the VIEs. In addition, the VIEs hold leases and other assets necessary to operate the Company’s schools and learning centers, employ
teachers and generate substantially all of the Company’s total net revenue.
The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary in China, Shanghai Fuxi has entered into the following contractual arrangement with the VIEs
that enable the Company to (1) have power to direct the activities that most significantly affects the economic performance of the VIEs, and (2)
receive the economic benefits of the VIEs that could be significant to the VIEs. Accordingly, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of
the VIEs and has consolidated the VIEs’ financial results of operations, assets and liabilities and cash flows in the Company’s consolidated financial
statements.
Agreements that provide the Company with effective control over the VIEs include:
Call Option Agreement Pursuant to the call option agreement among the WFOE, Shanghai Four Seasons, Four Seasons Investment and the
shareholders of Shanghai Four Seasons and Four Seasons Investment (“VIE shareholders”), the VIE shareholders unconditionally and irrevocably
granted the WFOE or its designee an exclusive option to purchase, to the extent permitted under PRC laws and regulations, all or part of the equity
interests in the VIEs at nominal consideration which decided by the WFOE or the lowest consideration permitted by PRC laws and regulations
under the circumstances where the WFOE or its designee is permitted under PRC laws and regulations to own all or part of the equity interests of
VIEs. The WFOE has the sole discretion to decide when to exercise the option, and whether to exercise the option in part or in full. Without the
WFOE’s written consent, the VIE shareholders may not sell, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of or create any encumbrance on any of VIEs’
assets or equity interests. The agreement can be terminated by the WFOE by giving a 30-day prior notice, but not by the VIEs or VIE shareholders.
Voting Rights Proxy Agreement & Irrevocable Power of Attorney The VIE shareholders executed voting rights proxy agreement, appointing the
WFOE, or any person designated by the WFOE, as their attorney-in-fact to (i) call and attend shareholders meeting of VIEs and execute relevant
shareholders resolutions; (ii) exercise on his behalf all his rights as a shareholder of VIEs, including those rights under PRC laws and regulations
and the articles of association of VIEs, such as voting, appointing, replacing or removing directors, (iii) submit all documents as required by
governmental authorities on behalf of VIEs, (iv) assign the shareholding rights to VIEs, including receiving dividends, disposing of equity interest
and enjoying the rights
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and interests during and after liquidation. The agreement will remain in effect unless the WFOE terminates the agreement by giving a written notice.
Spousal Consent Letter Pursuant to the spousal consent letter executed by the spouse of certain shareholders of VIEs, each of such spouse
unconditionally and irrevocably agreed to the execution of exclusive service agreement, exclusive call option agreement, shareholder voting rights
proxy agreement and irrevocable power of attorney and equity pledge agreement described above by the applicable shareholder. They further
undertakes not to make any assertions in connection with the equity interests of the VIEs held by the applicable shareholder, and confirm that the
shareholder can perform the relevant transaction documents described above and further amend or terminate such transaction documents without the
authorization or consent from such spouse. The spouse of each applicable shareholder agrees and undertakes that if he/she obtains any equity
interests of the VIEs held by the applicable shareholder for any reasons, he/she would be bound by the transaction documents described above and
the amended and restated exclusive service agreement between WFOE and our VIEs. The valid term of spousal consent letter is same as the term of
the exclusive call option agreement.
Equity Pledge Agreement The VIE shareholders agreed to pledge their equity interest in VIEs to the WFOE to secure the performance of the VIEs’
obligations under the series of contractual agreements and any such agreements to be entered into in the future. Without prior written consent of the
WFOE, the VIE shareholders shall not transfer or dispose of the pledged equity interests or create or allow any encumbrance on the pledged equity
interests. If any economic interests were received by means of their equity interests in the VIEs, such interests belong to the WFOE. The agreement
can be early terminated by the WFOE by giving a 30-day prior notice, but not by the VIEs or VIE shareholders.
Agreements that transfer economic benefits of VIEs to the Group include:
Exclusive Services Agreement Under the exclusive services agreement, the Company and the WFOE have the exclusive right to provide
comprehensive technical and business support services to the VIEs. In particular, such services include conducting market research and offering
strategic business advice, providing information technology services, providing advices on mergers and acquisitions, providing human resources
management services, providing intellectual property licensing services, providing support for teaching activities and providing other services that
the parties may mutually agree from time to time. In exchange, the VIEs pay annual service fees to the WFOE in the amount equivalent to all of
their net income as confirmed by the WFOE. The WFOE has the right to adjust the service fee rates at its sole discretion based on the services
provided and the operation conditions of VIEs. The agreement can be early terminated by the WFOE by giving a 30-day prior notice, but not by the
VIEs or VIE shareholders.
The Voting Rights Proxy Agreement and Irrevocable Power of Attorney have conveyed all shareholder rights held by the VIE shareholders to the
WFOE or any person designated by the WFOE, including the right to appoint executive directors of the VIEs to conduct day to day management of
the VIEs’ businesses, and to approve significant transactions of the VIEs. In addition, the Call Option Agreement provides the WFOE with a
substantive kick-out right of the VIE shareholders through an exclusive option to purchase all or any part of the shareholders' equity interest in the
VIEs. The Equity Pledge Agreements further secure the obligations of the shareholders of the VIEs under the above agreements.
Because the Company, through the WFOE, has (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly affect the entity's economic
performance and (ii) the right to receive substantially all of the benefits from the VIEs, the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary of the VIEs.
Accordingly, the Company has consolidated the VIEs’ financial results of operations, assets and liabilities in the Group's consolidated financial
statements. The aforementioned agreements are effective agreements between a parent and consolidated subsidiaries, neither of which is accounted
for in the consolidated financial statements or are ultimately eliminated upon consolidation (i.e. service fees under the Exclusive Services
Agreement Agreement).
The Company believes that the contractual arrangements with the VIEs are in compliance with PRC law and are legally enforceable. However,
uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit the Company’s ability to
F-14
enforce the contractual arrangements. If the legal structure and contractual arrangements were found to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations,
the PRC government could:
•
•
•
•
•
•
revoke the business and operating licenses of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries and VIEs;
discontinue or restrict the operations of any related-party transactions between the Company’s PRC subsidiaries and VIEs;
limit the Group’s business expansion in China by way of entering into contractual arrangements;
impose fines or other requirements with which the Company’s PRC subsidiaries and VIEs may not be able to comply;
require the Company or the Company’s PRC subsidiaries or VIEs to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations; or
restrict or prohibit the Company’s use of the proceeds of the additional public offering to finance the Group’s business and operations in
China.
The following consolidated financial statement balances and amounts of the Company's VIEs and their subsidiaries, were included in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements after the elimination of intercompany balances and transactions among the Company, its
subsidiaries, its VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries.
ASSETS
Total current assets
Total non-current assets
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Amount due to related parties
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
Operating lease liabilities-current
Income tax payable
Deferred revenue
Total current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Operating lease liabilities-non-current
Total non-current liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Total revenue
Operating loss
Net loss
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
February 28,
2021
RMB
As of
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
143,671
236,098
379,769
1,495
82,736
52,290
8,316
75,242
220,079
1,673
78,828
80,501
300,580
Year Ended
64,735
61,160
125,895
883
64,449
2,626
12,339
6,492
86,789
725
5,152
5,877
92,666
10,262
9,695
19,957
140
10,216
416
1,956
1,029
13,757
115
817
932
14,689
February 29,
2020
RMB
February 28,
2021
RMB
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
389,049
(101,126 )
(96,977 )
54,778
(29,206 )
724
280,282
(13,652 )
(5,529 )
43,753
(33,758 )
198
250,223
(63,619 )
(80,976 )
(70,397 )
(2,294 )
21,349
39,665
(10,085 )
(12,836 )
(11,159 )
(364 )
3,384
The VIEs contributed 100% of the Group's consolidated revenue for three years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022. As of
February 28, 2021 and 2022, the VIEs accounted for an aggregate of 39.3% and 20.9% respectively, of the audited consolidated total assets, and
93.7% and 92.6% respectively, of the consolidated total liabilities. Total assets not associated with the VIEs mainly consist of cash and cash
equivalents and investments under fair value.
There are no terms in any arrangements, considering both explicit arrangements and implicit variable interests that require the Company or its
subsidiaries to provide financial support to the VIEs. However, if the VIEs were ever to need financial support, the Group may, at its option and
subject to statutory limits and
F-15
restrictions, provide financial support to its VIEs through loans to the shareholders of the VIEs or entrustment loans to the VIEs.
The Group believes that there are no assets held in the VIEs that can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs, except for registered capital and
the PRC statutory reserves. As the VIEs are incorporated as limited liability companies under the PRC Company Law, creditors of the VIEs do not
have recourse to the general credit of the Company for any of the liabilities of the VIEs. Relevant PRC laws and regulations restrict the VIEs from
transferring a portion of their net assets, equivalent to the balance of its statutory reserve and its share capital, to the Company in the form of loans
and advances or cash dividends. Please refer to Note 18 for disclosure of restricted net assets.
(c) Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The Group bases its estimates on historical experience and various other factors believed to
be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities
that are not readily apparent from other sources. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Group’s financial statements include assessment of
useful lives of long-lived assets, realization of deferred tax assets, impairment assessment of investments, property and equipment, intangible assets
and goodwill, valuation of share-based compensation, fair value assessment of investments, assumptions used to determine the fair value of the
assets acquired through business combination and incremental borrowing rate for lease. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates.
(d) Business combinations
The Group accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 “Business
Combinations”. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair values of the assets transferred and liabilities
incurred by the Group to the sellers and equity instruments issued. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred.
Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair values as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent
of any non-controlling interests. The excess of (i) the total costs of acquisition, fair value of the non-controlling interests and acquisition date fair
value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree is recorded as
goodwill. Alternatively, the excess of the (i) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquire over (ii) the total costs of acquisition, fair value
of the non-controlling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree is recorded as a gain on bargain
purchase.
(e) Fair value
Fair value is considered to be the price that would be received from selling 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 considers assumptions that
market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
Authoritative literature provides a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three
broad levels. The level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based upon the lowest level of input that is
significant to the fair value measurement as follows:
Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or
liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with
insufficient volume or infrequent
F-16
transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or
corroborated by, observable market data. The Group has investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis at the end of each reporting period
and classified as level 2 fair value measurements (see Note 2(l)). Various inputs for the investment valuation, including time value, volatility factors,
current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures, substantially are
observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the
marketplace.
Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement
of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The Company's non-financial assets, which primarily consist of goodwill, intangible assets, property and equipment, and operating lease right-of-use
assets, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, and instead are reported at carrying value in its consolidated balance sheet.
However, on a periodic basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that they may not be fully recoverable (and at least annually
for goodwill), the respective carrying value of non-financial assets are assessed for impairment and, if ultimately considered impaired, are adjusted
and written down to their fair value, as estimated based on consideration of external market participant assumptions. The fair values of these assets
were determined based on Level 3 measurements, the related inputs of which included estimates of the amount and timing of the assets' net future
discounted cash flows, based on historical experience and consideration of current trends, market conditions, and comparable sales, as applicable.
The following table presents the impairment charges recorded by the Group for assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for the years
ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022:
February 29,
2020
February 28,
2021
February 28,
2022
Fair Value
As of
Impairment
Date
RMB
Total
Impairment
Loss
RMB
Fair Value
As of
Impairment
Date
RMB
Total
Impairment
Loss
Fair Value As of
Impairment
Date
Total Impairment
Loss
RMB
RMB USD RMB USD
—
—
—
17,022
764
800
30,804
114,612
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— —
7,871 1,248
— —
—
—
— —
— —
2,255
357
42,307 6,707
Property and equipment,
net (Note 4)
Operating lease
right-of-use assets
Intangible assets,
net (Note 5)
Goodwill (Note 6)
The carrying values of financial instruments, which consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and contract assets, other receivables,
short-term investments, amounts due to related parties and other current liabilities are recorded at cost which approximates their fair value due to the
short-term nature of these instruments.
(f) Foreign currency translation
The Group’s reporting currency is Renminbi (“RMB”). The functional currency of the Company and affiliates incorporated outside the mainland
China is the United States dollar (“US dollar” or “US$”). The functional currency of all the other subsidiaries and the VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries is
RMB.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the RMB are remeasured into RMB at the rates of exchange ruling at the
balance sheet date. Transactions in currencies other than the RMB during the year are converted into RMB at the applicable rates of exchange
prevailing on the day transactions occurred. Exchange gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.
F-17
Assets and liabilities are translated into RMB at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date, equity accounts are translated at historical exchange
rates and revenue, expenses, gains and losses are translated using the average rate for the year. Translation adjustments are reported as foreign
currency translation adjustments and are shown as a separate component of other comprehensive income(loss) in the consolidated statements of
comprehensive income (loss).
(g) Foreign currency risk
The RMB is not a freely convertible currency. The State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People's Bank of China,
controls the conversion of RMB into other currencies. The value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies, international
economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the China Foreign Exchange Trading System market. The Group’s cash, cash
equivalents and restricted cash denominated in RMB amounted to RMB192,008 and RMB86,019 (US$13,636) as of February 28, 2021 and 2022,
respectively.
(h) Convenience translation
The Group’s business is primarily conducted in China and almost all of the revenue is denominated in RMB. Translations of balances in the
consolidated balance sheets, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash
flows from RMB into US dollar as of and for the year ended February 28, 2022 are solely for the convenience of the readers and were calculated at
the rate of US$1.00=RMB6.3084, representing the noon buying rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board on
February 28, 2022. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into US$ at that
rate on February 28, 2022, or at any other rate.
(i) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, cash in bank, time deposits with original maturities of three months or less when purchased and
floating rate financial instruments which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates market value.
The Group’s cash and cash equivalents was RMB378,358 and RMB262,429 (US$41,600) as of February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
(j) Allowance for credit losses
On March 1, 2020, the Group adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement
of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments using the modified retrospective transition method. ASC 326 replaces the existing incurred loss
impairment model with a forward-looking current expected credit loss ("CECL") methodology, which results in more timely recognition of credit
losses. The Group has developed a CECL model based on historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balances, credit quality of its
customers, current economic conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, and other factors that may affect its
ability to collect from customers. The cumulative effect from the adoption as of March 1, 2020 was immaterial to the consolidated financial
statements. The Group considers historical collection rates, current financial status, macroeconomic factors, and other industry-specific factors when
evaluating for current expected credit losses. The balance of allowance for accounts receivable and contract assets, other receivables, deposits and
other assets and amount due from related parties was RMB5,267 and RMB5,599 (US$888) as of February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Balances
are written off when determined to be uncollectible.
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(k) Restricted cash
The Group's restricted cash represents deposits restricted as to withdrawal or use under government regulations. Restricted cash is classified as non-
current based on when the deposits will be released in accordance with the terms of the respective agreements with the banks and governing
authorities.
(l) Investments
The Group's investments consist of term deposit with original maturities greater than three months, wealth management products, investments under
fair value and equity-method investments.
Wealth management products were mainly deposits placed with financial institutions with original maturities greater than three months but less than
one year. Wealth management products and term deposit with original maturities greater than three months but less than one year, or original
maturities greater than one year but will maturity within one year are recorded as short term investment in the consolidated balance sheets.
The investments under fair value pertain to structured products in fund-linked notes. The Group elects to adopt the fair value option in accordance
with ASC 825 Financial Instruments to record the investments at fair value in long-term investments under fair value in the consolidated balance
sheets. Changes in the fair value of the investments are recorded as other (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Income
of RMB11,134 and RMB2,148 and RMB1,106 (US$175) on fair value changes were recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the
years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
The Group accounts for investment in equity securities that are in-substance common stocks and over which the Group can exercise significant
influence but holds no controlling interest under equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Group’s pro rata share of income (loss) from
investment is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Dividends received reduce the carrying amount of the
investment. When the Group’s share of loss in an equity-method investee equals or exceeds its carrying value of the investment in that entity, the
Group continues to report its share of equity method losses in the statements of comprehensive income to the extent and as an adjustment to the
carrying amount of its other investments in the investee. Equity-method investment is reviewed for impairment by assessing if the decline in market
value of the investment below the carrying value is other-than-temporary. In making this determination, factors are evaluated in determining whether
a loss in value should be recognized. These include consideration of the intent and ability of the Group to hold investment and the ability of the
investee to sustain an earnings capacity, justifying the carrying amount of the investment. Impairment losses are recognized in other expense when a
decline in value is deemed to be other-than- temporary. As a result of the impairment analysis, the Group did not record any impairment for the
years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021, and the impairment loss for the year ended February 28, 2022 was RMB35,584 (US$5,641).
(m) Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment is generally stated at historical cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Depreciation and amortization expense of long-lived assets is included in either cost of revenue or selling, general and administrative expenses, as
appropriate. Property and equipment consists of the following and depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated
useful lives:
Electronic equipment
Office equipment & Furniture
Motor vehicles
Leasehold improvement
(n) Intangible assets, net
3 - 5 years
3 - 5 years
3 - 5 years
Shorter of the lease term or expected useful life
Acquired intangible assets other than goodwill consist of trade name, student base and customer relationship, school cooperation agreements, non-
compete agreement and license which are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization and impairment. Intangible assets with finite lives are
amortized over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of an intangible asset is the period over which the asset is expected to
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contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows. The amortization periods by intangible asset classes are as follows:
Trade name
Student base and customer relationship
School cooperation agreements
Non-compete agreements
Software
License
(o) Impairment of long-lived assets
10 - 20 years
3 - 9 years
5 years
3 years
5 years
3 years
The Group evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets with determinable useful lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Group measures the carrying amount of long-lived asset against the estimated undiscounted
future cash flows associated with it. An impairment charge is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the
use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from the disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset net of other
liabilities. The evaluation of asset impairment requires the Group to make assumptions about future cash flows over the life of the asset being
evaluated. These assumptions require judgment and actual results may differ from assumed and estimated amounts. The Group recognized
RMB764, nil and RMB7,871 (US$1,248) impairment loss of property and equipment during the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021
and 2022. The Group recognized RMB30,804, nil and RMB2,255 (US$357) impairment loss on intangible assets during the years ended February
29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022.
(p) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. Several factors give rise to
goodwill in our acquisitions, such as the expected benefit from synergies of the combinations and the existing workforce of the acquired businesses.
Goodwill is assessed annually for impairment (February 28 or 29 for the Group), or if indicator noted for goodwill impairment. The Group evaluates
its goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment in accordance with
ASC Topic 350. The Group used to have two reporting units and goodwill generated from acquisitions in fiscal year 2017 and 2019 was allocated to
two reporting units: Fantasy reporting unit and Four Seasons Education reporting unit, respectively as of February 29, 2020. During the year ended
February 28, 2021, the Group conducted an organizational restructure which resulted in only one reporting unit. All goodwill generated from
acquisitions was allocated to the one reporting unit: Four Seasons Education reporting unit as of February 28, 2021 and 2022.
In the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, the Group may perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair
value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is not, no further analysis is required. If it is, the quantitative impairment test is
performed.
Starting from March 1, 2019, the Group adopted ASU No. 2017-04, simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the accounting
for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, if the fair value of a reporting unit
exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying
value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss
recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. When determining the fair value of each reporting unit,
the Group uses discounted cash flow model that includes a number of significant unobservable inputs. Key assumptions used to determine the
estimated fair value include: (a) internal cash flows forecasts including expected revenue growth, operating margins and estimated capital needs, (b)
an estimated terminal value using a
F-20
terminal year long-term future growth rate determined based on the growth prospects of the reporting units; and (c) a discount rate that reflects the
weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with each reporting unit’s operation and the uncertainty inherent in the
Group’s internally developed forecast.
Based on the results of goodwill impairment tests, the Group recognized RMB114,612, nil and RMB42,307 (US$6,707) impairment loss on
goodwill during the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
(q) Revenue recognition
The Group derives substantially all of its revenue from after-school education tutoring services provided to kindergarten, elementary and middle
school students and revenue is recognized proportionately over time as the tutoring sessions are delivered. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic,
the Group began to offer online courses to students who elected to remain enrolled in the programs from the early of year 2021. The Group
recognizes revenue proportionately over the term of the online tutoring sessions delivered. Despite of the recovery of offline courses since June 1,
2020, the Group continued to offer online courses as a supplement to offline courses. RMB19,011, RMB90,421 and RMB30,435 (US$4,825) of the
online course revenue are recognized for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022. The Group recognizes application fees
and material fees charged at a point in time, of which the amounts are insignificant for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and
2022.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table represents disaggregation of Group's revenue from contracts with customers by main education programs for the years ended.
The Group's revenue is reported net of value added taxes and surcharges.
2020
For the Year Ended February 28 or 29
2021
2022
RMB
%
RMB
%
RMB
USD
Elementary school
Middle school
Special programs and others
Less: sales tax
Total
300,278
52,107
38,298
1,634
389,049
77.2
13.4
9.8
0.4
100.0
207,720
50,902
21,714
54
280,282
74.1
18.2
7.7
0.0
100.0
165,436
59,865
25,706
784
250,223
26,225
9,490
4,074
124
39,665
Elementary school/middle school The Group offers expertly designed courses for students of different aptitude levels for each elementary school
grade level as well as middle school.
Special programs and others Special programs and others mainly include of courses provided to students in kindergarten, the provision of training,
staff outsourcing services and short-term, intensive workshops.
Each contract represents a series of distinct services, which is delivery of various courses. The services have substantially the same pattern of
transfer to the students, as such, they are considered as a single performance obligation. The transaction price is stated in the contract and known at
the time of contract inception. The tuition fees are generally collected in advance and are initially recorded as deferred revenue. There is no variable
considerations in the contracts with customers, except that the Group offers certain refunds for the programs for elementary and middle school
students. These refunds were offered for any unattended classes to students who decided to withdraw from a course, and for tuition fees received in
advance for offline courses that were cancelled due to COVID-19 and were subjected to refund at the option of the customer. The Group estimates
the refund liability based on historical refund rates on a portfolio basis using the expected value method. Reclassification was made from deferred
revenue to refund liabilities, which is recorded under accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, for tuitions
collected that are expected to be refunded to the customers in the future. The Group estimated the refund liability of RMB16,208 and RMB664
(US$105) as of February 28, 2021 and 2022.
F-21
In some promotion activities, the Group grants cash coupon to students who make qualified course purchases. Those students can redeem the cash
coupon in the next purchase as part of payment prior to the incentive’s expiration. The Group determined the cash coupon granted to existing
students are material rights. As a result, a portion of sales price received on students making qualified purchases is allocated to the sales incentives
granted based on the relative standalone selling prices. The selling price of cash coupon is estimated based on the discount amount and the
probability of redemption. Revenue allocated to sales incentives is recorded as deferred revenue until redemption or expiration. Once the coupon is
redeemed, revenue will be recognized based on the revenue recognition policy discussed above. Students may not always redeem cash coupon
before the expiration of the sales incentive. Therefore, the Group expects to be entitled to a breakage amount in deferred revenue related to the
incentives. The Group estimates the breakage based on historical students’ usage and recognizes the estimated breakage as revenue in proportion to
the pattern of incentives exercised by students. The assessment of estimating breakage is updated on a quarterly basis. Changes in estimated
breakage is accounted for by adjusting deferred revenue to reflect the remaining incentive rights expected to be exercised. Historically, the estimated
breakage has not been significantly changed and the amount related to the sales incentives is not material.
Contract balance
Contract assets primarily relate to the Group’s rights to consideration for the cooperation with other learning centers and K-12 school course
delivery performed but not billed at the reporting date. The contract assets are transferred to the receivables when the rights become unconditional.
Contract assets were nil as of February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively. All accounts receivable and contract asset amounts are classified as current.
The Group classifies contract liabilities as deferred revenue. For the years ended February 28, 2021 and 2022, RMB71,946 and RMB75,242 (US$
11,927) of revenue are recognized from the beginning balance of contract liabilities as of March 1, 2020 and 2021. The contract liabilities were
RMB75,242 and RMB6,492 (US$1,029) as of February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively. The difference between the opening and closing balances
of the Group's contract liabilities primarily results from the timing difference between the Group's satisfaction of performance obligation and the
customer's payment, and the disposal of deferred revenue due to the ceased offering K9 Academic AST services in December 2021 (Note 13).
Practical expedients and exemptions
The Group has applied the new revenue standard requirements to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) with similar characteristics
for transactions where it is expected that the effects on the financial statements of applying the revenue recognition guidance to the portfolio would
not differ materially from applying this guidance to the individual contracts (or performance obligations) within that portfolio. Therefore, the Group
elects the portfolio approach in applying the new revenue guidance.
The Group has elected to record the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that
the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less.
The Group has elected to apply the invoice practical expedient to recognize revenue in the amount to which the Group has a right to invoice, given
the Group has a right to consideration from a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Group's services
completed to date.
(r) Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue consists of the following:
•
•
•
•
Staff costs, which primarily consist of teaching salaries and other benefits for the teachers,
Rental, utilities and maintenance costs for the learning centers,
Education expenses, which primarily consist of expenses related to educational activities, including teaching material expenses, student
activity expenses and platform and service charges for online course, and
Amortization of leasehold improvement of learning centers.
F-22
(s) Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of marketing and promotional expenses, salaries and benefits expenses related to the Group’s sales
and marketing personnel and other expenses related to the Group’s sales and marketing team. Advertising expenses primarily consist of cost of
funding payments for the promotion of corporate image and product marketing. The Group expenses all advertising costs as incurred and classifies
these costs under sales and marketing expenses. For the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022, the advertising expenses were
RMB25,943, RMB25,486 and RMB15,579 (US$2,470), respectively.
(t) Leases
The Group adopted Topic 842 on March 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition approach allowed under ASU 2018-11, without
adjusting the comparative periods presented. The Group elected the practical expedients under ASU 2016-02 which includes the use of hindsight in
determining the lease term and the practical expedient package to not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, to not
reassess the classification of any expired or existing leases, and to not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases.
The Group has lease contracts mainly for offices and learning centers in different cities in the PRC under operating leases. The Group determines
whether an arrangement constitutes a lease and records lease liabilities and right-of-use assets on its consolidated balance sheets at lease
commencement. The Group measures its lease liabilities based on the present value of the total lease payments not yet paid discounted based on the
more readily determinable of the rate implicit in the lease or its incremental borrowing rate. As its leases do not provide an implicit borrowing rate,
the Group uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the estimated rate of interest for collateralized borrowing over a similar term of the lease
payments at the commencement date. The Group measures right-of-use assets based on the corresponding lease liability adjusted for payments made
to the lessor at or before the commencement date, and initial direct costs it incurs under the lease. The Group’s leases have lease terms of up to
fifteen years, which includes lessee options to extend the lease, only to the extent it is reasonably certain that the Group will exercise such extension
options. The Group begins recognizing lease expense when the lessor makes the underlying asset available to the Group. Lease expense for fixed
lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Additionally, the Group elected not to recognize leases with lease terms of
12 months or less at the commencement date. Lease payments on short-term leases are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the
lease term, not included in lease liabilities. Noncash lease expense are used as the noncash add-back for the amortization of the right-of use assets to
the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Group’s lease agreements do not contain any significant residual value
guarantees or restricted covenants.
The Group evaluates the carrying value of right-of-use assets, including the operating lease obligation of the asset group if there are indicators of
impairment and reviews the recoverability of the related asset group. If the carrying value of the asset group determined to not be recoverable and is
in excess of the estimated fair value, the Group records an impairment loss in the consolidated statement of operations. Based on the impairment
assessments of the right-of-use assets, the Group recognized impairments of RMB800, nil and nil related to the write-down of value of certain
operating lease right-of-use assets during the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
(u) Government subsidies
The Group recognizes government subsidies as subsidy income when they are received because they are not subject to any past or future conditions,
performance conditions or conditions of use, and they are not subject to future refunds. Government subsidies received and recognized as subsidy
income totaled RMB9,572, RMB11,898 and RMB2,298 (US$364) for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
F-23
(v) Income taxes
Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable to the Group as enacted by the relevant taxing
authorities. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary
differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Net operating losses are carried
forward and credited by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years when the reported amounts of the asset or liability are
expected to be recovered or settled, respectively. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, based upon the weight of available
evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The components of the deferred tax assets
and liabilities are individually classified as non-current.
The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return is recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be
sustained upon audit by the relevant tax authorities. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of
being sustained. Interest and penalties on income taxes will be classified as a component of the provisions for income taxes.
(w) Employee benefits
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognized as an employee benefit expense in profit or loss in the period
during which services are rendered by employees. Pursuant to the relevant labor rules and regulations in the PRC, the Group participates in defined
contribution retirement schemes organized by the relevant local government authorities for its eligible employees whereby the Group is required to
make contributions to the Schemes at certain percentages of the deemed salary rate announced annually by the local government authorities.
The Group has no other material obligation for payment of pension benefits associated with those schemes beyond the annual contributions
described above.
(x) Share-based compensation
Share-based payment transactions with employees are measured based on the grant date fair value of the equity instrument issued and recognized as
compensation expense adjusted for forfeiture effect on a straight-line basis, over the requisite service period, with a corresponding impact reflected
in additional paid-in capital.
The expected term represents the period that share-based awards are expected to be outstanding, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the
share-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee exercise behavior. Volatility is estimated based on annualized standard
deviation of daily stock price return of comparable companies for the period before valuation date and with similar span as the expected expiration
term. The Group accounts for forfeitures of the share-based awards when they occur. Previously recognized compensation cost for the awards is
reversed in the period that the award is forfeited. Amortization of share-based compensation is presented in the same line item in the consolidated
statements of operations as the cash compensation of those employees receiving the award.
(y) Non-controlling interests
A non-controlling interest in a subsidiary of the Group represents the portion of the equity (net assets) in the subsidiary not directly or indirectly
attributable to the Group. Non-controlling interests are presented as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet and earnings
and other comprehensive income (loss) are attributed to controlling and non-controlling interests.
(z) Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. For the
years presented, total comprehensive loss included net loss and foreign currency translation adjustments.
F-24
(aa) Loss per share
Basic loss per share are computed by dividing net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares by the weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding during the period.
Diluted loss per ordinary share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue ordinary shares were exercised
or converted into ordinary shares. Ordinary share equivalents are excluded from the computation in income periods should their effects be anti-
dilutive. The Group had share options, which could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future.
(ab) Treasury shares
Treasury shares represents ordinary shares repurchased by the Group that are no longer outstanding and are held by the Group. Treasury shares is
accounted for under the cost method. Under this method, repurchase of ordinary shares was recorded as treasury shares at historical purchase price.
At retirement, the ordinary shares account is charged only for the aggregate par value of the shares. The excess of the acquisition cost of treasury
shares over the aggregate par value is allocated between additional paid-in capital (up to the amount credited to the additional paid-in capital upon
original issuance of the shares) and retained earnings.
(ac) Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government
Assistance. This update requires certain annual disclosures about transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or
contribution accounting model by analogy. This update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and early application is
permitted. This guidance should be applied either prospectively to all transactions that are reflected in financial statements at the date of initial
application and new transactions that are entered into after the date of initial application or retrospectively to those transactions. The Group is
currently evaluating the impact on the consolidated financial statements of adopting this guidance.
3. BUSINESS COMBINATION
Business combinations during the year ended February 28, 2021:
On February 7, 2018, the Group acquired 50% equity interest of Shanghai Huashi Dongfang Digital Publishing Co., Ltd. ("Huashi Dongfang") for a
total consideration of RMB1,300. The Group accounted for the investment under equity-method as the Group has the ability to exert significant
influence. The Group recognized investment loss of RMB25 and RMB5 in loss from equity method investments for the years ended February 29,
2020 and February 28, 2021, respectively. On April 22, 2020 the Group acquired another 19.97% equity interest of Huashi Dongfang for a total
consideration of RMB1,330. Both were fully paid as of February 28, 2021. As a result of these transactions, the Group obtained control in this entity
and therefore accounted for these transactions as step acquisition. The goodwill and non-controlling interests acquired from the acquisition were
RMB1,804 and RMB1,174, respectively. Pro forma results of operations for this acquisition have not been presented as they are not material to the
Group’s consolidated results.
On September 1, 2020, the Group acquired 80% equity interest of Shanghai Jiahe International Travel Service Co., Ltd. ("Jiahe") for a total
consideration of RMB800 which was fully paid as of February 28, 2021. The intangible assets and non-controlling interests acquired from the
acquisition were RMB302 and RMB200, respectively. Pro forma results of operations for this acquisition have not been presented as they are not
material to the Group’s consolidated results.
F-25
Revenue and net loss of Huashi Dongfang and Jiahe aggregately included in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended February
28, 2021 were RMB213 and RMB258, respectively. The transaction cost for the acquisitions of Huashi Dongfang and Jiahe was immaterial.
Business combinations during the year ended February 28, 2022:
On July 1, 2020, the Group acquired 40% equity interest of Shanghai Jing’an Four Seasons Bridge Club (“Bridge Club”) for a consideration of
RMB200, and accounted the investment under equity method as the Group has the ability to exert significant influence. On March 1, 2021, the
Company acquired another 30% equity interest of Bridge Club for a consideration of RMB600. As a result of these transactions, the Group obtained
the control in Bridge Club and accounted for these transactions as step acquisition. The goodwill and non-controlling interests acquired were
RMB589 and RMB11, respectively. Pro forma results of operations for this acquisition have not been presented as they are not material to the
Group’s consolidated results.
Four Seasons Online Education (Cayman) Inc. (“FSOL”, a related party of the Group) provides online math tutoring services, namely “52 Math”, to
young children in small class, which aim to improve the comprehensive math capacities of young children. On May 1, 2021, the Group acquired the
“52 Math” business from FSOL assuming the entity’s liabilities without obtaining its assets, which included all the teachers, students, management
and sales team, the administrative information of customers of the “52 Math” business. No other form of considerations were paid. No other form of
considerations were paid. The Group accounted for the acquisition using the purchase method of accounting under ASC 805, Business
Combinations. The fair value of net liabilities acquired was RMB4,751, which was the unconsummated tuition fee received in advance by FSOL
and assumed by the Group as of the acquisition date. The Group recognized goodwill of RMB4,751. The business combination did not have a
material impact on the Group’s consolidated statements of operations and therefore pro forma disclosure have not been presented.
4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net, consisted of the followings:
Leasehold improvement
Motor vehicles
Electronic equipment
Office equipment & furniture
Construction in progress
Total
Less: accumulated depreciation
Property and equipment, net
February 28,
2021
RMB
As of
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
41,029
2,819
5,281
7,071
729
56,929
41,125
15,804
5,283
2,892
2,368
1,206
5,101
16,850
8,207
8,643
837
458
375
191
810
2,671
1,301
1,370
For the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022, depreciation expenses were RMB15,424, RMB13,754 and RMB8,458
(US$1,341), respectively.
The Group recorded impairment loss for property and equipment of RMB7,871 (US$1,248) for the year ended February 28, 2022, which arose as a
result of the changes in the regulatory environment and the Business Restructuring.
5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
F-26
Intangible assets, net, consisted of the following:
Trade name
Student base and customer relationship
School cooperation agreements
Non-compete agreements
Purchased software
License
Total
Less: accumulated amortization
Intangible assets, net
February 28,
2021
RMB
As of
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
4,000
5,940
1,000
440
322
302
12,004
4,886
7,118
4,000
2,200
1,000
440
442
302
8,384
5,119
3,265
634
349
159
70
70
48
1,330
812
518
For the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022, amortization expenses were RMB4,328, RMB1,949 and RMB1,719 (US$272),
respectively. As of February 28, 2022, estimated amortization expense of the existing intangible assets for each of the next five years ending
February 28, 2027 and thereafter is RMB789, RMB614, RMB424, RMB424, RMB414 and RMB600.
The Group recorded impairment loss for intangible assets of RMB30,804, nil and RMB2,255 (US$357) for the years ended February 29, 2020,
February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively. The impairment loss for the year ended February 29, 2020 arose from the adverse impact that COVID-19
has had on the Group's operation forecast attributable to the intangible assets acquired in business combination in the fiscal year 2020. The
impairment loss for the year ended February 28, 2022 arose as a result of the changes in the regulatory environment and the Business Restructuring.
6. GOODWILL
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended February 28, 2021 and 2022 consisted of the following:
Balance at beginning of the year
Goodwill acquired during the year (Note 3)
Impairment losses
Balance at ending of the year
February 28,
2021
RMB
As of
RMB
February 28,
2022
USD
35,163
1,804
—
36,967
36,967
5,340
(42,307 )
—
5,860
847
(6,707 )
—
During the year ended February 28, 2022, the Group has one reporting unit: Four Seasons Education reporting unit, which was defined upon the
contents of tutoring services provided, the production process and methods used to deliver service and operating system. The Group performed
qualitative assessment for the reporting unit and considers primary factors such as industry and market considerations, overall financial performance
of the reporting unit, and other specific information related to the operations.
No impairment of goodwill was recorded for the year ended February 28, 2021. For the year ended February 28, 2022, the Group recorded
impairment for goodwill of RMB42,307 (US$6,707) as the Group ceased offering K9 Academic AST services. As of February 28, 2021, the
goodwill was RMB152,136 and accumulated impairment loss was RMB115,169. As of February 28, 2022, the goodwill and accumulated
impairment loss was RMB157,476 (US$24,963).
F-27
7. LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS, NET
The investments as of February 28, 2021 and 2022were as follows:
Equity-method investments:
- FSOL
- Shanghai Yanjin Information Technology Co., Ltd. ("VIP Sing")
- Others
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values:
- Huangshan Xingyue Research Travel Education Co., Ltd.
(“Huangshan”)
- Nanjing Chengwei Venture Capital Partnership (Limited
Partnership) (“Chengwei”)
Total
February 28,
2021
RMB
As of
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
34,892
1,774
118
—
—
36,784
—
—
—
500
13,500
14,000
—
—
—
79
2,140
2,219
The Group purchased 2,564,103 Series B preferred shares and 1,923,077 Series B-2 preferred shares of FSOL in March and April 2020,
respectively, with the total cash consideration of US$5,833 to acquire approximately 35.77% of FSOL. The Group accounted for the investment in
FSOL under equity-method as the preferred shares were deemed in-substance common stocks and the Group has the ability to exert significant
influence. The Group recognized investment loss of RMB2,857 in loss from equity method investments in fiscal year 2021, and RMB460 (US$73)
income from equity method investments in fiscal year 2022. The investment was fully impaired for RMB35,332(US$5,601) in fiscal year 2022.
The Group purchased 8.1% equity interest of Shanghai Yanjin Information Technology Co., Ltd. ("VIP Sing") in May 2020 with cash consideration
of RMB3,000. The Group accounted for the investment in VIP Sing under equity-method as the Group has the ability to exert significant influence
through the board seat held by the Group. The Group recognized investment loss of RMB1,226 and RMB1,522(US$241) in loss from equity method
investments in fiscal year 2021 and 2022. The investment was fully impaired for RMB252(US$40) in fiscal year 2022.
In January 2022, the Group purchased 15% equity interest of Huangshan with consideration of RMB500. In December 2021 and February 2022, the
Group paid considerations of RMB 4,500 and RMB9,000 to purchase equity interest of Chengwei, and the equity interest held by the Group as of
February 28, 2022 was 4.08%. The Group also committed to provide further capital investment to Chengwei of RMB31,500 (US$4,993) when
requested by Chengwei in future. The Group accounted the investment in Huangshan and Chengwei under equity investments without readily
determinable fair values method as the Group had no significant influence over the investee and Huangshan and Chengwei had no readily
determinable fair value
8. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
Accrued employee payroll and welfare benefits
Payable for funding commitments (1)
Default payable (2)
Other taxes payable (3)
Professional service fee payable
Refund liabilities
Others
Total
February 28,
2021
RMB
As of
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
10,407
45,000
—
2,489
3,043
16,208
9,800
86,947
5,620
45,000
4,634
1,287
1,533
664
9,551
68,289
891
7,133
735
204
243
105
1,514
10,825
F-28
(1) As of February 28, 2021 and 2022, RMB45,000 and RMB45,000 (US$7,133) have been accrued as marketing expenses, respectively, according
to the funding commitment with Shanghai East Normal University Education Development Fund for public welfare purpose.
(2) Default payable represents payable for the early terminated lease contracts.
(3) Other taxes payable consists of value added tax payable, withholding individual tax payable and other tax payable.
9. TREASURY SHARES
Treasury shares represent shares repurchased by the Group that are no longer outstanding and are held by the Group. Under the repurchase plan, the
Group had repurchased an aggregate of 970,788 and 1,892,389 ordinary shares on the open market for a total cash consideration of RMB27,899 and
RMB27,795 (US$4,406) during the year ended February 29, 2020 and the year ended February 28, 2022, which were accounted for as the cost of
the treasury shares.
10. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The following table presents the classification of the Group’s share-based compensation expenses:
General and administrative expenses
Sales and marketing expenses
Total share-based compensation
For the year ended
February 29,
2020
RMB
February 28,
2021
RMB
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
28,784
2,074
30,858
26,822
691
27,513
8,817
185
9,002
1,398
29
1,427
In June 2015, The Company’s shareholders adopted a share incentive plan ("2015 Option Plan"). In March 2017, The Company’s shareholders
adopted another share incentive plan ("2017 Option Plan"). The Company’s shareholders have authorized the issuance of up to 4,201,330 ordinary
shares underlying all options (including incentive share options, or ISOs), restricted shares and restricted share units granted to a participant under
the 2015 Option Plan and 2017 Option Plan.
On January 22, 2019, the Company modified the exercise price to US$4.6 for a total number of 460,000 share options previously granted to
independent directors, executive officers and employees on July 3, 2018. All other terms of the share options granted remain unchanged. The
modification resulted in an incremental compensation cost of RMB3,967, of which RMB127 was recognized as compensation expenses during the
year ended February 28, 2019. The remaining RMB3,840 will be amortized over the remaining vesting period of the modified options.
On June 30, 2019 and February 17, 2020, the Company granted 360,000 and 80,000 share options to employees at the weighted average grant date
fair value of RMB10.46 and RMB10.03 per share, respectively. Options have a ten-year life and vest ratably at each grant date anniversary over a
period of four years.
On February 5, 2021, the Company granted 860,000 share options to our directors, executive officers and employees at the weighted average grant
date fair value of RMB13.24 per share. Options have a ten-year life and vest ratably at each grant date anniversary over a period of four years.
The Group used the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of the options granted during the
year ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2021 with reference to the closing price of the Company on the measurement dates.
F-29
Average risk-free rate of interest
Estimated volatility rate
Dividend yield
Life of options
For the year ended
February 29,
2020
February 28,
2021
1.5%~2.0%
43.7%~45.8%
0 %
10 years
1.2 %
53.0 %
0 %
10 years
The risk-free rate of interest is based on the US Treasury yield curve as of valuation date. Volatility is estimated based on annualized standard
deviation of daily stock price return of comparable companies for the period before valuation date and with similar span as the expected expiration
term.
A summary of the aggregate option activity and information regarding options outstanding as of February 28, 2022 is as follows:
Options outstanding on March 1, 2021
Granted
Forfeited
Expired
Exercised
Options outstanding on February 28, 2022
Options vested or expected to vest on
February 28, 2022
Options exercisable on February 28, 2022
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
RMB
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contract
Life
Years
Number of
Options
(in 000s)
4,090
—
(122 )
(70 )
—
3,898
3,898
3,114
14.96
—
27.12
19.91
—
14.49
14.49
13.32
6.94
—
8.44
5.43
—
5.91
5.91
5.22
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
RMB
29,428
For years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022, the Group recognized share-based compensation expense of RMB30,858,
RMB27,513 and RMB9,002 (US$1,427), respectively. As of February 28, 2022, there was RMB9,307 (US$1,475) in total unrecognized
compensation cost related to non-vested share options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.72 years.
11. INCOME TAXES
Income tax expenses consist of the following:
Current income tax expense:
PRC
Deferred income tax expense:
PRC
Total income tax expense
Cayman Islands
For the year ended
February 29,
2020
RMB
February 28,
2021
RMB
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
16,865
8,030
7,407
(12,676 )
4,189
(3,270 )
4,760
14,436
21,843
1,175
2,288
3,463
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, Four Seasons
Education (Cayman) Inc. is not subject to income or capital gains taxes. In addition, dividend payments are not subject to withholdings tax in the
Cayman Islands.
F-30
Hong Kong
Under the current Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance, the Group’s subsidiary, Four Seasons Education (Hong Kong) Limited, which domiciled
in Hong Kong, has introduced a two-tiered profits tax rate regime which is applicable to any year of assessment commencing on or after April 1,
2018. The profits tax rate for the first HK dollar 2,000 of profits of corporations will be lowered to 8.25%, while profits above that amount will
continue to be subject to the tax rate of 16.5%. Additionally, payments of dividends by the subsidiary incorporated in Hong Kong to the Company
are not subject to any Hong Kong withholding tax. No provision for Hong Kong Profits tax has been made in the consolidated financial statements
as it has no assessable income for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022.
PRC
Under the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT Law”), the Group’s subsidiaries and VIEs incorporated in the
PRC are subject to statutory rate of 25%with the following exceptions.
According to the approval obtained from Tax Bureau during the year ended February 29, 2020, Shanghai Fuxi applied and was qualified as
"Software Enterprise" and therefore it was entitled to the exemption from EIT for calendar year 2018. As a result, previously accrued income tax
expenses of RMB6,118 were reversed in the year ended February 29, 2020. The statutory income tax rate of 25% was applied by Shanghai Fuxi
from calendar year 2019. Certain entities within the Group are qualified as small low-profit enterprises. For the years ended February 29, 2020 and
February 28, 2021, the portion of annual taxable income amount of a small low-profit enterprises which does not exceed RMB1 million shall be
computed at a reduced rate of 25% as taxable income amount, and be subject to enterprise income tax at 20% tax rate; the portion of annual taxable
income amount which exceeds RMB1 million but does not exceed RMB3 million shall be computed at a reduced rate of 50% as taxable income
amount, and be subject to enterprise income tax at 20% tax rate. For the year ended February 28, 2022, the portion of annual taxable income amount
of a small low-profit enterprises which does not exceed RMB1 million shall be computed at a reduced rate of 12.5% as taxable income amount, and
be subject to enterprise income tax at 20% tax rate; the portion of annual taxable income amount which exceeds RMB1 million but does not exceed
RMB3 million shall be computed at a reduced rate of 50% as taxable income amount, and be subject to enterprise income tax at 20% tax rate.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry-forward
Advertising expenses
Rental
Accrued expenses
Property and equipment, net
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Less: valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets
Right-of-use asset
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets
February 28,
2021
RMB
As of
RMB
February 28,
2022
USD
4,440
3,019
2,701
12,048
102
244
(6,301 )
16,253
1,673
—
1,673
14,580
7,054
5,535
2,128
13,168
119
2,318
(27,368 )
2,954
725
2,085
2,810
144
1,118
879
337
2,087
19
367
(4,338 )
469
115
331
446
23
The Group considers positive and negative evidence to determine whether some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will more likely than not be
realized. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of recent losses, forecasts of future profitability, the
duration of statutory carryforward periods, the Group’s experience with tax attributes expiring unused and tax planning alternatives. Valuation
F-31
allowances have been established for deferred tax assets based on a more likely than not threshold. The Group’s ability to realize deferred tax assets
depends on its ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryforward periods provided for in the tax law. Movement of the valuation
allowance is as follows:
Balance at the beginning of the year
Provided
Written off
Balance at the end of the year
February 28,
2021
RMB
As of
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
(3,064 )
(3,733 )
496
(6,301 )
(6,301 )
(23,079 )
2,012
(27,368 )
(999 )
(3,658 )
319
(4,338 )
As of February 28, 2022, PRC tax loss carry-forward amounted to RMB58,194 (US$9,225), and would expire from calendar year 2023 to 2027,
respectively. HK tax loss carry-forward amounted to RMB4,540 (US$720) can be carried forward indefinitely. The Group does not file consolidated
tax returns, therefore, losses from individual subsidiaries or the VIEs may not be used to offset other subsidiaries’ or VIEs’ earnings within the
Group. Valuation allowance is considered on each individual subsidiary and VIE basis. A valuation allowance of RMB27,368 (US$4,338) had been
established as of February 28, 2022, in respect of certain deferred tax assets as it is considered more likely than not that the relevant deferred tax
assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future.
Uncertainties exist with respect to how the current income tax law in the PRC applies to the Group’s overall operations, and more specifically, with
regard to tax residency status. The EIT Law includes a provision specifying that legal entities organized outside of the PRC will be considered
residents for Chinese Income tax purposes if the place of effective management or control is within the PRC. The implementation rules to the EIT
Law provide that non-resident legal entities will be considered PRC residents if substantial and overall management and control over the
manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting and properties, occurs within the PRC. Despite the present uncertainties resulting
from the limited PRC tax guidance on the issue, the Group does not believe that the legal entities organized outside of the PRC within the Group
should be treated as residents for EIT law purposes. If the PRC tax authorities subsequently determine that the Company and its subsidiaries
registered outside the PRC should be deemed resident enterprises, the Company and its subsidiaries registered outside the PRC will be subject to the
PRC income taxes, at a statutory income tax rate of 25%. The Group is not subject to any other uncertain tax position.
The Company did not accrue any liability, interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its provision for income taxes line of its
consolidated statements of income for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022. The Company does not expect that its
assessment regarding unrecognized tax positions will materially change over the next 12 months.
According to PRC Tax Administration and Collection Law, the statute of limitations is three years if the underpayment of taxes is due to
computational errors made by the taxpayer or withholding agent. The statute of limitations will be extended five years under special circumstances,
which are not clearly defined (but an underpayment of tax liability exceeding RMB0.1 million is specifically listed as a special circumstance). In the
case of a related party transaction, the statute of limitations is ten years. There is no statute of limitations in the case of tax evasion.
F-32
In accordance with the EIT Law, dividends, which arise from profits of foreign invested enterprises (“FIEs”) earned after January 1, 2008, are
subject to a 10% withholding income tax. In addition, under tax treaty between the PRC and Hong Kong, if the foreign investor is incorporated in
Hong Kong and qualifies as the beneficial owner, the applicable withholding tax rate is reduced to 5%, if the investor holds at least 25% in the FIE,
or 10%, if the investor holds less than 25% in the FIE. A deferred tax liability should be recognized for the undistributed profits of PRC subsidiaries
unless the Company has sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the undistributed dividends will be reinvested and the remittance of the dividends
will be postponed indefinitely. The Group plans to indefinitely reinvest undistributed profits earned from its China subsidiaries in its operations in
the PRC. Therefore, no withholding income taxes for undistributed profits of the Group’s subsidiaries have been provided as of February 28, 2021
and 2022.
A deferred tax liability should be recorded for taxable temporary differences attributable to the excess of financial reporting amounts over tax basis
amounts, including those differences attributable to a more than 50% interest in a domestic subsidiary. However, recognition is not required in
situations where the tax law provides a means by which the reported amount of that investment can be recovered tax-free and the enterprise expects
that it will ultimately use that means. The Group completed its feasibility analysis on a method, which the Group will ultimately execute if necessary
to repatriate the undistributed earnings of the VIE without significant tax costs. As such, the Group does not accrue deferred tax liabilities on the
earnings of the VIE given that the Group will ultimately use the means.
Reconciliations of the differences between PRC statutory income tax rate and the Group’s effective income tax rate for the years ended February 29,
2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022 are as follows:
Statutory income tax rate
Non-deductible expenses
Effect of preferential tax rate
Effect of different tax rate of subsidiary
operation in other jurisdiction
Effect of valuation allowance
Effective tax rate
February 29,
2020
For the year ended
February 28,
2021
February 28,
2022
25 %
(36 %)
6 %
2 %
(1 %)
(4 %)
25 %
(32 %)
8 %
(7 %)
(19 %)
(25 %)
25 %
(12 %)
(5 %)
(6 %)
(38 %)
(36 %)
For the year ended February 29, 2020 and February 28, 2022, the non-deductible expense is mainly due to goodwill impairment.
12. LOSS PER SHARE
Net loss per share was computed by dividing net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022:
Net loss attributable to ordinary
shareholders-basic and diluted
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding-basic and diluted
Basic and diluted -net loss per share
For the year ended
February 29,
2020
RMB
February 28,
2021
RMB
February 28,
2022
RMB
USD
(109,493 )
(28,196 )
(113,462 )
(17,987 )
23,668,916
(4.63 )
23,131,195
(1.22 )
22,491,122
(5.04 )
22,491,122
(0.80 )
F-33
As of February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022, diluted net loss per share does not include the following instruments as their inclusion would
be antidilutive:
Share options
February 29,
2020
3,490,109
For the year ended
February 28,
2021
4,090,109
February 28,
2022
3,897,609
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The table below sets forth the major related parties and their relationships with the Group:
Name of related parties
Relationship with the group
FSOL
Shanghai Fuxi Network Co., Ltd.
("Fuxi Network")
VIP Sing
Jiaxin Travel
Dangdai
Shanghai Zhendou Technology Co., Ltd.
("Zhendou")
Huangshan Culture Investment Group Co., Ltd.
("Huangshan Culture")
Ju Yiming, Liu Wei, Shen Yalin, Yang Huining,
Ma Lichao, Yang Hongguan and Song Ping
Equity method investee of the Group
Equity method investee of the Group
Equity method investee of the Group
Entity controlled by Tian Peihua, brother of Tian Peiqing,
Chairman of the Group
Entity ultimately controlled by Tian Peihua, brother of Tian Peiqing, Chairman
of the Group
Equity method investee of the Group
Non-controlling interest shareholder of
VIE's subsidiary
Non-controlling interest shareholders of
VIE's subsidiaries
The Group entered into the following transactions with its related parties:
Services provided to related parties
Fuxi Network
Total
Purchases of services provided by related parties
Fuxi Network
Others
Total
Lease expense to Huangshan Culture
Total
(1)
Gain from disposal of liabilities and a subsidiary
Total
(2)
For the year ended
February 29
2020
RMB
February 28
2021
RMB
February 28
2022
RMB
USD
3,436
3,436
1,702
—
1,702
53
53
— —
—
2,476
2,476
3,525
246
3,771
108
108
—
—
949
949
—
—
—
108
108
4,048
4,048
150
150
—
—
—
17
17
642
642
(1) In September 2019, the Group entered into two lease contracts with Huangshan Culture Investment Group Co., Ltd., non-controlling interest
shareholder of Huangshan Four Seasons Research and Learning Education Development Co., Ltd. The Group recognized an operating lease
right-of-use asset of RMB189 and RMB88 (US$14), and operating lease liability of RMB141 and RMB40 (US$6) as of February 28, 2021
and 2022, respectively. The operating lease expenses was RMB53, RMB108 and RMB108 (US$17) for the years ended February 29, 2020,
February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
(2) Due to the change in regulations, the Group ceased offering K9 Academic AST services at the end of 2021. The Group disposed the deferred
revenue related to K9 Academic AST services that it received in advance from the students for the unconsummated lessons to Jiaxin Travel’s
sponsored not-for profit entities with a consideration at RMB7,500. After disposal, all the rights and obligations related to the contracts of
unconsummated lessons were transferred to Jiaxin Travel. The Group recognized gain of RMB 835 (US$133) from the transaction.
F-34
In December 2021, the Group disposed its entire equity interest in Shanghai Jing’an Dangdai Art Training School (“Dangdai”) to Jiaxin Travel. No
other form of consideration was received. The disposal was effected by the change of sponsor of Dangdai on December 31, 2021. Dangdai
was in a net liability position at the time of disposal, and Jiaxin assumed all its liabilities, which led to the group recognizing a gain on
disposal of RMB3,213(US$509). The disposal was not a strategic shift of the business and would not have a major impact on the Group’s
business, therefore the disposal did not qualify as discontinued operations.
The following tables present amounts due from and to related parties as of February 28, 2021 and 2022:
Amounts due from related parties
(1)
(1)
Jiaxin Travel
Dangdai
Non-controlling interest shareholders of
(2)
VIE's subsidiaries
Total
Amounts due to related parties
Non-controlling interest shareholders of
(3)
VIE's subsidiaries
Others
Total
2021
RMB
As of February28,
2022
RMB
USD
—
—
—
—
1,390
105
1,495
948
1,998
588
3,534
723
160
883
150
317
93
560
115
25
140
(1) The amount represents the refund of tuition fee on behalf of Jiaxin Travel and Dangdai after the disposal of deferred revenue and Dangdai to
Jiaxin Travel.
(2) The amount represents the loan lent to non-controlling interest shareholders.
(1) The amount represents the loan borrowed from non-controlling interest shareholders, which were non-interest bearing, unsecured, and due on
demand.
14. LEASES
The Group’s operating leases mainly related to offices and learning centers in the PRC. As of February 28, 2021 and 2022, the Group had no leases
that were classified as a financing lease. Total operating lease expenses for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022 were
RMB67,465, RMB56,081 and RMB43,959 (US$6,968), respectively, and was recorded in cost of revenues or operating expenses on the
consolidated statements of operations. The short term lease expenses for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022 were
RMB515, RMB708 and nil, respectively and was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. As of February 28, 2022, the Group did not
have additional operating leases that have not yet commenced
Weighted-average remaining lease terms and discount rates are as follows:
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)
Weighted average discount rate
As of February 28,
2021
2022
3.6
5.5 %
4.3
5.7 %
F-35
The following is a maturity analysis of the annual undiscounted cash flows for the annual periods ended February 28 or 29:
Year ending of February 28 or 29:
RMB
USD
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
Less: amount representing interest
Present value of minimum lease payments
3,494
2,776
2,430
1,513
131
1,087
11,431
(2,503 )
8,928
554
440
385
240
21
172
1,812
(396 )
1,416
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Group entered into an agreement with East China Normal University Education Development Foundation (“Fund”) in 2016 to provide a
funding commitment of RMB100,000 to set up a special fund for mathematics education studies purpose. The funding is to be provided in five
tranches in a five-year period. The Group recognizes the funding commitment as marketing expenses on a straight-line basis over the five years and
the amount accrued was RMB45,000(US$7,133) as of February 28, 2021 and 2022, respectively. The first, second and third tranches of
RMB10,000, RMB15,000 and RMB20,000 were paid in April, December 2017 and April 2019, respectively. The Group paid the fourth tranche of
RMB10,000 in March, 2021, and the remaining of RMB45,000 has not been settled as of the date of this annual report.
From time to time, the Group may be subject to certain legal proceedings, claims and disputes that arise in the ordinary course of business. Although
the outcomes of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted, the Group does not believe these actions, in the aggregate, will have a material adverse
impact on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
16. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Group's chief operating decision maker, comprised of the Chairman and CEO, review the consolidated results when making decisions about
allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group as a whole. The Group does not distinguish among markets or segments for the
purpose of internal reports.
All of the Group's revenue for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022 were generated from the PRC. As of February 28,
2021 and 2022, substantially all of the long-lived assets of the Group are located in the PRC, and no geographical information is presented.
17. MAINLAND CHINA CONTRIBUTION PLAN
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, unemployment insurance, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. The PRC labor
regulations require the Group to accrue for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries. The total contributions for such
employee benefits were RMB18,823, RMB12,148 and RMB15,966 (US$2,531) for the years ended February 29, 2020, February 28, 2021 and 2022
respectively. The Company enjoyed temporary exemption form mandated defined contribution plan in fiscal year 2021 of RMB4,213 due to
COVID-19.
.
F-36
18. RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
As a result of the PRC laws and regulations and the requirement that distributions by PRC entities can only be paid out of distributable profits
computed in accordance with PRC GAAP, the PRC entities are restricted from transferring a portion of their net assets to the Group. Amounts
restricted include paid-in capital, additional paid-in capital and the statutory reserves of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries, affiliates and VIEs. As of
February 28, 2021 and 2022, the total of restricted net assets were RMB101,402 and RMB116,359 (US$18,445), respectively.
19. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On June 21, 2022, the Group changed the ratio of its American depositary shares (“ADS”) representing its ordinary shares from two ADSs
representing one ordinary share to one ADS representing ten ordinary shares. The change in the ADS ratio had the same effect as one-for-twenty
reverse ADS split. There was no change to the Company’s underlying ordinary shares, and no ordinary shares was issued or cancelled in connection
with the change in ADS ratio.
F-37
Exclusive Service Agreement
Exhibit 4.17
This Exclusive Service Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made on November 1, 2021 by and among:
1.
2.
3.
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd. , a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly established and existing under the laws
of the PRC (the uniform social credit code: 913100003216954485) having its registered address at Room 213, No. 865, 867, 869 and 877,
Qiujiang Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (“Party A”);
Peiqing Tian, an individual (the ID Card No.: *** ) having his residential address at Room 402, No. 17, Tian Lin Shi Yi Cun, Xuhui District,
Shanghai (“Party B1”);
Suhua Zhu, an individual (the ID Card No.: ***) having his residential address at Room 1403, No. 1515, Changning Road, Changning
District, Shanghai (“Party B2”).
(Party B1 and Party B2, collectively, “Party B”)
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd., a limited liability company duly established and existing under the
laws of PRC (the uniform social credit code: 913100003216954485) having its registered address at Room 306, Suite C, No. 1505, Xinshi
North Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai (hereinafter “Party C”);
Party A, Party B and Party C are individually referred to herein as a “Party”, and collectively as the “Parties”.
WHEREAS:
1.
2.
3.
Party A is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise established in accordance with the laws of the PRC, with the scope of business including
information technology consulting services, information system integration services, data processing and storage services, software
development (except audio and video products, electronic publications), enterprise management consulting, marketing planning consulting,
business information consulting, in the network, multimedia, Engaged in technology development, own technology transfer in the professional
field of information technology, and provide related supporting services and technical consultation.
Party C is a limited liability company registered in the PRC, having its principal business of investment management, enterprise management
consultancy, translation service, conference service, education guidance and consultancy, examination and school selection consultancy, pre-
school education consultancy (the foregoing three items all excluding education), sales of office supplies, handicrafts and sport goods. Party
B1 holds 70% of Party C’s equity interests and Party B2 holds 30% of Party C’s equity interests.
Party A agrees to provide technical services, management and consulting services related to conducting network activities for Party C during
the term of this Agreement (see the detailed scope below) , and Party C agrees to accept the relevant services provided by Party A in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
The Parties hereby enter into this Agreement through friendly negotiations to stipulate the rights and obligations of the Parties for mutual
compliance.
1. Definition and Interpretation
“Listed Company” shall mean Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc., a limited company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman
Islands on June 9, 2014.
1
“Business” shall mean all the services and business provided or operated by Party C from time to time in accordance with its issued permits.
“Party C's subsidiaries” shall mean various enterprises or units that Party C will establish or control as of the date of signing this agreement
and in the future.
“VIE Agreements” shall mean the Exclusive Service Agreement, the Exclusive Call Option Agreement, the Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy
Agreement and the Equity Pledge Agreement entered into by and among Party A and Party C and its shareholders, including any
supplemental agreements or amendments to such agreements, and any other agreements, contracts or legal documents executed or issued by
one or more Parties from time to time to ensure the performance of the aforesaid agreements, signed or accepted by Party A in writing.
“PRC” shall mean the People’s Republic of China (for the purpose of this Agreement, excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan).
2. Exclusive Technical Service
2.1. During the term of this Agreement, the Parties agree that where permitted by the laws of the PRC, Party A shall, as the technical services
provider of Party C and Party B, provide technical support to Party C in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement and provide part of or all of the following technical services in relation to their business:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
to design, develop, update, maintain educational software used on computers and mobile devices;
to design, develop, update and maintain the web pages and websites required for their related educational activities;
to design, develop, update and maintain the management information system required for its related educational activities;
to provide other technical support required for their education counseling or teaching activities;
to provide regular or occasional technical advisory services (including but not limited to the provision of feasibility studies,
technical forecasts, thematic technical surveys, analysis and evaluation reports);
to assist Party C to develop staff training and development plans, to carry out pre-job training, management training, technical
training to improve the service level of its staff and management staff;
in response to the needs of Party C to hire the relevant technical staff to provide technical guidance on the ground for Party C ;
to provide services (if involved) in relation to the license applications for the software, domain name, trademark and expert
technology of Party C ;
to provide other services that are determined by Party A and Party C from time to time in accordance with actual business needs and
the ability to provide services.
f)
g)
h)
i)
2.2. Party C shall appoint Party A to exclusively provide business-related technical development, support and technical services, and Party C
further agrees that, unless Party A gives prior written consent, during the term of this Agreement, Party C undertakes not to appoint or
accept any third party to provide all or part of the above services in respect of such business, and shall not establish any similar
relationship with any third party in respect of the matters contemplated in this Agreement. Party A may designate other parties to provide
such technical services for Party C .
2.3. Party C shall promptly provide Party A with the plan and schedule for the required technical development, support or technical services.
3. Exclusive Management and Consulting Service
3.1. During the term of this Agreement, Party A shall provide exclusive management and consulting services to Party C in accordance with
the terms and conditions set forth in this
2
Agreement, including but not limited to:
a)
b)
c)
d)
to provide design services in respect of subjects and curriculum;
to provide the editing, selection and/or recommendation services in respect of teaching materials;
to provide support and services in respect of teachers and staff recruitment and training;
to provide students recruitment services and support, including but not limited to planning recruitment standard, scope and manner,
developing and designing recruitment brochures and advertisements;
to provide public relations maintenance services, including but not limited to assisting Party C to maintain good relations with
government departments and the media sector;
to establish long-term strategic development plans and develop annual work plans;
to establish management models and business plans, market development plans;
to establish financial management systems, recommend and optimize annual financial budgets;
to provide suggestions for the internal organizational structure and internal management system;
to provide expert management and consultation training for administrative staff so as to improve the management quality of the
administrative staff of Party C;
as commissioned by Party C, to conduct special market research and investigation, and give feedback on market information and
business development proposals;
to develop regional and national market development plan for student resources for Party C;
to assist Party C in establishing a combined online/offline modern marketing network;
to assist in the establishment of a sound management system for business operation;
to provide Party C with management and consulting services in respect of daily operations, finance, investment, assets, claims and
debts, human resources, information internalization and other management and consulting services;
Party A may assist Party B and Party B’s subordinate entities in seeking suitable financing channels to meet the capital requirements
in the course of business of Party C;
to assist Party C in developing programs for relationship maintenance with suppliers, customers, partners and students, and in
maintaining such relationships;
to advise on the assets management and business operations of Party C;
to advise on the negotiation, execution and performance of its material contracts;
to provide other services reasonably requested by Party C .
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
n)
o)
p)
q)
r)
s)
t)
3.2. Party C shall appoint Party A to exclusively provide management and consulting services, and Party C further agrees that, unless Party A
gives prior written consent, during the term of this Agreement, Party C undertake not to appoint or accept any third party to provide all or
part of the above services in respect of such business, and shall not establish any similar relationship with any third party in respect of the
matters contemplated in this Agreement. Party A may designate other parties to provide such management and consulting services for
Party C.
3.3. Party C shall promptly provide Party A with the plan and schedule for the required management and consulting services.
4.
Provision of Service and Authorization
4.1. Party C shall, and Party B shall, where applicable, procure Party C to, operate in accordance with the opinions or suggestions provided
by Party A for the services stated in Articles 2 and 3 of this Agreement.
4.2.
In order to enable Party A to provide relevant services more efficiently, Party C irrevocably appoint Party A (and any entrusted or re-
entrusted person of Party A) as their agent during the term of this Agreement, and Party A may act on behalf of and in the name of Party
C or in
3
other ways (as determined by the agent):
a)
b)
c)
to sign the relevant documents with third parties (including but not limited to suppliers and customers);
to handle any matters which are incumbent upon but not handled by Party C under this Agreement; and
to sign all necessary documents and handle all necessary matters so that Party A may fully exercise all or any of the rights conferred
by this Agreement.
4.3.
If it is required by Party A, Party B and Party C shall undertake to issue an independent power of attorney to Party A in relation to a
certain matter at any time upon the request of Party A.
4.4. Party C agrees to acknowledge retrospectively and confirm any matters that Party A has handled or intends to handle as an agent
pursuant to this provision of appointment.
4.5. The entrustment and authorization granted by Party B and Party C to Party A under this Agreement is sole, exclusive and irrevocable.
During the term of this Agreement, Party B and Party C shall procure and ensure that, without Party A’s prior written consent, Party C
shall not, directly or indirectly, obtain from any third party (including but not limited to its shareholders, directors, senior officers, or
persons or entities having any affiliated relationship with the aforementioned shareholders, directors or senior officers) any identical or
similar services as those agreed herein, and shall not establish any similar business cooperation with any third party in respect of the
matters contemplated in this Agreement.
4.6. Party C shall, and Party B and Party C shall procure and ensure that Party C shall provide Party A with any documents relating to Party C
as required by Party A, and shall give Party A access to all licenses and documents in relation to Party C ’s operations.
4.7. The Parties hereby agree that Party A shall have the right to grant all or part of its rights to provide services under this Agreement to a
third party designated by Party A.
4.8. Party B and Party C shall procure and ensure that Party A has the right to decide whether Party C may continue to operate and Party A
has the right (but not obliged) to choose whether to give financial support to Party C when Party C incurs operating losses or experience
serious business difficulties or financial crises, and Party C shall unconditionally accept Party A’s decision as to whether or not they
should continue to operate.
5.
Service Fee
5.1. As the consideration for Party A’s exclusive technical services and exclusive management and consulting services, Party C shall, based
on the further agreement between the Parties and according to the payable service fee which is assessed by Party A based on its own
financial position and that of Party C’s, assess, determine and pay technical service fee and management and consulting service fee
(collectively “Service Fee”) to Party A for each fiscal year.
5.2.
In respect of the Service Fee to be paid by Party C to Party A, it shall be assessed and determined by the following floating standard: that
is, subject to the provisions of the PRC laws, after deducting necessary costs and expenses for company’s business operations (the
preliminary assessment result of the necessary costs and expenses shall be provided by Party C, and the final confirmation and decision
shall be made by Party A) , taxes, provisions for the company’s losses in the previous years (if required by applicable laws), and
redeeming the statutory reserve funds, the total profit of Party C for the current year shall be paid to Party A as the Service Fee for the
agreed services provided by Party A to Party C under this Agreement; provided, however, that Party A shall have the right to adjust the
amount of such Service Fee (not exceeding the foregoing agreed limit) depending on the specific circumstances of services
4
provided to Party C, the operating conditions and development needs of Party C.
In the event that Party A considers that the determination mechanism for the Service Fee agreed upon in this Agreement is not applicable
and needs to be adjusted for any reason, Party C shall, within ten (10) business days after Party A has made a written request for
adjustment, negotiate with Party A in good faith to determine the new charging standard or mechanism. If Party C do not respond within
ten (10) business days upon receipt of the above adjustment notice, they shall be deemed to have agreed to the adjustment by default.
5.3. Service Fee may be paid before or after Party A provides the required technical services and management and consulting services. In
order to meet the demands of the daily business operations of Party C, with the consent of Party A, Party C can only use the portion of
cash exceeding their basic cash demands to pay the Service Fee, and the shortage of fee can be suspended from payment if it is within the
limit as agreed by Party A. Such suspension of payment shall not be considered as breach of contract by Party C , but Party C shall pay
overdue interest.
5.4. Service Fee shall be assessed, determined and paid on a fiscal year basis. Party C shall prepare and issue a financial report duly audited
by an accounting firm in accordance with the applicable accounting principles within three (3) months after the end of each accounting
year, and shall, within fifteen (15) days after the preparation and issuance of the audited financial accounting report, pay Party A the
Service Fee under this Agreement. Party C shall, within the fifteen (15) days after the preparation and issuance of the audited financial
accounting report, confirm with Party A the amount of each Service Fee payment in written form through the resolution of the board of
directors or the decision of the executive director and make payment.
5.5.
In addition to the Service Fee, Party C shall bear and indemnify Party A for all reasonable costs, disbursements and expenses (hereinafter
the “Expenses”) of any form that are paid or incurred by Party A or in connection with the performance or provision of services by Party
A.
5.6. Party C shall pay the Service Fee to and indemnify Party A for his expenses in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the
supplemental documents executed from time to time. Party A shall issue invoice for the corresponding Service Fee and all the Expenses
incurred during the relevant period to Party C in a timely manner. Party C shall pay the amount specified in the invoice within seven (7)
days after receipt of the invoice. All bank charges due to such payment shall be borne by Party C. All payments shall be made to Party
A’s designated bank account by remittance or other means accepted by the Parties. The Parties agree that Party A may from time to time
deliver notice about changes in such payment instructions to Party C.
5.7. Party C shall pay interest on any overdue payment of the Service Fee and Expenses stipulated in this Agreement, and the interest rate
shall be paid at the rate of RMB short-term loan interest published by the People’s Bank of China on the date of the actual payment.
5.8. Each party shall bear its own taxes and fees duly payable in connection with the signing and performance of this Agreement. At the
request of Party A, Party C shall endeavor to assist Party A in obtaining the treatment of exemption from business tax/VAT in respect of
all or part of its Service Fee income under this Agreement.
6. Representations and Warranties
6.1. Party A represents and warrants that:
a)
Party A is a duly established and validly existing company with limited liability and the
5
b)
c)
d)
e)
ability to assume civil liabilities;
Party A has the right to sign and perform this Agreement and has obtained all necessary and appropriate approvals and
authorizations for the signing and performance of this Agreement. Party A has also obtained all government approvals,
qualifications and permits as required to conduct relevant business pursuant to applicable laws;
This Agreement shall be legally valid and binding on Party A as of the date of this Agreement and may be enforced in accordance
with the provisions of this Agreement;
Party A’s signing and performance of this Agreement does not violate any PRC laws and regulations, the judgment of any court or
the awards of any arbitration institution, the decision, approval or permit of any administrative authority, or any agreement to which
it is a party or which is binding on it, nor will it result in the approval or permit of any government authority, to which it applies,
being suspended, revoked, confiscated or failed to be renewed upon expiration;
there are no outstanding litigation, arbitration, or other judicial or administrative proceedings that will affect Party A’s performance
of obligations under this Agreement, and as far as it is aware of, no threat of action involving the above is to be taken.
6.2. Party B, Party C represents and warrants that:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
Party B is a natural person with civil rights and civil capacity, Party C is a duly established and validly existing limited liability
company;
upon the taking effect of this Agreement, Party B is a legal shareholder of Party C, holding 100% of its equity interests;
except for the rights restrictions imposed upon Party C’s equity interests ’s organizer’s interests due to the VIE Agreements, there
are no other encumbrances or rights restrictions imposed upon Party C’s equity interests by Party B ’s organizer’s interests by Party
C;
Party B and Party C will strictly abide by the terms of this Agreement and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of this
Agreement due to their act or omission to act;
Party B and Party C have the right to sign and perform this Agreement, and has obtained all necessary and appropriate approvals
and authorizations for the signing and performance of this Agreement. They have also obtained all approvals, qualifications and
permits as required to conduct relevant business pursuant to applicable laws;
This Agreement shall be legally valid and binding upon Party B and Party C as of the effective date of this Agreement and shall be
legally enforceable in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
The signing and performance of this Agreement by Party B and Party C shall not violate any PRC laws and regulations, the
judgment of any court or the awards of any arbitration institution, the decision, approval or permit of any administrative authority, or
any agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on it, nor will it result in the approval or permit of any government
authority, to which it applies, being suspended, revoked, confiscated or failed to be renewed upon expiration;
there are no outstanding litigation, arbitration, or other judicial or administrative proceedings that will affect Party B and Party C’s
performance of obligations under this Agreement, and as far as they are aware of, no threat of action involving the above is to be
taken;
Party B and Party C have disclosed to Party A any contract, government approval, permit, or any document to which any of them is
a party or which is binding on it or its assets or business, which may cause significant adverse effect on its ability to fully comply
with its obligations under this Agreement, and there are no false statements or omissions of any material facts in the documents
provided previously to Party A by Party B and Party C;
Party C will pay the Service Fee to Party A in full and in time in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
Party C shall maintain the ongoing validity of the permits and qualifications related to Party C’s business during the term of this
Agreement; and actively cooperate with Party
6
A to provide services and accept Party A’s reasonable advice and suggestions on Party C’s business.
6.3. Party B and Party C hereby confirm and agree that, unless with the prior written consent of Party A or its designated person, Party B and
Party C will not conduct or procure any activities or transactions that may materially affect Party C’s assets, business, personnel, rights,
obligations or unit operations, and shall not conduct or procure any activities or transactions that may materially affect the ability of
Party B and Party C to perform their obligations under the VIE Agreements, including but not limited to:
a) Without Party A’s prior written consent, Party C shall not establish or acquire any subordinate enterprises, units or legal entities,
including but not limited to subsidiaries, branches, private non-enterprise units;
b) Without Party A’s prior written consent, Party C shall not carry out any activities beyond the normal business scope, nor shall it
change Party C’s business model;
c) Without Party A’s prior written consent, Party C shall not engage in any merger, split-off, restructuring of its organization ,
dissolution or liquidation;
d) Without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not sell the equity interests’ rights of Party C to any third party other than Party A
or its designated person, or increase or decrease their registered capital, or change the structure of equity interests’ rights of Party C
in any manner;
e) Without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not pledge the equity interests’ rights of Party C or the assets or rights of Party C
to any third party other than Party A or its designated person with, nor shall they request Party C to provide any other forms of
security, or create any other encumbrances upon the equity interests and/or organizer’s rights of Party C or the assets owned by
Party C;
g)
f) Without Party A’s prior written consent, they shall not distribute dividends, reasonable returns or other payments to Party B or Party
C in any manner; if Party B obtains any bonuses, dividends or any other gains or benefits (regardless of its particular form) from
Party C as a shareholder of Party C, it shall, at the time of obtaining the aforesaid proceeds, unconditionally and immediately pay
the proceeds or benefits to the specific account designated by Party A for free as an integral part of the share pledge to provide
security for the performance of the obligations under the VIE Agreements and the repayment of debt;
They shall not carry out any activities that cause or may cause adverse effect on Party C’s daily operations, business and assets and
Party C’ ability to make payment to Party A;
Party B and Party C shall ensure that in the event of any ongoing or potential investigation, action, arbitration, administrative
proceeding or other legal proceedings involving the assets, business and income of Party C occurring, they will immediately inform
Party A of the same;
They shall not engage in any transaction that has or may have adverse effect on all kinds of cooperation between Party A and Party
B and Party C pursuant to the VIE Agreements; and
h)
i)
j) Without Party A’s prior written consent, no rights and obligations under this Agreement and other VIE Agreements shall be
transferred to any third party other than Party A or its designated persons, and Party B and Party C shall not establish or carry out
any cooperation or business relationship with any third party that is identical or similar to that under this Agreement.
6.4. Party B warrants to Party A that it has made all proper arrangements and signed all necessary documents to ensure that upon its death,
loss of civil capacity, any restriction imposed on civil capacity, divorce, or occurrence of other circumstances that may affect its exercise
of its equity interests in Party C, its successor, guardian, spouse and any other person who may obtain such equity interests or related
rights cannot influence or impede the performance of the VIE
7
Agreements.
6.5. Party B and Party C guarantees to Party A that it will not act or omit to act in the contrary to the purpose and intention of the
establishment of the VIE Agreements resulting in or may result in any conflicts between Party A’s interests and the interests of Party B
and Party C and their respective subordinate legal entities. If Party B and Party C have conflicts with Party A in the performance of the
VIE Agreements, Party B and Party C will maintain Party A’s legal interests under the VIE Agreements and legally follow the
instructions of Party A.
7. Confidentiality, Intellectual Property Rights And Non-Competition
7.1. The Parties agree that they will endeavor to take various reasonable measures to keep confidential the secret materials and information of
Party A (the “Confidential Information”) that they get to know or have access to as a result of obtaining Party A’s exclusive technical
support and technical service; unless Party A gives prior written consent, the Parties shall not disclose, give or transfer such Confidential
Information to any third party. Once this Agreement terminates, the Parties shall return any documents, materials or software containing
the Confidential Information to Party A as requested by Party A or destroy such documents, materials or software on their own, and
delete any Confidential Information from all relevant memory devices and shall not continue to use such Confidential Information.
7.2. The Parties acknowledge and confirm that any oral or written information exchanged by them in respect of this Agreement shall be
Confidential Information. Each of the Parties shall keep all of such information confidential and shall not disclose any relevant
information to any third party without written consents of the other Parties, except for:
a)
b)
c)
the information that is known or to be known by the public (not through the disclosure by the receiving Party of such information);
the information that is required to be disclosed pursuant to applicable laws or rules or regulations of any stock exchange; or
the information that is required to be disclosed by any Party to its legal counsel or financial advisor in respect of the transaction
under this Agreement, which legal counsel or financial advisor shall be bound by the confidentiality obligations similar to the
obligations stated in this Article.
7.3. Any disclosure of any Confidential Information made by the staff members or agencies hired by any Party shall be deemed as the
disclosure of such Confidential Information made by such Party, and such Party shall assume legal liabilities for breach of this
Agreement.
7.4. Unless otherwise provided by the PRC laws and regulations, the technology developed and the materials prepared by Party A during the
course of providing Party C with R&D services, technical support and technical services, and the intellectual property rights of all the
R&D results obtained through R&D as a result of implementing this Agreement and/or the contract jointly executed by Party A with
other Parties as well as any rights derived therefrom (“Such Rights”) all belonged solely to Party A. Such Rights include but not limited
to the right to apply for patents, the title to know-how, the copyright of software, technical documents and technical information of
works, trade secrets, artwork and other works, or other intellectual property rights and the right to authorize others to use the above or to
transfer the above intellectual property rights.
7.5. Without Party A’s prior written consent, Party C shall not, and shall procure its subsidiaries or entities not to, transfer, assign, mortgage,
permit or otherwise dispose of any Such Rights.
7.6. All Parties agree that this Article shall remain in force, no matter if this Agreement is invalid, altered, discharged, terminated or
inoperative.
8
8. Default Liability
8.1.
If any party violates this Agreement resulting in failure to perform all or part of this Agreement, the default Party shall be liable for
breach of contract and shall indemnify the non-default Party for any consequential damages (including litigation costs and attorney’s fees
arising therefrom); if all of the Parties have breached the contract, they shall assume their respective liabilities depending on the actual
circumstances.
8.2. The Parties agree that Party A shall have the right, in the circumstances permitted by applicable laws, upon the breach of this Agreement
by Party C, to request the competent court or arbitration institution with jurisdiction to take statutory remedies or other remedial
measures against the equity interests, land or other assets held by the default Party, including but not limited to such remedies as
transferring the equity interests’ interests of Party C and their subordinate enterprises or units, or compulsorily requesting Party C and
their subordinate enterprises or units to transfer assets, or ordering Party C and their subordinate enterprises or units to dissolve or
liquidate so as to compensate Party A’s losses.
8.3.
If Party A assumes indemnification liabilities against any other Party to the agreements and/or a third Party as a result of performing the
rights and obligations under the VIE Agreements, upon making such compensation, Party A shall have the right to seek indemnification
from Party B and Party C in connection with such compensation.
9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
9.1. Change of Law
In the event that at any time after the date of execution of this Agreement, any PRC laws, regulations or rules are promulgated or
amended, or there is any change to the interpretation or application of such laws, regulations or rules, the following provisions shall
apply:
a)
If the above change or new regulations are more favorable to any Party than the relevant laws, regulations, decrees or regulations in
force on the date of this Agreement (while the other party is not seriously and adversely affected thereby), the Parties shall promptly
revise this Agreement so as to obtain the benefits of such change or new regulations; or the Parties shall promptly apply to obtain
the benefits of such change or new regulations. The Parties shall make their best endeavors to obtain the approval of such
application; and
This Agreement shall continue to be implemented in accordance with the original terms if the economic interests of any Party under
this Agreement are seriously and adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by the change or new regulations mentioned above. The
Parties shall take all legal measures to obtain exemption from complying with the change or the new regulations. If the adverse
effect on the economic interests of any Party cannot be resolved in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, upon
notifying the other Party by the affect Party, all Parties shall negotiate in a timely manner and make all necessary changes to this
Agreement in order to maintain the economic interests of the affected Party under this Agreement.
b)
9.2. The execution, validity, interpretation, performance, revision and termination of this Agreement and dispute settlement in respect hereof
shall be governed by the PRC Law.
9.3. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising from, or in connection with, this Agreement or the performance, interpretation, breach,
termination or validity of this Agreement shall be settled through friendly negotiation. Such negotiation shall start immediately after one
Party to the dispute has delivered to other Parties a written notice specifying the dispute or claims to request for negotiation.
9.4.
If such dispute fails to be settled within thirty (30) days of the delivery of the above said notice,
9
either Party shall have the right to submit such dispute to arbitration. The Parties agree to submit such dispute to China International
Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in accordance with its arbitration rules then in effect. The place of the
arbitration shall be in Shanghai. The arbitral award shall be final and legally binding on the Parties. The arbitration commission shall
have the right, in respect of Party B, Party C’s equity interests, property interests or other assets, to award indemnification or compensate
Party A against the losses suffered by Party A due to the breach by Party B, Party C or issue relevant injunction (for the purpose of
operation of business or compulsory transfer of assets), or to award to dissolve and liquidate Party C. After the arbitral award becomes
effective, any Party shall have the right to apply to the competent court for the enforcement of the arbitral award.
9.5. During the period of arbitration, except for the disputed matters submitted for arbitration, the Parties hereto shall continue to perform
their other respective obligations hereunder.
10. Change in Circumstances
10.1. If any promulgation of or any amendment to any PRC laws, regulations or rules, or any change of the interpretation or application of
such laws, regulations and rules, or any change of relevant registration procedures at any time makes Party A believe that the
maintenance of the validity and performance of this Agreement becomes illegal or violates such laws, regulations or rules, Party C shall,
as instructed by Party A in writing and as requested by Party A, immediately take any action and/or execute any agreement or other
documents in order to:
a) maintain the validity of this Agreement; and/or
b)
achieve the purpose of this Agreement in the manner as provided for in this Agreement or in another manner.
11. Severability
11.1. If any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement are found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable in any respect under any laws
or regulations, the validity, legality or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected or impaired thereby.
The Parties shall engage in good faith negotiation and replace such invalid, unlawful or unenforceable provisions with effective terms by
way of modification or otherwise to the maximum extent as permitted by law and expected by the Parties, and the economic effects of
such effective terms shall be as similar as possible to those of the invalid, unlawful or unenforceable terms.
12. Term
12.1. This Agreement shall come into force as of the date of execution or affixing seals by the Parties and shall be automatically terminated
when Party A and/or the person designated by Party A has fully exercised its rights to purchase all equity interests held by Party B in
Party C in accordance with the Exclusive Call Option Agreement entered into with Party B and Party C on the date of this Agreement.
Party A may unilaterally terminate this Agreement after giving a thirty (30)-day prior notice. Unless otherwise provided by law, Party B
and Party C shall have no right to unilaterally terminate or rescind this Agreement in any case.
12.2. The Parties hereto shall complete the approval and registration formalities for extending the term of operation within three (3) months
prior to the expiration of their respective terms of operation so that this Agreement can continue to be valid.
12.3. This Agreement shall terminate after Party A and/or the person designated by Party A has fully exercised its rights to purchase all equity
interests held by Party B in Party C in accordance with the Exclusive Call Option Agreement.
13. Amendment
10
13.1. Upon the unanimous agreement of the Parties hereto and the approval by the shareholders (meeting) of Party A, the Parties hereto may
make amendments or supplements to this Agreement and take all necessary steps and actions at their cost to make such amendments or
supplements legal and effective.
13.2. If any stock exchange or other regulatory authority proposes any amendments to this Agreement, or any change of relevant listing rules
or relevant requirements is applicable to this Agreement, the Parties shall make amendments to this Agreement accordingly.
14. Force Majeure
14.1. If the Parties are unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement due to a force majeure event, such obligations under this
Agreement shall be discharged to the extent that they are affected by the force majeure. For the purpose of this Agreement, a force
majeure event only includes natural disasters, storm, tornados and other acts of nature, strikes, lockout/shutdown or other industrial
issues, wars, riots, conspiracy, hostility, terrorist activities or acts of violence by criminal organizations, blockade, acute diseases or
epidemic, earthquake or other earth crust movements, floods and other natural disasters, bomb explosion or other explosions, fire,
accidents or governmental activities which make such Parties unable to perform this Agreement.
14.2. In case of a force majeure event, the Party being affected by the force majeure event shall use its efforts to mitigate and eliminate the
consequences of the force majeure event, and shall be liable for performing the delayed and impeded obligations under this Agreement.
The Parties agree to use their best efforts to continue to perform this Agreement after the force majeure event ends.
14.3. If there is a possibility that a force majeure event may occur, as a result of which the performance of this Agreement will be delayed or
impeded or will be threatened to be delayed or impeded, relevant Party shall immediately notify the other Parties in writing and provide
all relevant materials.
15. Miscellaneous
15.1. Party B and Party C shall not assign their respective rights and obligations under this Agreement to any third party unless Party A agrees
in writing in advance. Party B and Party C hereby agree that Party A may, where permitted by the PRC laws and at its own discretion,
transfer its rights and obligations under this Agreement to a third party. Party A only needs to send a written notice to Party B and Party
C at the time of the transfer and does not need to obtain the consent of Party B and Party C in respect of such transfer.
15.2. If, in any case, any third party other than Party B accepts the assignment of Party C’s equity interests, Party B shall be obliged to request
the relevant assignee to accept the rights and obligations under the VIE Agreements in writing and have the relevant assignee bound by
such rights and obligations.
15.3. This Agreement is drawn up in Chinese in four originals. Each of the Parties shall hold one of them. They shall have the same legal
effect.
(There is no text below)
11
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Exclusive Service Agreement.)
Peiqing Tian
Signature: /s/ Peiqing Tian
12
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Exclusive Service Agreement.)
Suhua Zhu
Signature: /s/ Suhua Zhu
13
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Exclusive Service Agreement.)
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd. [Company Seal Affixed]
14
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Exclusive Service Agreement.)
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. [Company Seal Affixed]
15
Exclusive Call Option Agreement
Exhibit 4.18
This Exclusive Call Option Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made on November 1, 2021 by and among::
1.
2.
3.
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd. , a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly established and existing under the laws
of the PRC (the uniform social credit code: 913100003216954485) having its registered address at Room 213, No. 865, 867, 869 and 877,
Qiujiang Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (“Party A”);
Peiqing Tian, an individual (the ID Card No.: ***) having his residential address at Room 402, No. 17, Tian Lin Shi Yi Cun, Xuhui District,
Shanghai (“Party B1”);
Suhua Zhu, an individual (the ID Card No.: ***) having his residential address at Room 1403, No. 1515, Changning Road, Changning
District, Shanghai (“Party B2”).
(Party B1 and Party B2, collectively, “Party B”)
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Party C”) , a limited liability company duly
established and existing under the laws of the PRC (the uniform social credit code: 913101097989561824) having its registered address at
Room 306, Suite C, No. 1505, Xinshi North Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai;
Party A, Party B and Party C are individually referred to herein as a “Party”, and collectively as the “Parties”.
WHEREAS:
1.
2.
Party B jointly holds 100% of the equity interests of Party C.
Party B intends to grant Party A or the buyer designated by Party A the irrevocable and exclusive call option to purchase its equity interests in
Party C (hereinafter “Equity Interest Call Option”), and Party A intends to accept the Equity Interest Call Option granted by Party B.
The Parties hereby enter into this Agreement through friendly negotiations to stipulate the rights and obligations of the Parties for mutual
compliance.
I.
Definition and Interpretation
Unless the context otherwise requires, in this Agreement, the following terms shall be construed as follows:
“Listed Company” shall mean Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc., a limited company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman
Islands on June 9, 2014.
“Equity Pledge Agreement” means the Equity Pledge Agreement entered into by and among the Parties hereto at the time of execution of
this Agreement to guarantee the contractual obligations of Party C under the VIE Agreements.
“VIE Agreements” shall mean the Exclusive Service Agreement, the Exclusive Call Option Agreement, the Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy
Agreement and the Equity Pledge Agreement entered into by and among one or more Parties to this Agreement, including any supplemental
agreements or amendments to such agreements, and any other agreements, contracts or legal documents executed or issued by one or more
Parties from time to time to ensure the performance of the aforesaid agreements, signed or accepted by Party A in writing.
1
“PRC” shall mean the People’s Republic of China (for the purpose of this Agreement, excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan).
“Assets” means all tangible and intangible assets of Party C, including but not limited to fixed and liquid assets, capital interests in external
investments, intellectual property rights, prospect interests under all contracts entered into and any other interests that should be obtained by
Party C.
II.
Sale and Purchase of Equity Interests
1.
Grant of Options
Party B hereby irrevocably grants Party A or the buyer designated by Party A (hereinafter “Equity Interest Buyer”) an irrevocable and
exclusive option, during the effective period of this Agreement, to purchase from Party B all or part of the equity interests in Party C
held by it from time to time in one time or multiple times at any time designated by the Equity Interest Buyer at the price referred to in
paragraph 3 of Article II of this Agreement (hereinafter “Exercise Price”) and in line with the exercise steps at the election of Party A
(hereinafter “Equity Interest Call Option”), to the extent permitted by the PRC Laws (including any laws, regulations, rules, notices,
interpretations or other binding documents promulgated by any central or local legislative, administrative or judicial department before
or after the execution of this Agreement, hereinafter “PRC Laws”). Other than the Equity Interest Buyer, no third party may have the
Equity Interest Call Option. Party C hereby agrees Party B to grant the Equity Interest Call Option to Party A. When the Equity Interest
Buyer exercises the Equity Interest Call Option granted by Party B hereunder, the non-transferring party within Party B shall waive its
right of first refusal with respect to the transfer of Party C’s equity interests under the PRC Laws, and irrevocably agree to the transferor
to transfer its equity interests in Party C to the Equity Interest Buyer. The “Person” provided in this paragraph and this Agreement means
an individual, corporation, joint venture, partnership, enterprise, trust or non-corporate organization.
2.
3.
Exercise Steps
To the extent that the PRC Laws permit the Equity Interest Buyer to hold the equity interests of Party C, Party A may, during the
effective period of this Agreement, send Party B a written notice (hereinafter “Equity Interest Call Option Notice”) which shall set forth
the following matters: (a) Party A’s decision on exercise of the Equity Interest Call Option; (b) the portion of equity interests to be
purchased by Party A and/or its designee from Party B (hereinafter “Optioned Equity Interests”); and (c) the date for purchasing the
Optioned Equity Interests. Within sixty (60) days of receipt of the Equity Interest Call Notice, Party B or Party C shall transfer all of the
Optioned Equity Interests to the Equity Interest Buyer pursuant to such notice in the manner referred to in paragraph 4 of Article II of
this Agreement.
At each exercise of the Equity Interest Call Option, the Equity Interest Buyer may decide at its own will the percentages of the Optioned
Equity Interests or that it intends to purchase.
Exercise Price and Payment
When the Equity Interest Buyer decides to exercise its Equity Interest Call Option pursuant to this Agreement, the exercise price shall be
the nominal price unilaterally determined by the Equity Interest Buyer, provided that it is the minimum price to the satisfaction of the
price requirement otherwise provided by the relevant governmental authority or the PRC Laws. Nevertheless, subject to the provisions
and requirements of then PRC Laws, all of the payment of the price made by the Equity Interest Buyer to Party B or Party C shall be
returned to Party A or a third party designated by it. After necessary tax deduction and withholding is made for the payment from the
transfer of the equity interests (hereinafter “Transfer Payment”), the Equity Interest Buyer shall duly transfer the Transfer Payment to the
account designated by Party B or Party C within seven (7) days after the Optioned Equity Interests are duly transferred to the Equity
Interest Buyer, and Party B or Party C shall return such Transfer
2
Payment to the account designated by the Equity Interest Buyer within three (3) working days of receipt of the aforesaid Transfer
Payment.
4.
1)
2)
3)
Transfer Optioned Equity Interests or Optioned Organizer’s Interests
At each exercise of the Equity Interest Call Option by Party A,
Party B shall cause Party C to timely hold a shareholders meeting, at which a resolution shall be made to approve Party B to transfer the
Optioned Equity Interests to Party A and/or the third party designated by it;
Party B shall enter into an equity interests transfer contract for each transfer with Party A and/or (if applicable) the third party
designated by it pursuant to this Agreement and the Equity Interest Call Notice; and
The relevant Parties shall execute all other necessary contracts, agreements or documents (including but not limited to the amendments
to the articles of association), obtain all necessary internal approvals, authorities, governmental approvals, licenses, consents and permits
(including but not limited to the business licenses), and take all necessary actions, to transfer the valid title of the Optioned Equity
Interests to Party A and/or the designee and cause Party A and/or the designee to become the registered owner of the Optioned Equity
Interests, free from any Security Interest. For the purposes of this paragraph and this Agreement, the “Security Interest” includes
mortgage, pledge and any security over third party rights or interests, including any equity interest call option, acquisition right, right of
first refusal, set-off right, ownership retention or other security arrangements; for the avoidance of doubt, it does not include any
Security Interest incurred under this Agreement and the Equity Interests Pledge Agreement.
III. Undertakings
Undertakings of Party C
1.
Party B (as the shareholder of Party C, shall cause Party C to) and Party C hereby jointly and severally undertake that:
1)
without the prior written consent of Party A, they will not supplement, alter or amend the articles of association and regulations of Party
C in any form, increase or decrease its registered capital, change its registered capital structure in any other manner, or take any action of
dividing or dissolving Party C’s company or changing its form;
with good financial and commercial standards and practice, they will maintain the existence of Party C, prudently and effectively
operate its business and handle its affairs, and procure Party C to perform its obligations under the Exclusive Service Agreement;
they will conduct all of Party C’s business in the normal course of business to maintain Party C’s asset value, and will not engage in any
act/omission that may have adverse effect on the state of operation and asset value of Party C; and the board or executive director of
Party A will have the right to supervise Party C’s assets and assess whether it has the right to control Party C’s assets. If the board or
executive director of Party A determines that Party C’s operational activity affects the value of its assets or the board’s control of Party
C’s assets, Party A shall engage a legal counsel or other professionals to deal with such issue;
without the prior written consent of Party A, they shall not cause or permit Party C to enter into merger, partnership, joint venture or
alliance with or acquire or invest in any third party;
they shall immediately notify Party A of any ongoing or potential lawsuit, arbitration or administrative procedures relating to Party C’s
assets, business or revenues, and take all
3
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
necessary measures reasonably requested by Party A;
they shall execute all documents, take all actions and file all complaints or defend all claims necessary or appropriate to maintain Party
C’s ownership of all of its assets;
if the failure by any of Party C’s shareholders or Party C to perform its tax obligations under any applicable laws prevents Party A from
exercising its Equity Interest Call Option, Party A shall be entitled to request Party C or its shareholder to perform its tax obligations, or
request Party C or its shareholder to pay such tax amount to Party A who will make the payment on its behalf.
Undertakings of Party C’s Shareholders
2.
Party B hereby irrevocably undertakes that:
1)
without the prior written consent of Party A, Party B shall not sell, transfer, mortgage, encumber with any Security Interest, or otherwise
dispose of any legal or beneficial interests in its equity interests in Party C, except for the pledge created on Party C’s equity interests
pursuant to the Equity Interests Pledge Agreement;
Party B shall not engage in any business or any other action which will have adverse impact on Party C’s reputation;
Party B shall take all measures to ensure the legality, validity and timely renewal of all of Party C’s licenses;
Party B shall not execute any documents or make any relevant undertakings which are in conflict with any agreements and other legal
documents that are executed and being performed by Party C. In case of any such conflict of interest, Party B shall timely take measures
to eliminate it as soon as possible with the consent of Party A. If Party B refuses to take measures to eliminate the conflict of interest,
Party A is entitled to exercise its Equity Interest Call Option hereunder;
Party B shall not require Party C to grant bonus or conduct other profit distribution with respect to Party B’s equity interests in Party C,
or propose or vote for any items relating thereto for resolution at the shareholders meeting. In any case, if Party B receives any of Party
C’s gains, profit distribution or bonus, to the extent permitted by the PRC Laws, Party B shall waive the receipt thereof, and
immediately pay or transfer such gains, profit distribution or bonus to Party A or a party designated by it for the benefit of Party C as the
service fee that Party C shall pay Party A under the Exclusive Service Agreement;
Party B shall cause the shareholders meeting and/or board or executive directors of Party C not to approve the sale, transfer, mortgage,
encumbrance with any Security Interest over or otherwise disposal of any legal or beneficial interests in its equity interests in Party C,
without the prior written consent of Party A, except for the pledge created on Party C’s equity interests pursuant to the Equity Interests
Pledge Agreement;
Party B shall cause the shareholders meeting and/or board or executive directors of Party C not to approve Party C’s acquisition,
partnership, joint venture or alliance with any third party, acquisition or investment in any third party, division, amendment to its articles
of association, change to its registered capital or company form, without the prior written consent of Party A;
Party B shall immediately notify Party A of any ongoing or potential lawsuit, arbitration or
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
4
9)
administrative procedures relating to its equity interests in Party C, and take all necessary measures reasonably requested by Party A;
Party B shall cause the shareholders meeting and/or board or the executive directors of Party C’s to vote for the transfer of the Optioned
Equity Interests provided herein and take any and all other actions that Party A may request;
10) upon requested by Party A from time to time, Party B shall immediately and unconditionally transfer its equity interests in Party C to
Party A or its designee pursuant to the Equity Interest Call Option hereunder, and Party B hereby waives its right of first refusal with
respect to the transfer of equity interests by other shareholders of Party C (if any);
11) Party B shall strictly comply with the provisions of this Agreement and other contracts jointly and severally executed by Party B, Party
C and Party A, including but not limited to the Equity Pledge Agreement and the Exclusive Service Agreement, perform its obligations
under this Agreement and such other contracts, and shall not engage in any act/omission that may affect the validity and enforceability
thereof. If Party B has any remaining right to the equity interests under this Agreement or the Equity Pledge Agreement or the power of
attorney granted in favor of Party A, it shall not exercise such right unless instructed by Party A in writing;
If Party A (or its designee) has paid Party B the purchase price of the equity interests but the relevant industrial and commercial changes
12)
have not been completed prior to dissolution of Party C, upon or after the dissolution of Party C, Party B shall timely and gratuitously
deliver to Party A (or its designee) all of the proceeds of the remaining property distribution it receives by the reason of holding Party
C’s equity interests. In this case, Party B shall not make any claim for the proceeds of the remaining property distribution, except for the
exercise as instructed by Party A;
it agrees to gratuitously return to Party A the price it charges Party A for transfer of the Optioned Equity Interests, subject to the
provisions and requirements of then PRC Laws;
it shall ensure that Party C will be validly existing, not be terminated, liquidated or dissolved.
13)
14)
IV. Representations and Warranties of Party C and its Shareholder
Each of Party C and its shareholder Party B hereby jointly and severally represents and warrants to Party A on the date of this Agreement and
each date of transfer of the Optioned Equity Interests that:
1)
2)
it has the power and capacity to execute and deliver this Agreement and any equity interest transfer contract to which it is a party and
relating to the Optioned Equity Interests to be transferred (hereinafter “Transfer Contract”), and perform its obligations under this
Agreement and any Transfer Contract. Each of Party C and Party B agrees that it will execute a transfer contract consistent with the
terms of this Agreement when Party A exercises its Equity Interest Call Option. This Agreement and any Transfer Contract to which it is
a party constitute or will constitute its legal, valid and binding obligations and are enforceable against it pursuant to the terms thereof;
neither the execution and delivery nor the performance of the obligations under this Agreement or any Transfer Contract may or will
result in: (i) violation of any applicable
5
PRC Laws; (ii) contravention of Party C’s articles of association, regulations or other constitutional documents; (iii) violation of or
default of any contract or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound; (iv) violation of any condition of granting any party
any license or permit and/or the continued validity thereof; or (v) suspension, revocation of or attachment with additional conditions to
any license or permit granted to any Party;
Party B has strictly complied with the obligations provided in the articles of association of Party C, and there is no circumstance which
may affect its legal status as Party C’s shareholder or which may affect Party A’s exercise of its Equity Interest Call Option hereunder;
Party C and its shareholder Party B jointly and severally warrant that the transfer of the target equity interests to Party A or a third party
designated by Party A pursuant to this Agreement does not violate the PRC Laws and regulations or other relevant provisions, permits
or approvals of governmental authorities, or result in the permits or approvals granted by governmental authorities to Party C being
suspended, revoked or attached with additional conditions, or violate the articles of association of Party C or any agreement executed by
either of them with any third party;
Party B lawfully holds Party C’s equity interests; there is and will not be any mortgage, pledge, security, lien and other encumbrance on
the target equity interests except for the equity interests pledge granted to Party A pursuant to the call option agreed herein and the
Equity Pledge Agreement entered into by the Parties hereto; there is no other form of right restrictions; pursuant to this Agreement,
Party A or a third party designated by Party A, upon exercise, can obtain the good title to the target equity interests free from any
mortgage, pledge, security, lien and other encumbrance or any other form of right restrictions;
they have disclosed to Party A all conditions that may have material adverse effects on the performance of this Agreement;
Party C does not have any outstanding debts, except for (i) the debts incurred in the normal course of business; and (ii) the debts that
have been disclosed to and consented in writing by Party A;
Party C complies with all PRC Laws and regulations applicable to asset acquisition;
there is no ongoing, pending or potential litigation, arbitration or other administrative proceedings relating to the equity interests of Party
C held by Party B, assets or otherwise;
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10) when Party B is dead, incapacitated, divorced or in any other situation which may affect its exercise of holding Party C’s equity
interests, its successor, guardian, spouse or any other Person who may therefore obtain the equity interests or the relevant rights or then
shareholder or assignee of Party C’s equity interests shall be deemed as a party to this Agreement, shall not affect or prevent the
performance of this Agreement, and shall inherit and assume all of Party C’s rights and obligations hereunder;
11) Party C’s equity interests held by Party B are not the common property of Party B and its spouse, Party B’s spouse does not have nor
control Party C’s equity interests; Party B’s operating management of Party C and other voting matters shall not be influenced by its
spouse; and
each of Party B and Party C warrants to Party A that it will not engage in any act or omission that may be contrary to the purpose and
intention of the entry into the VIE
12)
6
Agreements, which will result in or may result in any conflict of interests between Party A and Party B, Party C or their respective
subordinate legal entities. If Party B and Party C have conflicts with Party A in the performance of the VIE Agreements, Party B and
Party C will safeguard Party A’s legal interests under the VIE Agreements and comply with the instructions of Party A according to law.
V.
Representations and Warranties of Party A
Party A represents and warrants to Party C that:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
it is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly registered and validly existing under the PRC Laws with the independent legal person
qualification; has full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and can act as an
independent subject of litigation;
this Agreement has been duly executed by Party A, and constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations on Party A;
it has full internal power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all the other documents relating to the transaction
referred to herein, and has full power and authority to consummate the transaction referred to herein;
there is no outstanding or (to its knowledge) threatening lawsuit, legal proceedings or claims against it or its assets before any court or
tribunal or any governmental authority or administrative organ, which has adverse effects on its economic situation or its ability to
perform the obligations hereunder; and
its execution and performance of this Agreement will not violate any applicable laws, regulations or provisions currently in force, court
judgements or arbitral awards, decisions, approvals or permits of any administrative authority, or any other agreements to which it is a
party or by which its assets are bound, nor result in any suspension, revocation, confiscation, or non-renewal upon expiration of any
applicable approvals or permits of any governmental authority.
VI. Liabilities for Damage and Remedies
Enforcement
1.
The Parties agree with consensus that Party A shall have the right to submit the breach of contract by Party B and Party C a to an arbitral
institution for arbitration and request for enforcement. Each of Party B and Party C recognizes and agrees that breach of this Agreement will cause
irreparable damages to Party A, and monetary compensations will not be sufficient to compensate Party A’s losses.
Remedies
2.
Except as otherwise provided herein, if a party (hereinafter the “Default Party”) fails to perform an obligation hereunder or violates this
Agreement in other manner, the other parties (hereinafter the “Damaged Parties”) may (a) send a written notice to the Default Party indicating the
nature and scope of the default and requesting the Default Party to cure it at its own cost within the reasonable period provided in the notice
(hereinafter “Cure Period”); if the Default Party fails to cure it during the Cure
7
Period, the Damaged Parties shall have the right to request the Default Party to assume all liabilities caused by its default and compensate the
Damaged Parties for all actual economic losses caused to the Damaged Parties by its default, including but not limited to legal fees, costs or
arbitration fees of any litigation or arbitral proceedings relating to such default, and furthermore, the Damaged Parties shall also have the right to
request the Default Party to enforce this Agreement and request the relevant arbitral institution or court to rule specific performance and/or
enforcement of the terms agreed herein; (b) terminate this Agreement, and request the Default Party to assume all liabilities caused by its default,
and provide all liquidated damages; or (c) discount, auction or sell off the pledged equity interests as agreed in the Equity Pledge Agreement, and be
first compensated with the proceeds from the discounting, auctioning or selling off, and request the Default Party to assume all losses caused
thereby. The exercise of the aforesaid remedial rights by the Damaged Parties shall not prevent them from exercise of other remedial rights pursuant
to the provisions of this Agreement and the laws.
Each of the Parties agrees and acknowledges that except as compulsorily provided by the PRC Laws, if Party C or Party B is a Default Party,
the Damaged Parties will have the right to immediately terminates this Agreement and request the Default Party to provide the liquidated damages.
If Party A is the Default Party, the Damaged Parties shall waive Party A’s obligation of liquidated damages, and unless otherwise provided, the
Damaged Party shall not in any event have any right to terminate or cancel this Agreement.
No waiver by Party A of Party B’s and Party C’s breach of contract shall be effective unless made in writing. Any failure or delay by Party A
to exercise any of its right or remedy hereunder shall not constitute a waiver thereof by Party A; partial exercise of the rights or remedies shall also
not preclude any further exercise of other rights or remedies.
VII. Effectiveness and Term
1.
2.
This Agreement shall take effect from the date of official signing or sealing by the Parties.
This Agreement shall terminate automatically after Party A and/or the Person designated by it fully exercises its right to purchase all
equity interests held by Party B in Party C in accordance with this Agreement.
VIII. Confidentiality
1.
1)
2)
3)
The Parties acknowledge and confirm that any oral or written information exchanged among them in respect of this Agreement shall be
confidential. Each of the Parties shall keep all of such information confidential and shall not disclose any relevant information to any
third party without written consents of the other Parties, except for:
the information that is known or will be known by the public (not through the disclosure by any of the receiving Parties of such
information);
the information that is required to be disclosed by applicable laws or regulations or rules or regulations of any stock exchange or
requirements of any regulatory authority; or
the information that is required to be disclosed by any Party to its legal counsel or financial advisor in respect of the transaction referred
to herein, and such legal counsel or financial advisor shall also comply with the confidential liabilities similar to this clause.
8
2.
Any disclosure of confidential information by any of the staff members or agencies engaged by any Party shall be deemed as disclosure
of confidential information by such Party, and such Party shall assume liabilities for breach of contract.
3.
The Parties agree that this clause shall survive the invalidity, change, termination or inoperativeness of this Agreement.
IX. Force Majeure
1.
2.
3.
If a Party is unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement due to a force majeure event, such obligations under this Agreement
shall be exempted to the extent that they are affected by the force majeure. For the purposes of this Agreement, a force majeure event
only includes natural disasters, storm, tornado and other acts of nature, strikes, lockout/shutdown or other industrial issues, wars, riots,
conspiracy, hostility, terrorist activities or acts of violence by criminal organizations, blockade, severe diseases or epidemic, earthquake
or other crustal movements, flood and other natural disasters, bomb explosion or other explosions, fire, accidents or governmental
activities which make such Party unable to perform this Agreement.
In event of a force majeure event, the Party being affected by the force majeure event shall use its efforts to mitigate and eliminate the
consequences of the force majeure event, and shall be liable for performing the delayed and impeded obligations under this Agreement.
The Parties agree to use their best efforts to continue to perform this Agreement after the end of the force majeure event.
If there is a possibility that a force majeure event may occur, as a result of which the performance of this Agreement will be delayed or
impeded or will be threatened to be delayed or impeded, the relevant Party shall immediately notify the other Parties in writing and
provide all relevant materials.
X. Change in Circumstances
1.
As supplementary and subject to other provisions of the VIE Agreements, if any promulgation of or any amendment to any PRC Laws,
regulations or rules, or any change of the interpretation or application of such laws, regulations and rules, or any change of relevant
registration procedures at any time makes Party A believe that the maintenance of the validity of this Agreement and/or the acceptance
of Party C’s Equity Interest Call option granted by Party B in the manner provided herein will become illegal or in contravention with
such laws, regulations or rules, Party B or Party C shall, as instructed in writing and reasonably requested by Party A, immediately take
any action and/or execute any agreement or other document in order to:
1) maintain the validity of this Agreement;
2)
3)
exercise the Equity Interest Call Option in the manner provided herein; and/or
realize the intentions and purposes of this Agreement in the manner provided herein or otherwise.
9
XI. Miscellaneous
1.
2.
3.
Each of Party C and its shareholder Party B agrees that Party A may transfer its rights and obligations hereunder to its designee by
giving written notice to Party C and its shareholder; provided that each of Party C and its shareholder may not transfer its rights,
obligations or duties hereunder to any third party without the prior written consent of Party A. Each of the successors or permitted
assignees (if any) of Party C and its shareholder shall continue to perform all of the respective obligations of Party C, its shareholder
hereunder.
The execution, validity, interpretation, performance, alteration and termination of this Agreement and dispute resolution relating thereto
shall be governed by the PRC Laws.
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising from, or in connection with, this Agreement or the performance, interpretation, breach,
termination or validity of this Agreement shall be settled through friendly consultations. Such consultations shall start immediately after
one Party to the dispute has delivered to the other Parties to the dispute a written consultation request notice stating the dispute and
claims in details.
4.
5.
6.
If such dispute cannot be settled within thirty (30) days upon delivery of the said notice, any Party shall have the right to submit such
dispute to arbitration. The Parties agree to submit such dispute to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for
arbitration in accordance with its arbitration rules then in effect. The place of the arbitration shall be Shanghai. The arbitral award shall
be final and legally binding on the Parties. The arbitration commission shall have the right to rule indemnifying or compensating Party
A against the losses suffered by it due to the breach of contract by other Parties hereto in respect of Party C’s equity interests, or Party
C’s assets or property interests, or issue injunctive relief or order Party C to enter into bankruptcy to enter into dissolution or liquidation
in respect of relevant business or compulsory asset transfer. After the arbitral award becomes effective, any Party has the right to apply
to any competent court for enforcing the arbitral award.
During the arbitration period, the Parties hereto shall continue to perform their respective other obligations hereunder.
Any right, power and remedy granted to a Party under any provisions of this Agreement shall not preclude any other rights, powers or
remedies of such Party provided by law and other provisions of this Agreement, and the exercise by a Party of its rights, powers and
remedies shall not preclude it from exercising its other rights, powers and remedies.
Any failure or delay by a Party to exercise any of its rights, powers and remedies pursuant to this Agreement or laws shall not result in
waiver thereof, and any single or partial waiver of such Party’s rights shall not preclude such Party from exercising such rights in other
way or exercising such Party’s other rights.
The headings to clauses of this Agreement are inserted for index only, and in no event shall be used for, or affect, the interpretation of
the provisions of this Agreement.
Each provision of this Agreement is severable and independent from any other clauses and, if any one or more provision hereof becomes
invalid, illegal or unenforceable at any time, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall
not be affected thereby.
10. Amendment to this Agreement
7.
8.
9.
10
1)
2)
Upon the unanimous agreement of the Parties hereto and the approval by the shareholders (meeting) of Party A, the Parties hereto may
make amendments or supplements to this Agreement, and take all necessary steps and actions, at their cost, to render such amendments
or supplements legal and effective.
If any stock exchange or other regulatory authority proposes any amendment to this Agreement, or any change of relevant listing rules
or relevant requirements is applicable to this Agreement, the Parties shall make amendments to this Agreement accordingly.
11. This Agreement is made in Chinese in four originals. The Parties hereto shall each hold one copy.
(There is no text below)
11
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Exclusive Call Option Agreement.)
Peiqing Tian
Signature: /s/ Peiqing Tian
12
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Exclusive Call Option Agreement.)
Suhua Zhu
Signature: /s/ Suhua Zhu
13
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Exclusive Call Option Agreement.)
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd. [Company Seal Affixed]
14
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Exclusive Call Option Agreement.)
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. [Company Seal Affixed]
15
Equity Pledge Agreement
Exhibit 4.19
This Equity Pledge Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made on November 1, 2021 by and among:
1.
2.
3.
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd. , a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly established and existing under the laws
of the PRC (the uniform social credit code: 913100003216954485) having its registered address at Room 213, No. 865, 867, 869 and 877,
Qiujiang Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (“Party A” or the“Pledgee” );
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. , a limited liability company duly established and existing under the
laws of the PRC (the uniform social credit code: 913101097989561824) having its registered address at Room 306, Suite C, No. 1505, Xinshi
North Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai (“Party B”);
Peiqing Tian, an individual (the ID Card No.: *** ) having his residential address at Room 402, No. 17, Tian Lin Shi Yi Village, Xuhui
District, Shanghai (“Party C1”);
Suhua Zhu, an individual (the ID Card No.: ***) having his residential address at Room 1403, No. 1515, Changning Road, Changning
District, Shanghai (“Party C2”).
(Party C1 and Party C2, collectively, “Party C” or the “Pledgors”)
(The aforesaid shall be individually referred to as a “Party” or collectively referred to as the “Parties”.)
WHEREAS:
1. As of the effective date of this Agreement, the Pledgors jointly have the ownership of 100% equity interests of Party B, and the Pledgors’
capital contribution and shareholding ratio in the Company are shown in Annex I.
2.
3.
4.
In accordance with the Exclusive Call Option Agreement entered into by and among the Parties, upon completion of the transfer of equity on
November 1, 2021, to the extent that the PRC Laws permit and subject to relevant conditions, if Party A, at its own discretion, proposes a
purchase request, Party C shall, at the request of Party A, transfer all or part of equity interests held by it in Party B to Party A and/or any other
entity or individual as designated by Party A.
In accordance with the Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement entered into by and among the Parties on November 1, 2021, Pledgors
irrevocably and fully delegates the exercise of all of its shareholder voting rights in the Company to the person then designated by Pledgee on
behalf of Pledgors.
In accordance with the Exclusive Service Agreement entered into by Pledgee and the Company on November 1, 2021, the Company
exclusively engages Pledgee to provide relevant technical services and consulting services and agrees to pay the corresponding service fees to
Pledgee for such technical services and consulting services.
5. As a security for the performance by Pledgors and of the Contractual Obligations and the discharge of the Secured Debts, Pledgors are willing
to create a pledge over all equity interests held by them in the Compnay in favor of Pledgee and grant Pledgee the first ranking pledge, and the
Company agrees on such equity pledge arrangement.
Therefore, the Parties, through friendly negotiation, hereby agree as follows.
1
1. Definition and Interpretation
Unless the context otherwise requires, in this Agreement, the following terms shall be construed as follows:
“Contractual Obligations” shall mean the obligations of Pledgors under the Exclusive Call Option Agreement and the Shareholder Voting
Rights Proxy Agreement; the obligations of the Company under the VIE Agreements, and; the obligations of Pledgors and the Company
under this Agreement.
“Secured Debts” shall mean all direct, indirect or derivative losses and foreseeable benefit losses incurred by Pledgee due to any Default
Event occurring on the part of Pledgors and/or the Company, including but not limited to, reasonable business plans and profit projections of
Pledgee, fees payable by the Company under the Exclusive Service Agreement, and all fees arising out of the act of Pledgee to force Pledgors
and/or the Company to perform their Contractual Obligations.
“VIE Agreements” shall mean the Exclusive Service Agreement, the Exclusive Call Option Agreement, the Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy
Agreement.
“Default Event” shall mean any of the following: any Pledgor violates any of their Contractual Obligations under the Exclusive Call Option
Agreement and the Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement; the Company violates any of its Contractual Obligations under VIE
Agreements.
“Pledged Equity” shall mean Pledgee’s equity and interests legally owned by Pledgors when this Agreement comes into force and pledged to
Pledgee as a security for the performance by the Company and Pledgors and of the Contractual Obligations in accordance with this
Agreement (the specific pledged equity of each Pledgor is shown in Annex I), and the increased capital contribution made in accordance with
Clause 2.6 and Clause 2.7 of this Agreement and relevant dividends.
“PRC Law” shall mean the laws, administrative regulations, administrative rules, local regulations, judicial interpretations and other binding
regulatory documents of the People’s Republic of China in effect at the time.
Any reference to any PRC Law in this Agreement shall be deemed to (1) include references to amendments, changes, additions and re-
enactments of such PRC Law, whether in force before or after the conclusion of this Agreement; and (2) include references to other decisions,
notifications and regulations made in accordance with or in force as a result thereof its provisions
Unless the context of this Agreement indicates otherwise, references in this Agreement to terms, clauses, items, paragraphs are to the
corresponding sections of this Agreement.
2. Equity Pledge
2.1. As the collateral for the timely and full payment of the Secured Debts and the performance of the Contractual Obligations, Pledgors
hereby create a first ranking pledge over the Pledged Equity that it legally owns and has the right to dispose of in favor of Pledgee in
accordance with this Agreement. The Company agrees that Pledgors may create pledge over the equity interests in favor of Pledgee in
accordance with this Agreement.
2.2. Pledgors agree and undertake that, upon the execution of this Agreement, Pledgors shall immediately record the equity pledge
arrangement hereunder on the register of shareholders of the Company on the date on which this Agreement is executed. And Pledgors
further undertake that they shall use their best efforts and take all necessary means to apply to the appropriate industrial and commercial
administration authorities for registering the creation (or change) of the equity pledge under this Agreement. Pledgors and Pledgee shall
submit all necessary documents and carry out all necessary procedures in accordance with PRC Laws and the requirements of the
relevant industrial and commercial administration authorities to ensure that the equity pledge is registered as soon as possible after the
application is submitted.
2
2.3. Within the term of this Agreement, Pledgee shall not be liable for any decrease in the value of the equity interests, unless it is due to
Pledgee’s willful misconduct or gross negligence, nor shall Pledgors be entitled to the right of recourse in any form or propose any claim
against Pledgee.
2.4. Without prejudice to the provisions in Clause 2.3 of this Agreement, if there is any possibility that the value of the equity interests may
decrease significantly, as a result of which the rights of Pledgee may be impaired, Pledgors agree that Pledgee may act on behalf of
Pledgors to auction or sell the equity interests at any time and reach an agreement with Pledgors to use the amount received from the
such auction or sale to prepay the Secured Debts or lodge such amount with the notary office at the place where Pledgee is located (any
fee arising therefrom shall be paid from the amount received from the auction or sale). In addition, Pledgors shall provide other
properties to the satisfaction of Pledgee as a security.
2.5. Upon the occurrence of any Default Event, Pledgee shall have the right to dispose of the Pledged Equity in the manner set forth in Clause
4 hereof.
2.6. During the term of this Agreement, with Pledgee’s prior written consent, Pledgors may increase their capital contribution to the
Company. The increased capital contribution made by Pledgors in the Company shall also constitute the Pledged Equity and relevant
equity pledge registration shall be completed as soon as possible.
2.7. During the Term of Pledge, to the extent that the PRC Law permits, Pledgee has the right to receive any distributions, dividends or other
distributable interests arising from the equity interests. With the prior written consent of Pledgee, Pledgors may receive dividends or
distributions in respect of the Pledged Equity. The dividends or distributions received by Pledgors in respect of the Pledged Equity shall
be deposited in the designated account of Pledgee, held in escrow by Pledgee, and shall first be used to satisfy the Secured Debts.
3. Release of Pledge
3.1. Upon full and complete performance of all Contractual Obligations and satisfaction of all Secured Debts by Pledgors and the Company,
Pledgee shall, at the request of Pledgors, at the earliest reasonably practicable time, release the pledge of equity interests under this
Agreement, and cooperate with Pledgors in the cancellation of the registration of the pledge of equity interests in the register of
shareholders of the Company and the registration of the cancellation of the pledge in the relevant industrial and commercial
administration authorities, and the reasonable costs arising from the release of the pledge of equity interests shall be borne by Pledgee.
4. Disposal of the Pledged Equity
4.1. The Parties agree that if any Default Event occurs, Pledgee shall, after giving a written notice to Pledgors, have the right to exercise all
remedies available to it in accordance with the PRC Laws and regulations, the VIE Agreements and this Agreement, including (but not
limited to) the auction or sale of the pledged equity for priority payment. Pledgee shall not be liable for any loss arising from the
reasonable exercise of such rights and powers by it.
4.2. Pledgee has the right to appoint its legal counsel or other proxy in writing to exercise any and all of its rights mentioned above, and
Pledgors or the Company shall not propose any objection.
4.3. Pledgee has the right to deduct the actual fees in connection with its exercise of any or all rights and powers mentioned above from the
amount received from its exercise of the rights.
3
4.4. The amount received by Pledgee from the exercise of its rights and powers shall be used to pay following items in the order set forth
below:
First: all the fees in connection with the disposal of the Pledged Equity and the exercise by Pledgee of its rights (including the
compensation paid to its legal counsel and proxy);
Second: the taxes payable in connection with the disposal of the Pledged Equity; and
Third: the Secured Debts owed to Pledgee.
If there is any remaining amount after the deduction of above items, Pledgee shall return such remaining amount to Pledgors or other
person who has the right to such amount according to the relevant laws and regulations or withdraw the balance to the notary office at the
place where Pledgee is located (any expenses arising therefrom shall be borne by Pledgee).
4.5. Pledgee has the right to exercise any of its remedies at the same time or in a sequential order, and Pledgee’s exercise of its right to
auction or sell the Pledged Equity under this Agreement is not subject to the prior exercise of any other remedy.
5.
Fee and Expense
5.1. All actual expenses in connection with the creation of the equity pledge under this Agreement, including but not limited to any stamp
duty, any tax, charge and legal fee, shall be assumed by Pledgee.
6. Continuity and No Waiver
6.1. The equity pledge hereunder is a continuous guarantee, and shall remain valid until the full performance of the Contractual Obligations
or the full repayment of the Secured Debts. Exemption or grace period by Pledgee for any breach or delay by Pledgee in its exercise of
any of its rights under the VIE Agreements and this Agreement shall not affect the rights of Pledgee pursuant to this Agreement, relevant
PRC Laws and VIE Agreements to demand at any time hereafter the strict performance of the VIE Agreements and this Agreement by
Pledgors and the Company, or the rights that Pledgee may have arising from subsequent breach of the VIE Agreements and/or this
Agreement by Pledgors and the Company.
7. Representations and Warranties of Pledgors
Each Pledgor represents and warrants to Pledgee that:
7.1. Pledgor is a citizen of the PRC, have full capacity for civil conduct and may execute this Agreement pursuant to law and assume legal
obligations in accordance with this Agreement.
7.2. All reports, documents and information provided by Pledgors to Pledgee before this Agreement comes into force in connection with
Pledgors and all matters as required for this Agreement are true, accurate and complete in material respects when this Agreement comes
into force.
7.3. All reports, documents and information provided by Pledgors to Pledgee after this Agreement comes into force in connection with
Pledgors and all matters as required for this Agreement are true, valid and complete in material respects when they are provided.
7.4. At the time when this Agreement comes into force, Pledgors are the sole legal owners of the Pledged Equity and have the right to dispose
of the Pledged Equity, and there is no dispute on the ownership of the Pledged Equity.
7.5. Except for the security interest established on the Pledged Equity pursuant to this Agreement
4
and the rights under VIE Agreements, the Pledged Equity is free of any other security interest or third party interest and any other
restrictions.
7.6. The Pledged Equity can be pledged and transferred in accordance with law, and Pledgors have full rights and powers to pledge the
Pledged Equity to Pledgee in accordance with this Agreement and have the right to dispose of all or any part of the Pledged Equity.
7.7. This Agreement, once duly signed by Pledgors, constitutes the legal, effective and binding obligation of Pledgors.
7.8. Any consent, license, waiver or authorization required to be obtained from any third person or any approval, permit, exemption of any
government authority, or any registration or filing formalities (if required by laws) with any government authority in respect of the
execution and performance of this Agreement and the equity pledge under this Agreement has been obtained or completed, and will be
fully effective during the term of this Agreement.
7.9. The execution and performance by Pledgors of this Agreement are not in violation of or conflict with any applicable laws, or any
agreement to which it is a party or which is binding on its assets, any judgment by the court, any arbitration award by the arbitration
institution, or any decision by administrative authority.
7.10. The pledge under this Agreement constitutes the first ranking security interest over the Pledged Equity.
7.11. All taxes and fees payable for the acquisition of the Pledged Equity have been fully paid by Pledgors.
7.12. There is no pending or, to the knowledge of Pledgors, threatening litigation, legal proceeding or claim in any court or arbitral tribunal
against Pledgors or their assets or the Pledged Equity, and, meanwhile, there is no pending or, to the knowledge of Pledgors, threatening
litigation, legal proceeding or claim in any governmental authority or administrative authority against Pledgors or their assets or the
Pledged Equity, which will have adverse effect on the economic condition of Pledgors or their abilities to perform the obligations and
security liabilities under this Agreement.
7.13. The above representations and warranties made by Pledgors to Pledgee will be true, accurate and complete at any time and in any
condition prior to the full performance of the Contractual Obligations or full discharge of the Secured Debts, and will be fully complied
with.
8. Representations and Warranties of the Company
The Company represents and warrants to Pledgee that:
8.1. The Company is a limited liability company registered and duly existing in accordance with the PRC Law, having independent legal
person status. It has full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and can act as a
party in litigation independently.
8.2. All reports, documents and information provided by the Company to Pledgee before this Agreement comes into force in connection with
the Pledged Equity and all matters as required for this Agreement are true, accurate and complete in material respects when this
Agreement comes into force.
8.3. All reports, documents and information provided by the Company to Pledgee after this Agreement comes into force in connection with
the Pledged Equity and all matters as required
5
for this Agreement are true, valid and complete in material respects when they are provided.
8.4. This Agreement, once duly executed by the Company, constitutes the legal, effective and binding obligation of the Company.
8.5. The Company has full corporate internal power and authorization to execute and deliver this Agreement and any other documents to be
executed by it in connection with the transaction under this Agreement, and it has full power and authorization to complete the
transaction under this Agreement.
8.6. There is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatening litigation, legal proceeding or claim in any court or arbitral
tribunal against Party B or its assets, and, meanwhile, there is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatening litigation,
legal proceeding or claim in any governmental authority or administrative authority against the Company or its assets, which will have
adverse effect on the economic condition of the Company or Pledgors’ abilities to perform the obligations and security liabilities under
this Agreement.
8.7. The Company hereby agrees to be jointly and severally liable to Pledgee for the representations and warranties made by each Pledgor
under Clause 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.8 and 7.10 of this Agreement.
8.8. The above representations and warranties made by the Company to Pledgee will be true, accurate and complete at any time and in any
condition prior to the full performance of the Contractual Obligations or full discharge of the Secured Debts, and will be fully complied
with.
9. Undertakings of Pledgors
Each Pledgor undertakes to Pledgee that:
9.1. Without the prior written consent of Pledgee, Pledgors shall not create any new pledge or encumbrance over the Pledged Equity. Any
pledge or any other encumbrance created over all or part of the Pledged Equity without the prior written consent of Pledgee shall be
ineffective.
9.2. Without the prior written notice to and the prior written consent of Pledgee, Pledgors shall not transfer the Pledged Equity, and all of
Pledgors’ actions of proposed transfer of the Pledged Equity are ineffective. Whether the prior written consent of Pledgee is obtained or
not, the proceeds from transfer of the Pledged Equity by Pledgors shall be first used to prepay Pledgee for the Secured Debts or lodged
with the third party as agreed with Pledgee to continue to secure the Secured Debts.
9.3. When there is any lawsuit, arbitration or other claim which may have adverse effects on the interests or the Pledged Equity of Pledgors
or Pledgee under the VIE Agreements, Pledgors assure that they will timely notify Pledgee in writing as soon as possible, and as
reasonably requested by Pledgee, take all necessary measures to ensure the pledge interests of Pledgee in the Pledged Equity.
9.4. Pledgors undertake to complete the registration procedures for the extension of the term of operation of the Company within three (3)
months prior to the expiration of the term of operation of the Company in order for the validity of this Agreement to continue.
9.5. Pledgors shall not engage in or permit any action or act that may have adverse effects on the interests or Pledged Equity of Pledgee under
the VIE Agreements. Pledgors shall waive their rights of first refusal when the Pledged Equity are realized by Pledgee, and agree to the
relevant
6
equity transfer.
9.6. Pledgors assure that, as reasonably requested by Pledgee, they will take all measures and execute all documents (including but not
limited to the supplements to this Agreement) necessary to ensure the pledge interests of Pledgee in the Pledged Equity and the exercise
and realization of such rights.
9.7. When the exercise of the pledge rights hereunder causes any transfer of the Pledged Equity, Pledgors assure that they will take all
measures to realize such equity transfer.
9.8. Pledgors ensure that the convening procedures, voting manner and contents of the shareholders’ meeting and the board of directors’
meeting convened for the purpose of concluding this Agreement, creating the pledge and exercising the pledge do not violate laws,
administrative regulations or the articles of associations.
9.9. Pledgors guarantee to Pledgee that Pledgors, together with the other shareholders, are jointly and severally liable for the obligations
under this agreement.
10. Undertakings of the Company
10.1. If there is any consent, license, waiver or authorization required to be obtained from any third person or any approval, permit, exemption
of any government authority, or any registration or filing formalities (if required by laws) with any government authority in respect of the
execution and performance of this Agreement and the equity pledge under this Agreement, the Company will endeavor to assist in
obtaining and keeping in full force and effect such documents during the term of this Agreement..
10.2. Without the prior written consent of Pledgee, it will not help or permit Pledgors to create any new pledge or any other security interests
on the Pledged Equity.
10.3. Without the prior written consent of Pledgee, it will not help or permit Pledgors to transfer the Pledged Equity.
10.4. When there is any lawsuit, arbitration or other claim which may have adverse effects on the Company, the Pledged Equity or the interests
of Pledgee under the VIE Agreements, the Company assures that it will timely notify Pledgee in writing as soon as possible, and as
reasonably requested by Pledgee, take all necessary measures to ensure the pledge interests of Pledgee in the Pledged Equity.
10.5. The Company undertakes to complete the registration procedures for the extension of the term of operation of the Company within three
(3) months prior to the expiration of the term of operation of the Company in order for the validity of this Agreement to continue.
10.6. The Company shall not engage in or permit any action or act that may have adverse effects on the interests or Pledged Equity of Pledgee
under the VIE Agreements.
10.7. The Company assures that, as reasonably requested by Pledgee, it will take all measures and execute all documents (including but not
limited to the supplements to this Agreement) necessary to ensure the pledge interests of Pledgee in the Pledged Equity and the exercise
and realization of such rights.
10.8. When the exercise of the pledge rights hereunder causes any transfer of the Pledged Equity, the Company assures that it will take all
measures to realize such equity transfer.
7
11. Change in Circumstances
11.1. Subject to no contradiction with other terms of the VIE Agreements, if any promulgation of or any amendment to any PRC Laws,
regulations or rules, or any change of the interpretation or application of such laws, regulations and rules, or any change of relevant
registration procedures at any time makes Pledgee believe that the maintenance of the validity of this Agreement and/or the disposal of
Pledged Equity in the manner provided by this Agreement becomes illegal or violates such laws, regulations or rules, Pledgors and Party
B shall, as instructed by Pledgee in writing and as reasonably requested by Pledgee, immediately take any action and/or execute any
agreement or other document in order to:
1) maintain the validity of this Agreement;
2)
3) maintain the security created or intended to create by this Agreement.
dispose of the Pledged Equity in the manner provided by this Agreement; and/or
12. Term of Pledge
12.1. This Agreement shall become effective when it has been duly signed by the Parties and the pledge of equity under this Agreement has
been recorded in the Company’s register of shareholders in accordance with the law. And Pledgors shall, in good faith, make every effort
to register such equity pledge with the competent administrative department for industry and commerce within the shortest possible time,
and for this purpose, Pledgors shall apply for registration with the competent administrative department for industry and commerce as
soon as possible after the effective date of this Agreement.
Pledgors shall deliver to Pledgee for safekeeping the certificate of its equity contribution in the Company and the register of shareholders
recording the pledge right on the effective date of this Agreement. Pledgors shall provide Pledgee with the certificate of registration of
the pledge issued by the administration department for industry and commerce in a form satisfactory to Pledgee after the effective date of
this Agreement upon the request of Pledgee. Pledgee shall keep these items for the entire duration of the pledge under this Agreement.
12.2. The term of this Agreement shall be until the Contractual Obligations have been fully performed or the Secured Debts have been fully
discharged.
13. Notice
13.1. Any notices, requests, demands and other communications required by or under this Agreement shall be in writing and served on the
Party concerned.
13.2. The abovementioned notice or other communication shall be deemed to be served: upon dispatch if sent by facsimile; upon personal
delivery if delivered in person; five (5) days after posting if sent by mail; or on the date of receipt by the Party to be served if sent by
courier. However, if the notice is returned due to the fault of the Party to be served or the Party to be served refuses to sign for it, the
notice shall be deemed to be served on the date it is returned. If the notice is sent in more than one of the above forms at the same time,
the earliest deemed time of delivery shall prevail.
14. Miscellaneous
14.1. Pledgors and the Company agree that Pledgee may assign its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement to any third party upon
notice by Pledgee to Pledgors and the Company; but Pledgors or the Company shall not assign their respective rights and obligations
under this Agreement to any third party unless Pledgee agrees in writing in advance. Pledgors, the Company and their successor or
permitted assignee (if any) shall continue to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement.
8
14.2. The amount of Secured Debts determined by Pledgee on its own when exercising its pledge right over the Pledged Equity pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement shall be the definitive evidence for the Secured Debts under this Agreement.
14.3. This Agreement is drawn up in Chinese in four originals. Each of the Parties shall hold one counterpart.
14.4. The execution, validity, interpretation, performance, revision and termination of this Agreement and dispute settlement in respect hereof
shall be governed by the PRC Law.
14.5. Any dispute arising from, or in connection with, this Agreement shall be settled through friendly negotiation. If such dispute fails to be
settled within thirty (30) days after the dispute arises, either Party shall have the right to submit such dispute to arbitration. The Parties
agree to submit such dispute to Shanghai International Arbitration Center for arbitration in accordance with its arbitration rules then in
effect. The place of the arbitration shall be Shanghai. The arbitral award shall be final and legally binding on the Parties.
14.6. Any right, power and remedy granted to a Party under any provisions of this Agreement shall not preclude any other right, power or
remedy available to such Party pursuant to laws and other provisions under this Agreement, and the exercise by a Party of its rights,
powers and remedies shall not preclude the exercise by such Party of its other rights, powers and remedies.
14.7. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any of its rights, powers and remedies pursuant to this Agreement or laws (“Such Party’s
Rights”) shall be construed as a waiver of Such Party’s Rights, and no single or partial waiver of Such Party’s Rights shall preclude the
exercise by such Party of such rights in other way and the exercise of other Such Party’s Rights.
14.8. The headings to Clauses of this Agreement are inserted for index only, and in no event shall be used for, or affect, the interpretation of
the provisions of this Agreement.
14.9. Each provision of this Agreement is severable and distinct from the others and, if any one or more provision hereof becomes invalid,
illegal or unenforceable at any time, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be
affected.
14.10.Any amendment or supplement to this Agreement must be in writing and, except for the assignment by Pledgee of its rights under this
Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Clause 14.l, no amendment or supplement to this Agreement shall be effective until it
has been duly signed by the Parties hereto.
14.11.This Agreement shall be binding on the legal successors of the Parties.
14.12.Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, each Pledgor shall execute a power of attorney (“Power of Attorney”) for any person
designated by Pledgee to execute any and all legal documents necessary for Pledgee to exercise its rights under this Agreement on behalf
of Pledgors. Such Power of Attorney shall be deposited with Pledgee and may be delivered by Pledgee to the relevant governmental
authorities at any time if required.
(There is no text below)
9
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Equity Pledge Agreement.)
Peiqing Tian
Signature: /s/ Peiqing Tian
10
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Equity Pledge Agreement.)
Suhua Zhu
Signature: /s/ Suhua Zhu
11
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Equity Pledge Agreement.)
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd. [Company Seal Affixed]
12
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Equity Pledge Agreement.)
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. [Company Seal Affixed]
13
Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement
Exhibit 4.20
This Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made on November 1, 2021 by and among::
1.
2.
3.
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd. , a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly established and existing under the laws
of the PRC (the uniform social credit code: 913100003216954485) having its registered address at Room 213, No. 865, 867, 869 and 877,
Qiujiang Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (“Party A”);
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Party B”) , a limited liability company duly
established and existing under the laws of the PRC (the uniform social credit code: 913101097989561824) having its registered address at
Room 306, Suite C, No. 1505, Xinshi North Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai;
Peiqing Tian, an individual (the ID Card No.: ***) having his residential address at Room 402, No. 17, Tian Lin Shi Yi Cun, Xuhui District,
Shanghai (“Party C1”);
Suhua Zhu, an individual (the ID Card No.: ***) having his residential address at Room 1403, No. 1515, Changning Road, Changning
District, Shanghai (“Party C2”).
(Party C1 and Party C2, collectively, “Party C”)
(The aforesaid shall be individually referred to as a “Party” or collectively referred to as the “Parties”.)
WHEREAS:
1.
2.
3.
Party C jointly has the ownership of 100% equity interests of Party B (“Party B’s Equity Interests”).
Party A is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise registered in Shanghai, the PRC.
In order to secure the performance of the VIE Agreements (as defined below) and protect Party A’s legitimate interests, Party C intends to
entrust the individual or entity as designated by Party A to exercise the Entrusted Rights (as defined below) held by it in Party B, and Party A
intends to designate such individual or entity to accept the entrustment.
Therefore, the Parties, through friendly negotiation, hereby agree as follows.
1. Definition and Interpretation
Unless the context otherwise requires, in this Agreement, the following terms shall be construed as follows:
“VIE Agreements” shall mean the Exclusive Service Agreement, the Exclusive Call Option Agreement, the Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy
Agreement and the Equity Pledge Agreement entered into by and among Party A, Party B and Party C, including any supplemental
agreements or amendments to such agreements, and any other agreements, contracts or legal documents executed or issued by one or more
Parties from time to time to ensure the performance of the aforesaid agreements, signed or accepted by Party A in writing.
“Exclusive Service Agreement” shall mean the Exclusive Service Agreement entered into by and among the Parties hereto on November 1,
2021, pursuant to which Party A shall provide relevant exclusive technological service, management consulting and other services to Party B.
“Exclusive Call Option Agreement” shall mean the Exclusive Call Option Agreement entered
1
into by and among the Parties hereto on November 1, 2021. To the extent that the PRC laws permit and subject to relevant conditions, if Party
A, at its own discretion, proposes a purchase request, Party C shall, at the request of Party A, transfer all or part of equity interests held by it in
Party B to Party A and/or any other entity or individual as designated by Party A.
“Equity Pledge Agreement” shall mean the Equity Pledge Agreement entered into by and among the Parties hereto on November 1, 2021,
pursuant to which Party C will pledge all equity interests held by it in Party B (i.e. Party B’s Equity Interests) to Party A as the pledged
collateral for the contractual obligations and secured debts under the VIE Agreements.
“Trustor” shall mean Party C acting as the shareholder of Party B.
“Trustee” shall mean Party A or a person as designated by Party A in accordance with Clause 3 hereof who accepts the entrustment by the
Trustor.
“PRC” shall mean the People’s Republic of China (for the purpose of this Agreement, excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan).
2. Entrusted Rights
2.1. Party C unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes that it will sign a power of attorney (the “Power of Attorney”) in the substance and
form as shown in Appendix 1 hereto after the execution of this Agreement, to respectively authorize Party A or any person as designated
by Party A according to Party A’s instruction (the “Trustee”) to exercise all shareholders’ rights available to it as the shareholders of
Party B in accordance with Party B’s articles of association then in effect and applicable laws and regulations. Such shareholders’ rights
(the “Entrusted Rights”) include without limitation:
1)
acting as the proxy of Party C to propose, convene or attend as an observer a shareholders’ meeting in accordance with Party B’s
articles of association;
exercising all shareholders’ rights and shareholders’ voting rights available to Party C in accordance with the PRC laws (including
any law, regulation, rules, notification, interpretation or other binding document promulgated by any central or local legislative,
administrative and judicial authority before or after the execution of this Agreement, the “PRC Law”) and Party B’s articles of
association (including any other shareholder’s voting rights provided for in the amendments of such articles of association),
including but not limited to the right to receive dividends, the right to sell, transfer, pledge or dispose of part or all of Party B’s
Equity Interests; the right to decide the increase or decrease of the registered capital, merger, division and other issues; the right to
amend the articles of association; the right to decide the operation guidelines and investment plans; the right to determine the
financial budget and final accounts; the right to decide the allocation plan; the right to decide dissolution and liquidation; the right to
designate and appoint the members of the liquidation committee; the right to approve liquidation plan and liquidation report, etc;
acting as Party B’s legal representative or acting as Party B’s chairman of the board, managing director or manager and/or acting on
behalf of Party C to designate, appoint or remove Party B’s legal representative (chairman of the board or managing director),
directors, supervisors, chief executive officer (or managers) and other senior management members, in accordance with the
provisions regarding the way in which the legal representative is appointed in Party B’s articles of association;
executing documents (including the minutes of the shareholders’ meetings) and the documents filed with relevant company registry;
acting on behalf of Party B’s registered shareholders to exercise voting rights at the time of Party B’s bankruptcy, liquidation,
dissolution or termination;
the allocation right in respect of the remaining assets after Party B’s bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or termination; and
deciding matters in connection with the delivery or registration of Party B’s relevant documents to or with the governmental
authorities.
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
2
2.2. Without prejudice to the generality of the powers granted under this Agreement, Party A shall have the power and authority hereunder to
act on behalf of Party C to execute the transfer contract as agreed and defined in the Exclusive Call Option Agreement (when Party C is
required to be a party to such contract), and perform the provisions of the Equity Pledge Agreement and the Exclusive Call Option
Agreement executed by Party C as a party thereto on the same date on which this Agreement is executed.
2.3. Party C hereby undertakes that, in case of Party B’s bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or termination, all assets obtained by Party C
after Party B’s bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or termination (including Party B’s Equity Interests) shall be transferred to Party A
free of charge or at the minimum price as permitted by the PRC Law then in effect, or the then liquidator shall dispose of all of Party B’s
assets, including the equity interests, for the purpose of protecting the interests of Party A’s direct or indirect shareholders and/or
creditors.
2.4. The Trustee and/or Party A exercises the Entrusted Rights as if Party C exercises the shareholders’ rights. When Party A issues a written
notice to Party C to replace the Trustee, Party C shall immediately instruct the other entity or individual as designated by Party A then to
exercise the aforesaid Entrusted Rights, and sign a Power of Attorney in the substance and form as shown in Appendix 1 hereto. Once
such new Power of Attorney is signed, it shall replace the original Power of Attorney. Meanwhile, Party C shall also announce or clarify
that the original Power of Attorney has been abolished by notifying relevant persons or in other publicity form. In addition, Party C shall
not revoke the entrustment and authorization granted to the Trustee and/or Party A.
2.5. Party C shall confirm and acknowledge, and assume relevant legal liabilities in respect of, any legal consequence arising from the
exercise of the aforesaid Entrusted Rights by the Trustee and/or Party A.
2.6. All acts performed by the Trustee and/or Party A in respect of Party B’s Equity Interests and/or the exercise of the Entrusted Rights by
the Trustee and/or Party A shall be deemed as acts performed by Party C itself, and all documents executed by the Trustee and/or Party A
shall be deemed as executed by Party C. The Trustee and/or Party A may perform the aforesaid acts at its own discretion without seeking
Party C’s prior consent, provided that after the Party B’s resolution or the proposal to hold Party B’s extraordinary general meeting has
been made, the Trustee and/or Party A shall immediately notify Party C. Party C hereby acknowledges and approves such acts done
and/or documents executed by the Trustee and/Party A.
2.7. During the term of this Agreement, Party C hereby waives all rights that have been granted to Party A and/or the Trustee hereunder and
are related to Party B’s Equity Interests, and shall not exercise such rights on its own.
2.8.
If Party C deceases, loses the capacity for civil conduct or suffers other incidents that may affect Party C’s exercise of rights related to
Party B’s Equity Interests held by it, each of the successors of Party C or the then shareholders or assignees of Party B’s Equity Interests
shall be deemed as a party to this Agreement to succeed/assume all rights and obligations of Party C under this Agreement (as amended
and restated).
3. Access to Information
3.1. For the purpose of performing the Entrusted Rights under this Agreement, Party A and/or the Trustee shall have the right to know
various information related to, among others, Party B’s corporate operation, business, clients, financial affairs and employees, and shall
have the access to Party B’s relevant materials. Party B shall provide sufficient assistance in respect of this.
3
4. Exercise of Entrusted Rights
4.1. Party C shall provide sufficient assistance in connection with the exercise by the Trustee and/or Party A of the Entrusted Rights,
including, when necessary (for example, in order to meet the requirements to submit documents as required for the approval by,
registration or filing with, governmental authorities, or the requirements of laws and regulations, regulatory documents, the articles of
association, or instructions or order of other governmental authorities), immediately executing relevant legal documents, including but
not limited to a resolution of Party B’s shareholders’ meeting made by the Trustee and/or Party A, or a power of attorney which specifies
the specific scope of authorization (if any of relevant laws and regulations or articles of association or other regulatory documents
requires).
4.2. Party C irrevocably agrees that when Party A proposes a written request in respect of the exercise of the Entrusted Rights, Party C shall
take actions in accordance with the written request within three (3) days after the receipt of such written request, in order to satisfy Party
A’s request to exercise the Entrusted Rights.
4.3.
If at any time during the term of this Agreement, the grant or exercise of the Entrusted Rights under this Agreement cannot be realized
for any reason (other than Party B or Party C’s breach), the Parties shall immediately seek an alternative plan which comes as close as
possible to the clauses that are unable to be realized, and execute a supplementary agreement to amend or adjust relevant clauses of this
Agreement when necessary, in order to ensure the purpose of this Agreement can be realized.
5. Exemption from Liabilities and Compensation
5.1. The Parties acknowledge that, in no event, Party A shall be required to assume any liabilities, or make any economic or other
compensations, to other Parties or any third party in respect of the exercise of the Entrusted Rights under this Agreement by it and/or its
designated Trustee.
5.2. Party C agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Party A against all losses incurred or possibly incurred by it arising from the exercise of
the Entrusted Rights by it and/or its designated Trustee, including but not limited to any losses arising out of the litigation, recovery,
arbitration or claim brought by any third party against it or the administrative investigation or punishment made by governmental
authorities, provided that if the losses are caused by willful misconduct or gross negligence of Party A and/or the Trustee, it shall not be
indemnified.
6. Representations and Warranties
6.1. Party C hereby represents and warrants that:
1)
2)
3)
It has full and independent legal status and legal capacity, has obtained proper authorization to execute, deliver and perform this
Agreement, and can act as a party in litigation independently.
It has full power and authorization to execute and deliver this Agreement and any other documents to be executed by it in
connection with the transaction under this Agreement, and it has full power and authorization to complete the transaction under this
Agreement. This Agreement is legally and properly executed and delivered by it. This Agreement constitutes the legal and binding
obligation of it and is enforceable against it in accordance with the clauses hereof.
It is Party B’s legal shareholder registered with the administration for industry and commerce and recorded on the register of
shareholders when this Agreement comes into force. Other than the rights set forth in this Agreement, the Equity Pledge Agreement
and the Exclusive Call Option Agreement, no other third party rights exist over the Entrusted Rights. In accordance with this
Agreement, Party A and/or the Trustee may fully and sufficiently exercise the Entrusted Rights pursuant to Party B’s articles of
association then
4
4)
5)
in effect.
Its execution and performance of this Agreement will not violate any PRC Law and regulation, court judgment or arbitral award, or
any decision, approval or license made by any administrative authority, or any agreement to which it is a party or by which it is
bound, or any of its articles of association, regulations and rules or other constitutional documents (as applicable), nor result in any
suspension, revocation or confiscation of, or inability to renew upon the expiration, any governmental authorities’ approval or
license which is applicable to it.
There is no existing but pending litigation, arbitration or other judicial or administrative proceedings which may affect Party B’s
ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, and to the knowledge of Party C, nobody threatens to take such actions.
6.2. Each of Party A and Party B hereby represents and warrants that:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
It is a limited liability company duly registered and validly existing in accordance with the laws of the place where it is registered,
having independent legal person status. It has full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform
this Agreement, and can act as a party in litigation independently.
It has full corporate internal power and authorization to execute and deliver this Agreement and any other documents to be executed
by it in connection with the transaction under this Agreement, and it has full power and authorization to complete the transaction
under this Agreement.
Its execution and performance of this Agreement will not violate any PRC Law and regulation, court judgment or arbitral award, or
any decision, approval or license made by any administrative authority, or any agreement to which it is a party or by which it is
bound, or any of its articles of association, regulations and rules or other constitutional documents, nor result in any suspension,
revocation or confiscation of, or inability to renew upon the expiration, any governmental authorities’ approval or license which is
applicable to it.
There is no existing but pending litigation, arbitration or other judicial or administrative proceedings which may affect Party B’s
ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, and, to the knowledge of Party A and Party B, nobody threatens to take such
actions.
Party C is Party B’s legal shareholder registered with the administration for industry and commerce and recorded on the register of
shareholders when this Agreement comes into force. Other than the rights set forth in this Agreement, the Equity Pledge Agreement
and the Exclusive Call Option Agreement, no other third party rights exist over the Entrusted Rights. In accordance with this
Agreement, Party A and/or the Trustee may fully and sufficiently exercise the Entrusted Rights pursuant to Party B’s articles of
association then in effect.
7. Transfer
Party A has the right to re-authorize or transfer this Agreement and/or its rights in connection with this Agreement to any other person or entity
at its own discretion, without notifying Party B or Party C in advance or obtaining Party B or Party C’s consent.
8. Amendment to this Agreement
8.1. Upon the unanimous agreement of the Parties hereto and the approval by the shareholders (meeting) of Party A, the Parties hereto may
make amendments or supplements to this Agreement and take all necessary steps and actions, at their cost, to make such amendments or
supplements legal and effective.
8.2.
If any stock exchange or other regulatory authority propose any amendment to this Agreement, or any change of relevant listing rules or
relevant requirements is applicable to this Agreement,
5
the Parties shall make amendments to this Agreement accordingly.
9. Term of this Agreement
This Agreement shall come into force as of the date of execution or affixing seals by the Parties and shall be automatically terminated when
Party A and/or the person designated by Party A has fully exercised its rights to purchase all equity interests held by Party C in Party B in
accordance with the Exclusive Call Option Agreement. Once Party A notifies Party C in writing to fully or partially terminate this Agreement
or change the Trustee, Party C shall immediately revoke the entrustment and authorization granted to Party A and the Trustee hereunder, and
shall, as instructed by Party A in writing, immediately sign a Power of Attorney in the same form of the Power of Attorney as Appendix 1
hereto to grant the same authorization and entrustment hereunder to the other person or entity designated by Party A.
10. Default
10.1. The Parties agree and acknowledge that if a Party (the “Defaulting Party”) violates any provision under this Agreement or fails or delays
to perform any obligation under this Agreement, it constitutes a default under this Agreement (a “Default”) and any of other non-
defaulting Parties (the “Non-defaulting Parties”) has the right to require the Defaulting Party to make rectifications or adopt remedial
measures within a reasonable period. If the Defaulting Party fails to make rectifications or adopt remedial measures within the reasonable
period or ten (10) days after the other Party issues a written notice to the Defaulting Party requesting to make rectifications, then
1)
in case that Party B or Party C is the Defaulting Party, Party A has the right to unilaterally terminate this Agreement and require the
Defaulting Party to assume compensation for damages;
in case that Party A is the Defaulting Party, the Non-defaulting Parties shall exempt Party A from assuming compensation for
damages and, unless otherwise required by law, the Non-defaulting Parties shall, in no event, have the right to terminate or rescind
this Agreement.
2)
10.2. Notwithstanding other provisions in this Agreement, the validity of this Clause 10 shall not be affected by the termination of this
Agreement.
10.3. If Party B is liable to other Parties hereto and/or any third party due to its performance of the rights and obligations under the VIE
Agreements, after Party B has made compensations, Party A has the right to recover from Party C in respect of such compensations.
11. Confidentiality Obligations
The Parties acknowledge that any oral or written information exchanged by them in respect of this Agreement shall be confidential
information. Each of the Parties shall keep all of such information confidential and shall not disclose any relevant information to any third
party without the other Parties written consents, except for: (a) the information that has been known by the public (not through the disclosure
by the receiving Party of such information); or (b) the information that is required to be disclosed pursuant to applicable laws or rules or
regulations of any stock exchange; or (c) the information that is required to be disclosed by any Party to its legal counsel or financial advisor in
respect of the transaction under this Agreement, which legal counsel or financial advisor shall be bound by the confidentiality obligations
similar to the obligations in this Clause. Any disclosure of any confidential information made by the staff members or agencies hired by any
Party shall be deemed as the disclosure of such confidential information made by such Party, and such Party shall assume legal liabilities for
breach of this Agreement. This Clause shall survive the termination of this Agreement regardless of the reason causing such termination.
12. Force Majeure
6
12.1. If a Party is unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement due to a force majeure event, such obligations under this Agreement
shall be exempted to the extent that they are affected by the force majeure. For the purpose of this Agreement, a force majeure event only
includes natural disasters, storm, tornado and other acts of nature, strikes, lockout/shutdown or other industrial issues, wars, riots,
conspiracy, hostility, terrorist activities or acts of violence by criminal organizations, blockade, severe diseases or epidemic, earthquake
or other crustal movements, flood and other natural disasters, bomb explosion or other explosions, fire, accidents or governmental
activities which make such Party unable to perform this Agreement.
12.2. In case of a force majeure event, the Party being affected by the force majeure event shall use its efforts to mitigate and eliminate the
consequences of the force majeure event, and shall be liable for performing the delayed and impeded obligations under this Agreement.
The Parties agree to use their best efforts to continue to perform this Agreement after the end of the force majeure event.
12.3. If there is a possibility that a force majeure event may occur, as a result of which the performance of this Agreement will be delayed or
impeded or will be threatened to be delayed or impeded, relevant Party shall immediately notify the other Parties in writing and provide
all relevant materials.
13. Change in Circumstances
13.1. As a supplement and without prejudice to other provisions of the VIE Agreements, if any promulgation of or any amendment to any PRC
Laws, regulations or rules, or any change of the interpretation or application of such laws, regulations and rules, or any change of
relevant registration procedures at any time makes Party A believe that the maintenance of the validity of this Agreement or the
acceptance of the entrustment to exercise its rights in the manner as provided for in this Agreement will become illegal or violate such
laws, regulations or rules, the trustor shall, as instructed by Party A in writing and as reasonably requested by Party A, immediately take
any action and/or execute any agreement or other document in order to:
1) maintain the validity of this Agreement; and/or
2)
realize the intent and purpose of this Agreement in the manner as provided for in this Agreement or in another manner.
14. Miscellaneous
14.1. The execution, validity, interpretation, performance, revision and termination of this Agreement and dispute settlement in respect hereof
shall be governed by the PRC Law.
14.2. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising from, or in connection with, this Agreement or the performance, interpretation, breach,
termination or validity of this Agreement shall be settled through friendly negotiation. Such negotiation shall start immediately after one
Party to the dispute has delivered to other Parties a written notice for requesting negotiation, in which notice the specific dispute or
claims shall be specified. If such dispute fails to be settled within thirty (30) days of the delivery of the said notice, either Party shall have
the right to submit such dispute to arbitration. The Parties agree to submit such dispute to China International Economic and Trade
Arbitration Commission for arbitration in accordance with its arbitration rules then in effect. The place of the arbitration shall be
Shanghai. The arbitral award shall be final and legally binding on the Parties. The arbitration commission shall have the right, in respect
of Party B or Party B’s equity interests, property interests or other assets, to award to indemnify or compensate Party A against the losses
suffered by Party A due to the breach by other Parties hereto, or issue relevant injunctive (for the purpose of operation of business or
compulsory transfer of assets), or award to dissolve and liquidate Party B. After the arbitral award becomes effective, any Party has the
right to apply to the competent court for enforcing the arbitral award.
7
14.3. Any right, power and remedy granted to a Party under any provisions of this Agreement shall not preclude any other right, power or
remedy available to such Party pursuant to laws and other provisions under this Agreement, and the exercise by a Party of its rights,
powers and remedies shall not preclude the exercise by such Party of its other rights, powers and remedies.
14.4. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any of its rights, powers and remedies pursuant to this Agreement or laws (“Such Party’s
Rights”) shall be construed as a waiver of Such Party’s Rights, and no single or partial waiver of Such Party’s Rights shall preclude the
exercise by such Party of such rights in other way and the exercise of other Such Party’s Rights.
14.5. The headings to Clauses of this Agreement are inserted for index only, and in no event shall be used for, or affect, the interpretation of
the provisions of this Agreement.
14.6. Each provision of this Agreement is severable and distinct from the others and, if any one or more provision hereof becomes invalid,
illegal or unenforceable at any time, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be
affected.
14.7. This Agreement shall be binding upon the legitimate successors and assignees of the Parties.
14.8. This Agreement is drawn up in Chinese in four originals. Each of the Parties shall hold one counterpart. The counterparts shall have the
same legal effect.
(There is no text below)
8
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement.)
Peiqing Tian
Signature: /s/ Peiqing Tian
9
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement.)
Suhua Zhu
Signature: /s/ Suhua Zhu
10
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement.)
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd. [Company Seal Affixed]
11
(There is no text on this page which is the signature page
of the Shareholder Voting Rights Proxy Agreement.)
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. [Company Seal Affixed]
12
SPOUSAL CONSENT LETTER
Exhibit 4.21
To Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.,
I am the lawful spouse of Peiqing Tian, a shareholder of Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. My spouse now
holds a 70% stake in Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. Regarding the "Exclusive Service Agreement",
"Exclusive Call Option Agreement", "Equity Pledge Agreement" and "Shareholder Voting Rights Agreement" (these agreements are
collectively referred to as the "VIE Agreements") dated November 1, 2021, signed by my spouse Peiqing Tian, Shanghai Fuxi Information
Technology Service Co., Ltd., Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. and other parties, in order to avoid possible
disputes, I am here unconditionally and irrevocably consent to Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd:
1.
I fully know and agree with my spouse to sign the VIE Agreements, in particular, unconditionally and irrevocably consent to the
restriction, pledge, transfer or dispose of the equity interest of my spouse in Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management
Co., Ltd. in the VIE Agreements.
I will not, at any time, do any act which conflicts with the arrangements with the pledge or disposal of the equity under the VIE
agreements, including but not limited to the above-mentioned equity interests held by my spouse in Shanghai Four Seasons Education
Investment Management Co., Ltd., which constitute the joint property of me and my spouse. I further acknowledge that under no
circumstances shall I take any action or bring any claim or lawsuit with intent to conflict with the VIE Agreements (as amended from
time to time).
In order to ensure the interests of your company under the VIE agreements and the fundamental purpose of the VIE agreements, I
specifically authorize my spouse and/or his authorized person to execute all necessary legal and non-legal documents and perform all
necessary legal and non-legal procedures on my behalf from time to time in connection with my spouse’s equity interest in Shanghai
Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. at your request, and I acknowledge and approve the relevant documents and
procedures..
The commitments, confirmations, consents and authorizations made in this letter will not be revoked, impaired, invalid or otherwise
unfavorable due to the increase, decrease, merger or other similar events of the equity interests held by my spouse in Shanghai Four
Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd.
The commitments, confirmations, consents and authorizations made in this letter will not be revoked, derogated, invalid or otherwise
adversely changed due to my incapacity for civil conduct, restricted capacity for civil conduct, death, or my divorce from my spouse and
other similar events.
The commitments, confirmations, consents and authorizations made in this letter will continue to be valid until the termination is
confirmed by both your company and myself in writing. Your company and my spouse are not required to make any payment to me,
including monetary or non-monetary, due to my aforementioned commitments, confirmations, consents, and authorizations.
This letter will become effective upon signature by me, and the validity period is the same as that of the Exclusive Service Agreement.
Other matters not covered in this letter, including but not limited to applicable laws, dispute resolution, definitions and interpretations,
are also the same as those stipulated in the VIE Agreements.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
1
Zhan Xu
Signature: /s/ Zhan Xu
ID Card No. ***
SPOUSAL CONSENT LETTER
Exhibit 4.22
To Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.,
I am the lawful spouse of Suhua Zhu, a shareholder of Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. My spouse now
holds a 30% stake in Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. Regarding the "Exclusive Service Agreement",
"Exclusive Call Option Agreement", "Equity Pledge Agreement" and "Shareholder Voting Rights Agreement" (these agreements are
collectively referred to as the "VIE Agreements") dated November 1, 2021, signed by my spouse Suhua Zhu, Shanghai Fuxi Information
Technology Service Co., Ltd., Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. and other parties, in order to avoid possible
disputes, I am here unconditionally and irrevocably consent to Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd:
1.
I fully know and agree with my spouse to sign the VIE Agreements, in particular, unconditionally and irrevocably consent to the
restriction, pledge, transfer or dispose of the equity interest of my spouse in Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management
Co., Ltd. in the VIE Agreements.
I will not, at any time, do any act which conflicts with the arrangements with the pledge or disposal of the equity under the VIE
agreements, including but not limited to the above-mentioned equity interests held by my spouse in Shanghai Four Seasons Education
Investment Management Co., Ltd., which constitute the joint property of me and my spouse. I further acknowledge that under no
circumstances shall I take any action or bring any claim or lawsuit with intent to conflict with the VIE Agreements (as amended from
time to time).
In order to ensure the interests of your company under the VIE agreements and the fundamental purpose of the VIE agreements, I
specifically authorize my spouse and/or his authorized person to execute all necessary legal and non-legal documents and perform all
necessary legal and non-legal procedures on my behalf from time to time in connection with my spouse’s equity interest in Shanghai
Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd. at your request, and I acknowledge and approve the relevant documents and
procedures.
The commitments, confirmations, consents and authorizations made in this letter will not be revoked, impaired, invalid or otherwise
unfavorable due to the increase, decrease, merger or other similar events of the equity interests held by my spouse in Shanghai Four
Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd.
The commitments, confirmations, consents and authorizations made in this letter will not be revoked, derogated, invalid or otherwise
adversely changed due to my incapacity for civil conduct, restricted capacity for civil conduct, death, or my divorce from my spouse and
other similar events.
The commitments, confirmations, consents and authorizations made in this letter will continue to be valid until the termination is
confirmed by both your company and myself in writing. Your company and my spouse are not required to make any payment to me,
including monetary or non-monetary, due to my aforementioned commitments, confirmations, consents, and authorizations.
This letter will become effective upon signature by me, and the validity period is the same as that of the Exclusive Service Agreement.
Other matters not covered in this letter, including but not limited to applicable laws, dispute resolution, definitions and interpretations,
are also the same as those stipulated in the VIE Agreements.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Zhiyong Zuo
Signature: /s/ Zhiyong Zuo
ID Card No.: ***
1
List of major subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs' subsidiaries
Exhibit 8.1
Subsidiaries
Four Seasons Education (Hong Kong) Limited
Shanghai Fuxi Information Technology Service Co., Ltd.
Variable interest entities
Shanghai Four Seasons Education and Training Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Four Seasons Education Investment Management Co., Ltd.
VIEs’ subsidiaries
Four Seasons Class Training Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Tongfang Technology Further Education School
Place of Incorporation
Hong Kong
PRC
Place of Incorporation
PRC
PRC
Place of Incorporation
PRC
PRC
I, Yi Zuo, certify that:
Certification by the Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 12.1
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. (the “Company”);
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us
by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by
the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
5. The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting.
Date:
June 30, 2022
/s/ Yi Zuo
By:
Name: Yi Zuo
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
I, Xun Wang, certify that:
Certification by the Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 12.2
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. (the “Company”);
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and
15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us
by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our
supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by
the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
5. The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to
the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting.
Date:
June 30, 2022
/s/ Xun Wang
By:
Name: Xun Wang
Title:
Vice President of Finance
Exhibit 13.1
Certification by the Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the annual report of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended February 28,
2022 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Yi Zuo, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1)
(2)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
Date: June 30, 2022
/s/ Yi Zuo
By:
Name: Yi Zuo
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
Certification by the Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 13.2
In connection with the annual report of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the year ended February 28,
2022 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Xun Wang, Vice President of Finance of the Company,
certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
(1)
(2)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
Date: June 30, 2022
/s/ Xun Wang
By:
Name: Xun Wang
Title:
Vice President of Finance
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM’S CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 333-224308)
of our report dated June 30, 2022 with respect to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. as of February
28, 2022 and for the year ended February 28, 2022, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
for the year ended February 28, 2022.
Exhibit 15.1
/s/ Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP
Marcum Bernstein & Pinchuk LLP
Beijing, China
June 30, 2022
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-224308 on Form S-8 of our report dated July 2, 2021, relating to the
consolidated financial statements of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc. (the “Company”), appearing in this Annual Report of the Company on Form
20-F for the year ended February 28, 2022.
Exhibit 15.2
/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP
Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China
June 30, 2022
Exhibit 15.3
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
Room 1301, Zi'an Building
309 Yuyuan Road, Jing'an District
Shanghai 200040
People’s Republic of China
30 June 2022
Dear Sirs
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
We have acted as legal advisers as to the laws of the Cayman Islands to Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc., an exempted company with limited
liability incorporated in the Cayman Islands (the "Company"), in connection with the filing by the Company with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of an annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended 28 February 2022 (“Form 20-F”)..
We hereby consent to the reference of our firm under the heading "Item 10. Additional Information – E. Taxation – Cayman Islands Taxation" in the Form
20-F.
We consent to the filing with the SEC of this consent letter as an exhibit to the Annual Report. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we
come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Yours faithfully
/s/ Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Exhibit 15.4
June 30, 2022
Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.
Room 1301, Zi'an Building
309 Yuyuan Road, Jing'an District
Shanghai 200040
People’s Republic of China
Dear Sirs,
We consent to the reference to our firm in Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended February 28, 2022,
which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in June 2022. We also consent to the filing with the SEC of this consent
letter as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended February 28, 2022.
In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the U.S.
Securities Act of 1933, or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Yours faithfully,
/s/ Fangda Partners
Fangda Partners
Exhibit 15.5
June 30, 2022
Securities and Exchange Commission
100F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549-7561
United States
Dear Sirs/Madams,
We have read Item 16F of Four Seasons Education (Cayman) Inc.'s Form 20-F dated June 30, 2022 and have the following comments:
1. We agree with the statements made in paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 of Item 16F for which we have a basis on which to comment on, and we agree with, the
disclosures.
2. We have no basis on which to agree or disagree with the statements made in paragraph 1 or paragraph 5 of Item 16F.
Yours faithfully,
.
/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP
Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China